The ratification process is an essential component of a constitutional amendment. When an amendment is proposed, this has to be ratified by three-fourths of the states, either by the state legislatures or by state ratifying conventions. This process is one example of how democracy takes place in our country. As the people elect their legislators, and the legislators carry out the ratification process, the people are effectively exercising their will and participating in politics. This means that they are exercising popular sovereignty.
