<P> To become an operative part of the Constitution, an amendment, whether proposed by Congress or a national constitutional convention, must be ratified by either: </P> <Ul> <Li> The legislatures of three - fourths (at present 38) of the states; or </Li> <Li> State ratifying conventions in three - fourths (at present 38) of the states . </Li> </Ul> <Li> The legislatures of three - fourths (at present 38) of the states; or </Li> <Li> State ratifying conventions in three - fourths (at present 38) of the states . </Li>

How many states have to agree to pass an amendment