Polity Atlas

Constitutional amendment procedure

How a charter is changed: proposal, comment, votes, thresholds and entrenched clauses with an extra step.

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11 # Constitutional amendment procedure
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3−## 1. Proposal
4−An amendment may be proposed by {proposers}. The text is published in full.
3+## 1. Proposal and comment
4+An amendment may be proposed by {proposers}. The text is published and open to comment for at least {number} days.
55
6−## 2. Public comment
7−Members may comment for at least {number} days. The proposer publishes a reasoned reply to the main objections.
6+## 2. Ordinary clauses
7+Ordinary clauses are amended in two votes at least {interval} apart, needing {ordinary threshold} each time.
88
9−## 3. Two readings
10−{voting body} votes twice, at least {interval} apart. The first vote needs {first threshold}; the second needs {second threshold}.
9+## 3. Entrenched clauses
10+The clauses listed in {list of entrenched clauses} may be amended only if {higher threshold} of {voting body} approve and {second body, e.g. a ratifying assembly or referendum} confirms.
1111
12−## 4. Entry into force
13−An adopted amendment takes effect {number} days after certification and is added to the charter with its date and vote counts.
12+## 4. Review
13+Before the final vote, {independent reviewer} reports in writing whether the text conflicts with an entrenched clause. A conflicting text is treated as an entrenched-clause amendment.
14+
15+## 5. Entry into force
16+Amendments take effect {number} days after certification and are recorded with vote counts.
Propose an amendment