We the Peopleof the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.


US Constitution – Article 1, Section 4
The Times, Place and Manner of holding Elections for Senator and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof: but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Place of chusing Senators.
The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be (on the first Monday in December) unless they shall by law appoint a different Day.


US Constitution – Article V.
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or on the Application of Legislatures of two thirds of several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of equal Suffrage in the Senate.


Summary of Article V –How to add an “Amendment” to the US Constitution


Propose an Amendment:
One of the following two actions is required to propose an Amendment to the US Constitution:
1. 2/3 of the members of both houses (Senate and House of Representatives) may propose an amendment
2. Legislatures from 2/3 of the “States” (34 States) shall call a convention to recommend amendments


Approve an Amendment:
To approve a new Amendment to the US Constitution, Congress most propose one of the following methods:
1. Ratified by the Legislatures of ¾ of the 50 States (38 states must approve).
2. Ratified by 38 States in State Conventions (3/4 of the 50 States)
�