What is the 368 amendment?

Asked by: Dr. Zechariah Predovic  |  Last update: May 19, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (51 votes)

"The 368 amendment" isn't one singular global document but refers to different legislative changes or constitutional articles, most notably Article 368 of the Indian Constitution (granting Parliament power to amend the constitution) or various specific bills and resolutions numbered 368 in the U.S. Congress (like H.J.Res.368 for 4-year House terms) or state legislatures, such as Alabama's Amendment 368 abolishing the office of constable in Morgan County.

What is Article 368 in simple words?

Part-xx Article 368 (1) of the Constitution of India grants constituent power to make formal amendments and empowers Parliament to amend the Constitution by way of addition, variation or repeal of any provision according to the procedure laid down therein, which is different from the procedure for ordinary legislation.

Can Article 368 be repealed?

368. 2[(1) Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, Parliament may in exercise of its constituent power amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of this Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down in this article.]

Can Article 368 amend all parts?

Hence Parliament was invested with the power to amend the Constitution. Article 368 of the Constitution gives the impression that Parliament's amending powers are absolute and encompass all parts of the document.

Which majority is required to amend Article 368?

A special majority requires a higher threshold, such as two-thirds of the members present and voting, or in some cases, two-thirds of the total membership of the house. It is typically required for constitutional amendment bills under Article 368.

Article 368: Constitutional Amendment | Sarmad Mehraj | Polity | UPSC CSE 2027 Strategy

21 related questions found

Does Article 368 affect fundamental rights?

If the State in its most comprehensive sense cannot make a law to take away or abridge Fundamental Rights, Parliament which is only one of the functionaries or agencies of the State cannot pass such a law under Article 368.

Can the Supreme Court repeal an amendment?

On 1 January 2024, the Supreme Court ruled 12-3 that it may reject amendments to Basic Laws in "extreme" circumstances. That specific amendment was struck down by an 8–7 vote. In the decision, the justices noted that the judicial overhaul would jeopardise the basic characteristic of Israel as a democratic country.

Who cannot amend the Constitution?

But the president cannot repeal part of the Constitution by executive order. And Congress cannot repeal it by simply passing a new bill. Amending the Constitution would require a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate, and also ratification by three-quarters of the states.

Which part of the Indian Constitution cannot be amended under Article 368?

Can Fundamental Rights be amended as per Article 368? Article 368 does not contain a power to amend the constitution but only a procedure. The power to amend comes from the normal legislative power of Parliament. Therefore, amendments which “take away or abridge” the Fundamental Rights provisions cannot be passed.

Is socialism part of the basic structure?

The court dismissed the pleas and held that 'socialism' and 'secularism' are integral to the basic structure of the Constitution.

Which article can remove a president?

Article II, Section 4: The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. U.S. Const.

How to override a constitutional amendment?

There are two ways to repeal an amendment. One way is for the proposed amendment to be passed by the House and the Senate with two-thirds majority votes. Then, the proposed amendment would have to be ratified by three-fourths of the states. The second way to repeal an amendment is to have a Constitutional Convention.

Can Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power?

The Court reiterated that while Parliament has the authority to amend the Constitution, it cannot use this power to dilute or destroy its Basic Structure. In light of this, Parliament cannot expand its amending power under Article 368 to an extent that it would destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution.

What is the amendment of the preamble under Article 368?

Under article 368, the preamble amendment initially declares India to be a Socialist, cellular, Sovereign and democratic republic. The objective of the parliament was primarily started by the preamble, that liberty, secure justice, equality for all citizens of India.

Which amendment is most important?

The First and Second Amendments. The First Amendment is widely considered to be the most important part of the Bill of Rights. It protects the fundamental rights of conscience—the freedom to believe and express different ideas—in a variety of ways.

What is the purpose of a 368 article?

Article 368- It states that the Parliament may, in exercise of its constituent power, amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of the Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down for the purpose.

What is the 13th amendment about?

Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

How do I change the Constitution?

Congress may submit a proposed constitutional amendment to the states, if the proposed amendment language is approved by a two-thirds vote of both houses. Congress must call a convention for proposing amendments upon application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the states (i.e., 34 of 50 states).

Can a president override an amendment?

Therefore, the Court appears to have adopted the view that the President cannot veto a proposed amendment.

What is the hardest Constitution to amend?

Far from being a badge of honor, the distinction of topping the global charts on constitutional rigidity is cause for alarm. Ancient and virtually impervious to amendment, the United States Constitution has withstood all modern efforts to renovate its outdated architecture on elections, federalism, rights, and beyond.

What is article five?

"Article 5" most commonly refers to two significant international and national concepts: the NATO collective defense clause, stating an attack on one member is an attack on all, and Article V of the U.S. Constitution, detailing the process for amending the Constitution. NATO's Article 5 was invoked after 9/11, while the U.S. Constitution's Article V outlines how amendments are proposed (by two-thirds Congress or state legislatures) and ratified (by three-fourths of states).
 

Can the president override the Supreme Court?

No, the President cannot directly overrule a Supreme Court decision, as the Court's constitutional rulings are nearly final, but they can challenge them through the appeals process, and Congress can pass new laws or propose constitutional amendments to effectively change the outcome, while Presidents have historically respected Court authority, though some argue they don't always have to comply with judgments they deem unconstitutional. 

Who can reverse the judgement of the Supreme Court?

A Supreme Court decision can be overturned by the Supreme Court itself in a later case (stare decisis), through a constitutional amendment passed by Congress and states, or if Congress passes new legislation to clarify or change the law the Court interpreted (for statutory, not constitutional, rulings). While the Court is the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution, these mechanisms allow for changes in interpretation or law over time.
 

Which two laws did the Supreme Court declare to be unconstitutional?

The Supreme Court declared two major New Deal laws unconstitutional: the National Recovery Administration (NRA) in 1935 and the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) in 1936, striking down key parts of President Roosevelt's economic recovery programs by finding they overstepped federal power, particularly regarding interstate commerce and private industry regulation. 

How many votes are needed for a constitutional amendment?

To amend the U.S. Constitution, a proposal needs a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate, followed by ratification by three-fourths (currently 38) of the state legislatures or state conventions, a process requiring significant supermajority support at both federal and state levels, making it difficult to change.