Who has the authority to approve amendments to the Constitution?

• A. The President
• B. The Supreme Court
• C. State legislatures
• D. Congress and the state legislatures

Answer: (D)

The authority to approve amendments to the Constitution is vested in Congress and the state legislatures. The process for amending the Constitution is outlined in Article V. It states that an amendment can be proposed either by a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. Once an amendment is proposed, it must then be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states. This dual requirement ensures that both the federal and state levels of government play a significant role in shaping constitutional amendments, emphasizing the principle of federalism.

The other options do not have the authority to approve amendments. The President does not have a role in the amendment process, as the Executive Branch is separate from legislative functions. The Supreme Court's function is to interpret laws and the Constitution rather than propose or approve amendments. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the collaborative process defined in the Constitution for amending it.