Omar Bennett
The Constitution of the State of Washington is the document that outlines the structure and function of the government of the US State of Washington. The major topics covered in the constitution include citizens' rights, government structure, and government responsibilities. The constitution also includes sections on the legislative branch of Washington's state government, the rights of petition and assembly, freedom of speech, the rights of the accused and crime victims, religious freedom, habeas corpus, eminent domain, the right to bear arms, and the right of recall. Amendments to the constitution can be made through a legislative process or a state constitutional convention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Citizens' rights | Petition and assembly, freedom of speech, rights of the accused and crime victims, religious freedom, habeas corpus, eminent domain, the right to bear arms, and the right of recall |
| Government structure | Legislative branch, House of Representatives, Senate, legislative powers, election of representatives, election and terms of office of senators, qualifications of legislators, rules of procedure, election of officers, sessions, duration, and limitation on members holding office |
| Government responsibilities | Bills, origin and amendment of bills, yeas and nays, passage of bills, compensation of members, lotteries and divorce, extra compensation, suits against the state, elections, special legislation, convict labor, bribery or corrupt solicitation, laws and when they take effect, alien ownership, protection of employees, revision or amendment, limitation on amendments, free transportation to public officers, highway funds, mandatory constitution, rights reserved, standing army, fundamental principles, recall of elective officers, and victims of crimes rights |
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What You'll Learn
Citizens' rights
Political Power and Rights
The constitution establishes that all political power is inherent in the people and that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. It also affirms that the US Constitution is the supreme law of the land.
Personal Rights
The Washington Constitution protects the rights of citizens to life, liberty, and property, stating that no person shall be deprived of these without due process of law. It also guarantees the right to petition and of the people to peaceably assemble for the common good.
Freedom of Speech
Citizens of Washington are granted the freedom to speak, write, and publish their opinions on all subjects. However, they are also held responsible for any abuse of this right.
Right to Bear Arms
The constitution protects the right of individual citizens to bear arms in defence of themselves or the state. However, it prohibits individuals or corporations from organizing, maintaining, or employing an armed body of men.
Habeas Corpus
The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus cannot be suspended unless in cases of rebellion or invasion where public safety is at risk.
Excessive Bail, Fines, and Punishments
The constitution prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel punishments.
Eminent Domain
Private property cannot be taken for private use, except for specific purposes such as agricultural, domestic, or sanitary necessities. Just compensation must be provided when private property is taken or damaged for public or private use.
Militia
Article X of the constitution defines the requirements for military duty, stating that all able-bodied male citizens between the ages of 18 and 45 are liable for this service. It also allows for conscientious objection during times of peace with a payment for exemption.
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Government structure
The Washington State Constitution is the founding document of the state of Washington. It outlines the structure and function of the government, as well as the rights of its people. The constitution was framed by 75 delegates, chosen by the people of the Territory of Washington, and came into force in 1889.
The Washington Constitution establishes a republican form of government, with three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Legislative Branch
The legislative power is vested in the Washington State Legislature, which consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The legislature is responsible for making laws and has the power to propose amendments to the constitution. To pass a bill, a majority of both houses must vote in favour of it.
Article II of the constitution, known as the "Legislative Department," outlines the workings of the legislative branch in detail. It includes sections on the election and terms of office for representatives and senators, the qualifications of legislators, rules of procedure, and more.
Executive Branch
The executive power is vested in the Governor of Washington, who is the head of the state's executive branch. The governor is responsible for enforcing the state's laws and has the power to sign or veto bills passed by the legislature. The governor also has the authority to appoint judges and other officials, with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Judicial Branch
The judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court of Washington and other inferior courts established by the legislature. The judges are elected by the people and are responsible for interpreting the laws and ensuring that the state's laws and actions comply with the constitution.
The constitution also outlines the process for amending it, which can be done through a legislative process or a state constitutional convention. Amendments must be approved by a majority of voters.
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Government responsibilities
The Washington State Constitution is the founding document of the state, outlining the government's structure and powers, as well as the rights of its citizens. It was adopted in 1889, and has been amended several times since.
The Washington Constitution outlines the responsibilities of the government, including its structure and function. The state's government is divided into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
The legislative branch, also known as the Legislative Department, is responsible for making laws. This branch includes the House of Representatives and the Senate, with powers vested in the legislators elected by the people. The constitution details the election process for representatives and senators, including their terms of office. It also outlines the rules of procedure for the legislative branch, including the requirements for passing bills and the compensation of members.
The executive branch is led by the governor and is responsible for carrying out the laws enacted by the legislative branch. The governor is the state's chief executive officer and commander-in-chief of its military forces. The constitution outlines the election process for the governor and other executive officers, as well as their terms of office.
The judicial branch interprets the laws and ensures their fair and impartial application. The constitution establishes the state's supreme court and outlines the selection process for judges. It also guarantees the right to a fair trial and due process for all citizens.
The constitution also addresses the government's responsibilities in specific areas, such as education, public health, and environmental protection. It outlines the state's obligation to provide for the education and well-being of its citizens, including the establishment of public schools and universities. Additionally, the government is tasked with promoting the economic development of the state, regulating industries, and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
The Washington Constitution also provides mechanisms for amending the document. Amendments can be proposed by the legislature or through a state constitutional convention. A simple majority vote is required for approving amendments, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of Washington's governing document.
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Legislative processes
The Washington State Constitution is the founding document of the state of Washington. It outlines the government's structure, powers, and the rights of its people. The constitution was framed by 75 delegates, chosen by the people of the Territory of Washington, and came into force in 1889.
The Legislative Department, outlined in Article II of the Washington State Constitution, details the legislative branch's workings and includes 43 sections.
Section 19 of the constitution states that a bill should contain a single subject. Section 20 covers the origin and amendment of bills, while Section 21 covers yeas and nays. Section 22 covers the passage of bills, and Section 23 covers compensation for members. Section 25 prohibits extra compensation, and Section 26 covers suits against the state.
Section 27 covers elections and viva voce votes, while Section 28 covers special legislation. Section 29 covers convict labour, and Section 30 covers bribery or corrupt solicitation. Section 31 outlines when laws should take effect, and Section 32 covers how laws should be signed.
Section 33 covers alien ownership, and Section 34 the Bureau of Statistics, Agriculture, and Immigration. Section 35 covers the protection of employees, and Section 36 covers when bills must be introduced. Section 37 covers the revision or amendment of bills, and Section 38 covers limitations on amendments.
The constitution provides two mechanisms for amending it: a legislative process and a state constitutional convention. A simple majority vote (50% plus one) is required for voters to approve constitutional amendments. The Legislature can refer constitutional amendments to the ballot for voters to decide, and this referred process requires a two-thirds (66.67%) vote in each chamber of the Legislature during one legislative session. Amendments can also be made through constitutional conventions, which are special political meetings.
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Amending the constitution
The Washington State Constitution is the founding document of the state, outlining the government's structure and powers, as well as the fundamental rights of its citizens. Amending this constitution is a significant undertaking, and there are two primary mechanisms for doing so: a legislative process and a state constitutional convention.
Legislative Process
The Washington State Legislature can propose amendments to the constitution, which must be approved by a two-thirds majority (66.67%) in both chambers (the House of Representatives and the Senate) during a single legislative session. This amounts to a minimum of 66 votes in the House and 33 in the Senate, assuming no vacancies. Once an amendment passes this stage, it is referred to the ballot for voters to decide, requiring only a simple majority (50% plus 1) for approval. The governor's signature is not required for this process.
State Constitutional Convention
The second method for amending the constitution involves a state constitutional convention, which is a special political meeting. To initiate this process, a two-thirds majority vote is required during a legislative session to place the question of a constitutional convention on the ballot. If a simple majority of voters approve the question, the legislature must call for a convention during its next session. Amendments proposed in this manner require approval from at least 51% of each House of Legislative Power and then by at least 60% of the state's electorate in a referendum.
It is worth noting that Washington's constitution has a rich history, with an earlier version drafted and ratified in 1878, but it was never officially adopted as statehood was not granted at that time. The current constitution, drafted in 1889, forms the basis for all subsequent Washington laws and was ratified by the people of Washington before the state's admission to the Union.
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Frequently asked questions
The major topics covered in Washington's constitution include citizens' rights, government structure, and government responsibilities.
The Washington State Constitution is the founding document of the state. It outlines the structure and function of the government as well as the rights of the people.
Article I of the Washington State Constitution, also known as the "Declaration of Rights," includes 35 sections that outline various fundamental rights. These include the rights of petition and assembly, freedom of speech, the rights of the accused and crime victims, religious freedom, habeas corpus, eminent domain, the right to bear arms, and the right of recall.
The Washington Constitution provides two mechanisms for amending the state's constitution: a legislative process and a state constitutional convention. A simple majority vote (50% plus 1) is required for voters to approve constitutional amendments. Additionally, a two-thirds (66.67%) vote is needed during a legislative session for the Washington State Legislature to place a constitutional convention question on the ballot.
