Article XX

This article exists because democratic government should be able to make decisions while still allowing debate, discussion, and minority viewpoints to be heard. Over time, legislative procedures such as supermajority requirements and indefinite procedural delays have sometimes allowed a minority of lawmakers to block action even when a majority supports it. 

This article establishes majority rule as the default principle of lawmaking except where the Constitution specifically requires a higher threshold, while preserving debate, amendments, committee work, and other essential legislative functions. By preventing indefinite obstruction and ensuring that legislation can ultimately receive an up-or-down vote, the article seeks to make government more accountable, responsive, and capable of addressing public needs.

Section 1 — Majority Governance

Legislative authority derives from the People and shall be exercised through democratic majority rule except where this Constitution expressly requires a greater threshold.

No rule, procedure, or practice of either House shall permanently obstruct, nullify, or prevent the exercise of legislative authority through supermajority requirements, procedural obstruction, or indefinite delay not expressly authorized by this Constitution.

The provisions of this Article shall be interpreted consistent with these principles.

Section 2 — Majority Vote Requirement

Except where this Constitution expressly provides otherwise, no rule, procedure, or practice of the Senate or House of Representatives shall require more than a simple majority of Members present and voting for the exercise of legislative authority.

Supermajority requirements shall exist only where expressly established by this Constitution.

Section 3 — Deliberation and Resolution

Each House may establish rules governing debate and deliberation consistent with its constitutional authority.

No rule, procedure, or practice shall permit indefinite obstruction of legislative action or prevent a final disposition by majority vote.

Legislative debate may be extended only through active participation by Members seeking its continuation and shall ultimately conclude in a manner that permits final disposition by majority vote.

Section 4 — Protection of Deliberative Function

Nothing in this Article shall be construed to eliminate debate, prevent amendment, limit minority speech, impair committee processes, interfere with impeachment procedures, or restrict the constitutional rights of Members to participate fully in legislative deliberation.

This Article shall be construed to preserve deliberative government while ensuring that legislative authority remains capable of resolution through democratic majority vote.