California Constitution Article XVIII - Amending and Revising the Constitution [Sections 1 - 4]
California Constitution – Article XVIII: Amending and Revising the Constitution
📘 [Sections 1–4]
Purpose of Article XVIII:
Article XVIII outlines the processes by which the California Constitution may be amended or revised—either by the Legislature or by the people through direct democracy (initiative and convention).
🔍 Section-by-Section Summary:
§ 1 – Proposal by Legislature
The Legislature can propose constitutional amendments.
Requires a 2/3 vote in each house (Assembly and Senate).
The proposed amendment is then submitted to the voters at a statewide election.
If approved by a majority of voters, it becomes part of the Constitution.
§ 2 – Constitutional Convention
The Legislature can submit the question of calling a constitutional convention to the voters.
If a majority approves, a constitutional convention is convened to revise the entire Constitution or significant parts of it.
Any proposed revisions from the convention must be approved by the voters in a statewide election.
§ 3 – Proposal by Initiative
Citizens can propose constitutional amendments via the initiative process.
Requires:
A petition signed by a number of voters equal to 8% of the votes cast for all candidates for Governor in the last gubernatorial election.
If enough valid signatures are collected, the measure is placed on the ballot for voter approval.
If a majority of voters approve, the amendment becomes law.
§ 4 – Revision by Legislature
The Legislature may propose a revision of the Constitution (not just an amendment) with a 2/3 vote in both houses.
The proposal must then be submitted to the voters at a general election and approved by a majority.
🔁 Amendment vs. Revision:
Amendment = A change to a specific part of the Constitution.
Revision = A substantial or wholesale change to the structure or principles of the Constitution.
✅ Key Takeaways:
California allows both the Legislature and the people to play a role in amending or revising the Constitution.
All changes must be approved by a majority of voters in a statewide election.
The initiative process empowers citizens to propose amendments without legislative involvement.
RELATED Blog
0 comments