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Article 7

By Amy Larkin | Updated October 20, 2026

📅 2026 Update: Amendments and the Constitution

Since the original article was published, there have been no new amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The most recent amendment, the 27th, was ratified in 1992.

Some states, like Louisiana, have proposed amendments, with scheduled votes for May 16, 2026. This update aims to highlight key changes relevant to understanding how the amendment process works today.

🏛️ Federal Amendment Process

At the federal level, the process for proposing and ratifying amendments remains unchanged. An amendment needs a two-thirds majority from both the House and Senate. Once proposed, it must be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions.

🗳️ State-Level Proposals

States can also propose amendments, which differ from federal procedures. Louisiana, for example, is set to vote on proposed amendments in May 2026. These local amendments often address specific issues relevant to the state's governance.

💰 Costs Involved

There are no fees for the federal amendment process. However, state-level amendment processes may incur costs for public notices and elections, which can vary widely depending on local regulations.

⏳ Processing Times

The time it takes for an amendment to move from proposal to ratification can vary greatly. The 27th Amendment took over 200 years to ratify, showing how lengthy the process can be at both federal and state levels.

📚 Educational Resources

Institutions like Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Arizona provide educational resources about the Constitution. These resources engage students and the public in understanding the amendment process, promoting civic participation.

📌 Key Points

No new federal amendments since 1992.
State proposals, like Louisiana's, are ongoing.
Federal amendment process has no fees; state processes may vary.
Ratification can take many years, as seen with the 27th Amendment.
Educational programs help students learn about civic engagement.

💡 Tips for Understanding Amendments

Check your unique situation with your attorney.

📜 Know the Proposal Process

Understanding how amendments are proposed is crucial. At the federal level, a two-thirds majority in both houses is needed. Familiarize yourself with how your state handles proposals.

🏛️ Follow State Amendments

Keep an eye on your state's proposed amendments. States like Louisiana will have votes on local amendments, which can affect governance in your area.

💵 Be Aware of Costs

Recognize any potential costs in the amendment process. While federal amendments are free, state-level amendments could involve expenses for notices and voting.

⏳ Be Patient

Understand that the amendment process can be slow. The long history of the 27th Amendment shows that significant changes take time and effort.

📚 Use Educational Resources

Take advantage of educational materials offered by universities and organizations. These resources can provide valuable insights into the Constitution and the amendment process.

🏆 Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section highlights educational services that provide resources related to the U.S. Constitution and its amendments. The order follows Trustpilot data checked in October 2026.

Ratings may change, but they give a snapshot of user experiences. Keep in mind that star ratings are just one indicator, as unhappy customers tend to share their experiences more.

🥇 1. PragerU Kids

PragerU Kids has been rated 4.7. It is known for its educational videos and lesson plans focusing on the U.S. Constitution.

However, some reviewers note that the content may be politically biased, so it is good to consider multiple perspectives when using their resources.

🆓 Free Government Resources

The Congressional Research Service offers free, nonpartisan information about the amendment process. State legislative websites also provide guidance on how state amendments work. These resources are useful for anyone looking to understand constitutional changes without any cost.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing Services

📚 Quality of educational materials
🌐 Availability of resources on specific amendments
💵 Costs associated with accessing content
🗣️ Variety of perspectives presented
🧑‍🏫 User feedback and ratings

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📜 What is the 27th Amendment about?

The 27th Amendment prevents Congress from giving itself an immediate pay raise. Proposed in 1789, it was ratified in 1992, highlighting the long process of constitutional amendments.

🏛️ How can states propose amendments?

States can propose amendments through their legislatures, usually requiring a majority vote. The proposed amendments are then typically put to a vote by the state’s residents.

💰 Are there costs for state amendments?

Yes, state-level constitutional amendments may involve costs for public announcements and election procedures. These costs vary by state and are not standardized.

⏳ How long does the ratification process take?

The ratification process can take many years, as seen with the 27th Amendment. There is no federal time limit for ratification, but some states may set their own deadlines.

📚 How can I learn more about the Constitution?

Various educational resources are available, including programs at universities and websites like the Legal Information Institute. These can help deepen your understanding of the Constitution.

🗳️ How can citizens participate in the amendment process?

Citizens can participate by voting on proposed amendments in their states. Public referendums allow voters to express their opinions on constitutional changes.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Amendments

Several recent court rulings highlight ongoing discussions about constitutional amendments and their implications. These rulings often connect to how amendments are understood and applied today.

For more recent rulings, you can check more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update

Article 7 Overview

Article VII of the United States Constitution reads, “The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.” This article outlines the process by which the Constitution was ratified and became effective between the ratifying states. The significance of Article VII cannot be overstated, as it played a crucial role in the establishment of the United States as a constitutional republic.

The ratification process of the Constitution was no easy task. It required the approval of nine out of thirteen states. This was not a simple majority, but rather a supermajority, as it required the agreement of a two-thirds majority. The framers of the Constitution understood that the establishment of a new government required significant support from the states. Furthermore, they acknowledged the importance of having a strong and effective central government to maintain order and promote the general welfare of the country.

The ratification process began on September 17, 1787, when the Constitution was signed at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The document was then sent to the states for their consideration. Nine states ratified the document by June 1788, and the Constitution went into effect on March 4, 1789, when the new government was inaugurated.

The ratification of the Constitution was not without its detractors. The Anti-Federalists, a group of individuals who opposed the Constitution, argued that it gave too much power to the central government and threatened the liberty of the people. They also claimed that the Constitution did not adequately protect individual rights and lacked a bill of rights. In response to these concerns, the Federalists, those who supported the Constitution, agreed to add a Bill of Rights to the Constitution. The Bill of Rights, which includes the first ten amendments, was added in 1791.

Impact on the United States

The significance of Article VII can be seen in the impact it had on the formation of the United States. Without the ratification of the Constitution, there would be no United States as we know it today. The ratification of the Constitution led to the establishment of a powerful central government that has helped maintain order and stability in the country. Furthermore, the ratification of the Constitution set a precedent for future constitutional amendments and the way in which they are ratified.

In addition to its historical significance, Article VII continues to play a role in shaping current events. States continue to ratify new amendments to the Constitution as they are proposed. For example, when the Fourteenth Amendment was proposed in 1866, Congress required the ratification of three-fourths of the states before it could be added to the Constitution. The ratification process of the Fourteenth Amendment was tumultuous, as many states initially rejected it before ultimately ratifying it in 1868.

Today, Article VII remains relevant in the ongoing fight for constitutional amendments. For example, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which would guarantee equal rights for women in the Constitution, was first proposed in 1972. However, the amendment failed to receive the required ratification by three-fourths of the states before the deadline in 1982. In recent years, several states have voted to ratify the amendment, and Congress is currently considering extending the deadline for ratification.

Article VII has also influenced the way laws are made and implemented in individual states. The Constitution outlines the powers and responsibilities of the federal government, but it also leaves room for states to make their own laws and regulations. Each state has its own constitution, which often includes provisions that allow for revisions and amendments. These changes must go throusgh a similar ratification process as the Constitution, requiring a supermajority of support from the states.

Conclusion

In summary, Article VII of the United States Constitution played a significant role in the establishment of the United States as a constitutional republic. The ratification of the Constitution was no easy task, but the supermajority required by Article VII ensured that the new government would have sufficient support from the states. Furthermore, the ratification of the Constitution set a precedent for future constitutional amendments and the way in which they are ratified. Today, Article VII remains relevant in the ongoing fight for constitutional amendments, and it continues to influence the way laws are made and implemented in individual states.

What is Article 7 of the Constitution?

Article 7 of the U.S. Constitution is the very last article of the United States Constitution. Article 7 explains how many state ratifications are needed in order for the proposed Constitution to take place in the United States and how a state could go about ratifying the Constitution. Before the Constitution, all of the states were following the government that was created in the Articles of Confederation.

How is Article 7 Broken Down?

While many other Articles of the Constitution are broken down into sections and clauses, Article 7 of the United States Constitution is just one sentence long.

Text of Article 7 of the Constitution

The text of Article 7 is only one sentence long. This clause says the following:

" The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same."

Background of Article 7 of the Constitution

According to Article 7, at least nine states needed to ratify the Constitution in order for it to be applied to all of the states. The states began ratifying the Constitution on December 7, 1787, when the Delaware legislature ratified the United States Constitution. The ninth state to ratify was New Hampshire on June 21, 1788. At this point, the only states who had not ratified out of the thirteen original colonies were Virginia, North Carolina, and New York. It was important to have the rest of the states ratify because Virginia had the most people living and New York was the richest state. These two states eventually ratified before Congress of the Confederation set up March 4, 1789, as the day to start proceeding under the United States Government. Rhode Island and North Carolina ratified the United States Constitution after the Bill of Rights were given to the states to ratify.

The Order of Ratifying By the States

It took two and a half years for all of the states to ratify the United States Constitution. They did this in the following order: