Simone Lawson
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is an independent body composed of 37 commissioners who are appointed to examine the Florida Constitution and propose changes for voter consideration. Florida is the only state with a commission empowered to refer constitutional amendments to the ballot. The CRC has been criticized for its lack of independence and partisanship, with some calling for its abolition. However, the CRC provides an important pathway for Floridians to amend their constitution, and its existence helps to prevent the accumulation of power in the legislature, which could diminish the voices of citizens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of meetings | Every 20 years |
| Number of members | 37 |
| Members appointed by the governor | 15 |
| Members appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives | 9 |
| Members appointed by the president of the Senate | 9 |
| Members appointed by the chief justice of the Supreme Court | 3 |
| Members with automatic membership | Attorney General and state attorney general |
| Chairperson | Appointed by the governor |
| Meeting schedule | 1977, 1997, 2017, 2037, 2057, etc. |
| Purpose | To examine the constitution, hold public hearings, and refer constitutional amendments to the ballot |
| Proposal approval requirement | 60% voter approval |
| Amendment referral method | Direct referral to the ballot for a public vote |
| Independence | Independent body |
| Bipartisan | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
The CRC's role in direct democracy
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is a 37-member commission that meets every 20 years to review and propose changes to the Florida Constitution. The CRC is unique to Florida, as it is the only state with a commission that can refer constitutional amendments directly to the ballot for a public vote. This process of direct democracy empowers citizens to have a direct say in state governance and provides an important pathway for Floridians to amend their constitution.
The CRC is composed of commissioners who are appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and the Florida Supreme Court, with the attorney general serving as an automatic member. The commission holds public hearings to gather ideas and feedback from the public and considers proposed constitutional amendments submitted by citizens. This process allows Floridians to speak directly to the commissioners and propose changes that could potentially be placed on the ballot for voter consideration.
The CRC plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Florida Constitution remains relevant and applicable to the state's current and future needs. By convening every 20 years, the commission provides a regular opportunity for Floridians to participate in the democratic process and have their voices heard. The CRC's ability to refer amendments directly to the ballot also serves as a check on the power of the legislature, which has been accused of engaging in measures that diminish the voices of citizens.
However, it is important to note that the CRC has faced criticism and calls for reform. The 2017-2018 commission, in particular, faced issues that led to proposals for improving the appointment process and ensuring a more bipartisan composition. Despite these criticisms, the CRC remains an essential mechanism for direct democracy in Florida. In 2022, voters rejected Amendment 2, which would have abolished the CRC, demonstrating the value Floridians place on this direct democratic pathway.
In conclusion, the CRC plays a vital role in direct democracy by providing a platform for citizen engagement and input in the constitutional amendment process. Through public hearings and direct proposals, Floridians can actively participate in shaping their state's future. The CRC's role in referring amendments directly to the ballot empowers citizens and ensures that their voices are heard and considered in the governance of their state.
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The appointment process
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is a 37-member commission that reviews and proposes changes to the Florida Constitution. The CRC is convened every 20 years and was established in 1968. The CRC is independent in that it sets its own rules and procedures, but its members are appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and the Florida Supreme Court. The governor also designates the chair of the CRC.
The process of appointing members to the CRC has been the subject of some debate. In 2017, there were concerns about the independence of the commission due to the political affiliations of some of the appointees. For example, Governor Rick Scott appointed several Republicans to the commission, including Carlos Beruff as chairman. There have also been calls to reform the appointment process to ensure that the commission is bipartisan and has more balanced influence from the three branches of government.
The CRC is unique to Florida, as it is the only state with a commission that can refer constitutional amendments directly to the ballot for voter consideration. This gives the CRC incredible power over Florida's Constitution, and its decisions can have a significant impact on the state's future.
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The CRC's power over Florida's Constitution
The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is a 37-member commission that meets every 20 years to review and propose changes to the Florida Constitution. Florida is the only state with a commission empowered to refer constitutional amendments to the ballot for a public vote. The CRC's decisions on a wide range of topics, including gambling, education, redistricting, and the courts, can have a significant impact on Florida's families and businesses for the next 20 years until the commission meets again.
The CRC is composed of 37 commissioners, 15 of whom are appointed by the Governor of Florida. The speaker of the House of Representatives and the president of the Senate each appoint nine members, the chief justice of the Supreme Court appoints three members, and the Attorney General automatically serves as the 37th member. The Governor also designates the chair of the CRC.
The CRC holds public hearings across the state to identify issues, perform research, and propose changes to the Florida Constitution. The commission must examine the constitution, hold these public hearings, and refer constitutional amendments to the ballot no later than 180 days before the election. The CRC sets its own rules and procedures beyond what is required in Section 2 of Article XI of the Florida Constitution.
The CRC's proposals are put directly on the ballot for the public to vote on, and they must secure at least 60% voter approval to become law. This direct democracy mechanism ensures that Floridians have a say in amending their constitution and prevents the concentration of power in the legislature.
In summary, the CRC wields significant power over Florida's Constitution by proposing amendments that can have long-lasting impacts on the state. The commission's independent and bipartisan nature, with members appointed by different branches of government, is crucial for balancing influences and ensuring a fair and inclusive process.
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The CRC's independence and bipartisanship
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is an independent body composed of 37 commissioners who are appointed to review and propose changes to the Florida Constitution. The CRC is convened every 20 years and holds public hearings to learn about issues that matter to Floridians and consider proposed constitutional amendments submitted by the public. The CRC's proposals are then put to a public vote, with a 60% approval threshold for them to pass.
The CRC is unique to Florida, as it is the only state with a commission that can refer constitutional amendments directly to the ballot. This allows for a level of direct democracy and citizen involvement in state governance that is otherwise rare in the US. The CRC is also notable for its bipartisanship, with commissioners appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and the Florida Supreme Court.
Reforms have been proposed to improve the CRC's independence and effectiveness, including requiring single-issue ballot measures and improving the appointment process to ensure more balanced influence from the three branches of government. Despite its flaws, the CRC remains an important pathway for Floridians to amend their constitution and have their voices heard.
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The CRC's role in Cabinet reform
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is a 37-member commission that reviews and proposes changes to the Florida Constitution. The CRC is independent in that it sets its own rules and procedures, beyond what is required in the Florida Constitution. However, the CRC's members are appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and the Florida Supreme Court, which may influence its independence.
The CRC has played a role in Cabinet reform in Florida, which is a unique body as all its members are elected and have an equal vote to the Governor's at Cabinet meetings. The 1977-78 CRC addressed Cabinet reform and changes to the power structure of the executive branch, proposing term limits for Cabinet members. These term limits were later adopted by voters.
The CRC has the power to propose amendments to the Florida Constitution, which are then referred to the ballot for a public vote. This direct democracy mechanism allows Floridians to have a say in any proposed changes to their Constitution. The CRC holds public hearings to gather input from citizens and considers proposed constitutional amendments submitted by the public.
While the CRC has faced criticism and calls for reform or abolition, it remains an important pathway for Floridians to amend their Constitution. The CRC provides a mechanism for citizen input and involvement in the state's governance. Reforms to the CRC could include improving the appointment process to ensure a more bipartisan and balanced commission, enhancing its independence and effectiveness.
In conclusion, the CRC plays a crucial role in Cabinet reform by proposing amendments to the Florida Constitution, which are then decided on by a public vote. The CRC's independence and direct democracy mechanism allow Floridians to have a say in their state's governance and any proposed changes to the Cabinet structure.
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Frequently asked questions
The CRC meets once every 20 years. The CRC of 2017-2018 was the third convening of the commission.
The CRC is composed of 37 members, 15 of whom are appointed by the Governor of Florida. Nine members each are appointed by the President of the Florida Senate and the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, and three members are appointed by the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court. The Attorney General of Florida is a permanent member of the CRC.
The CRC is an independent body that examines the Florida Constitution and proposes changes for voter consideration. The CRC sets its own rules and procedures and holds public hearings to understand the issues that matter most to Floridians. The CRC's proposals are placed directly on the ballot for a public vote, with a 60% approval threshold.
