John Gramlich @johngramlich.bsky.social · 28/07/2026How hard is it to amend the US Constitution? It takes a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress AND ratification by three-quarters of the states, or 38 out of 50. Congress could also call a convention to propose amendments if at least two-thirds of states request one. 200
John Gramlich @johngramlich.bsky.social · 28/07/2026Since 1789, lawmakers have proposed more than 12,000 amendments to the US Constitution, including 67 in the current Congress alone. Only 27 amendments have ever been ratified. 130
John Gramlich @johngramlich.bsky.social · 28/07/2026All of the above may help explain why so many Americans are "pessimistic reformers": 77% say the nation's political system needs major changes or complete reform, but only 27% are confident that such changes can happen. 021