Government in NC

First in Freedom 1663  first beginnings of the Carolina’s 1729  when Carolina separated into North and South Carolina 1750s  Britain and France fighting in the future US and in Europe – In Europe, called the Seven Years War – In future US, it was called what?

First in Freedom After the war, the colonists were taxed, which led to… August 25, 1774 – First Provincial Congress – First meeting of anyone in the Colonies Reason why North Carolina has been called “first in freedom” Also, in Oct. of 1774, NC women held their own tea party  burning their own household tea and protested British policy

First in Freedom Mecklenburg Declaration – May 1775 – states all offices appointed by British government were now vacant, Provincial Congress only lawful government in the colony Halifax Resolves – April 12, 1776  the Fourth Provincial Congress passed this document becoming the first colonial government to call for total independence from Great Britain

Constitution of North Carolina

Constitution of NC 14 Articles, which include: – A preamble – A bill of rights – An outline of the framework of gov’t – A listing of state powers and responsibilities – A provision for local gov’t – An amending clause that details the methods of formal constitutional change

Constitution of NC Article I, the Declaration of Rights, includes 25 guarantees of freedom Popular sovereignty  people are ultimate source of power Includes separation of powers and checks and balances, like the US Constitution

Constitution of NC Out of every state, has been amended the least Purposes of state constitution? – Protect rights of individual from encroachment by the state – To provide a framework of government for the state NC Constitution adopted December 18, 1776

Constitution of NC Major changes – 1835  voters elect the governor, power to approve or reject constitutional amendments Also took powers of voting away from free men of African descent and Native Americans Constitution of 1868 – NC required to make a new constitution – Slavery abolished – Any male 21+ could vote

Constitution of NC Constitution of 1971 – Added: Gurantees of freedom of speech and equal protection of the laws “All elections ought to be free.” was changed to “All elections shall be free.” – 1972  voting age changed from 21 to 18 – 1977  Governor allowed to serve two consecutive four-year terms – 1996  Governor power to veto legislation