Omar Bennett
The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of Missouri. The first constitution was written in 1820 and was 33 pages long. It included 13 articles, establishing the boundaries of the future state, the system of government, the Missouri militia, the education system, and the amendment process. Missouri has had four constitutions in total, with the current one being ratified in 1945.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date created | June 12, 1820 |
| Date adopted | July 19, 1820 |
| Date took effect | August 10, 1821 |
| Number of articles | 13 |
| Number of amendments | 0 |
| Length of time taken to write | 38 days |
| Current constitution | Constitution of 1945 |
| Number of amendments to the current constitution | 119-126 |
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What You'll Learn
The first Missouri Constitution was written in 38 days
The first Missouri Constitution was written in just 38 days in 1820. This original constitution included 13 articles, establishing the boundaries of the future state, the system of government, the Missouri militia, the education system, and the amendment process. It was written by a Constitutional Convention and adopted on July 19, 1820, and Missouri became a state on August 10, 1821.
The first Missouri Constitution was the result of the Missouri Compromise, which allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state. This was a highly contested issue, with an amendment to disallow the introduction of slavery in Missouri failing in the Senate. The exclusion clause of the first Missouri Constitution specifically excluded "free negroes and mulattoes" from the state.
The speed with which the first Missouri Constitution was written may be due in part to the political context of the time. With the issue of slavery dividing the Senate, a swift resolution was needed to appease both sides. The Missouri Compromise allowed Maine to enter as a free state, while Missouri entered as a slave state, maintaining the balance between the two sides of the issue.
The first Missouri Constitution established the judicial branch of government, dividing original jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases between circuit courts and "courts of chancery." The Supreme Court of Missouri was given jurisdiction over appellate cases and control over all inferior courts of law, a power it retains to this day.
The first Missouri Constitution laid the foundation for the state's governance and legal system, but it was not long-lasting. The second Missouri Constitution was ratified in 1865 following the Civil War, and Missouri has since had four state constitutions, with the current one being adopted in 1945.
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It was adopted in 1820 and took effect in 1821
The first Missouri Constitution was written in 1820 and adopted on July 19 of that year. It was drafted in only 38 days and included 13 articles. The constitution established the boundaries of the future state, the system of government, the Missouri militia, the education system, and the amendment process. It also divided original jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases, giving circuit courts original jurisdiction over criminal cases and "courts of chancery" jurisdiction over certain civil cases.
One of the results of the Missouri Compromise, Missouri was initially admitted to the Union as a slave state. The constitution specifically excluded "free negroes and mulattoes" from the state. This "exclusion clause" initially prevented the US Congress from admitting Missouri to the Union, but it was chosen to be interpreted vaguely, and Missouri became a state on August 10, 1821, when the constitution took effect.
The first Missouri Constitution was replaced by the second Missouri Constitution, which was ratified in 1865 following the end of the Civil War. This new constitution abolished slavery. The third constitution was drafted in 1875, and the fourth and current Missouri Constitution was adopted in 1945.
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It included 13 articles and an exclusion clause
The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of Missouri. The first constitution was written in 1820 and included 13 articles and an exclusion clause. This original constitution established the boundaries of the future state, the system of government, the Missouri militia, the education system, and the amendment process. It also divided original jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases, giving circuit courts original jurisdiction over criminal cases and "courts of chancery" jurisdiction over certain civil cases.
The 13 articles included in the first Missouri Constitution covered a range of topics and helped to establish the foundation for the state's governance. The constitution was written by a Constitutional Convention and was adopted on July 19, 1820. It took effect on August 10, 1821, when Missouri officially joined the Union as the 24th state.
The exclusion clause in the first Missouri Constitution specifically excluded "free negroes and mulattoes" from the state. This clause initially prevented the US Congress from admitting Missouri to the Union, as it conflicted with the ideals of the United States Constitution. However, it was chosen to be interpreted in a deliberately vague manner, and Missouri was admitted as a slave state as part of the Missouri Compromise.
Since the first constitution, Missouri has had four state constitutions, with the current one being adopted in 1945. The 1945 constitution has been amended numerous times and remains the state's governing document. It includes a preamble that was also used in the 1875 constitution, emphasizing the people's role in establishing a better government for the state.
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The current constitution is the fourth, adopted in 1945
The current Missouri Constitution is the fourth iteration, adopted in 1945, and it has a lengthy and complex history. Missouri's first constitution was drafted in 1820, when Missouri sought admission to the Union as a slave state. This initial constitution reflected the state's economic and social ties to the South and was heavily influenced by the Virginia model, emphasizing individual rights and a weak executive branch. However, this document lasted only four years, as it was replaced in 1824. The second Missouri Constitution, enacted in 1824, remained in effect for nearly three decades and was significantly different from its predecessor. It reflected a shift in the state's political landscape, incorporating more democratic reforms and a stronger executive branch. This constitution also addressed issues related to the expansion of suffrage and the establishment of a public school system.
The third Missouri Constitution was adopted in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, and it marked a significant break with the state's past. This constitution abolished slavery, established universal male suffrage, and included provisions for a public education system. It also introduced a number of progressive reforms, such as the establishment of an elected state board of education and the creation of the office of the superintendent of public schools. This document reflected the state's desire to rebuild and redefine itself after the war, and it remained in effect for nearly eight decades.
However, by the early 20th century, there were growing calls for constitutional reform. Missouri's government had become increasingly complex, and the 1865 constitution was seen as outdated and inefficient. A number of amendments had been added over the years, making the document lengthy and cumbersome. In 1943, the state legislature authorized the creation of a constitutional convention to draft a new constitution, and in 1944, Missouri voters approved this new document, which became effective on March 30, 1945.
The 1945 Missouri Constitution is a comprehensive document that establishes the structure and functions of the state government. It consists of a preamble, fourteen articles, and a schedule, totaling over 60 sections. This constitution introduced several significant changes, including the reorganization of the state's judicial system and the establishment of a state highway patrol. It also included a bill of rights, guaranteeing various civil liberties and protections for Missouri citizens.
The current constitution has been amended numerous times since its adoption, with the process of amendment outlined in Article XII. These amendments have covered a wide range of topics, including voting rights, education, and the organization of county governments. The length and complexity of the Missouri Constitution, as well as its numerous amendments, reflect the state's evolving needs and priorities over time. The document continues to serve as the foundation of Missouri's government and legal system, shaping the rights and responsibilities of its citizens.
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It has been amended at least 119 times
The Missouri Constitution has been amended at least 119 times since its inception in 1945. This is Missouri's fourth constitution, and it remains the current constitution of the state. The first constitution was written and adopted in 1820, followed by the second in 1865, and the third in 1875.
The 1945 constitution was drafted and ratified over the course of a year and has been amended numerous times to keep up with the changing times and needs of the state. The amendments have covered a wide range of topics, including controversial and high-profile issues. For example, in 1993, an amendment legalised commercial gambling in the state. In 2004, Missouri passed an amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage, which was later overturned by the US Supreme Court. In 2006, another amendment allowed the production of human embryos for stem cell research.
The Missouri Constitution also made headlines in 2008 with an English-only amendment. More recently, in 2018, a constitutional amendment legalised and regulated medical marijuana. These amendments demonstrate the dynamic nature of Missouri's constitution, adapting to the evolving social, cultural, and scientific landscape.
The state constitution outlines the framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters. It is the supreme law of Missouri, subject only to the federal Constitution and the people. The constitution provides for three branches of government: the legislative branch (the Missouri General Assembly), the executive branch (the Governor of Missouri), and the judicial branch (the Supreme Court of Missouri).
The Missouri Constitution has a significant impact on the lives of Missourians and ensures that the state's laws and governance remain adaptable and responsive to the needs and values of its citizens. The ability to amend the constitution allows for necessary changes to be made, ensuring that the document remains relevant and reflective of the state's evolving societal norms and priorities.
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Frequently asked questions
The Missouri Constitution has 14 articles.
The first Missouri Constitution was written in 38 days. It was adopted on July 19, 1820, and took effect on August 10, 1821, when Missouri joined the union as the 24th state.
There have been four Missouri Constitutions. The fourth and current Missouri Constitution was ratified in 1945.
Missourians have been given the option to vote in favor of a referendum to call another constitutional convention every 20 years as part of Article XII.
