Malcolm Rivera
Connecticut is known as The Constitution State, a nickname that refers to its early adoption of the Fundamental Orders in 1639, which is thought to be the earliest document of its kind in Western civilization. The state has had five separate constitutions in its history, with the most recent one being adopted in 1965 and amended 31 times. The Connecticut Constitution can be amended via a process that originates in the General Assembly, and it covers a range of topics, from voting rights and the establishment of a free elementary and secondary school system to the declaration of rights and the distribution of powers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of adoption | 14th of December 1965 |
| Previous constitution | 1818 Constitution |
| Number of amendments | 31 |
| Date of first constitution | 1639 |
| Date of first state constitution | 1818 |
| Nickname | The Constitution State |
| Basis of government | Fundamental Orders of Connecticut |
| Voting rights | All white males who paid taxes or served in the militia |
| Legislative branch | Two distinct houses |
| Executive branch | Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State |
| Judicial branch | Supreme, superior and lesser courts |
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What You'll Learn
Connecticut's government and its early adoption of the Fundamental Orders in 1639
Connecticut is known as "The Constitution State" due to its early adoption of the Fundamental Orders in 1639. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were inspired by Reverend Thomas Hooker's sermon of May 31, 1638, and provided the framework for the government of the Connecticut Colony from 1639 to 1662.
The Fundamental Orders were the first written constitution in America, setting a detailed scheme of government in which sovereign power rested with the freemen. The document was a step towards present-day democracy, as it set the example of a written constitution that served as the basis of government and could not be altered by a single individual or a small group. The right to elect deputies and magistrates was reserved for the freemen, while the General Court was granted all legislative, executive, judicial, and administrative authority.
The Fundamental Orders were adopted by the Connecticut Colony council on January 14, 1639, and described the government set up by the Connecticut River towns, outlining its structure and powers. The towns wanted their government to have access to the open ocean for trading. The document was a significant development in the history of Connecticut's government, as it replaced the previous simple form of government composed of magistrates and representatives from each town, which lacked a formal instrument of government.
The individual rights outlined in the Fundamental Orders, along with others added over the years, are still included in the Declaration of Rights in the first article of the current Connecticut Constitution, which was adopted in 1965 and remains the supreme authority in the state today. The 1965 Constitution represents the fourth distinct document in Connecticut's history outlining the mechanics of its form of government.
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The state's second constitution since the establishment of the US
Connecticut is known as "The Constitution State", a nickname assumed to be a reference to the Fundamental Orders of 1638–1639. The Fundamental Orders represent the framework for the first formal government written by a representative body in Connecticut. The Connecticut Colony at Hartford was governed by the Fundamental Orders, while the Quinnipiac Colony at New Haven had its own constitution, the Fundamental Agreement of the New Haven Colony, signed in 1639.
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, dating from colonial times, remained the basis of the state's government even as Connecticut gained its independence from Great Britain, existed as an independent polity, and joined the United States. In 1786, eleven of the Thirteen Colonies had drafted state constitutions, but Connecticut elected to continue operating under King Charles' Charter.
In 1818, a formal state constitution was adopted, marking the state's second constitution since the establishment of the United States. This constitution brought about the separation of powers in Connecticut's government. It established an independent judiciary, granting Supreme and Superior Court judges life tenure until the age of seventy. The constitution also reduced the number of judges in the Supreme Court of Errors to five, with each judge also serving as a Superior Court judge. Additionally, it codified the voting requirement of being "white" and made the executive branch a constitutional and independent part of the government. The governor was no longer granted a seat in the legislature but was given the power of veto, which could be overruled by a simple majority vote from the Assembly.
The 1818 Constitution was replaced by the Constitution of the State of Connecticut, which was approved by referendum on December 14, 1965, and proclaimed by the governor as adopted on December 30. This constitution has been amended 31 times and remains the supreme authority in Connecticut today. It represents the fourth distinct document in state history outlining the mechanics of its form of government.
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The process of amending the constitution
The Constitution of the State of Connecticut is the basic governing document of the U.S. state of Connecticut. It was approved by referendum on December 14, 1965, and proclaimed by the governor as adopted on December 30. It comprises 14 articles and has been amended 31 times, with the most recent amendment occurring in 2024.
The Connecticut Constitution provides two mechanisms for amending the state's constitution: a legislative process and a state constitutional convention. The legislative process for amending the constitution originates in the General Assembly. If a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment passes each house of the General Assembly with a three-fourths majority (75%) of the votes cast, the amendment is submitted to the voters in the next even-numbered year's general election. If such a joint resolution fails to win a three-fourths majority vote in either house but still obtains a majority, it must receive a majority in each house during the next legislative session before being submitted to the voters in the next even-numbered year's general election. An amendment that wins a majority of the votes cast in the referendum is adopted.
A constitutional convention can also amend the constitution. Such a convention is called either when a two-thirds vote of each house of the General Assembly calls for it, provided at least 10 years have passed since the last convention, or when a question about holding a convention appears on the state's ballot every 20 years starting in 1978. The General Assembly decides, by a two-thirds vote of each house, the method for selecting convention delegates and the date of the convention's convening and adjournment.
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The role of the General Assembly
The Connecticut General Assembly, also known as the General Court, is the legislature of the state of Connecticut. It is composed of the State Senate, the upper house, and the House of Representatives, the lower house. The State Senate comprises 36 members, while the House of Representatives is made up of 151 members, each representing an equal number of districts. Members of the General Assembly, regardless of the chamber, serve two-year terms with no term limits.
The General Assembly plays a crucial role in the state's legislative process and holds the power to initiate and pass laws. It also holds the authority to amend the state's constitution. A joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment must pass each house of the General Assembly with a three-fourths majority vote. If it fails to achieve this majority in either house but still obtains a majority, it must receive a majority in each house during the next legislative session. Once an amendment passes through the General Assembly, it is then submitted to the voters in the next even-numbered year's general election.
Additionally, the General Assembly holds the power to call for a constitutional convention. This can occur either when called for by a two-thirds vote of each house or when 10 years have passed since the last constitutional convention. The General Assembly also has the authority to decide on the method for selecting convention delegates and the date of the convention's convening and adjournment.
The General Assembly has broad subpoena powers under Connecticut law, which have been clarified and limited by recent court decisions. It can compel documents and testimony, and failure to comply can result in fines and imprisonment. The Assembly also holds the power to subpoena sitting justices, but only in impeachment proceedings, as clarified in the case of Sullivan v. McDonald.
The General Assembly's committee and caucus meetings are typically held in the Legislative Office Building (LOB), while the House and Senate sessions convene in the State Capitol. The majority of General Assembly proceedings are open to the public, with regular public hearings held during the session. The Connecticut Network (CT-N) broadcasts most of the sessions for public viewing.
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The constitution's recognition of an independent government
The Constitution of the State of Connecticut is the governing document of the US state of Connecticut. It is the state's second constitution since the establishment of the United States and was approved by referendum on December 14, 1965. The Constitution of 1965 remains the supreme authority in Connecticut today.
The state's first constitution, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, was adopted in 1638 or 1639, while the state was still a colony of England. The Fundamental Orders recognised no allegiance to England, instead recognising an independent government. The Charter of the Colony of Connecticut (1662) superseded the Fundamental Orders, but the local government continued to operate under the previous rules.
In 1816, Connecticut was entirely in the control of the Federalist Party and the established Congregationalist Church. Connecticut was known for its custom of re-electing those in power until they died. In 1817, they took control of the state Assembly (lower house), and elected Oliver Wolcott Jr. as Governor and Jonathan Ingersoll as Lieutenant-governor.
In 1818, a convention was assembled to draft a new constitution, which was approved by a vote of 13,918 in favour and 12,364 against. This constitution was later replaced by the Constitution of 1965, which remains in effect today.
The Constitution of 1965 comprises 14 articles and has been amended 31 times. It establishes three branches of government in the state: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislative department creates a two-house legislature, sets standards for districting, elections, and ethics. The executive department sets terms, requirements, and powers of the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, and comptroller. The judicial department establishes supreme, superior, and lesser courts, and the rules that govern how judges are chosen.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitution of Connecticut is the basic governing document of the U.S. state of Connecticut. It was approved by referendum on December 14, 1965, and proclaimed by the governor as adopted on December 30. It comprises 14 articles and has been amended 31 times.
Connecticut is known as "The Constitution State". The nickname refers to Connecticut's Fundamental Orders, which was arguably the first written constitution in the world.
The first state constitution was adopted in 1818, which abolished the colonial charter and officially broke political ties with England.
The Constitution of Connecticut has been amended 31 times. Some key amendments include:
- Establishing a free elementary and secondary school system, as well as confirming the charter of Yale College and setting up the University of Connecticut.
- Adding the office of Attorney General to the list of state officers.
- Changing the minimum age for state-elected offices to 21.
- Establishing a six-person jury for criminal trials (twelve for capital offenses) and the right of peremptory challenge.
