North Carolina Constitution Article XIII, Conventions, Constitutional Amendment and Revision
North Carolina Constitution – Article XIII: Conventions, Constitutional Amendment and Revision
Article XIII outlines the official methods for amending or revising the North Carolina Constitution, including the process for calling a constitutional convention or proposing amendments through legislative action.
🔹 Section 1 – Proposal of Amendments
The General Assembly may propose constitutional amendments if:
Approved by three-fifths (3/5) of all members in each house.
Once approved:
The amendment is submitted to the qualified voters of North Carolina.
Must receive a majority vote in a statewide election to be ratified.
If approved, the amendment becomes part of the Constitution.
✅ Summary:
Amendments require a supermajority in the legislature and majority approval by voters.
🔹 Section 2 – Convention
A constitutional convention can be called if:
Two-thirds (2/3) of each house of the General Assembly passes a law to call it.
The law must then be submitted to the voters in an election.
If a majority of voters approve, a convention is convened to consider revisions or a new constitution.
Any proposed changes by the convention must then be ratified by the people.
✅ Summary:
A supermajority of the legislature and voter approval are required to call a constitutional convention. Any proposed revisions must also be approved by voters.
🔹 Section 3 – Revision
The Constitution may be revised either:
By a constitutional convention (as above), or
Through the amendment process if multiple amendments are proposed and ratified.
📌 Summary of Article XIII:
| Method | Legislative Approval | Voter Approval | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment | 3/5 of each house | Majority vote in election | Amendment adopted |
| Convention | 2/3 of each house + majority public vote to convene | Majority vote on proposals | New or revised constitution or amendments |
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