Jonah Patel
The Missouri Constitution is a lengthy document, containing approximately 42,600 to 65,000 words. This is significantly more than the U.S. Constitution, which has around 7,300 to 7,500 words. The Missouri Constitution outlines the state's governance framework, including the powers, structure, and limitations of its government, as well as individual and civil rights. It consists of 14 articles, including the distribution of powers, the legislative department, the executive department, and the judicial branch. The Missouri Constitution is a product of direct democracy, with amendments proposed through a vote of the people. It has been amended over 100 times since its adoption in 1945, reflecting the state's evolving needs and priorities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of words | 42,600 or 65,000 |
| Number of articles | 14 |
| Number of amendments | 126 or more than 200 |
| Number of branches of government | 3 |
| Legislative Branch name | General Assembly |
| Number of senators | 34 |
| Senator term length | 4 years |
| Number of representatives | 163 |
| Representative term length | 2 years |
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What You'll Learn
The Missouri Constitution has been amended 126 times
The Missouri Constitution, the state constitution of Missouri, has been amended 126 times since its adoption in 1945. It is the fourth constitution of the state, and it outlines the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters.
The Missouri Constitution is a product of direct democracy, with each amendment being approved by a popular vote following either a referral by the legislature or a petition by voters to place a proposal on the ballot. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval, with amendments not requiring the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot. The process of amending the constitution is outlined in Article XII, which consists of six sections.
The current Missouri Constitution has 14 articles, including "The Distribution of Powers" (Article I), "Legislative Department" (Article III), "Executive Department" (Article IV), "Judicial Department" (Article V), and "Local Government" (Article VI). These articles cover a range of topics, such as the separation of powers, the structure of the legislative and executive branches, and the role of local governments.
The Missouri Constitution has a Bill of Rights, which guarantees important freedoms to the people of Missouri, including the right to speak, the right to practice religion, the right to own a gun, and the right to farm. The constitution also sets up 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).
Since 1962, Missourians have been asked every twenty years if they would like to convene a constitutional convention to revise the constitution. Each time, a majority of the state's voters have rejected the proposal. However, in 1942, voters approved an initiative to call for a constitutional convention, which resulted in the drafting of the current constitution in 1945.
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The document is 42,600-65,000 words long
The Missouri Constitution, the legal framework and governing document of the state of Missouri, is a comprehensive and detailed text. As of the latest revision in 2022, the document stands at an impressive length of approximately 42,600 to 65,000 words. This range in word count takes into account the main body of the constitution, along with its various amendments and articles.
The length of the Missouri Constitution is notable, especially when compared to other state constitutions or even the United States Constitution. The exact word count can vary depending on the source and the specific methods used to count words, but it's clear that the document is substantial. The range of 42,600 to 65,000 words reflects the constitution's detailed nature and the state's comprehensive approach to outlining its governing principles, policies, and regulations.
The document's length can be attributed to several factors. For one, Missouri has a long and complex political history, and the constitution has undergone numerous revisions and amendments to adapt to the changing needs and priorities of the state. The constitution also covers a wide range of topics and issues, from the structure and powers of the state government to individual rights and the organization of counties and municipalities.
Another factor contributing to the word count is the inclusion of various schedules, transitional provisions, and amendments. The Missouri Constitution, like many other legal documents, contains detailed transitional provisions to ensure a smooth implementation of any changes. Additionally, amendments are added over time to address specific issues or to reflect the evolving values and beliefs of the state's citizens.
The length of the Missouri Constitution underscores the importance and complexity of the state's governing document. It serves as a comprehensive guide to Missouri's system of government, outlining the rights and responsibilities of its citizens and officials. While the exact word count may vary slightly, the document's length highlights the state's commitment to a detailed and thorough framework for its governance.
The Missouri Constitution's length also underscores the state's dedication to a transparent and accessible legal system. The document is publicly available, and its length ensures that a wide range of topics and issues are addressed, providing clarity and guidance to citizens, legal professionals, and policymakers alike.
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It has 14 articles
The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of Missouri and has 14 articles. The current constitution was adopted in 1945 and is the state's fourth constitution. The first was created in 1821, the year of Missouri's statehood, and lasted until the end of the Civil War.
The Missouri Constitution has been amended over 126 times, most recently in 2024, with four new amendments. The constitution can be amended if more than half of the voters agree to the changes. Amendments can be proposed by the legislature or by a petition from voters. Since 1962, Missourians have been asked every 20 years if they would like to convene a constitutional convention to revise the constitution; each time, a majority of the state's voters have rejected the proposal.
The Missouri Constitution is a product of direct democracy and outlines the state's framework for governance. It establishes three branches of government: the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The Legislative Branch, also known as the General Assembly, is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The senators and representatives are responsible for writing Missouri's laws. The Executive Branch consists of 53 sections and includes the Governor, who can sign bills into law or veto them. The Judicial Branch consists of 27 sections and is made up of judges who serve on different courts, such as the Supreme Court of Missouri, Missouri Courts of Appeals, and Circuit Courts. Their role is to interpret the constitution and laws.
The Missouri Constitution also includes a Bill of Rights, which guarantees various freedoms and rights to the people of Missouri, including the right to speak, the right to practice religion, the right to own a gun, and the right to farm.
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Missouri's constitution is a product of direct democracy
Missouri's constitution is a lengthy document, containing approximately 42,600 to 65,000 words. This is significantly more than the U.S. Constitution, which has around 7,300 to 7,500 words. The Missouri Constitution outlines 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 Missouri Constitution, adopted in 1945, is the state's fourth constitution. It was drafted during a constitutional convention and ratified by a vote of the people, reflecting the principles of direct democracy. This commitment to direct democracy is further evident in the frequent amendments to the constitution, with over 126 amendments made since its adoption. Each amendment is approved by a popular vote following either a referral by the legislature or a petition by voters to include a proposal on the ballot.
The Missouri Constitution divides the state's government into three branches: the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The Legislative Branch, known as the General Assembly, consists of a Senate with 34 senators and a House of Representatives with 163 representatives. The people of Missouri elect their representatives and senators, who serve for four and two years, respectively, before facing reelection. The General Assembly is responsible for suggesting changes to the Missouri Constitution, which must be supported by more than half of the senators and representatives before being put to a vote by the people.
The Judicial Branch is composed of judges serving in various courts, such as the Supreme Court of Missouri, Missouri Courts of Appeals, and Circuit Courts. Their role is to interpret the constitution and laws, ensuring their accurate application. The Missouri Constitution also includes a Bill of Rights, safeguarding essential freedoms for the state's citizens, such as the right to speak, practice religion, own a gun, and farm.
The state's citizens play a direct role in shaping their government through initiatives and referendums. For instance, Missouri citizens can propose and pass laws. If a citizen wants to pass a bill, they must gather support from five percent of Missouri voters through a petition. If successful, all Missouri voters then decide through a vote whether the bill should become a law. This process empowers the people of Missouri to have a direct say in their governance, reinforcing the democratic nature of the state's constitution.
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It splits the government into three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of Missouri and has been in place since 1945. It is a lengthy document of about 42,600 to 65,000 words, compared to the U.S. Constitution's approximately 7,300 to 7,500 words. The Missouri Constitution outlines the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters.
One of the key features of the Missouri Constitution is its division of the state's government into three branches: the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches. This separation of powers is a fundamental principle of democracy and helps ensure that no single branch wields too much power.
The Legislative Branch of Missouri, known as the "General Assembly," is bicameral and consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Missouri citizens elect their representatives and senators, with senators serving four-year terms and representatives serving two-year terms. The General Assembly is responsible for writing Missouri's laws, and any changes to the Missouri Constitution must first be supported by more than half of the senators and representatives before being put to a vote by the people.
The Executive Branch, as outlined in Article IV of the Missouri Constitution, consists of 53 sections. This branch is responsible for executing the laws and administering the state's government. The Governor plays a crucial role in this branch, as they have the power to sign bills into law or veto them if they believe a bill should not become a law.
The third branch, the Judicial Branch, is comprised of judges who serve on various courts, such as the Supreme Court of Missouri, the Missouri Courts of Appeals, and Circuit Courts. Their primary role is to interpret the constitution and laws, providing clarity on their meaning. The Missouri Constitution also includes a Bill of Rights, which guarantees important freedoms and rights, such as the right to speak, the right to practice religion, the right to own a gun, and the right to farm.
Since its adoption in 1945, the Missouri Constitution has been amended numerous times—over 126 amendments—demonstrating the state's commitment to adapting and refining its governing document to meet the evolving needs of its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
The Missouri Constitution has approximately 42,600 to 65,000 words, which is significantly more than the U.S. Constitution's 7,300 to 7,500 words.
Missourians have been asked every 20 years since 1962 if they would like to revise the constitution. However, a majority of voters have rejected this proposal each time.
The Missouri Constitution has been amended over 126 times, with the most recent four amendments approved in 2024.
