Eleanor Finch
The Maryland Constitution, which was ratified in 1867, is approximately 47,000 words long, including annotations. In comparison, the US Constitution is approximately 8,700 words long. The Maryland Constitution begins with a Declaration of Rights, which is similar to the US Bill of Rights but is broader. It guarantees trial by jury, due process, freedom of the press, and religion. Maryland's Constitution also describes the separation of powers doctrine, which is implied in the US Constitution. The length of the Maryland Constitution is due to the inclusion of specific details and provisions that are not present in the US Constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Word count | Maryland Constitution: 47,000 words; US Constitution: 8,700 words |
| Amendments | Maryland Constitution: amendments result in the official text being edited to remove outdated language; US Constitution: amendments do not edit the official text |
| Declaration of Rights | Maryland Constitution: includes a Declaration of Rights, similar to the US Bill of Rights but broader; guarantees trial by jury, due process, freedom of the press, and of religion |
| Ratification | Maryland Constitution: ratified in 1867; last amended in 2024; US Constitution: ratified by Maryland in 1788 |
| Separation of Powers | Maryland Constitution: explicitly describes the separation of powers doctrine; US Constitution: separation of powers is implied |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The Maryland Constitution is longer
The Maryland Constitution, which was ratified in 1867, is significantly longer than the US Constitution. At approximately 47,000 words, it is almost five times longer than the US Constitution, which stands at around 8,700 words.
The Maryland Constitution was last amended in 2024 and is the fourth constitution under which the state has been governed. It includes a Declaration of Rights, which is similar to the US Bill of Rights but is broader in scope. The Declaration of Rights guarantees trial by jury, due process, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion.
One notable difference between the Maryland Constitution and the US Constitution is the process of amendment. In Maryland, when the constitution is amended, the official text of the document is edited to remove language that is no longer in force. This differs from the US Constitution, where amendments are added but outdated language is not removed.
The Maryland Constitution also includes specific provisions that are not found in the US Constitution. For example, it describes the separation of powers doctrine, which is only implied in the US Constitution. Additionally, Maryland's Constitution has a unique history, having been written during the Civil War when Unionists controlled the state. This resulted in the temporary disfranchisement of approximately 25,000 men who had supported the Confederacy.
In summary, the Maryland Constitution is a lengthy and detailed document that serves as the foundation of the state's governance. Its length reflects the comprehensive nature of its provisions and the state's unique historical context.
True Bravery in Kite Runner: Overcoming Fear and Taking Action
You may want to see also
The US Constitution is more concise
The US Constitution is a concise document, containing approximately 8,700 words. In contrast, the Maryland Constitution, currently the fourth governing constitution in the state's history, contains about 47,000 words (including annotations). This makes it nearly five times longer than its federal counterpart and significantly exceeds the average length of a state constitution in the United States, which is around 26,000 words.
The US Constitution's relative brevity can be attributed to its broad and flexible nature, allowing for interpretation and adaptation to changing circumstances. On the other hand, the Maryland Constitution is more detailed and specific, aiming to provide a comprehensive framework for governance within the state. This difference in approach contributes to the disparity in word count between the two documents.
The Maryland Constitution was ratified in 1867, almost a century after the state's ratification of the US Constitution in 1788. The 1867 constitution is the oldest state constitution still in use today. The Maryland Constitution has been amended multiple times since its ratification, with the most recent amendment occurring in 2024. These amendments address various aspects of governance and rights, reflecting the evolving needs and priorities of the state.
One notable difference between the two constitutions is their approach to amendments. When the Maryland Constitution is amended, the official text of the document is edited to remove language that is no longer in force. In contrast, the US Constitution retains its original wording, even when amendments are made. This results in a more concise and streamlined document at the federal level.
Additionally, the Maryland Constitution begins with a Declaration of Rights, which is similar to the US Bill of Rights but broader in scope. It guarantees specific rights, such as trial by jury, due process, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion. This comprehensive enumeration of rights contributes to the length of the Maryland Constitution.
In summary, while the Maryland Constitution is much longer than the US Constitution, the latter's conciseness allows for flexibility and interpretation. The Maryland Constitution's length reflects its detailed nature and comprehensive approach to governance and rights within the state. Both documents serve their respective purposes, with the US Constitution providing a broad framework and the Maryland Constitution offering a more specific guide for the state's governance.
The Constitution Census: How Often?
You may want to see also
Maryland's Declaration of Rights
The Maryland Constitution is approximately 47,000 words long, including annotations, and is the fourth constitution under which the state has been governed. It was ratified in 1867 and last amended in 2024. In contrast, the US Constitution is around 8,700 words long.
The Maryland Constitution begins with the Declaration of Rights, which has appeared in all Maryland Constitutions since 1776. The Declaration was created at the 1776 Assembly of Freemen in Annapolis, where 76 delegates drafted and approved Maryland's first constitution. The Declaration began with 42 distinct articles, and now, after amendments, contains 47.
The Maryland Declaration of Rights establishes certain rights for the people of Maryland, including free speech, protection for those involved in legal cases, a prohibition on monopolies, and equal rights under the law regardless of sex. It also guarantees trial by jury, due process, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion. The Declaration has been interpreted as protecting individual rights in some cases where the federal Bill of Rights may not. For example, in Choi v. State (1989), the Maryland Court of Appeals held that Article 22 of the Declaration of Rights, which states that "no man ought to be compelled to give evidence against himself in a criminal case," provides a more extensive right than the analogous Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution.
The 1776 Declaration of Rights also established a separation of powers between the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches, which was more explicit than what was later included in the Federal Constitution. This contrasted the new government of Maryland with the tyrannical British Monarchy, which was condemned in the preamble of the Declaration. The adoption of a new constitution in 1851 led to a shorter introductory clause in the preamble, largely motivated by a power imbalance between Maryland's two shores and the issue of slavery.
Fiber Focus: Defining a High-Fiber Diet
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Amendments and annotations
The Maryland Constitution was last amended in 2024. It has been amended 239 times since 1867, with an additional amendment approved between 2023 and 2024. Amendments to the constitution are proposed by the state legislature with a three-fifths vote in both chambers. A 60% vote during one legislative session is required for the Maryland State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. This amounts to a minimum of 85 votes in the Maryland House of Delegates and 29 votes in the Maryland State Senate. Amendments must then be ratified by a simple majority of the people voting on the question in a referendum held simultaneously with the next general election.
Unlike the federal constitution, when the Maryland Constitution is amended, the official text of the document is edited, removing language that is no longer in force. However, most printed versions of the constitution include annotations that indicate which portions were amended or removed and when.
The Maryland Constitution begins with a Declaration of Rights, which is similar to the U.S. Bill of Rights but is broader than the federal version. It guarantees trial by jury, due process, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion. However, it does not guarantee the right to bear arms. It also includes the sentence: "Nothing in this article shall constitute an establishment of religion".
Article XI of the Maryland Constitution creates the City of Baltimore and provides it with a mayor and a two-part City Council with a maximum 90-day period of operation.
Constitutional Isomers of C5H12O: Exploring Their Diversity
You may want to see also
Separation of powers
The Maryland Constitution is approximately 47,000 words long, including annotations, and is much longer than the US Constitution, which is around 8,700 words. The length of the Maryland Constitution is also nearly double the average length of a state constitution in the US, which averages about 26,000 words.
The Maryland Constitution, which was ratified in 1867, outlines the separation of powers doctrine, which is implied in the federal constitution. The separation of powers is a principle that asserts that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government should be distinct and independent of each other.
Article III of the Maryland Constitution establishes the Legislature, or the General Assembly, which is divided into two houses: the Senate and the House of Delegates. This article outlines the qualifications and number of members in each house, their election process, and the procedures for removing and replacing members who are found guilty of misconduct.
Article IV creates the Supreme Court of Maryland and various lower courts, specifying the requirements for judges, their tenure, and removal from office. It also mandates the election of a Sheriff for each county.
Article V establishes the office of the Attorney General and a State's Attorney in each county, detailing their election process, qualifications, impeachment procedure, and replacement in the event of vacancy.
Article VI establishes a Treasury Department and outlines the process for appointing a Comptroller and a Treasurer, as well as their duties and the procedure for removal and replacement.
The Maryland Constitution also includes a Declaration of Rights, which is similar to the US Bill of Rights but is broader. This declaration guarantees rights such as trial by jury, due process, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion.
Dental Floss: Medical Expense or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, at approximately 47,000 words, the Maryland Constitution is much longer than the US Constitution, which is about 8,700 words long.
The current Maryland Constitution was written in 1867 and is one of the oldest state constitutions still in use.
The Maryland Constitution is amended whenever a majority of voters request a state constitutional convention, which can be no more frequent than once every 20 years.
The Maryland Constitution includes a Declaration of Rights, which is similar to the US Bill of Rights but broader. It guarantees trial by jury, due process, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion. It also establishes the separation of powers doctrine.
Amendments to the Maryland Constitution are proposed by the state legislature with a three-fifths vote in both chambers and then must be ratified by a simple majority of voters in a referendum.
