The work of the Land parliament plenum

The full assembly of all members of the State Parliament is the "State Parliament plenum". This is where balances of power and interests are reflected, and its task is to develop prospects for the future of the state and its citizens. The plenum of the Lower Saxony State Parliament is not a  "debating circle", but a working forum. It meets monthly as a rule, usually for a three-day session, except in the customary two-month parliamentary recess. The parliament operates on the majority principle. The State Parliament takes its decisions on a majority by passing resolutions. As a rule, a majority of votes cast suffices (= relative majority). Only certain decisions, such as the election of the Prime Minister or a 'constructive' vote of no confidence, constitutionally require a majority of the statutory number of State Parliament members (= absolute majority). Election of members of the state tribunal or for instance a resolution to dissolve the State Parliament in fact require a (qualified) majority of two-thirds of members of the State Parliament present and at least the majority of all the members. A law amending the constitution can only be passed at all if two-thirds of the members of the State Parliament vote in favour. In case of doubt, what is known as a "division" takes place: the members of the State Parliament leave the plenary chamber by the side doors and then return to it through special "Yes" and "No" doors. They are counted aloud as they do so.