New Jersey Constitution Article X (General Provisions)
New Jersey Constitution – Article IX: Amendments
Overview:
Article IX of the New Jersey Constitution establishes the procedure for amending the state constitution. It defines how amendments may be proposed, approved by the legislature, and ratified by the voters.
🔹 Key Provisions:
Section 1 – Proposal of Amendments
Amendments can be proposed by the Legislature.
To propose an amendment, it must be approved by a majority vote of all members in each house of the Legislature.
The same proposed amendment must be passed by the Legislature in two successive years (or sessions).
Section 2 – Submission to Voters
After approval in two successive legislative sessions, the amendment is submitted to the people at the next general election.
A majority of voters voting on the amendment must approve it for adoption.
Section 3 – Constitutional Conventions
The Legislature may call a constitutional convention to revise or amend the constitution.
The call must be approved by a majority of voters in a referendum.
The convention may propose changes to the constitution, which must be ratified by the people.
🔹 Summary:
New Jersey uses a multi-step process to amend its constitution that involves:
Legislative approval in two successive sessions.
Voter approval in a public referendum.
Optionally, constitutional conventions with voter approval.
This system ensures that amendments have broad legislative and public support before becoming law.
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