Who can amend the Constitution?

Answer 1

There are two entities that can amend the Constitution:

1. Constitutional Amendments are typically a joint venture between Congress and the states. Either the House of Representatives or the Senate may propose an amendment. The measure must receive a favorable vote from two-thirds of both houses of Congress, and is then sent to the states for ratification.

   In order for the amendment to be added to the Constitution, three-fourths of the state legislatures must ratify the amendment within a reasonable period of time. Congress determines the definition of "reasonable," but seven years is a common time frame.

2. Article V of the Constitution provides that the Constitution may also be amended if the states call a constitutional convention, draw up an amendment, and ratify it by a "yes" vote of three-fourths of the convention. The last time the US held a constitutional convention was 1787, when the US Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation.

Answer 2

In a democracy, all branches of government share powers of lawmaking. Legislatures draft laws, courts enact them, and executives make and enforce them. Any of these parties, working together, can alter or repeal these laws.

At the federal level Congress holds the power to create, amend or repeal federal statutes. At the state level such actions are implemented by the state legislature.

Answer 3

laws are repealed by those who are empowered to make the laws