Eleanor Finch
The Tennessee Constitution has been amended several times since its adoption in 1870. The state constitution outlines the framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual rights, and other matters. Amendments to the Tennessee Constitution can be made through two methods: the legislative process or a state constitutional convention. This paragraph introduces the topic of how many amendments the Tennessee Constitution has and provides some context on the amendment process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of amendments since 2006 | 11 |
| Date of current constitution | 1870 |
| Number of state constitutions | 3 |
| Number of articles | 11 |
| Amendments approved in 2022 | 4 |
| Date of first constitution | 1796 |
| Number of delegates who drafted the first constitution | 55 |
| Number of legislative sessions required for a constitutional amendment | 2 |
| Required votes during the first legislative session | Simple majority |
| Required votes during the second legislative session | Two-thirds majority |
| Requirements for an amendment to pass | More yes votes than no votes and yes votes must be a majority of total votes in the gubernatorial election |
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What You'll Learn
- Tennessee's constitution has been amended 11 times since 2006
- Amendments can be made through the legislative process or a state convention
- The constitution was revised in 1834 to address issues in the original 1796 document
- The constitution was last amended in 2022, with four amendments approved by voters
- Amendments must receive more 'yes' votes than 'no' votes to pass
Tennessee's constitution has been amended 11 times since 2006
The Tennessee Constitution is the state constitution of Tennessee. The current constitution, which has been amended 11 times since 2006, was adopted in 1870 and is the state's third constitution. The constitution was drafted in response to the requirement for all ex-Confederates to adopt new constitutions explicitly banning slavery. It contains provisions that are verbatim holdovers from the two predecessor documents. Notably, it is considerably longer than the federal constitution.
Tennessee's constitution outlines the state's framework for governance, encompassing the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, as well as individual and civil rights. It consists of 11 articles, including a bill of rights that mirrors the US Bill of Rights but with lengthier provisions. The constitution also establishes three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial, emphasising their separation of powers.
The Tennessee Constitution can be amended through two methods: the legislative process or a state constitutional convention. For an amendment to pass via the legislative process, it must be approved by a simple majority during the first legislative session and then by a two-thirds majority in the second session. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be placed on the ballot. To pass, an amendment must receive more 'yes' votes than 'no' votes, and the number of 'yes' votes must exceed 50% of the total votes in the gubernatorial election.
Tennessee has a history of proposing and adopting amendments to its constitution. In 2022, voters approved four amendments, including one that added a section to Article XI, protecting the right to employment regardless of membership or affiliation with a labour union or employee organisation. Another amendment proposed in 2022 addressed the temporary exercise of the governor's powers and duties by the Speaker of the Senate or the Speaker of the House if the governor is unable to discharge their responsibilities. In 2010, 90% of voters approved an amendment recognising the right to hunt and fish, subject to reasonable regulations. Additionally, in 2014, voters approved an amendment stating that the constitution does not secure or protect a right to abortion or mandate its funding.
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Amendments can be made through the legislative process or a state convention
The Tennessee Constitution, the state's fundamental document outlining its governance framework, has undergone several amendments since its inception. As of 2006, the constitution has been amended 11 times. While the original state constitution was established in 1796, the current version was adopted in 1870 and has served as the foundational framework for Tennessee's governance.
Amendments to the Tennessee Constitution can be made through two primary avenues: the legislative process or a state constitutional convention. The legislative process involves the state legislature, which plays a pivotal role in proposing and enacting amendments. During this process, a constitutional amendment must pass through two successive legislative sessions, each with distinct voting requirements. In the first session, a simple majority vote is sufficient for the amendment to progress. However, in the second legislative session, the bar is raised, requiring a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers for the amendment to advance further. Notably, these legislative votes are contingent on there being no vacancies during the sessions.
The state constitutional convention, an alternative route to amending the Tennessee Constitution, has been convened several times throughout history. Limited constitutional conventions were held in 1953, 1959, 1965, 1971, and 1977 to address specific matters and propose amendments. These conventions provide a dedicated platform for discussing and drafting amendments, often in response to evolving societal needs and circumstances.
The process of amending the Tennessee Constitution is rigorous and democratic. For an amendment to be successfully incorporated into the constitution, it must clear two crucial hurdles. Firstly, it must garner more "yes" votes than "no" votes. Secondly, the number of "yes" votes must surpass half of the total votes cast in the gubernatorial election, ensuring a true majority mandate. This process was reaffirmed following the 2014 general election, underscoring its longstanding significance in Tennessee's constitutional evolution.
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The constitution was revised in 1834 to address issues in the original 1796 document
The state of Tennessee has had three constitutions. The first Tennessee constitution was adopted in 1796, concurrent with the state's admission to the Union. The original constitution came into effect on June 1, 1796, and was drafted in Knoxville by a convention of 55 delegates. The constitution was then sent to Washington City for review by Congress.
The 1796 constitution was revised in 1834 to address issues in the original document. The 1834 revision updated the court system and addressed problems in the original constitution. This revision was created under the authority of the 1796 convention.
The second Tennessee constitution was adopted in 1835. In November 1869, the Tennessee General Assembly called for an election to determine if a constitutional convention should be held to amend or replace the 1835 constitution. The voters decided in favour of the convention, which began on January 10, 1870. The third and current constitution was then adopted on February 23, 1870, and approved by voters on March 26, 1870.
The current constitution has been amended 11 times since 2006, with voters approving four amendments in November 2022.
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The constitution was last amended in 2022, with four amendments approved by voters
The Tennessee Constitution is the state constitution of Tennessee. The current constitution, which came into effect in 1870, is the state's third and has been amended 11 times since 2006. Tennessee has held limited constitutional conventions in 1953, 1959, 1965, 1971, and 1977. The constitution was last amended in 2022, with four amendments approved by voters.
The process of amending the Tennessee Constitution involves two methods: the legislative process and a state constitutional convention. For a successful amendment, it must garner more 'yes' votes than 'no' votes, and the 'yes' votes must exceed half of the total votes in the gubernatorial election.
The four amendments approved by voters in 2022 addressed various issues. One amendment added a new section to Article XI of the constitution, making it illegal for any person, corporation, or entity to deny employment based on an individual's affiliation or lack of affiliation with a labour union or employee organisation. This amendment aimed to protect the rights of workers to join or refrain from joining such organisations.
Another amendment focused on Article III, Section 12, outlining the process for the temporary transfer of the governor's powers and duties to the Speaker of the Senate or the Speaker of the House, in the event that the governor is unable to perform their role. This amendment ensured that the Speaker could temporarily assume the role of governor without resigning from their position as Speaker or as a member of the legislature.
Additionally, an amendment was proposed to add language to Article III, Section 13, and Article II, Section 26, regarding the temporary discharge of the powers and duties of the governor by the Speaker of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The constitution has also been amended in recent years, with notable changes including the approval of the right to hunt and fish in 2010 and the rejection of a constitutional right to abortion in 2014. These amendments demonstrate the dynamic nature of Tennessee's constitutional evolution, adapting to the needs and values of its citizens over time.
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Amendments must receive more 'yes' votes than 'no' votes to pass
The Tennessee Constitution is the state constitution of Tennessee. The current constitution, the state's third, was adopted in 1870 and has been amended 11 times since 2006. Voters approved four amendments to the Tennessee Constitution on November 8, 2022, bringing the total number of amendments to the current constitution to 11.
Amendments to the Tennessee Constitution must clear a two-step process to pass. First, they must be approved by the state legislature in two successive legislative sessions, with an election between them. During the first legislative session, a simple majority in both legislative chambers is required. During the second legislative session, a two-thirds majority vote is required in both legislative chambers.
Once an amendment has passed both legislative sessions, it must then be placed on a general election ballot that includes a gubernatorial election. To pass, the amendment must receive more yes votes than no votes, and the number of yes votes must exceed 50%+1 of the total votes in the gubernatorial election. This process was confirmed by a court decision following the 2014 general election.
For example, in 2022, voters approved four amendments to the Tennessee Constitution. One amendment added a new section to Article XI of the constitution, making it illegal for any person, corporation, or entity to deny employment based on an individual's membership or affiliation with a labor union or employee organization. Another amendment added a process for the temporary transfer of the governor's powers and duties to the Speaker of the Senate or the Speaker of the House, in the event that the governor is unable to discharge their duties.
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Frequently asked questions
11.
November 8, 2022.
It has been amended 11 times since 2006.
For an amendment to pass, it must get more yes votes than no votes, and the yes votes must be a majority of the total votes in the gubernatorial election.
Amendments can be proposed through the legislative process or a state constitutional convention.
