Rules of Procedure of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia

The National Council was provided for in the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia of 23 of December 1991. The second chamber of the Slovenian Parliament, together with the State Assembly, forms part of the legislature. However, it differs significantly from it, particularly with regard to the way in which its composition is determined. The National Council is in the body representing social, economic, professional and local interests. Therefore, elections to this body are neither universal nor direct. Nevertheless, this body is not a typical representative authority because its members are elected on the basis of functional representation. The Council of State has both "soft" powers related to the expression of opinions, as well as "hard" powers allowing it to effectively influence the work of National Assembly and the law-making process in the Republic of Slovenia. The latter powers include, for example, the right of legislative initiative and the right of suspensive veto. The presented Rules of Procedure contain provisions on the exercise of the powers granted to the National Council.