Summary

Proposes adding a new amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would take effect only if the legislatures of three‑quarters of the states ratify it within seven years after it is sent for ratification. The provision sets a seven‑year deadline for state ratification as a condition for the amendment becoming part of the Constitution. If enacted and submitted to the states, this change would require coordinated action by state governments and would affect all Americans only if the required number of states ratify within the specified seven‑year window.

Key Points

• Adds a proposed constitutional amendment that requires state ratification within a time limit.
• Requires ratification by legislatures of three‑quarters of the states to become effective.
• Imposes a seven‑year deadline after submission for the states to ratify.
• Does not appropriate funds, change taxes, or create federal programs.
• Directly involves state governments and state legislatures in the ratification process.
• Has nationwide effect only if the three‑quarters state threshold is met within seven years.
• Failure to reach the threshold within seven years means the amendment does not take effect.
• Is primarily procedural — it changes timing and conditions for constitutional amendment adoption.
• Could prompt accelerated action or coordinated strategies among states to meet the deadline.
• May generate legal or political disputes if the ratification process approaches or exceeds the deadline.

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