The constitutive process

In addition to its legislative power, the National Assembly is the sole body in the country with constitutive power. (A number of other countries separate the two functions, e.g. through a Constituent Assembly.)

In adopting a constitution, the state places constraints on itself to ensure fundamental rights for its citizens, provides guarantees to respect and safeguard their freedom, and lays down a constitutional framework and forms for the exercise of power. Adopting and amending the constitution are legislative acts which require a two-thirds majority of all Members of Parliament.

The National Assembly adopted a new constitution, the Fundamental Law of Hungary, on 18 April 2011, which went into force on 1 January 2012 in conjunction with the Transitional Provisions of the Fundamental Law of Hungary.