Pennsylvania Constitution Article XI.
Pennsylvania Constitution – Article XI: Amendments
Summary:
Article XI of the Pennsylvania Constitution outlines the procedures for amending the state constitution. It defines how changes to the constitution can be proposed, approved, and ratified by the people of Pennsylvania.
🔑 Key Provisions of Article XI:
Proposal of Amendments:
Amendments may be proposed by the General Assembly (Pennsylvania Legislature).
A majority of the members of each house (Senate and House of Representatives) must approve the proposed amendment.
Publication Requirement:
Proposed amendments must be published in newspapers three months before the next general election, so the public is informed.
Voter Approval:
After being published, the amendment must be submitted to the voters at the next general election.
A majority vote of the people is required for ratification.
Legislative Re-passage:
If two different sessions of the legislature pass the same amendment (with an intervening general election), it may be submitted again to the people.
This route is often used for major or more controversial amendments.
Multiple Amendments:
If multiple amendments are proposed at once, they must be presented so that each one is voted on separately, unless they are closely related.
📌 Purpose:
The amendment process described in Article XI is designed to:
Maintain democratic control over constitutional changes.
Ensure public awareness and transparency.
Prevent abuse by requiring approval from both the legislature and the voters.
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