Isabella Carter
The North Dakota Constitution is the most basic legal document in the U.S. state of North Dakota. It consists of a preamble and 14 articles, with each article containing several sections. The current North Dakota Constitution was adopted in 1889 and has since been amended 164 times, with the most recent amendment taking place in 2024. With such a lengthy constitution and many amendments, one may wonder how many pages it spans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | Not available |
| Number of articles | 14 or 16 |
| Number of amendments | 164 or 167 |
| Number of sections in Article I | 25 |
| Number of sections in Article II | 3 |
| Number of sections in Article III | 10 |
| Number of sections in Article IV | 46 (29 of which have been repealed) |
| Number of sections in Article V | 12 |
| Number of sections in Article VI | 13 |
| Number of sections in Article VII | 11 |
| Number of sections in Article VIII | 6 |
| Number of sections in Article IX | 13 |
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What You'll Learn
Amendments
The North Dakota Constitution, the most basic legal document in the state, has been amended 164 times since its adoption in 1889, with the most recent amendments being approved by voters on November 5, 2024.
The process of amending the North Dakota Constitution can occur through legislative, citizen-initiated, or convention-referred constitutional amendment proposals, all of which require voter approval. This ensures that any changes to the fundamental document outlining the state's governance framework are approved by the people of North Dakota.
Some notable amendments to the North Dakota Constitution include the 2012 revision to mandate the administration of oaths to state officers, correcting an error that had made North Dakota's statehood questionable. In 2016, an amendment guaranteed certain rights to crime victims, and in 2018, voters approved the creation of an ethics commission to address transparency, corruption, elections, and lobbying issues. The most recent amendment in 2022 placed limits on the governor, state legislators, and other officials regarding gifts and campaign contributions.
The North Dakota Constitution consists of a preamble and fourteen articles, each addressing different aspects of the state's governance. These articles range from establishing basic rights, elective franchises, and powers reserved for the people, to outlining the structure and responsibilities of the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of government.
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Articles
The North Dakota Constitution is the basic legal document of the state of North Dakota. It has been amended 164 times since its adoption on October 1, 1889, with the most recent amendments being approved by voters on November 5, 2022, and again on November 5, 2024.
The constitution consists of a preamble and fourteen articles, although one source states there are 16 articles. The articles outline the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, as well as individual and civil rights.
Article I of the North Dakota Constitution is entitled "Declaration of Rights" and consists of 25 sections outlining the basic rights of North Dakota's citizens. Article II, "Elective Franchise", has three sections. Article III, "Powers Reserved to the People", consists of ten sections. Article IV, "Legislative Branch", has 46 sections, 29 of which have been repealed.
Article V, "Executive Branch", consists of 12 sections, while Article VI, "Judicial Branch", has 13 sections. Article VII, "Political Subdivisions", has 11 sections, and Article VIII, "Education", consists of six sections. Article IX, "Trust Lands", has 13 sections.
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Ratification
The North Dakota Constitution, consisting of a preamble and fourteen articles, was ratified by voters on 1 October 1889 and adopted on the same day. North Dakota became the 39th state the following month, on 2 November 1889.
The ratification of the North Dakota Constitution followed a constitutional convention held on 17 August 1889. This convention, which took place in 1889, was responsible for the adoption of the state's constitution. The constitution-making process in North Dakota is an example of how a state's foundational document can be established through democratic means.
The ratification process in North Dakota ensured that the state's constitution reflected the will of the people. The constitution outlines the basic rights of North Dakota's citizens, including the right to vote, and establishes the framework for the state's governance. It defines the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, as well as addressing other matters such as education and trust lands.
One of the key aspects of the North Dakota Constitution is its amendability. The document has been amended numerous times since its ratification, with the power to propose amendments initially resting with the North Dakota Legislative Assembly until 1914. After this, a voter constitutional initiative was introduced, allowing citizens to propose changes directly. This initiative has been utilised by North Dakota voters several times, demonstrating their active participation in shaping the state's governance.
The ratification and subsequent amendments of the North Dakota Constitution highlight the dynamic nature of constitutional law. It showcases the importance of adaptability and responsiveness to the evolving needs and values of the state and its citizens. The process also underscores the fundamental principle of democratic decision-making, where the people's approval is essential for enacting constitutional changes.
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Voter approval
The North Dakota Constitution is the most basic legal document in the state of North Dakota, USA. It consists of a preamble and fourteen articles, which outline the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters. The current North Dakota Constitution was adopted in 1889 and has been amended 164 times since then (one source states 167 times). All amendments to the North Dakota Constitution require the approval of a majority of voters.
Between 1889 and 1914, the power to propose amendments to the Constitution rested with the North Dakota Legislative Assembly. In 1914, the voter constitutional initiative was introduced, and between 1914 and 2012, 74 initiated amendments were considered by North Dakota voters. Since then, voters have continued to approve amendments to the constitution, with the most recent approval taking place on November 5, 2024.
The North Dakota Constitution can be amended with a legislative, citizen-initiated, or convention-referred constitutional amendment, and all three processes require voter approval. For example, in 2012, a citizen-initiated amendment was approved by voters to mandate the administration of oaths to state officers. In 2016, voters guaranteed certain rights to crime victims, and in 2018, they added a new article creating an ethics commission responsible for adopting rules relating to transparency, corruption, elections, and lobbying.
The preamble of the North Dakota Constitution begins with Article I, which establishes the basic rights of North Dakota's citizens. This article is entitled "Declaration of Rights" and consists of 25 sections. Article II, entitled "Elective Franchise," covers voting rights and consists of three sections. Article III, "Powers Reserved to the People", consists of ten sections outlining the powers retained by the people of North Dakota. These articles form the foundational principles of the state's governance and protect the rights of its citizens, ensuring their involvement in the democratic process through the power of voter approval.
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Basic rights
The North Dakota Constitution is the most basic legal document in the state of North Dakota. It consists of a preamble and fourteen articles and has been amended 164 times since its adoption on October 1, 1889.
Article I of the North Dakota Constitution is entitled "Declaration of Rights" and establishes the basic rights of North Dakota's citizens. It consists of 25 sections, although the specifics of these are not outlined.
Article II, "Elective Franchise", consists of three sections. Article III, "Powers Reserved to the People", consists of ten sections. Article IV, "Legislative Branch", consists of 46 sections, 29 of which have been repealed.
In 2016, North Dakota voters guaranteed certain rights to crime victims. In 2018, voters added a new article creating an ethics commission responsible for adopting rules relating to transparency, corruption, elections, and lobbying, and for investigating alleged violations.
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