Malcolm Rivera
The Maryland Constitution has been amended almost 200 times, with the most recent amendment taking place in 2024. The state's current constitution was ratified in 1867 and is the fourth constitution under which the state has been governed. The Maryland Constitution is a living document that is frequently modified by its authors, the people of Maryland, and is subject to interpretation by the courts. Amendments to the constitution can be made through a legislative process or a state constitutional convention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current Maryland Constitution | Fourth Constitution |
| Date of ratification | September 18, 1867 |
| Number of amendments | Approximately 200 |
| Latest amendment | 2024 |
| Total number of amendments | 240 |
| Amendments process | Legislative process and state constitutional convention |
| Articles | XI, XI-A, XI-B, XI-C, XI-D, XI-E, XI-F, XI-G, XI-H, XI-I, XII, XIII, XIV, XV |
Explore related products
![Constitution of Maryland. Adopted by the convention 1867 with amendments to 1922. 1922 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71prY52OKgL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
- The Maryland Constitution has been amended almost 200 times
- Amendments are proposed by the General Assembly
- Amendments must be approved by a majority of voters
- The Maryland Constitution is much longer than the average state constitution
- The Constitution of 1864 changed representation to keep power in the hands of the white elite
The Maryland Constitution has been amended almost 200 times
The Maryland Constitution, which was ratified on September 18, 1867, has been amended almost 200 times. This makes it a document that is frequently modified by its authors, the people of Maryland, and it is continually subject to interpretation by its expositors, the courts.
The Maryland Constitution is the fourth constitution under which the state has been governed. It replaced the short-lived Maryland Constitution of 1864 and is much longer than the average state constitution, with approximately 47,000 words. The Maryland Constitution was last amended in 2024, with the official text of the document being edited to remove language that is no longer in force.
Amendments to the Maryland Constitution can be proposed by the General Assembly, and each amendment must be proposed in a separate bill. Amendments must then be approved by three-fifths of all the members elected to each of the two houses of the General Assembly before being published in newspapers around the state. Finally, they must be approved by a simple majority of voters in a referendum held simultaneously with the next general election. Notably, Maryland is one of 14 states that provides for an automatic constitutional convention question to appear on the ballot every 20 years, with the next opportunity being in 2010.
Some notable amendments to the Maryland Constitution include the creation of the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland in 1970, the establishment of the current legislative district system of the Maryland General Assembly in 1972, and the proposed early voting and out-of-district voting amendments in 2008.
Amendments Adopted: A Historical Overview
You may want to see also
Amendments are proposed by the General Assembly
The Maryland Constitution has been amended almost 200 times since its ratification in 1867, most recently in 2024. It is one of the lengthiest state constitutions in the US, with around 47,000 words. Amendments are proposed by the General Assembly and must be approved by three-fifths of both houses before being put to a referendum.
The process of proposing amendments to the Maryland Constitution is initiated by the General Assembly. Each amendment must be proposed as a separate bill, embodying a specific constitutional article or section. The General Assembly must approve the amendment with a three-fifths majority in both houses before it can proceed further. Once an amendment has been approved by the General Assembly, it is published in newspapers across the state, allowing the public to be informed and engaged in the process.
The General Assembly plays a crucial role in the amendment process by providing a platform for debate and discussion among legislators and stakeholders. This process ensures that amendments are thoroughly vetted and considered before being presented to the voters for their decision. It is worth noting that amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot, further emphasising the direct role of the legislature and the people in the amendment process.
The Maryland Constitution's amendment process reflects a commitment to democratic principles and legislative oversight. By requiring the General Assembly's approval, the process ensures that amendments have broad legislative support and are carefully considered. This safeguards against hasty or impulsive changes to the constitution, promoting stability and continuity in the state's fundamental law.
Additionally, the General Assembly's involvement in proposing amendments facilitates public engagement and awareness. By publishing the proposed amendments in newspapers across the state, the General Assembly ensures transparency and provides Maryland residents with the opportunity to learn about and discuss the potential changes to their constitution. This process encourages an informed electorate, enabling voters to make thoughtful decisions when casting their ballots during the referendum.
Voting on Amendments: When is it Allowed?
You may want to see also
Amendments must be approved by a majority of voters
The Maryland Constitution has been amended almost 200 times since its ratification in 1867, with the latest amendment taking place in 2024. This makes it one of the most frequently amended state constitutions in the United States.
Amendments to the Maryland Constitution must go through a rigorous process before being approved by a majority of voters. Firstly, amendments must be proposed in separate bills, each embodying a specific constitutional article or section. These proposed amendments must then be approved by at least three-fifths of the members of both houses of the General Assembly. This is a significant hurdle, as it requires supermajority support in both chambers.
Once an amendment has passed this initial legislative hurdle, it must be published in newspapers across the state. This step ensures that the public is informed and aware of the proposed changes to their constitution. The next step is a critical one: the proposed amendment must be put to a referendum and approved by a simple majority of voters. This means that a majority of Maryland voters have the final say on whether the amendment becomes part of their constitution.
The process of amending the Maryland Constitution is designed to be deliberate and inclusive, ensuring that any changes reflect the will of the people. This is in line with the democratic principles that underpin the United States' system of government. It is worth noting that Maryland is one of only 14 states that automatically puts the question of whether to hold a state constitutional convention on the ballot every 20 years, starting in 1970. This further underscores the state's commitment to giving voters a direct say in shaping their constitution.
The End of Poll Taxes: Constitutional Amendment Impact
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Maryland Constitution is much longer than the average state constitution
The Maryland Constitution, which was ratified in 1867, has been amended almost 200 times, most recently in 2024. This makes it much longer than the average state constitution, which has typically been amended around 115 times. At approximately 47,000 words, including annotations, it is almost double the average length of a state constitution in the United States, which is about 26,000 words.
The Maryland Constitution has a long and complex history, with the state having had four constitutions in total. The first was adopted during the Revolutionary War in 1776, followed by subsequent constitutions in 1851, 1864, and the current version in 1867. The 1864 constitution was written during the Civil War and temporarily disfranchised approximately 25,000 men in Maryland. The current constitution was drafted by a convention that met in Annapolis between May 8 and August 17, 1867, and was ratified by the people of the state on September 18, 1867, with 47,152 votes in favour and 23,036 against.
The Maryland Constitution has been frequently modified and is subject to ongoing interpretation by the courts. Amendments can be proposed by the General Assembly and must be approved by a majority of Maryland voters. Notably, the Maryland Constitution is one of the few state constitutions that lack the equivalent of the federal Second Amendment. While it guarantees trial by jury, due process, freedom of the press, and religion, it does not guarantee a right to bear arms.
The process of amending the Maryland Constitution is outlined in Article XIV, which defines two methods: through a legislative process or a state constitutional convention. Every 20 years, Maryland voters decide whether to call for a constitutional convention, and any proposed changes must be approved by a majority of voters. The Maryland Constitution is a living document that reflects the state's evolving needs and values, with the people of Maryland playing a key role in its ongoing development.
Who Holds Power to Amend the Constitution?
You may want to see also
The Constitution of 1864 changed representation to keep power in the hands of the white elite
The Maryland Constitution, which has been amended almost 200 times, is much longer than the average state constitution in the United States. The state's 1864 constitution was drafted during the Civil War, when the Unionists temporarily controlled Maryland. It was approved by a slim majority (50.31%) of the state's eligible voters, including Maryland men serving in the Union army outside the state.
The 1864 Constitution changed the basis of representation in the General Assembly to maintain power for the white elite. This was done by temporarily disenfranchising around 25,000 men in Maryland who were serving in the Union army outside the state. The 1864 Constitution was short-lived and was replaced by the current Constitution of the State of Maryland, ratified on September 18, 1867.
The 1867 Constitution was drafted by a convention that met in Annapolis, the state capital, between May 8 and August 17, 1867. It was submitted to the adult white male citizens of the state for ratification on September 18 and approved by a vote of 47,152 to 23,036. It came into effect on October 5, 1867.
Maryland has had several constitutions before the Constitution of 1867, including those from 1776, 1851, and 1864. The current Constitution of Maryland guarantees several rights, including trial by jury, due process, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion. It is one of the few state constitutions that does not guarantee the right to bear arms.
Civil War's Legacy: 13th Amendment's Birth
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, the Maryland Constitution has been amended between 199 and 240 times.
There is no limit to how often the Maryland Constitution can be amended. However, every 20 years, Maryland voters must decide whether to call a constitutional convention for the drafting of a new constitution.
Amendments to the Maryland Constitution can be made through a legislative process or a state constitutional convention. The legislative process requires a 60% vote during one legislative session for the Maryland State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. Amendments proposed through a state constitutional convention must be approved by a majority of Maryland voters.
