Thirty‑eight states must ratify a U.S. constitutional amendment before it becomes part of the Constitution and has legal force, because three‑fourths of the 50 states are required.

Quick Scoop

  • Under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, an amendment becomes valid when it is ratified by three‑fourths of the states.
  • Today, the U.S. has 50 states, so three‑fourths equals 38 states that must approve the amendment.
  • Ratification can happen either through state legislatures or special state conventions, depending on which method Congress specifies for that particular amendment.

In simple terms: no amendment crosses the finish line unless 38 out of 50 states say “yes,” ensuring very broad national agreement before the Constitution is changed.

TL;DR: The answer to “how many states must ratify an amendment before it becomes law?” is: 38 states (three‑fourths of the states).

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