What legislative process allows for an amendment to the Constitution?

The process for amending the Constitution is outlined in Article V of the Constitution itself. It requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This ensures that any proposed amendment has substantial support from elected representatives before moving forward. Following this approval in Congress, the amendment must then be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states. This dual requirement of both national and state-level approval underscores the importance of broad consensus in constitutional changes, reflecting the foundational principle of federalism in the United States.

The other options do not accurately represent the amendment process defined by the Constitution. A simple majority in Congress does not suffice for an amendment, as it lacks the necessary supermajority to ensure widespread support. An executive order cannot change the Constitution, as that power is not designated to the President; changes to the Constitution must go through the legislative process. Lastly, a majority vote in a national referendum does not apply here, as the Constitution does not provide for direct national voting on amendments, reinforcing the role of both Congress and the states in this critical process.