Omar Bennett
The Massachusetts Constitution is one of the oldest functioning written constitutions in the world, and has been amended 121 times as of 2022. One of these amendments occurred in 1966, when Massachusetts Questions 1 and 4 were put to a ballot as legislatively referred constitutional amendments. Both questions were approved by a simple majority vote during two successive joint legislative sessions. This was a standard procedure for constitutional amendments in Massachusetts, which did not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Amendment | November 8, 1966 |
| Type of Amendment | Legislatively referred constitutional amendment |
| Ballot Name | Massachusetts Question 4, Authority of Municipalities Amendment |
| Requirement for Ballot Placement | Simple majority vote (minimum 101 votes) during two successive joint legislative sessions |
| Governor Signature Requirement | Not required |
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What You'll Learn
Massachusetts Question 1
The Massachusetts Constitution, ratified in 1780, is the oldest constitution currently in effect in the world. Written primarily by John Adams, it served as the model for the United States Constitution. The Massachusetts Constitution has been amended 121 times as of 2022.
Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution must go through a specific process. First, initiative petitions and legislative referrals for constitutional amendments must be presented during two sessions of the Massachusetts General Court and receive support from at least 25% of the legislature in each session. If the proposed amendment secures sufficient legislative backing, it is then put on the ballot for Massachusetts citizens to vote on.
The process for amending the Massachusetts Constitution is governed by the 48th Article of Amendment, which was adopted in 1918. This article establishes an indirect initiative process requiring action by the state legislature, followed by a referendum.
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Single-Ticket for Governor and Lieutenant Governor
The Massachusetts Constitution, ratified in 1780, is the oldest constitution currently in effect in the world. Written primarily by John Adams, it served as the model for the United States Constitution. The constitution has been amended 121 times as of 2022 to meet the needs of an ever-changing and advancing society. These changes are referred to as the Articles of Amendment.
One such amendment was the Single-Ticket for Governor and Lieutenant Governor Amendment, also known as Massachusetts Question 1, which was on the ballot as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on November 8, 1966, and was approved. This amendment required a simple majority vote during two successive joint legislative sessions for the Massachusetts State Legislature to place it on the ballot. It did not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
The Massachusetts Constitution outlines the importance of the governor's independence from the influence of members of the general court and the need for a permanent and honourable salary for the governor. The constitution also details the responsibilities of the governor and council in determining the number of representatives for each city, town, and representative district.
The amending process for the Massachusetts Constitution is governed by the 48th Article of Amendment, which establishes an indirect initiative process involving the state legislature and a referendum. This process ensures that constitutional amendments reflect the needs and values of the people of Massachusetts.
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Massachusetts State Legislature
The Massachusetts Constitution, ratified in 1780, is the oldest constitution currently in effect in the world. It was written primarily by John Adams and served as a model for the United States Constitution. The constitution has been amended numerous times to meet the needs of a changing society. These changes are referred to as the Articles of Amendment, and the process is governed by the 48th Article of Amendment, which was adopted in 1918.
Amending the Massachusetts Constitution involves a specific process. Initiative petitions and legislative referrals for constitutional amendments must go through two sessions of the Massachusetts General Court and receive support from at least 25% of the legislature in each session. If a proposed amendment secures sufficient legislative backing, it advances to the next stage, where it is put on the ballot for Massachusetts citizens to vote on. This democratic process ensures that any modifications to the constitution reflect the will of the people.
In 1966, two notable legislatively referred constitutional amendments were on the ballot in Massachusetts. The first was Massachusetts Question 1, concerning the single-ticket election of the governor and lieutenant governor, which was approved by voters. The second was Massachusetts Question 4, pertaining to the authority of municipalities, which also received voter approval. These amendments underscore the dynamic nature of the Massachusetts Constitution and its adaptability to the evolving needs and preferences of the state's populace.
The Massachusetts State Legislature plays a pivotal role in the amendment process. It provides a platform for debate, deliberation, and consensus-building among elected representatives. By requiring a simple majority vote during two successive joint legislative sessions, the legislature acts as a gatekeeper, ensuring that only amendments with substantial support advance to the ballot stage. This mechanism safeguards against hasty or poorly-supported changes to the constitution while still allowing for necessary updates that reflect the values and aspirations of Massachusetts citizens.
In conclusion, the Massachusetts State Legislature is an essential component of the state's constitutional amendment process. Through its deliberative functions and the requirement for legislative support, the legislature helps shape the direction of constitutional changes. This collaborative process between lawmakers and citizens underscores the democratic foundations upon which the Massachusetts Constitution stands.
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Minimum of 101 votes
The Massachusetts Constitution, written primarily by John Adams, was ratified by the legal voters of the Commonwealth in 1780 and is the oldest constitution currently in effect in the world. As of 2022, it has been amended 121 times.
Constitutional amendments in Massachusetts must go through two sessions of the Massachusetts General Court and must be supported by a minimum of 25% of the legislature (a simple majority) during each of these sessions, which amounts to a minimum of 101 votes. If the proposed amendment receives enough legislative support, it is then put on the ballot for Massachusetts citizens to vote on. This process is governed by the 48th Article of Amendment to the Constitution, which was adopted in 1918.
On November 8, 1966, two legislatively referred constitutional amendments were on the ballot in Massachusetts: Question 1, the Single-Ticket for Governor and Lieutenant Governor Amendment, and Question 4, the Authority of Municipalities Amendment. Both amendments were approved.
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No governor's signature required
The Massachusetts Constitution, written primarily by John Adams and ratified by the legal voters of the Commonwealth in 1780, is the oldest constitution currently in effect in the world. It has been amended 121 times as of 2022.
Amending the Massachusetts Constitution involves a different process than amending the General Laws of Massachusetts. Amendments must go through two sessions of the Massachusetts General Court and must be supported by 25% of the legislature during each of these sessions. If the proposed amendment receives enough legislative support, it is then put on the ballot for Massachusetts citizens to vote on.
On November 8, 1966, two legislatively referred constitutional amendments were on the ballot in Massachusetts: Massachusetts Question 1, "Single-Ticket for Governor and Lieutenant Governor Amendment," and Massachusetts Question 4, "Authority of Municipalities Amendment." Both amendments were approved.
To place a constitutional amendment on the ballot in Massachusetts, a simple majority vote is required during two successive joint legislative sessions of the Massachusetts State Legislature. This amounts to a minimum of 101 votes in the joint session, assuming no vacancies. Importantly, these amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
Therefore, the 1966 amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution, like all other amendments, did not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
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Frequently asked questions
The Massachusetts Constitution is the fundamental governing document of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, one of the 50 states that make up the USA. It was ratified in 1780 and is the oldest constitution currently in effect in the world.
The process of amending the Massachusetts Constitution is governed by the 48th Article of Amendment. Amendments must go through two sessions of the Massachusetts General Court and be supported by at least 25% of the legislature in each session. If an amendment receives enough support, it is put on the ballot for citizens to vote on.
On November 8, 1966, Massachusetts had two legislatively referred constitutional amendments on the ballot: Massachusetts Question 1 and Massachusetts Question 4. Both amendments were approved by a simple majority vote.
