> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gnodi.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gnodi.io/documentation/the-constitution/article-xviii-amendments.md).

# Article XVIII: Amendments

**Section 18.1 Amendment Authority**

This Charter may be amended only through the constitutional amendment process.

**Section 18.2 Amendment Proposal**

A constitutional amendment proposal must clearly identify the exact text to be added, deleted, or modified and must include a plain-language explanation of the purpose and effect of the amendment.

**Section 18.3 Approval Threshold**

A constitutional amendment requires approval by at least seventy-five percent (75%) of all eligible weighted votes, unless this Charter is amended to provide a different threshold.

**Section 18.3A Emergency Amendments**

Notwithstanding Section 18.3, an Emergency Amendment may be passed by a supermajority approval of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of votes cast (rather than of all eligible weighted votes), provided that:(a) the amendment is necessary to address an imminent legal, regulatory, security, or existential risk that, if unaddressed, would materially jeopardize the Gnodi Blockchain’s operational viability, compliance status, or network integrity; (b) the Council of Guardians has publicly declared an emergency and stated the basis for the declaration; and (c) a minimum quorum of twenty percent (20%) of eligible weighted votes participates. Emergency Amendments shall not be used to enact routine governance changes or policy updates, and any such amendment shall be subject to ratification by the standard constitutional amendment threshold within ninety (90) days of its adoption.

**Section 18.4 Effective Date**

A constitutional amendment shall become effective on the date specified in the approved amendment. If no effective date is specified, the amendment becomes effective upon publication of the certified voting result.

**Section 18.5 Publication**

The updated Charter must be published promptly after any amendment is adopted. Prior versions shall remain archived for historical reference.