Eleanor Finch
The Maryland Constitution, which was ratified on September 18, 1867, has been amended approximately 200 times. The process of amending the constitution is outlined in Article XIV of the Maryland Constitution, which details two methods of doing so: through a legislative process and a state constitutional convention. This article also stipulates that amendments must be proposed in separate bills embodying the constitutional article or section and must be approved by three-fifths of the members elected to each of the two houses of the General Assembly. Subsequently, the proposed amendments are published in newspapers across the state and must be approved by the majority of Maryland voters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of amendments | The Maryland Constitution of 1867 has been amended approximately 200 times. From 2023 to 2024, an additional constitutional amendment was approved. |
| Amendment process | The General Assembly can propose amendments to the Maryland Constitution. Each amendment must be proposed in a separate bill, embodying the constitutional article or section. Amendments must first be approved by three-fifths of all the members elected to each of the two houses of the General Assembly, then published in newspapers around the state and approved by a majority of Maryland voters. |
| Automatic review | Every 20 years (beginning in 1970), as part of the general election, Maryland voters must decide whether to call a constitutional convention for the drafting of a new constitution. |
| Legislative process | A 60% vote is required during one legislative session for the Maryland State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. This amounts to a minimum of 85 votes in the Maryland House of Delegates and 29 votes in the Maryland State Senate, assuming no vacancies. |
Explore related products
$9.99 $9.99
![Constitution of Maryland. Adopted by the convention 1867 with amendments to 1922. 1922 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71prY52OKgL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Two ways to amend: legislative process or state constitutional convention
The Maryland Constitution has been amended approximately 200 times since its ratification in 1867. There are two ways to amend the state constitution: through a legislative process or a state constitutional convention.
Legislative Process
The General Assembly can propose amendments to the Maryland Constitution. Each amendment must be proposed in a separate bill, embodying the constitutional article or section. Amendments must first be approved by three-fifths of all the members elected to each of the two houses of the General Assembly, then published in newspapers around the state and approved by a majority of Maryland voters.
State Constitutional Convention
Every 20 years, beginning in 1970, Maryland voters decide whether to call a constitutional convention for the drafting of a new constitution. If such a convention is called, any draft constitution it produces must be approved by a majority of Maryland voters.
A 60% vote is required during one legislative session for the Maryland State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. This amounts to a minimum of 85 votes in the Maryland House of Delegates and 29 votes in the Maryland State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
Amendments: Universal Rights and Citizen Freedoms
You may want to see also
60% vote needed to place an amendment on the ballot
Article XIV of the Maryland Constitution defines the two ways to amend the state constitution: through a legislative process or a state constitutional convention. The legislative process requires a 60% vote during a single legislative session for the Maryland State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. This amounts to a minimum of 85 votes in the Maryland House of Delegates and 29 votes in the Maryland State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments proposed by the General Assembly do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
The legislative process for amending the Maryland Constitution begins with the proposal of an amendment in a separate bill, embodying the constitutional article or section. Each amendment must be approved by at least three-fifths of the members elected to each of the two houses of the General Assembly. Following approval by the General Assembly, the proposed amendment must be published in newspapers across the state. The amendment is then put to a vote, and a simple majority of Maryland voters is required for approval.
The state constitutional convention is the second method for amending the Maryland Constitution. According to Section 2 of Article XIV, a question about holding a state constitutional convention automatically appears on the state's ballot every 20 years, starting in 1970. If a convention is called, any draft constitution it produces must be approved by a majority of Maryland voters.
The Maryland Constitution has a long history of amendments, with the 1867 Constitution having been amended approximately 200 times as of 2024. The process for amending the constitution is designed to be rigorous and inclusive, ensuring that any changes made reflect the will of the people of Maryland.
Amendments: Upholding Constitutional Principles
You may want to see also
Amendments must be proposed in a separate bill
The Maryland Constitution has been amended approximately 200 times since its ratification in 1867. The process of proposing an amendment is outlined in Article XIV of the Maryland Constitution.
Amendments to the Maryland Constitution must be proposed in a separate bill. This means that each amendment must be introduced as a standalone piece of legislation, distinct from any other bills or laws. The bill must clearly embody the constitutional article or section that is being amended. This ensures that each amendment is considered and debated on its own merits, without being influenced by or attached to any other legislative proposals.
The separate bill proposing an amendment must first be approved by a supermajority of three-fifths of the members of each of the two houses of the General Assembly. This means that the amendment must receive support from a substantial majority in both chambers of the state legislature. Once an amendment bill has passed this initial hurdle, it must then be published in newspapers across the state. This step ensures that the public is informed and engaged in the proposed changes to their constitution.
After the amendment bill has been published, it must ultimately be approved by a majority of Maryland voters. This is a critical step in the process, as it ensures that the people of Maryland have the final say on any changes to their constitution. The involvement of the General Assembly and the voters of Maryland in the amendment process reflects a collaborative approach to shaping the state's foundational laws.
The Most Valuable Amendment: Our Constitutional Superpower
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Amendments must be approved by three-fifths of the General Assembly
The Maryland Constitution, which was ratified on September 18, 1867, has been amended approximately 200 times. The process of amending the Maryland Constitution is outlined in Article XIV of the constitution, which details two methods for doing so. One of these methods involves a legislative process, in which amendments must be approved by three-fifths of the General Assembly.
The General Assembly plays a crucial role in proposing and approving amendments to the Maryland Constitution. Each amendment must be proposed in a separate bill, clearly outlining the proposed changes. To gain approval, each amendment requires the support of at least three-fifths of the members elected to each of the two houses of the General Assembly. This threshold ensures that amendments have broad support within the legislative body before they can proceed further in the amendment process.
The General Assembly, as the legislative body of Maryland, consists of two houses: the House of Delegates and the State Senate. The specific vote requirements for each house to approve an amendment are outlined as follows: in the Maryland House of Delegates, a minimum of 85 votes out of 141 members is necessary, while in the Maryland State Senate, a minimum of 29 votes out of 47 members is required. These numbers correspond to the three-fifths approval threshold mentioned earlier.
Achieving the required three-fifths approval in both houses of the General Assembly is a significant step in the amendment process. It demonstrates a strong level of legislative support for the proposed amendment. Once an amendment clears this hurdle, it moves closer to becoming an official part of the Maryland Constitution. However, additional steps are still necessary, including publication in state newspapers and, most importantly, approval by a majority of Maryland voters during a statewide election.
In summary, the Maryland Constitution's amendment process requires proposed changes to gain the approval of three-fifths of the General Assembly. This step ensures that any alterations to the constitution have substantial legislative backing. The General Assembly, through its two houses, carefully considers and votes on each amendment, with specific vote requirements in place. This process underscores the importance of legislative consensus in shaping the fundamental laws of Maryland.
The Fourteenth Amendment: Understanding Equal Protection
You may want to see also
Voters decide on a constitutional convention every 20 years
The Maryland Constitution has been amended approximately 200 times since its ratification in 1867. The General Assembly can propose amendments, but each amendment must be proposed in a separate bill, embodying the constitutional article or section. Amendments must first be approved by three-fifths of all the members elected to each of the two houses of the General Assembly, then published in newspapers around the state and approved by a majority of Maryland voters.
Every 20 years, beginning in 1970, Maryland voters decide whether to call a constitutional convention for the drafting of a new constitution as part of the general election. This is outlined in Article XIV, Section 1 of the Maryland Constitution. If a convention is called, any draft constitution it produces must be approved by a majority of Maryland voters.
The Maryland Constitution has a dedicated article on amendments, Article XIV, which outlines the two ways to amend the state constitution: through a legislative process and a state constitutional convention. The legislative process requires a 60% vote during one legislative session for the Maryland State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. This amounts to a minimum of 85 votes in the Maryland House of Delegates and 29 votes in the Maryland State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Notably, amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
The state constitutional convention method is triggered by a ballot question that appears automatically every 20 years, starting in 1970. This provides voters with the opportunity to decide whether to hold a convention to draft a new constitution. If a convention is called, any proposed changes to the constitution would still need to be approved by a majority of Maryland voters.
The Last Constitutional Amendment: Understanding the 27th
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The General Assembly must first propose an amendment.
Each amendment must be proposed in a separate bill, embodying the constitutional article or section.
Amendments must first be approved by three-fifths of all the members elected to each of the two houses of the General Assembly.
The proposed amendment must be published in newspapers around the state.
The amendment must be approved by a majority of Maryland voters.
