State and Local Governments Lesson 1 State Constitutions

State and Local Governments Lesson 1 State Constitutions Learning Objectives Examine the history, content, and significance of the first State constitutions. Describe the basic principles common to all State constitutions today. Explain the procedures used to change State constitutions. Analyze why State constitutions are in need of reform.

popular sovereignty limited government. fundamental laws initiative, State and Local Governments Lesson 1 State Constitutions Key Terms popular sovereignty limited government. fundamental laws initiative, statutory law

The First State Constitutions Not very many people have ever seen a State constitution, let alone read one. Join a rather exclusive club and look at your State’s document. This step should prove useful as you read this Lesson.

The First State Constitutions Independence Principles of State Constitutions

The First State Constitutions A mural hanging in the Massachusetts State House depicts the drafting of that State's constitution. Massachusetts was the first State to submit its constitution to the voters for approval.

State Constitutions Today The present-day State constitutions are the direct descendants of those earlier documents. Only 17 of the current State constitutions were written after 1900, and nearly all have been amended dozens of times.

State Constitutions Today Basic Principles Protections of Civil Rights Governmental Structure Governmental Powers and Processes Constitutional Change Miscellaneous Provisions

State Constitutions Today Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus strikes a gavel on August 5, 2013, as the Texas house passes a constitutional amendment that will increase spending for roads and bridges.

State Constitutions Today State constitutions establish in detail the organization and powers of the State government. Analyze Charts How are State constitutions similar to the U.S. Constitution?

Constitutional Change Like the national Constitution, the State constitutions have been altered over time by formal amendment and by such other processes as court decisions and custom. However, those other processes have not been nearly so important at the State level as at the national level.

Constitutional Change Procedures for Change Ratification of Amendments

Constitutional Change The State of Florida has more methods by which to amend its constitution than any other State. One method involves the passage of a joint resolution by the Florida legislature.

Constitutional Change Amendments to State constitutions are proposed in different ways; in some States, voters can propose amendments themselves. Analyze Charts Which method of proposing changes do most States use today?

The Need for Reform Almost without exception, State constitutions are in urgent need of reform. The typical document is cluttered with unnecessary details, burdensome restrictions, and obsolete sections. It also carries much repetitious, even contradictory, material. Moreover, it fails to deal with many of the pressing problems that the States and their local governments currently face.

The Need for Reform The Problem of Length The Problem of Age

The Need for Reform Most State constitutions began as brief, succinct statements with few details. Analyze Graphs What patterns have occurred over time regarding the length of constitutions?

The Need for Reform The average State constitution is four times as long as the U.S. Constitution. Analyze Political Cartoons What else does the cartoon imply about comprehensive State constitutions?

The Need for Reform Many State constitutions contain outdated provisions. Analyze Information Do these examples illustrate the need for constitutional change? Explain.

Quiz: The First State Constitutions Which of the following correctly describes the concept of popular sovereignty as it applies to State governments? A. The people of the State provide checks and balances on the State’s government. B. The popular vote of the people protects their unalienable rights. C. The people of the State are the source of authority for the State’s government. D. The powers given to State government are closely limited.

Quiz: The First State Constitutions Which of the following correctly describes the concept of popular sovereignty as it applies to State governments? A. The people of the State provide checks and balances on the State’s government. B. The popular vote of the people protects their unalienable rights. C. The people of the State are the source of authority for the State’s government. D. The powers given to State government are closely limited.

Quiz: State Constitutions Today Some State constitutions enhance civil liberty in ways that go beyond the United States Constitution by A. prohibiting imprisonment for debt. B. prohibiting unreasonable searches and seizures. C. protecting eminent domain. D. protecting freedom of religion and freedom of speech.

Quiz: State Constitutions Today Some State constitutions enhance civil liberty in ways that go beyond the United States Constitution by A. prohibiting imprisonment for debt. B. prohibiting unreasonable searches and seizures. C. protecting eminent domain. D. protecting freedom of religion and freedom of speech.

Quiz: Constitutional Change In every State except Delaware, which of the following correctly lists the most common steps involved in changing a State constitution? A. The legislature calls a constitutional convention, which proposes and approves all changes. B. The legislature proposes an amendment and then ratifies it with a two-thirds majority vote. C. The legislature proposes an initiative, which is then sent to the voters to approve or reject. D. The legislature proposes and approves an amendment, which goes to voters for ratification.

Quiz: Constitutional Change In every State except Delaware, which of the following correctly lists the most common steps involved in changing a State constitution? A. The legislature calls a constitutional convention, which proposes and approves all changes. B. The legislature proposes an amendment and then ratifies it with a two-thirds majority vote. C. The legislature proposes an initiative, which is then sent to the voters to approve or reject. D. The legislature proposes and approves an amendment, which goes to voters for ratification.

Quiz: The Need for Reform Which of the following is a major reason why most State constitutions need to be reformed? A. They are far too short and lack important details. B. They are severely outdated and contain obsolete provisions. C. They contain too many fundamental laws. D. They have miscellaneous sections and begin with a preamble.

Quiz: The Need for Reform Which of the following is a major reason why most State constitutions need to be reformed? A. They are far too short and lack important details. B. They are severely outdated and contain obsolete provisions. C. They contain too many fundamental laws. D. They have miscellaneous sections and begin with a preamble.