What is the process for amending the Missouri Constitution?

The process for amending the Missouri Constitution involves proposals from either the General Assembly or through an initiative petition, followed by approval from the voters in a popular election. This dual pathway ensures that both elected representatives and the citizens have a say in any changes made to the foundational legal document of the state.

When the General Assembly proposes an amendment, it must pass by a majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Alternatively, citizens can initiate changes by gathering enough signatures to place an amendment on the ballot. If either route results in a proposal, it must then be placed before the voters, who ultimately decide by popular vote whether to adopt the proposed amendment. This emphasizes the democratic process and allows for public involvement in governance.

The other options do not accurately reflect the amendment process as outlined in the Missouri Constitution. For instance, amending the Constitution solely by a vote of the state legislature does not incorporate the necessary public participation. Additionally, requiring only a simple majority from the Senate neglects the requirement of approval from both chambers of the General Assembly and from the electorate. Finally, federal government approval is not part of the state's constitutional amendment process, as state constitutions are primarily governed by state laws and statutes.