Malcolm Rivera
The Wyoming Constitution was drafted in 1889, with the U.S. Constitution as its primary model. It is nearly 30,000 words long, more than six times the length of the U.S. Constitution. The Wyoming Constitution includes provisions on religious liberty, stating that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. This is enshrined in the First Amendment, which guarantees religious freedom and ensures the government neither prefers religion over non-religion nor favours specific faiths. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Wyoming actively works to preserve religious liberties for all Americans, from Christians to members of minority faiths.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Voting and holding office | No religious test shall ever be applied |
| Religious freedom | The exercise of any religious faith shall not be interfered with |
| Public money | No public money shall be appropriated for any society or institution under religious control |
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What You'll Learn
The right to religious belief and expression
The constitution explicitly states that no religious test shall ever be applied to voting or holding office. This means that anyone, regardless of their religious beliefs, is eligible to participate in the political process. Furthermore, it guarantees that the exercise of any religious faith shall not be interfered with. This protects the right of individuals to practise their religion freely, without government interference. Finally, it states that no public money shall be appropriated for any society or institution under religious control. This ensures a separation of church and state, preventing public funds from being used to promote any particular religious group.
These provisions are designed to protect the religious liberty of all citizens, regardless of their faith. They reflect the sentiment expressed in the constitution that "all members of the human race are equal... in their inherent right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." By guaranteeing religious freedom, the Wyoming Constitution ensures that people of all faiths, or no faith, are able to live and practise their beliefs freely and without discrimination.
The Wyoming Constitution's provisions regarding religion are similar to those found in other state constitutions, particularly those drafted around the same time. For example, the constitutions of Washington, Montana, and the Dakotas, which were all admitted to the union in 1889, contain similar language and ideas. These constitutions were all influenced by the US Constitution, but they also reflect the specific concerns and values of their respective states, including a commitment to religious liberty and equality.
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Equality and freedom for all
The Wyoming Constitution was drafted in 1889, and it became effective in 1890 when Wyoming was admitted as a new state. The constitution was modelled on the U.S. Constitution, which was drawn up 100 years earlier, and contains many similarities with the constitutions of Washington, Montana, and the Dakotas, which were also admitted to the union in 1889. However, there are some notable differences.
The Wyoming Constitution is over six times the length of the U.S. Constitution, containing nearly 30,000 words across 37 sections. One of the most significant differences is its commitment to equality and freedom for all. The document states that "all members of the human race are equal... in their inherent right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This commitment to equality is further demonstrated in the constitution's protection of women's rights to vote and hold office, a provision that caused controversy at the time but was allowed to stand. Wyoming was the first state in the nation to grant women the right to vote.
The Wyoming Constitution also includes provisions to protect religious liberty. These provisions state that no religious test shall ever be applied to voting or holding office, that the exercise of any religious faith shall not be interfered with, and that no public money shall be appropriated for any society or institution under religious control. These provisions ensure that people of all religions and beliefs are treated equally and have the freedom to practise their faith without interference from the state.
In addition to its focus on equality and freedom, the Wyoming Constitution also outlines the structure of the state government. It establishes the roles and responsibilities of the governor and other elected officials, such as the secretary of state, treasurer, auditor, and superintendent of public instruction. It also empowers the people of Wyoming to propose and enact laws through initiatives and referendums, demonstrating a commitment to democratic principles and the involvement of citizens in the legislative process.
The Wyoming Constitution has been amended multiple times since its adoption, with the most recent amendment occurring in 1988. These amendments reflect the evolving nature of the document and the state's commitment to adapting its laws to meet the changing needs and priorities of its citizens while upholding the fundamental principles of equality and freedom for all.
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Religious liberty and safeguarding
The Wyoming Constitution was drafted in 1889, and it serves as the framework for the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the state government. Notably, it is much longer than the US Constitution, containing nearly 30,000 words.
The Wyoming Constitution explicitly guarantees religious liberty, including three key provisions regarding religion:
- No religious test shall ever be applied to voting or holding office.
- The exercise of any religious faith shall not be interfered with.
- No public money shall be appropriated for any society or institution under religious control.
These provisions safeguard the religious freedom of Wyoming's citizens by ensuring that religious beliefs or affiliations do not impact their political rights or access to public funds. Additionally, they protect religious institutions from government interference.
The Wyoming Constitution also contains a Declaration of Rights, which includes statements such as "all power is inherent in the people" and "all members of the human race are equal [...] in their inherent right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." These rights and liberties are extended to include religious freedom, ensuring that individuals are free to practise their faith without interference from the state.
Furthermore, Wyoming's constitution grants suffrage to women, a right that was not extended across the US until 30 years later. This progressive stance on political equality aligns with the state's commitment to religious liberty, creating a framework that promotes inclusivity and equal rights for all citizens, regardless of gender or religious beliefs.
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The constitution as a living document
The Wyoming Constitution is a living document that has evolved over time to meet the needs of the state and its people. When it was first drafted in 1889, the delegates from across Wyoming Territory used the US Constitution as their primary model, but they worked quickly to put pressure on Congress to admit Wyoming as a new state. As a result, the Wyoming Constitution, at nearly 30,000 words, is much longer than the US Constitution and includes unique provisions that reflect the state's values and priorities.
One notable aspect of Wyoming's Constitution is its commitment to religious liberty. The document includes specific provisions regarding religion, stating that no religious test shall ever be applied to voting or holding office, the exercise of any religious faith shall not be interfered with, and no public money shall be appropriated for any society or institution under religious control. These provisions ensure that people of all religious backgrounds have the freedom to participate in the political process and practice their faith without interference from the state.
Another key feature of the Wyoming Constitution is its emphasis on equality. Article VI, Section 1 protects women's rights to vote and hold office, a provision that caused controversy when Wyoming became a state in 1890 but has since become a hallmark of the state's commitment to equal rights. Wyoming's Constitution also includes statements that "all power is inherent in the people" and that "all members of the human race are equal ... in their inherent right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." These principles of self-government and equality form the foundation of the state's laws and policies.
The Wyoming Constitution also outlines the structure of the state government and the roles of its key officers. For example, Article IV, Section 11 provides for the election of the governor and four other officers, including the secretary of state, treasurer, auditor, and superintendent of public instruction. This distribution of power among multiple elected officials reduces the concentration of power in the governor's office and promotes collaboration in decision-making.
Additionally, the Wyoming Constitution addresses various other aspects of governance, such as the role of the legislature in safeguarding election integrity, establishing a public education system, and promoting the health and morality of the people. The document also includes provisions for amending the Constitution, ensuring that it can adapt to the changing needs and values of the state. Overall, the Wyoming Constitution serves as a living document that guides the state's laws and policies while reflecting the principles and values that are important to its citizens.
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The legislative, judicial and executive branches
The Legislative Branch
The people of Wyoming may propose and enact laws by initiative and approve or reject acts of the legislature by referendum. An initiative or referendum is proposed by an application containing the bill to be initiated or the act to be referred. This application must be signed by at least 100 qualified voters and filed with the secretary of state. If the secretary of state finds the application to be in proper form, they will certify it. Denial of certification is subject to judicial review. After certification, a petition containing a summary of the subject matter is prepared by the secretary of state for circulation.
The legislature of Wyoming is responsible for enacting laws that uphold the provisions outlined in the constitution. This includes laws that secure the purity of elections and guard against abuses of the elective franchise. The legislature is also responsible for establishing and maintaining a complete and uniform system of public instruction, including free elementary schools, a university, and other necessary institutions.
The Judicial Branch
The Wyoming Constitution outlines the process for filling vacancies in the legislature due to death, resignation, or other causes, which shall be filled as prescribed by law. The constitution also establishes the Commission on Judicial Conduct and Ethics, which consists of 12 members residing in Wyoming, including active judges and members of the Wyoming state bar.
In the case of courts with less than statewide authority, each judicial district or county that is not represented by a member on the commission shall be represented by two non-voting advisors. These advisors are residents of the district or county, with one being a member of the bar appointed by the governing body of the Wyoming state bar and the other being a non-attorney advisor appointed by the governor.
The Executive Branch
The Wyoming Constitution does not explicitly mention the executive branch in the context of religion. However, it outlines the role of the executive branch in the state's financial matters. General appropriation bills cover the ordinary expenses of the executive branch, along with the legislative and judicial branches, interest on the public debt, and public schools.
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