Maryland Constitution Article XIV - Amendments to the Constitution
Here is the Maryland Constitution – Article XIV: Amendments to the Constitution, summarized and explained:
Article XIV – Amendments to the Constitution
This article outlines the process for amending the Maryland Constitution. There are two main ways the Constitution can be amended:
Section 1 – Proposal by the General Assembly
The General Assembly (Maryland’s legislature) can propose constitutional amendments.
To propose an amendment:
It must pass each house of the General Assembly by a three-fifths vote of all members.
The proposed amendment is then:
Published in newspapers in each county and Baltimore City at least once a week for four weeks before the election.
Submitted to the voters at the next general election.
If a majority of voters approve, the amendment becomes part of the Constitution 30 days after the election.
Section 2 – Constitutional Convention
The General Assembly must ask voters every 20 years whether to hold a constitutional convention.
If a majority of voters agree, a convention is called to consider changes or a full rewrite.
Any proposed changes from the convention must still be submitted to the voters for approval.
Key Points:
Amendments can only be proposed by:
The General Assembly, or
A Constitutional Convention approved by voters.
All amendments must be approved by a majority vote of the people in a general election.
Ensures direct voter participation in any change to the Constitution.
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