Malcolm Rivera
The current constitution of Kansas is known as the Wyandotte Constitution. It was ratified in 1859 and adopted by voters on October 4, 1859, by a vote of 10,421 to 5,530. The Wyandotte Constitution was the fourth constitution proposed by various Kansas territorial legislatures during the 1850s, a time of rigged elections, illegal power grabs, and bloodshed. The current constitution has a Preamble, a Bill of Rights, and 15 articles and has been amended 95 times, most recently in 2022.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Wyandotte Constitution |
| Date of Ratification | October 4, 1859 |
| Last Amended | 2022 |
| Number of Amendments | 95 |
| Number of Articles | 15 |
| Article Governing Amendments | Article 14 |
| Path to Amendment | Legislatively referred constitutional amendment or constitutional convention |
| Previous Constitutions | 3 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Kansas has had one constitution since statehood
The road to the Wyandotte Constitution was fraught with violence, fraudulent elections, and competing governments. Kansas produced four constitutions in its journey to statehood during the 1850s, including the Lecompton Constitution, which explicitly allowed slavery and was approved in a rigged election in December 1857. This was overwhelmingly defeated in a second vote in January 1858. The Leavenworth Constitution of 1858 prohibited slavery and granted the right to vote to free African-Americans. However, it was not without its critics, as women's suffrage was not addressed in this constitution despite being proposed at the Wyandotte Convention. The Wyandotte Constitution, the fourth and final proposed constitution, was passed in Washington after four Southern states seceded from the Union and withdrew their senators. It was then approved by President James Buchanan, and Kansas became the nation's 34th state on January 29, 1861.
The Wyandotte Constitution forms the fundamental document outlining Kansas's framework for governance. It includes a Preamble, a Bill of Rights, and 15 articles. Article 14, "Constitutional Amendment and Revision," lays out the two paths by which the constitution can be altered: a legislatively referred constitutional amendment or a constitutional convention. While there have been attempts to propose constitutional convention questions, none have met the vote requirements since 1892.
Cabinet Secretaries: Why They Trump White House Staff
You may want to see also
The Wyandotte Constitution is the current Kansas Constitution
The current constitution of Kansas is known as the Wyandotte Constitution. It is the first and only state constitution of Kansas, which was adopted by voters on October 4, 1859, and ratified in the same year. The Wyandotte Constitution was the fourth constitution proposed by various Kansas territorial legislatures during the 1850s. It was a time of rigged elections, illegal power grabs, bloodshed, and competing governments, with pro- and anti-slavery legislatures drafting rival constitutions. The Wyandotte Constitution prohibited slavery and reduced the size of the Kansas territory to its current shape. It has been amended nearly 100 times since its adoption, with voters last approving a new amendment in 2022.
Kansas produced four constitutions on its path to statehood in the 1850s, reflecting the political turmoil and identity issues of the time. The first of these was the Lecompton Constitution, which explicitly allowed slavery and was approved in a rigged election in December 1857. However, it was overwhelmingly defeated in a second vote in January 1858. The second constitution, drafted in Mineola and Leavenworth in 1858, was the most liberal of the four, as it would have granted all males the right to vote. The third constitution, the Leavenworth Constitution, prohibited slavery and granted the right to vote to free African Americans.
The Wyandotte Constitution, the fourth and final proposal, was adopted by voters in 1859 and established the framework for Kansas's governance. It includes a Preamble, a Bill of Rights, and 15 articles. Article 14 of the Wyandotte Constitution, labelled "Constitutional Amendment and Revision," outlines the two paths by which the constitution can be altered: a legislatively referred constitutional amendment or a constitutional convention.
The process of amending the Wyandotte Constitution has been utilised numerous times since its inception. While women's suffrage was proposed during the Wyandotte Convention, it was not addressed in the original constitution. The issue was raised repeatedly, and in 1867, it met the legislative vote requirement to be put on the ballot but was defeated by a significant margin. Similar outcomes occurred in subsequent years, with voters rejecting the proposal in 1894 by a narrower margin. The constitution has evolved over time through amendments, reflecting the changing needs and values of Kansas's citizens.
In conclusion, the Wyandotte Constitution, Kansas's current constitution, is a testament to the state's journey to statehood and the evolving nature of governance. It has endured as the foundational document outlining the rights, powers, and structure of Kansas's government, with amendments made over time to adapt to the changing societal landscape. The process of amending the constitution ensures that it remains a living document, capable of being refined and updated to meet the needs of Kansas's citizens.
When Decluttering, What's Worth a Final Warning?
You may want to see also
Kansas produced four constitutions in the 1850s
The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 created the Kansas Territory and opened the region to settlement, setting the stage for a violent and tumultuous decade that became known as "Bleeding Kansas." The issue of slavery in the territory was a central question, and pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers flooded into Kansas to influence the outcome. As a result, Kansas had four different constitutions and was a hotbed of political and ideological conflict.
The first constitution was the Topeka Constitution, drafted in 1855 by a group of free-state supporters. This constitution prohibited slavery and established a system of popular sovereignty, where the people of the territory would decide on the issue of slavery. However, this constitution was rejected by the US Congress, which was dominated by pro-slavery Southerners.
The second constitution was the Lecompton Constitution, drafted in 1857 by pro-slavery settlers. This document allowed for the legal protection of slavery and was approved by a biased election that excluded free-state supporters. This constitution was also rejected, but not before causing a rift in the Democratic Party and leading to the creation of the Republican Party.
The third constitution was the Leavenworth Constitution, drafted in 1858 by a group of moderate settlers. This document attempted to find a middle ground on the slavery issue, but it failed to gain support from either side of the debate and was ultimately rejected.
Finally, the fourth constitution, the Wyandotte Constitution, was drafted in 1859 and adopted in 1861, just before Kansas entered the Union as a free state. This constitution prohibited slavery and was largely based on the anti-slavery principles of the Topeka Constitution. It also included provisions for universal male suffrage, free public education, and the protection of civil liberties. The Wyandotte Constitution still serves as the basis of Kansas's government today, although it has been amended many times.
The turbulent history of Kansas in the 1850s reflects the deep divisions and passions surrounding the issue of slavery in the lead-up to the American Civil War. The four constitutions that Kansas produced during this decade were products of a volatile political landscape and the determination of settlers on both sides of the slavery debate to shape the future of the state to their ideals.
Join the USS Constitution: Requirements and Steps
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Kansas Constitution has been amended 95 times
The Kansas Constitution, originally known as the "Wyandotte Constitution," has been amended 95 times. The current Constitution of the State of Kansas was ratified in 1859 and has been amended numerous times since then to adapt to the changing needs of the state and its people.
The process of amending the Kansas Constitution is outlined in Article 14, which provides two paths for alteration. One path is through a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, where either house of the Kansas State Legislature can propose changes. For this to be successful, two-thirds of the members in each chamber must approve the resolution. The other path is through a constitutional convention, where delegates gather to discuss and propose amendments.
The Kansas Constitution has a long history of amendments, with voters playing a crucial role in approving changes. The most recent amendment, Amendment 2, was approved by voters on November 8, 2022. Over the years, the amendments have addressed various aspects of governance, individual rights, and other matters important to the state and its citizens.
The frequency and process of amending the Kansas Constitution highlight the dynamic nature of governance and the state's commitment to adapting its foundational document to meet the evolving needs and aspirations of its people. Each amendment represents a significant step towards shaping the framework that governs Kansas, ensuring that the Constitution remains relevant and responsive to the changing times.
The Wyandotte Constitution, despite being amended numerous times, remains the foundation of Kansas's governance, outlining the rights and responsibilities of the state and its citizens. The amendments reflect the state's evolving nature and its commitment to adapting to the needs of its people, ensuring that Kansas remains a dynamic and responsive state.
Constitution: Pros, Cons, and the Big Debate
You may want to see also
The Kansas Constitution was ratified in 1859
The Kansas Constitution, originally known as the Wyandotte Constitution, was ratified in 1859. It is the state constitution of Kansas and was adopted by voters on October 4, 1859, by a vote of 10,421 to 5,530. The Kansas Constitution has a Preamble, a Bill of Rights, and 15 articles. It is the current and first constitution of the state and has been amended 95 times, with the most recent amendment approved by voters on November 8, 2022.
Kansas produced four constitutions in its journey to statehood during the 1850s, including the Lecompton Constitution, which explicitly allowed slavery and was approved in a rigged election in December 1857. However, it was defeated in a second vote in January 1858 by a majority of voters in the Kansas Territory. The Leavenworth Constitution of 1858 prohibited slavery and granted the right to vote to free African Americans. The Wyandotte Constitution, the fourth and final proposed constitution, was the one that was ultimately ratified and became the official state constitution.
The process of obtaining the Kansas Constitution was marked by violence, fraudulent elections, and competing governments. Both pro- and anti-slavery legislatures drafted their own constitutions, creating rival governments, each claiming to represent the people. Congress rejected both constitutions and instructed Kansas to try again. By this time, anti-slavery forces had gained control of the state government, and a third constitutional convention was held in Leavenworth, resulting in a more radical constitution.
The Wyandotte Constitution reduced the size of the Kansas territory to its current shape and was approved by the remaining senators on January 21, 1861. Eight days later, President James Buchanan signed it into law, and Kansas became the nation's 34th state. The Kansas Constitution can be amended through a legislatively referred constitutional amendment or by a constitutional convention. While there have been proposals for a constitutional convention, none have met the vote requirements since 1892.
Home Improvement Tax Benefits: Building Materials and More
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Kansas Constitution is officially named the Wyandotte Constitution.
The Kansas Constitution was ratified on October 4, 1859.
The Kansas Constitution has been amended 95 times. The most recent amendment was approved on November 8, 2022.
The Kansas Constitution can only be amended via a legislatively referred constitutional amendment or by a constitutional convention.
