Chapter 16

Amendment of the Constitution

Articles 255–257

How the Constitution changes

In the classroom: Some amendments need Parliament only; others need referendum; certain ‘protected’ provisions trigger a referendum if they touch core governance or the Bill of Rights framework.

Article 255 — Amendment of the Constitution

Parliament may amend by Bill; popular initiative; referendum where required.

Article 256 — Amendment by parliamentary initiative

Procedure including two-thirds in each House and certain majorities.

Article 257 — Amendment by popular initiative

Citizens may initiate amendment with sufficient signatures.

Multiple choice — 10 questions

Think of your answer, then open Correct answer & explanation for each question.

1. Chapter Sixteen covers:

A) Amendment of the Constitution B) Bill of Rights only C) Land only D) Elections only

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Chapter Sixteen is titled Amendment of the Constitution.

2. A proposed amendment affecting the term of county governments may require:

A) Referendum under Article 255 B) Only the President C) County songs D) No process

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 255 lists matters that require approval at a referendum.

3. Amendment by popular initiative is in:

A) Article 257 B) Article 94 C) Article 1 D) Chapter Two

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 257 provides for popular initiative to amend the Constitution.

4. Parliamentary amendment procedure is mainly in:

A) Article 256 B) Article 81 C) Article 43 D) Fourth Schedule

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 256 sets out amendment by parliamentary initiative.

5. If an amendment alters the Bill of Rights framework:

A) Referendum may be required (Article 255) B) Never C) Only Cabinet D) County assemblies only

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 255(1) lists matters requiring referendum, including certain Bill of Rights changes.

6. The Constitution may be amended to:

A) Improve governance if procedures are followed B) Never change C) Change only by foreign vote D) Ignore courts

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Articles 255–257 provide lawful amendment procedures.

7. County assembly approval may be required for certain amendments under:

A) Article 256(1) B) Article 1 C) Article 81 D) Chapter One

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 256 requires county assembly approval for certain amendments.

8. A popular initiative needs:

A) Sufficient registered voter support as prescribed (Article 257) B) One signature C) No signatures D) Only MPs

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 257 sets thresholds for popular initiative.

9. The sovereign power to change the Constitution ultimately rests with:

A) The people through representative and referendum processes B) Only the military C) Foreign states D) Nobody

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 1 vests sovereign power in the people; amendment routes reflect that.

10. If two versions of an amendment conflict:

A) The Constitution and courts interpret validity B) The louder group wins C) No rules D) Counties fight

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Courts may determine validity of amendment processes under the Constitution.

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