How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?

Changes to the U.S. Constitution are made through an amendment process, which is specifically outlined in the Constitution itself. This process is deliberately designed to ensure that amendments are not made lightly and requires significant consensus among the state's representatives.

The process for amending the Constitution includes two main stages: proposal and ratification. 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 state legislatures. Once proposed, the amendment must then be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states.

This structured approach emphasizes the importance of broad agreement across different regions and political views, ensuring that any changes reflect the will of a substantial majority rather than just that of a simple majority in a more localized context. It protects the Constitution from being altered frequently and capriciously, maintaining its integrity over time.

Other methods mentioned in the options do not align with the established constitutional process. For instance, a presidential decree does not carry the weight to amend the Constitution, nor does a referendum vote have the requisite legal standing for such changes, as it operates differently from the amendment process. Additionally, congressional majority alone is insufficient because a simple majority