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Latvian Naturalization Test study materials
Latvian Naturalization Test study resources

Latvian Naturalization Test: Constitution of the Republic of Latvia - basic principles and state structure

Latvian Naturalization Test · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

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Constitution of the Republic of Latvia - basic principles and state structure

This part tests the Satversme as the supreme law: its founding principles, the main institutions and how they are chosen. The Constitution was adopted by the Constitutional Assembly on 15 February 1922 and came into force on 7 November 1922; after the Soviet occupation it was suspended and fully restored with the 5th Saeima in 1993. It is organised in chapters and around 116 articles.

Core rules and concepts

  • Article 1: Latvia is an independent democratic republic. Article 2: sovereign power belongs to the people of Latvia, exercised through elected representatives and through referenda.
  • Article 3 lists the historical regions - Vidzeme, Latgale, Kurzeme, Zemgale - and Article 4 fixes the flag and Latvian as the official language.
  • Saeima: 100 members, elected in general, equal, direct and secret elections by proportional representation for four years. Citizens may vote from 18 and may be elected from 21.
  • President: elected by the Saeima in a secret ballot by at least 51 votes, for four years, candidate must be at least 40; no more than two consecutive terms.
  • Cabinet of Ministers is headed by the Prime Minister and answers to the Saeima; courts are independent and judges are subject to the law alone; the Constitutional Court reviews whether laws comply with the Satversme.

Worked example

Question: 'Kas ievēl Valsts prezidentu un cik balsu nepieciešams?' Reasoning: the President is not elected directly by the people; the Saeima elects him or her in a secret ballot, and the threshold is an absolute majority of the 100 members - at least 51 votes - not a majority of those present. Answer: the Saeima, by at least 51 votes.

Traps that cost marks

  • Mixing 1918 (proclamation of the state) with 1922 (adoption of the Satversme).
  • Assuming the President is directly elected or that the term limit is absolute rather than two consecutive terms.
  • Forgetting that sovereignty belongs to the people, not to the Saeima.
  • Confusing the Constitutional Court with the Supreme Court.