<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (January 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> A constitutional amendment is a modification of the constitution of a nation or state . In many jurisdictions the text of the constitution itself is altered; in others the text is not changed, but the amendments change its effect . The method of modification is typically written into the constitution itself . </P> <P> Most constitutions require that amendments cannot be enacted unless they have passed a special procedure that is more stringent than that required of ordinary legislation . Examples of such special procedures include supermajorities in the legislature, or direct approval by the electorate in a referendum, or even a combination of two or more different special procedures . A referendum to amend the constitution may also be triggered in some jurisdictions by popular initiative . </P> <P> Australia and Ireland provide examples of constitutions requiring that all amendments are first passed by the legislature before being submitted to the people; in the case of Ireland, a simple majority of those voting at the electorate is all that is required, whereas a more complex set of criteria must be met in Australia (a majority of voters in a majority of states is also necessary). Switzerland has procedure similar to that of Australia . </P>

What are the steps taken in order to amend the constitution