How does the amendment process of the Constitution illustrate federalism?

The amendment process of the Constitution illustrates federalism by requiring both federal and state approval for any changes to the Constitution. This dual requirement reflects the core principle of federalism, which is the division of power between national and state governments.

Under Article V of the Constitution, an amendment can be proposed either by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures. Once proposed, the amendment must then be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states.

This process ensures that both levels of government have a say in constitutional changes, thus balancing their powers. It prevents either the federal government or the states from making significant alterations to the Constitution unilaterally, reinforcing the idea that they operate as separate but interrelated entities within the federal system.