Delaware Law Article XVI- AMENDMENTS AND CONVENTIONS
Here is a summary of the Delaware Constitution – Article XVI: Amendments and Conventions:
📜 Article XVI – Amendments and Conventions
This article lays out the processes by which the Delaware Constitution can be amended and how constitutional conventions may be held.
🔹 Section-by-Section Summary:
Section 1 – Legislative Amendment Process
The General Assembly (Delaware’s legislature) may propose constitutional amendments.
To amend the constitution:
The proposed amendment must be passed by a two-thirds majority in each house of the General Assembly.
The proposal must be published three months before the next general election.
After the general election, the newly elected General Assembly must approve the same amendment again by a two-thirds vote in both houses.
No public vote (referendum) is required—Delaware is the only U.S. state that does not require voter approval for constitutional amendments.
Section 2 – Constitutional Conventions
The General Assembly can call a constitutional convention to revise the entire constitution.
Must pass a law authorizing the convention, which is then submitted to voters at the next general election.
If a majority of voters approve, a convention is held to propose changes.
Any proposed new constitution or revisions must be submitted to voters for approval before taking effect.
✅ Summary of Key Principles:
Delaware’s constitution can be amended by the legislature alone, with a two-session supermajority vote.
A constitutional convention requires public approval both to convene and to ratify any proposed new constitution.
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