What entity has the constitutional power to initiate amendments?

The constitutional power to initiate amendments lies with both houses of Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate. This is established in Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which provides two methods for proposing amendments: one method is through a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and the Senate, and the other is through a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of the state legislatures.

The involvement of both houses ensures a broader consensus across the legislative branch before any changes can be proposed, reflecting the framers' desire for a deliberate and cautious approach to altering the Constitution. This requirement highlights the foundational principle of checks and balances embedded within the structure of the federal government.

Other entities mentioned, such as the President, do not possess the constitutional authority to initiate amendments. While the President can influence legislative priorities and might advocate for certain changes, they cannot formally propose amendments themselves, which is a legislative function reserved strictly for Congress.