1. History of North Carolina’s Constitution Linsey/Patton 4th Grade Social Studies
4.C&G. 1.1: Summarize the key principles and revisions of the North Carolina Constitution.
Info from:

2. What is a constitution?
It is a written statement outlining the basic laws or principles by which a country or organization is governed.
Carolina Charter of 1663

3. What is the purpose of a constitution?
A constitution sets the direction and rules for a government to follow.
Examples:
Rights of citizens
Three branches of government:
Executive (Governor)
Legislative (General Assembly)
Judicial (Courts)

4. What are the key principles of the North Carolina Constitution?
Definition of principle:
Important underlying laws or beliefs
Key principles are stated in Article I, the Declaration of Rights
There are 37 sections in Article I that state the rights of citizens of North Carolina.

5. Article I – Declaration of Rights
Section 1: The equality and rights of persons
All people are created equal with inalienable* rights of life, liberty, the enjoyment of the fruits of their own labor and the pursuit of happiness.
*inalienable rights means a person’s rights cannot be legally given or taken away
In your groups, discuss what the Declaration of Rights means. Write an example of one of these rights.

6. 1776 Constitution: The First NC Constitution
Based on the U.S. Constitution:
Governor serves only one year term.
The General Assembly had the most power.
Three branches of government:
Executive (Governor)
Legislative (General Assembly: State House of Representatives, State Senate)
Judicial (State Supreme Court, Court of Appeals)

7. The Constitution of 1868: The Second Constitution of NC
Had to make changes because of the Civil War.
Slavery was abolished (ended).
Male citizens did not have to own property to vote.
Governor went from a one-year term to a four-year term.
Public school system

8. The Constitution of 1971 Why?
There were so many amendments (changes) made to the NC Constitution between 1869 and that people wanted to review and revise the NC Constitution.
Close to 70 amendments.
One amendment in 1900, required a “literacy test” and a “poll tax” which prevented many African- Americans, Native Americans and others to exercise their right to vote.

9. What were some of the changes?
The 1971 Constitution reviewed, revised or dropped sections that were in conflict with the U.S. Constitution.
Reduced 300 government departments to 25.
General Assembly could call extra sessions with approval by three-fifths (3/5) of its members, instead of by the governor alone.
More attention to the needs of public education