An amendment must be ratified by three-fourths (38) of the states within a proscribed deadline in order to be passed. what has to happen first before an amendment is sent to the states for consideration? a. two-thirds of both the house and the senate must agree that the amendment be proposed. b. the amendment must be written by members of the house and senate and then tested in a case before the supreme court. c. the amendment must be written and signed by the president of the united states. d. a convention of federal judges must be called for the express purpose of voting on an amendme.