Constitutional Convention

Constitutional Convention
This article is part of the series: Constitution of New Ingrea
Text of the Constitution
Preamble · Schedule Chapters of the Constitution I · II · III · IV · V · VI · VII
Amendments to the Constitution
Constitutional Conventions Constitution Alteration (Ombudsman) Constitution Alteration (Finance) Constitution Alteration (Recall Elections) Failed amendments · Proposed amendments
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A constitutional convention is a special assembly which has a number of limited constitutional powers conferred upon it by the Constitution of New Ingrea. An occasional body that has met on just one occasion, the principal of a constitutional convention as a means of amending the Constitution was established in the third constitution of New Ingrea that was promulgated in 1907. The assembly is a largely appointed body, and consists of 311 members drawn from a variety of interest groups who elect delegates from among their respective memberships.

Function and powers

The only function of a constitutional convention is the power to recommend a change to the constitution. The Parliament of New Ingrea may, by a two-thirds majority, recommend that a constitutional convention assemble to debate one or more specific changes to the constitution. The convention, once it has assembled, cannot make recommendations for any change to the Constitution outside the terms of reference it has been set. Once an agreement on the proposed change has been reached, a question is submitted to all voters for their consent in a referendum.

Membership

Membership of a constitutional convention is quite large. At present there are 308 voting members who can sit on in a convention, plus three ex officio members. The Constitutional Conventions Act defines the membership of a convention to be as follows:

• 3 ex officio members:
  • The Lord High Chancellor, who acts as the presiding officer of the convention.
  • The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
• 196 Members and Senators of the Parliament of New Ingrea:
  • 68 Senators
  • 128 Members of the House of Assembly
• 96 Representatives of local government, with:
  • 16 from the county councils (2 from each county); and
  • 81 from the municipal councils (1 from each municipality).
• 15 Members of His Majesty's Executive Council of no less than two years standing, who are not already Senators or MHAs, appointed by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to sit on the convention, a delegate must meet eligibility requirements to sit as a Senator, that is:

• Be an enrolled voter;
• Have been resident in New Ingrea for at least three years;
• Be natural-born subject, or have been naturalised as a subject at least five years previously;
• Be a person of integrity, good character, and reputation;
• Have reached the age of 35; and
• Has not been disqualified from being a Senator or Member of the House of Assembly under the provisions of §60 of the Constitution.