Constitutional Calcification
The process for constitutional amendment is an uphill battle. Since 1789, almost 12,000 amendments have been proposed — but only 27 have passed. It’s been 50 years since one has made its way to the states for ratification.
Illustration by Leonardo Yorka
Amendment process
Many have tried, few have succeeded
Proposed for ratification: by 2/3 vote of each House of Congress
Ratified: by 3/4 of state legislatures
Proposed for ratification: by national convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of state legislatures
Ratified: 3/4 of state conventions
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