Malcolm Rivera
The Pennsylvania Constitution, first adopted in 1776, is the supreme law within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the framework for the governance of the state. The current Pennsylvania Constitution, which entered into force in 1968, is the fifth version of the state constitution and has been amended numerous times. This article will explore the preamble to the Pennsylvania Constitution, which sets out the purpose and principles of the constitution, and how it has evolved over time.
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What You'll Learn
The Pennsylvania Constitution is the supreme law
The Constitution establishes the rights and freedoms of the people of Pennsylvania, including freedom of the press and free communication of thoughts and opinions. It also outlines the roles and responsibilities of the state's government officials, including the General Assembly, the governor, and governmental agencies. The Constitution also addresses the compensation of public servants, stating that no extra compensation shall be given to any public officer, servant, employee, agent, or contractor after services have been rendered or a contract has been made.
The Pennsylvania Constitution provides a mechanism for amending the document through a legislative process. Amendments require a majority vote of two consecutive sessions of the General Assembly and approval by the electorate. In emergency situations, a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly and an affirmative vote by the electorate within one month are required. The Constitution has been amended numerous times, with voters most recently approving four constitutional amendments in May 2021.
The Pennsylvania Constitution is a living document that has evolved over time to meet the changing needs and values of the state's citizens. It serves as the foundation for the state's laws and governance, ensuring that the rights and freedoms of Pennsylvanians are protected and that the government operates within its prescribed powers and limitations.
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The Constitution has been amended 44 times
The Pennsylvania Constitution, first adopted in 1776, has been amended 44 times. The most recent amendment was approved by voters on May 18, 2021, when four constitutional amendments were passed.
The Pennsylvania Constitution is the supreme law within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and all acts of the General Assembly, the governor, and each governmental agency are subordinate to it. The Constitution may only be amended if a proposed modification receives a majority vote of two consecutive sessions of the General Assembly and is then approved by the electorate. In emergency situations, a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly and an affirmative vote by the electorate within one month are required.
The Pennsylvania Constitution has had five versions since 1776, with the current version entering into force in 1968. The Constitution provides for a legislative process to amend the state's constitution, and constitutional conventions have been called in the past. The process requires a simple majority vote (50% plus 1) for voters to approve constitutional amendments.
The Constitution consists of 11 articles, including "Declaration of Rights," "The Legislature," "Legislation," "The Executive," "Elections," "Taxation and Finance," "Local Government," "Public Officers," and "Amendments." The first Constitution of Pennsylvania served as a framework for the U.S. Constitution, which did not take effect until 1789.
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The General Assembly can receive salary and mileage
The Pennsylvania Constitution is the supreme law within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. All acts of the General Assembly, the governor, and each governmental agency are subordinate to it. The current Pennsylvania Constitution was adopted in 1968 and has been amended 44 times. The Constitution may only be amended if a proposed modification receives a majority vote of two consecutive sessions of the General Assembly and is then approved by the electorate. Emergency amendments are permitted by a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly and an affirmative vote by the electorate within one month.
The Constitution of Pennsylvania provides for a mechanism for amending the state's constitution through a legislative process. It does not mention a constitutional convention process, although the legislature has called constitutional conventions in the past. The Pennsylvania Constitution has had five versions since 1776. The first Constitution was adopted in 1776 and served as a framework for the U.S. Constitution, which did not take effect until 1789. The current Constitution entered into force in 1968 and has been amended numerous times.
The General Assembly can receive a salary and mileage for regular and special sessions as fixed by law, and no other compensation. No member of either House shall receive any increase in salary or mileage under any law passed during their term. This provision ensures that the members of the General Assembly are fairly compensated for their work and travel expenses while also maintaining transparency and accountability in the legislative process.
The Pennsylvania Constitution also includes provisions regarding the powers and duties of the General Assembly. For example, the Constitution outlines the process for appointing judges and other officers, the role of the General Assembly in corresponding with other states, and the power to grant pardons. Additionally, it establishes the rights of citizens, such as freedom of speech and the right to a jury trial, which are fundamental to the democratic principles upheld by the Pennsylvania Constitution.
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The printing press is free to everyone
The Pennsylvania Constitution, first adopted in 1776, is the supreme law within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It has served as a framework for the US Constitution and has undergone five versions since its inception. The current version, adopted in 1968, has been amended numerous times.
The Pennsylvania Constitution guarantees freedom of the press and protects the right of every person to examine the proceedings of the Legislature or any branch of government through the printing press without restraint. It states:
> "The printing press shall be free to every person who may undertake to examine the proceedings of the Legislature or any branch of government, and no law shall ever be made to restrain the right thereof. The free communication of thoughts and opinions is one of the invaluable rights of man, and every citizen may freely speak, write and print on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty."
This provision ensures that citizens have the right to freely express their thoughts and opinions, and to hold the government accountable by reporting on its activities. It also establishes that individuals are responsible for ensuring that their freedom of expression is not abused and that publications are not made maliciously or negligently.
The Pennsylvania Constitution's strong stance on freedom of the press and expression aligns with the fundamental principles of democracy and the protection of individual rights. It empowers citizens to actively participate in governance and stay informed, fostering a more transparent and accountable government.
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The Constitution has 11 articles
The Pennsylvania Constitution, first adopted in 1776, is the foundation of the state's government and served as a framework for the US Constitution. It consists of 11 articles, which outline the rights and responsibilities of the state and its citizens.
Article I of the Pennsylvania Constitution establishes the state's legislative branch, the General Assembly, and sets out its powers and responsibilities. It mandates that the General Assembly shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives, with members of the latter elected every two years by the people of the state. The article also guarantees freedom of the press and free speech, stating that "the printing press shall be free to every person" and that "every citizen may freely speak, write and print on any subject".
Article II covers the executive branch of the state government, establishing the office of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and their respective duties and powers.
Article III, the judiciary, establishes the state's court system, including the Supreme Court, Superior Court, and Common Pleas Courts. It outlines the qualifications and duties of judges and addresses issues such as judicial conduct and discipline.
Article IV, known as the "Bill of Rights", guarantees the rights of citizens and places restrictions on the powers of the state government. It includes provisions protecting freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, trial by jury, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, among other rights.
Article V deals with local government and the powers and responsibilities of counties, municipalities, and school districts.
Article VI covers impeachment procedures for public officials, including the Governor, and establishes the rules for removing them from office for misconduct or malfeasance.
Article VII outlines the process for amending the Constitution, requiring a majority vote of both houses of the General Assembly and approval by the people in a statewide referendum.
Article VIII addresses issues related to elections and suffrage, including voter qualifications, election procedures, and the protection of electoral rights.
Article IX pertains to education, establishing the state's public school system and outlining the responsibilities of the state and local governments in providing for the education of their citizens.
Article X deals with miscellaneous provisions, including the state seal, the state capital, and the state's participation in interstate compacts and agreements.
Article XI, the final article, is a schedule outlining the process for the transition from the previous constitution to the new one, including the transfer of powers and responsibilities to the new state government established under this constitution.
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Frequently asked questions
The preamble of the Pennsylvania Constitution is a statement that outlines the purpose of the document and the principles on which it is founded. It is a declaration of the rights and freedoms of the people of Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Constitution consists of 11 articles, including "Declaration of Rights", "The Legislature", "Legislation", "The Executive", "Public Officers", "Elections", "Taxation and Finance", "Local Government", "Private Corporations", and "Amendments".
There have been five versions of the Pennsylvania Constitution since 1776. The current version came into force in 1968 and has been amended numerous times.
The Pennsylvania Constitution can be amended through a legislative process with voter approval. A proposed amendment must receive a majority vote in two consecutive sessions of the General Assembly and then be approved by the voters.
