Lithuanian Constitution Exam key terms

The supreme law of the Republic of Lithuania, adopted by referendum on 25 October 1992. It establishes the state's structure, powers of institutions, and citizens' rights, and prevails over all other legal acts.

The principle that supreme power belongs to the people (nation), who exercise it directly or through elected representatives. No institution may claim power that the Constitution does not grant it.

Constitutional principle that all state authority must be exercised only under law, that laws bind the state itself, and that rights may be limited only by law for legitimate aims such as public order or national security.

The fundamental arrangement of the state: democratic governance, independence, territorial integrity, and the supremacy of the Constitution. Altering it may be attempted only through the strict amendment procedure.

Fundamental entitlements of every person, protected in the Constitution's second chapter and international treaties. They are natural, inalienable, and may be restricted only by law under conditions the Constitution sets.

Test applied to rights restrictions: the measure must be prescribed by law, pursue a legitimate aim, be necessary, and not impose a burden greater than needed to achieve that aim.

A right guaranteed directly by the Constitution, such as freedom of expression, privacy, or property. Courts may apply it even where ordinary legislation is silent or insufficient.

Guarantee that anyone whose rights are violated may turn to an independent court. It includes access to a court, fair procedure, and an enforceable decision within a reasonable time.

Lithuania's unicameral legislature of 141 members elected for four years. It passes laws, approves the budget, supervises the Government, and may initiate impeachment proceedings against senior officials.

An elected representative who holds a free mandate, meaning he or she represents the nation rather than a district or party and cannot be bound by instructions from voters.

Head of state elected directly for five years. The President appoints the Prime Minister with Seimas approval, represents the state abroad, is commander-in-chief, and may veto laws or dissolve the Seimas.

The executive body composed of the Prime Minister and ministers. It implements laws and the budget, directs administration, and is collectively responsible to the Seimas for its work.

Head of the Government, appointed by the President with the Seimas' approval. The Prime Minister forms the cabinet, coordinates ministers, and countersigns certain presidential acts.

A procedure by which the Seimas may remove the Prime Minister, a minister, or other officials by majority vote for failure of duty or loss of confidence. The President may be removed only by impeachment for a gross violation.

Judicial body that reviews whether laws and other acts comply with the Constitution. Its rulings are final and binding, and an unconstitutional act loses effect from the date of the ruling.

Practice of constitutional review, including interpretation of constitutional provisions and resolution of disputes between state institutions. Lithuanian courts may not refuse to apply a law but must refer doubts to the Constitutional Court.

Three-tier structure of general courts (district, regional, appellate) plus specialised administrative and other courts. Judges are independent, appointed for life until retirement, and subject only to the law.

Independent holder of judicial power who decides cases impartially. Judges are irremovable, may not hold other offices or engage in business, and are protected by immunity from interference in their work.

State body that conducts pre-trial investigation, supervises legality of investigations, and represents the state in criminal prosecutions before courts. It is separate from the judiciary and headed by the Prosecutor General.

Legal bond between a person and the state, granting political rights such as voting and eligibility for office. Lithuanian citizenship is acquired by birth, descent, naturalisation, or as provided by law.

Right of citizens aged 18 or over to vote in elections and referendums, exercised by universal, equal, direct, and secret ballot. Eligibility for office may carry additional age or residency conditions.

Direct vote of the people on a law, constitutional amendment, or other important question. A referendum may be initiated by the Seimas or by citizens collecting signatures, and its result is binding.

Organisation of citizens sharing political aims that nominates candidates and competes in elections. Parties must be registered and meet legal requirements on membership and funding transparency.

Right of residents of municipalities to manage local affairs through elected municipal councils. Municipalities have their own budgets and may act only within the powers granted by the Constitution and laws.

Elected body of a municipality that adopts local decisions, approves the municipal budget, and appoints the municipal administration. Councillors serve four-year terms and are accountable to residents.

Financial plan of a municipality covering local revenues, state grants, and expenditures. It is adopted by the municipal council and must balance according to the procedures set by law.

Annual law passed by the Seimas setting state revenues and expenditures. The Government prepares the draft, the Seimas approves it before the year begins, and the State Control audits its execution.

Compulsory payments to the state or municipality imposed only by law. The Constitution requires that taxes be established by statute, ensuring no levy is imposed without parliamentary approval.

Supreme audit institution that supervises the legality and efficiency of state property and budget use. It reports to the Seimas and its head is appointed by the Seimas on the President's proposal.

The Seimas' power to scrutinise the Government through questions, interpellations, committee inquiries, and votes of confidence. It also appoints the State Controller and oversees budget execution.

The President represents the state abroad and signs international treaties, while the Government implements foreign policy. Treaties that alter laws or require expenditure need Seimas ratification.

Agreement between states governed by international law. Ratified treaties become part of the Lithuanian legal system, and a treaty conflicting with the Constitution cannot be ratified without prior amendment.

Protection of the state's independence, territorial integrity, and constitutional order against external and internal threats, implemented through intelligence, defence, and crisis-management institutions under law.

Military forces defending the state, under civilian authority. The President is commander-in-chief, the Seimas sets defence policy and declares war or peace, and the Government organises national defence.

Formal change to the Constitution, adopted by the Seimas by a two-thirds majority, or by referendum. Certain foundational provisions may be amended only through a referendum.

A legal act of constitutional rank adopted for matters the Constitution reserves to it, such as membership in international organisations. It requires a special majority and cannot be changed by ordinary law.

Power of the President to dissolve the Seimas and call early elections. It is restricted: the Seimas cannot be dissolved during the last six months of its term or while a state of emergency applies.

Principle that state power derives from the people and is exercised through free, fair, and periodic elections, majority decision-making, and protection of minority and individual rights.