Isabella Carter
The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of Missouri and has been in effect since 1945, with several amendments made to it since. The U.S. Constitution, on the other hand, was established in 1787 and has been amended over time. In terms of length, the Missouri Constitution has about 42,600 words, while the U.S. Constitution has approximately 7,300 words. Thus, it is evident that the Missouri Constitution is significantly longer than the U.S. Constitution. Both documents outline the laws and governance of their respective jurisdictions and provide for certain freedoms and rights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of words | Missouri Constitution: 42,600; US Constitution: 7,300 |
| Number of amendments | Missouri Constitution: 119-126; US Constitution: Not mentioned |
| Number of articles | Missouri Constitution: 14; US Constitution: Not mentioned |
| Frequency of changes | Missouri Constitution: Every 20 years; US Constitution: Not mentioned |
| Length of current constitution | Missouri Constitution: Adopted in 1945; US Constitution: Adopted in 1787 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The Missouri Constitution is a product of direct democracy
The current Missouri Constitution was created in 1945 and the rules from that constitution still apply today. The fourth and current Missouri Constitution was drafted from 1922 to 1923 and ratified in 1945. The 1945 constitution starts with a preamble that was also used in the 1875 constitution: "We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness, do establish this Constitution for the better government of the state." Since 1945, there have been at least 119 amendments made to the Constitution, each by popular vote following either referral by the legislature or a petition by voters to place a proposal on the ballot.
The Missouri Constitution can be changed if more than half of the voters agree to the change. The laws of Missouri can be written by senators, representatives, and even Missouri citizens. The Missouri Constitution also has a Bill of Rights, which gives the people of Missouri important freedoms, such as the right to speak and the right to practice religion.
The Missouri Constitution splits Missouri’s government into three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The Legislative Branch in Missouri is called the “General Assembly,” and is split into the Senate and the House of Representatives. Missourians choose their representatives and senators by voting for them in elections. Senators keep their jobs for four years and then have to run for reelection, while representatives get to keep their jobs for two years.
The Supreme Court's Role: Interpreting the Constitution
You may want to see also
The Missouri Constitution has been amended over 100 times
The Missouri Constitution is the product of direct democracy. Once Missouri became a state, its constitutions have been drafted during constitutional conventions and adopted by a vote of the people. The current constitution, the fourth version, was ratified by popular vote in 1945. It has been amended at least 119 times since then, with each amendment proposed by the legislature or a petition by voters. The Missouri Constitution can be changed if more than half of the voters agree to the change.
The Missouri Constitution is much longer than the US Constitution, with about 42,600 words compared to the US Constitution's 7,300 words. It is more explicit and detailed than the US Constitution, particularly in its organization of local governments and taxation provisions. It also goes further in its guarantees to its citizens, such as guaranteeing certain rights to crime victims, which the US Constitution does not.
The Missouri Constitution has a Bill of Rights that gives the people of Missouri important freedoms, such as the right to speak, the right to practice religion, the right to own a gun, and the right to farm. The Missouri Constitution also sets up the state's government, splitting it into three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The Legislative Branch is called the General Assembly and is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Executive Branch is headed by the Governor of Missouri, and the Judicial Branch is made up of the Supreme Court of Missouri.
The Missouri Constitution has been amended numerous times to keep up with the needs of modern society. For example, in the 1990s, the Constitution was changed by voters in popular elections to allow gaming, which had previously been forbidden. The people of Missouri have the option to call for a new constitutional convention every 20 years, although these referendums have not passed since they began in 1962.
Wear and Tear: What's Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
You may want to see also
The US Constitution is briefer, with fewer words
The US Constitution is indeed briefer and more concise when compared to the Missouri Constitution. While both documents serve as the foundation for their respective governments, the US Constitution is known for its brevity and succinct nature. It is significantly shorter than the Missouri Constitution in terms of word count.
The US Constitution, one of the world's shortest written constitutions, stands at around 4,543 words. Its length ensures a clear and straightforward framework for the nation's government. Each amendment adds, removes, or modifies certain aspects, but the core document remains unaltered. This concise nature has contributed to its enduring strength and adaptability over time.
The framers of the US Constitution intentionally kept it brief to ensure its accessibility and understanding by all citizens. By drafting a concise document, they believed that the principles and values outlined within would be more easily comprehended and adopted by the American people. This accessibility has played a crucial role in fostering a sense of national unity and a shared understanding of the country's foundational principles.
The Missouri Constitution, on the other hand, is a lengthier document. While it also outlines the structure and functions of Missouri's state government, it goes into greater detail and includes more specific provisions. The Missouri Constitution, as of 2018, consists of around 130,000 words, making it nearly 30 times longer than its federal counterpart. This length can be attributed to various factors, including the level of detail provided and the inclusion of numerous amendments and revisions over time.
The difference in length between the two constitutions highlights the varying approaches to governance and legal frameworks at the state and federal levels. While the US Constitution sets out broad principles and guidelines, state constitutions like Missouri's delve into more specific provisions and policies relevant to their respective states. This allows for a more nuanced and tailored approach to governance, ensuring that state laws and regulations reflect the unique needs and characteristics of their citizens.
Despite their differences in length, both the US Constitution and the Missouri Constitution play equally important roles in establishing and maintaining a fair and just society. While the US Constitution provides a broad framework that applies to all states, the Missouri Constitution tailors those principles to the specific needs and characteristics of its citizens. This dual system of governance ensures that the rights and freedoms outlined in the US Constitution are respected and protected at both the national and state levels.
Texas Constitutions in the 1860s: A Decade of Change
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$9.99 $9.99
Missouri's constitution guarantees certain rights to crime victims
The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of the U.S. State of Missouri. It is the supreme law that formulates the law and government of Missouri, subject only to the federal Constitution and the people. The Missouri Constitution was first written in 1820 and has been amended several times since then.
The current Missouri Constitution was adopted in 1945 and has been amended over 200 times since then.
The Missouri Constitution guarantees certain rights to crime victims, which the federal constitution does not. These rights are outlined in Article 1, Section 32 of the Missouri State Constitution, also known as the Bill of Rights, and include:
- The right to be present at all criminal justice proceedings at which the defendant has such a right, including juvenile proceedings where the offense would have been a felony if committed by an adult.
- The right to be informed of and heard at guilty pleas, bail hearings, sentencings, probation revocation hearings, and parole hearings, unless the court determines that the interests of justice require otherwise.
- The right to restitution, which shall be enforceable in the same manner as any other civil cause of action or as otherwise provided by law.
- The right to reasonable protection from the defendant or any person acting on their behalf.
- The right to information concerning the escape of an accused person while in custody or confinement, as well as their release, recapture, or death.
- The right to information about how the criminal justice system works, the rights and availability of services, and information about the crime.
The Missouri Constitution also has a Bill of Rights that gives the people of Missouri important freedoms, such as the right to speak, the right to practice religion, the right to own a gun, and the right to farm. The Constitution can be changed if more than half of the voters agree to the amendment. The laws of Missouri can be written by senators, representatives, and even Missouri citizens.
Congress' Powers: Constitutional Roots, Evolutionary Growth
You may want to see also
Missouri's constitution can be changed by popular vote
The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of the U.S. State of Missouri. It is the supreme law that formulates the law and government of Missouri, subject only to the federal Constitution and the people. The Missouri Constitution can be amended via three paths: a citizen-initiated process, a legislative process, and a state constitutional convention.
The citizen-initiated process involves citizens proposing and passing laws. A citizen-initiated constitutional amendment requires citizens to gather signatures, with the number of signatures required based on the number of votes cast for the governor in the state's most recent gubernatorial election. This allows citizens to initiate constitutional amendments directly.
The legislative process involves the General Assembly, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. For the legislative process to suggest a change, more than half of the senators and half of the representatives need to support a change before the people can vote for it. A simple majority vote is required during one legislative session for the Missouri General Assembly to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
The state constitutional convention is a process where the people of Missouri can call for a new constitutional convention through an automatic referendum that appears on the ballot every 20 years. This has been voted on in 1962, 1982, 2002, and 2022, with the next vote scheduled for 2042. To date, these referendums have not passed.
Since its adoption in 1945, the Missouri Constitution has been amended more than 200 times, with at least 119 amendments made since 1945. Each amendment has been made by popular vote following either referral by the legislature or a petition by voters to place a proposal on the ballot. These amendments have allowed the Missouri Constitution to grow and keep up with the needs of modern society. For example, the Missouri Constitution forbade gaming until the 1990s when it was changed by voters in popular elections, demonstrating the power of direct democracy in the state's constitutional evolution.
Who Can Serve on SCOTUS? Constitutional Requirements Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Missouri Constitution has about 42,600 words, while the US Constitution has 7,300 words.
The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of the US State of Missouri. It is the supreme law formulating the law and government of Missouri, subject only to the federal Constitution.
Missouri has had four state constitutions. The current constitution was adopted in 1945 and has been amended over 100 times.
According to Article XII of the present constitution, the people of Missouri can call a new constitutional convention every 20 years through an automatic referendum.
Amendments to the Missouri Constitution can be proposed by the legislature or through a petition by voters. The proposed amendment is then voted on by the people of Missouri and adopted if a simple majority supports it.
![Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States, historical and juridical with observations upon the ordinary provisions of state constitutions and a comparison with the constitu [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61kelb6mFML._AC_UY218_.jpg)
