Article 2: The Nation and Sovereignty

Chapter ICritical

Constitution Text

“The State of Lithuania shall be created by the Nation. Sovereignty shall belong to the Nation.”

Summary

The State of Lithuania is created by the Nation, and sovereignty belongs to the Nation. Supreme authority therefore originates in the people themselves, not in any institution.

Key Points

•The State of Lithuania is created by the Nation.
•Sovereignty belongs to the Nation.
•The Seimas, the President and the Government do not own sovereignty; they exercise power entrusted to them by the Nation.

Practical Example

When citizens vote in a Seimas election or a referendum, they are directly exercising the sovereignty that this article says belongs to the Nation.

Exam Tips

The usual question is "To whom does sovereignty belong in Lithuania?" and the answer is "the Nation". Do not confuse it with the Seimas or the President.

Art. 1 Art. 3 Art. 4 Art. 9 Art. 33

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