Constitutional amendments come into effect through a specific process defined by the Constitution itself. In the United States, an amendment must be proposed either by a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and Senate or by a national convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. After proposal, it must be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions. This rigorous process ensures that amendments reflect broad consensus and are not made lightly, preserving the Constitution's integrity while allowing for necessary changes.