Who can amend the Missouri Constitution?

The amendment of the Missouri Constitution can be accomplished through two primary methods: a proposal by the General Assembly or through a voter initiative. This means that either the legislative body can pass a joint resolution proposing amendments, or citizens can collect enough signatures to place an initiative on the ballot for voters to decide.

When the General Assembly proposes an amendment, it must be approved by a majority in both the House and the Senate before being submitted to the public for a vote. Voter initiatives provide a direct mechanism for citizens to engage in the legislative process and change the constitution themselves, reflecting the principles of direct democracy.

The other options, such as the Governor, the Judicial Branch, or the Lieutenant Governor, do not have the authority to unilaterally amend the constitution. The Governor may influence the legislative process through vetoes or lobbying but cannot propose amendments directly. The Judicial Branch interprets the law and ensures it aligns with the constitution but cannot initiate amendments themselves. The Lieutenant Governor serves various roles but does not have the power to amend the constitution independently. This illustrates the collaborative nature of amending the constitution, requiring either legislative action or direct voter participation.