Article 147: Initiating Constitutional Amendments

Chapter XIVCritical

Constitution Text

“A motion to alter or supplement the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania may be submitted to the Seimas by a group of not less than 1/4 of all the Members of the Seimas or not less than by 300,000 voters. During a state of emergency or martial law, the Constitution may not be amended.”

Summary

A motion to alter or supplement the Constitution may be submitted to the Seimas by a group of at least 1/4 of all Members of the Seimas or by at least 300,000 voters. The Constitution may not be amended during a state of emergency or martial law.

Key Points

•A group of at least 1/4 of all Members of the Seimas may initiate a constitutional amendment.
•At least 300,000 voters may also initiate an amendment.
•The motion is submitted to the Seimas.
•The Constitution may not be amended during a state of emergency or martial law.

Practical Example

A citizens' initiative group wanting to change the Constitution must collect at least 300,000 voter signatures, while in the Seimas at least a quarter of all Members must back the motion.

Exam Tips

Memorise the numbers: 1/4 of the Members of the Seimas or 300,000 voters. Compare with Article 68, where 50,000 citizens are enough for an ordinary law. The exam also asks when the Constitution may not be amended.

Art. 9 Art. 68 Art. 144 Art. 148 Art. 149

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