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The Missouri Constitution and the US Constitution differ in several ways. The Missouri Constitution is a state constitution that outlines the law and government of Missouri, while the US Constitution is the supreme law of the land with jurisdiction over the entire country. The Missouri Constitution is much longer, with about 65,000 words compared to the US Constitution's 7,500 words. The Missouri Constitution is amended more frequently and directly by the votes of its people, while amendments to the US Constitution require the approval of many states. The Missouri Constitution has a different structure, with a General Assembly consisting of a Senate and House of Representatives, while the US Congress is bicameral with a House of Representatives and a Senate. The Missouri Constitution also has a Bill of Rights with 34 sections, while the US Constitution's Bill of Rights contains the first ten amendments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | The Missouri Constitution has around 42,600-65,000 words, while the US Constitution has about 7,300-7,500 words. |
| Amendments | The Missouri Constitution has been amended over 100 times since 1945, while the US Constitution has a more complex process for amendments. |
| Control | The Missouri Constitution is directly controlled by the votes of its people, while the US Constitution is amended by Congress. |
| Level of Government | The US Constitution focuses on the federal level, while the Missouri Constitution is state-specific and establishes local governments. |
| Branches of Government | Both constitutions have executive, legislative, and judicial branches, but Missouri's legislative branch is called the "General Assembly." |
| Rights | Both constitutions have a Bill of Rights, but Missouri's has 34 sections compared to the US's 10 amendments. Missouri's Bill of Rights includes the right to farm and bear arms. |
| Philosophy | The Missouri Constitution is more philosophic and democratic, while the US Constitution is the "supreme law of the land." |
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What You'll Learn
Length and word count
The Missouri Constitution and the US Constitution differ in terms of length and word count. The Missouri Constitution is a lengthy document, with about 42,600 to 65,000 words, while the US Constitution is significantly shorter, with around 7,300 to 7,500 words.
The difference in word count can be attributed to several factors. One reason is that the Missouri Constitution is a state constitution, and as such, it needs to cover a wide range of issues specific to the state. In contrast, the US Constitution, being the supreme law of the land, takes precedence and outlines the fundamental framework for the entire nation.
Additionally, the Missouri Constitution has undergone numerous amendments over time. Since its adoption in 1945, it has been amended more than 200 times, and there have been at least 119 amendments made to the current constitution. These amendments are often made to keep up with the evolving needs of modern society and to address issues that were not envisioned when the original constitution was written. For example, the Missouri Constitution forbade gaming until the 1990s when it was amended by a popular vote to allow it.
On the other hand, the US Constitution, being an older document, has a more stable and established framework. It was created in 1787 after much debate and compromise, resulting in a brief document of a few thousand words. While it has been amended over time, the process is more complex and requires a unanimous vote to pass an amendment.
The length and word count of these constitutions reflect their unique roles and histories. The Missouri Constitution, with its detailed and evolving nature, ensures that the state's laws and governance are adapted to the specific needs and desires of its citizens. In contrast, the US Constitution, with its shorter and more concise nature, provides a foundational framework for the nation, allowing for flexibility and interpretation within its broad guidelines.
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Amendments
The Missouri Constitution and the US Constitution differ in several ways, including their length, content, and amendment process. The Missouri Constitution, with about 42,600 to 65,000 words, is significantly longer than the US Constitution, which has around 7,300 to 7,500 words. The Missouri Constitution is more philosophical and explicit, and it has been amended over 100 times since its adoption in 1945, with changes proposed and voted on directly by the people of Missouri.
The Missouri Constitution and the US Constitution both provide mechanisms for amendments, but the processes differ. The Missouri Constitution can be amended through a voter-led initiative process. Citizens can propose changes, and if enough voters support the amendment, it is added to the constitution. This direct democracy approach ensures that the Missouri Constitution evolves with the needs and values of its citizens. On the other hand, the US Constitution has a more complex amendment process. While it also requires a certain number of votes to amend, the process involves both houses of Congress and ratification by the states, demonstrating the federal nature of the US government.
The Missouri Constitution has been amended over 100 times since 1945, with the current count being at least 119 amendments. These amendments have addressed various issues, such as gaming, which was forbidden until changed by a popular vote in the 1990s. The US Constitution, on the other hand, has a different amendment process and structure. The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were adopted in 1791 and cover a range of rights and freedoms. Amendments to the US Constitution are generally more challenging to pass due to the requirement for a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
The Missouri Constitution's amendment process is more accessible and responsive to the people's needs, reflecting the state's democratic values. It empowers citizens to shape their government and adapt it to modern times. In contrast, the US Constitution's amendment process is more stable and deliberate, reflecting the federal government's nature and the desire to protect fundamental rights and principles established over 200 years ago.
Both the Missouri Constitution and the US Constitution have been amended over time to meet the changing needs and values of their citizens. The Missouri Constitution's amendment process, driven by popular vote, allows for more frequent and responsive changes. In contrast, the US Constitution's amendment process, requiring congressional and state approval, results in less frequent but more enduring changes to the nation's founding document. These differences in amendment processes highlight the unique characteristics of state and federal governance in the United States.
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Branches of government
The Missouri Constitution and the US Constitution share a similar structure, with both documents upholding principles such as the separation of powers and a bill of rights. Both constitutions also have an executive, a legislative, and a judicial branch.
Executive Branch
The Executive Branch of the Missouri government is run by the Governor, who is elected by Missouri voters. The Governor signs bills into law and then ensures that the rules in those laws are followed. The Governor serves for four years and then has to run for reelection. In contrast, the US Constitution's Executive Branch is headed by the President.
Legislative Branch
The Legislative Branch of Missouri is called the "General Assembly" and is split into the Senate and the House of Representatives. Missourians choose their representatives and senators by voting for them in elections. Senators serve for four years, while representatives serve for two years, after which they have to run for reelection. The people in the Senate and House of Representatives write Missouri’s laws. The US Constitution's Legislative Branch is called Congress, and it is also divided into the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Judicial Branch
Missouri's Judicial Branch is made up of judges who serve on different courts, including the Supreme Court of Missouri, Missouri Courts of Appeals, and Circuit Courts. A judge’s job is to interpret the constitution and laws. The US Constitution's Judicial Branch also resolves disputes and ensures that the laws do not disturb the sovereign power of the people.
Amendments
The Missouri Constitution has been amended more frequently than the US Constitution. Missouri's constitution has been amended more than 200 times since its adoption in 1945, with at least 119 amendments made to date. In contrast, the US Constitution has only had 27 amendments in 218 years, including the first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights.
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Bill of Rights
The Missouri Constitution is the supreme law that outlines the law and government of Missouri, subject to the federal Constitution and the people. The Missouri Constitution is more explicit than the US Constitution, detailing the organisation of local governments and taxation provisions. It also goes further in its guarantees to citizens, such as guaranteeing certain rights to crime victims, which the US Constitution does not.
The Missouri Constitution has a Bill of Rights that gives the people of Missouri important freedoms. This includes the right to speak and the right to practice religion, as well as the right to own a gun and the right to farm. The Missouri Constitution also has rules about how it can be changed. If a person wants to change it, they must get enough voters to support the change, or amendment. The amendment is then voted on by all Missouri voters, and if more than half agree, the Constitution is changed.
The Missouri Bill of Rights also includes the right to peaceable assembly and petition, due process of law, and habeas corpus. It addresses the promotion of general welfare, natural rights of persons, equality under the law, and the purpose of government. It also covers the powers of the people over internal affairs, the constitution, and the form of government. The Missouri Bill of Rights ensures independence from the US Constitution, allowing for the submission of certain amendments. It guarantees religious freedom, liberty of conscience and belief, the right to pray, and academic religious freedom and prayer. It also ensures that the practice and support of religion are not compulsory.
The Missouri Constitution has been amended several times since its adoption in 1945. Notable amendments include the legalisation of commercial gambling in 1993, the allowance of human embryo production for stem cell research in 2006, and the legalisation of medical marijuana in 2018.
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Voting and elections
The US Constitution and the Missouri Constitution differ in several ways when it comes to voting and elections. Firstly, the US Constitution implies a right to vote, whereas the Missouri Constitution, like all state constitutions except one, explicitly establishes this right. While both the federal and state constitutions share antidiscrimination provisions that prohibit discrimination in voting based on race, sex, and age, the Missouri Constitution goes further in its guarantees to citizens. For example, Missouri's constitution guarantees certain rights to crime victims, which is not the case at the federal level.
The Missouri Constitution is also a product of direct democracy, meaning that it is ultimately controlled by the votes of its people. Amendments to the Missouri Constitution can be made through three paths: a citizen-initiated process, a legislative process, and a state constitutional convention. For a citizen-initiated amendment, five percent of Missouri voters must sign a petition showing their support. If successful, all Missouri voters then decide if the proposed amendment should be adopted. A simple majority is required for voter approval. On the other hand, amendments to the US Constitution are initiated by a two-thirds vote in each house of Congress and are ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states. This process has resulted in only 27 amendments being adopted since 1787, whereas the Missouri Constitution has been amended over 200 times since 1945.
Another key difference is that the US Constitution empowers states to shape their own constitutions, provided they do not limit the rights guaranteed to citizens by the US Constitution. This has resulted in variations in voting rights and election procedures across different states. For example, in Missouri, citizens can propose and pass laws, and the state constitution details the organization of local governments and taxation provisions. Missouri's constitution also allows for initiatives such as Amendment 7, which would ban ranked-choice voting, open primaries, and non-citizen voting in the state.
In summary, while both the US Constitution and the Missouri Constitution share similarities in their commitment to protecting voting rights and ensuring fair elections, they differ in the degree of explicitness, the process of amendment, and the level of citizen involvement in shaping the constitutional framework.
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Frequently asked questions
Both constitutions start with a preamble, explaining the people’s rights and providing guidelines on how the government will be run. Each establishes an executive, legislative, and judicial branch. They also share the bill of rights, with the US Constitution's first ten amendments and Missouri's thirty-four sections.
The Missouri Constitution is more explicit than its federal counterpart, with about 65,000 words compared to the US Constitution's 7,300-7,500 words. The Missouri Constitution is amended more frequently, with over 100 amendments since 1945, often by popular vote. Missouri's constitution is controlled directly by the votes of its people, whereas the US Constitution is amended by a vote of Congress and ratification by three-quarters of state legislatures or ratifying conventions.
The US Constitution was written in 1787, while the current Missouri Constitution was adopted in 1945. The US Constitution was created to replace the failing Articles of Confederation, and it established a strong national government with more power than the state governments. Missouri's first constitution was written in 1820, when it was admitted to the Union as a slave state, specifically excluding "free negroes and mulattoes".
The legislative branch of the Missouri government is called the "General Assembly," and is split into the Senate and the House of Representatives. The US Congress, on the other hand, is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
