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Article 148: Procedure for Amending the Constitution

Chapter XIVCritical

Constitution Text

“The provision “The State of Lithuania shall be an independent democratic republic” of Article 1 of the Constitution may be altered only by referendum if not less than 3/4 of the citizens of Lithuania with the electoral right vote in favour thereof. The provisions of the First Chapter “The State of Lithuania” and the Fourteenth Chapter “The Alteration of the Constitution” may be altered only by referendum. Amendments to the Constitution concerning other chapters of the Constitution must be considered and voted at the Seimas twice. There must be a break of not less than three months between the votes. A draft law on the alteration of the Constitution shall be deemed adopted by the Seimas if, during each of the votes, not less than 2/3 of all the Members of the Seimas vote in favour thereof. A failed amendment to the Constitution may be submitted to the Seimas for reconsideration not earlier than after one year.”

Summary

The Article 1 provision that Lithuania is an independent democratic republic may be altered only by referendum if at least 3/4 of citizens with the electoral right vote for it. Chapter I and Chapter XIV may be altered only by referendum. Amendments to other chapters are considered and voted on in the Seimas twice, with a break of at least three months, and each vote needs at least 2/3 of all Members of the Seimas. A failed amendment may be resubmitted no earlier than after one year.

Key Points

  • •The Article 1 provision that Lithuania is an independent democratic republic may be altered only by referendum with at least 3/4 of citizens with the electoral right voting in favour.
  • •Chapter I (The State of Lithuania) and Chapter XIV (Alteration of the Constitution) may be altered only by referendum.
  • •Amendments to other chapters are considered and voted on in the Seimas 2 times, with a break of at least 3 months between votes.
  • •An amendment is adopted if at least 2/3 of all Members of the Seimas vote for it in each vote.
  • •A failed amendment may be resubmitted to the Seimas no earlier than after 1 year.

Practical Example

In 2022 the Seimas amended Article 119 to introduce direct mayoral elections: the amendment was voted on twice and each time received at least 2/3 of all Members' votes.

Exam Tips

One of the most important articles in the exam. Memorise: 3/4 of citizens to change Article 1, Chapters I and XIV only by referendum, 2 votes in the Seimas, a 3-month break, 2/3 of all Members, resubmission after one year.

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