11.   But chances of legislative passage are slim because a constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority vote.

12.   But the amendments required legislation to carry out many of their clauses, and it was on that vote Thursday that the PRI reversed its stand.

13.   Constitutional amendments require approval by three-fourths of the state legislatures.

14.   For instance, one proposed amendment would require a presidential candidate to get a simple majority, or face a run-off election.

15.   His amendment would require the parties to observe the limits in order to qualify for discounted television rates for their commercials.

16.   If it passes both chambers the amendment would still require ratification by three-fourths of the states before being added to the Constitution.

17.   If it passes the Senate, the amendment would require ratification by three-fourths of the states.

18.   If passed, the amendment would still require Senate approval.

19.   In hard times, the amendment would require government to raise taxes and cut spending as the economy slows, inflicting further wounds.

20.   In its current form, the amendment would require the government to balance the budget unless three-fifths of the House and Senate vote to run a deficit.