Isabella Carter
The first constitution of Connecticut, known as the Fundamental Orders, was adopted in 1639 and is considered the world's first written constitution. The document set the framework for the state's government, voting eligibility, and law-making processes. Connecticut's government structure evolved over the next 180 years, leading to the Constitution of 1818, which was in effect until 1965. The current state constitution was implemented in 1965 and has been amended numerous times to reflect changing societal needs and values.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date Adopted | 14 January 1639 |
| Other Names | Fundamental Orders, Fundamental Orders of Connecticut |
| Basis | Set forth the framework for Connecticut's government, defined who was eligible to vote, and how laws were to be made |
| Amendments | 31 |
| Separation of Powers | Yes |
| Freedom of Religion | No |
| Replaced By | Constitution of 1818 |
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What You'll Learn
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
The process of drafting the Fundamental Orders began in June 1638 when the Connecticut legislative body (or General Court) started secret committee meetings at the urging of influential preacher Thomas Hooker. The General Court was the legislative body of Connecticut at the time and wielded supreme authority. The Fundamental Orders were completed by the beginning of 1639 and became the cornerstone of Connecticut's government soon after.
The governance of Connecticut evolved over approximately 180 years from the ideas presented by Rev. Thomas Hooker in 1638 to the Constitution of 1818. The original Fundamental Orders of 1639 established a separation of powers with a strong single assembly. However, the colony elected its governor and appointed its judges, rather than having a royally appointed governor. Over the next 50 years, the government evolved into a bicameral legislature with a strong governor and a more independent judiciary.
The Constitution of 1818 replaced the Fundamental Orders and provided for freedom of religion. This constitution remained in effect until 1965 when it was replaced by the current state constitution, which was approved by referendum on December 14, 1965, and proclaimed by the governor on December 30. The 1965 constitution incorporated most of the provisions of the 1818 constitution while making some important modifications.
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The world's first written constitution
The Constitution of the State of Connecticut, also known as the "Fundamental Orders", was the world's first written constitution. It was adopted on 14 January 1639, a year after the state was founded, and set forth the framework for Connecticut's government, who was eligible to vote, and how laws were to be made.
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were developed over approximately 180 years, from the ideas presented by Rev. Thomas Hooker in 1638. Hooker urged the Connecticut legislative body (or General Court) to begin secret committee meetings to discuss drafting the orders in June 1638. The Connecticut General Court, which began as a one-house legislature that wielded supreme authority, split in 1698 and was renamed the General Assembly.
The Fundamental Orders established a strong single assembly with a separation of powers. The colony elected its own governor and appointed its own judges, rather than having a royally appointed governor. Over the next 50 years, the government evolved into a bicameral legislature with a strong governor and a more independent judiciary.
The current state constitution was implemented in 1965, replacing the earlier constitution of 1818, which had absorbed the majority of its predecessor's content and incorporated some important modifications. The 1965 constitution has been amended 31 times, most recently in 1976, when the minimum age requirement for electors was reduced from 21 to 18, and residency and reading requirements were relaxed.
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Separation of powers
The first constitution of Connecticut, known as the "Fundamental Orders", was adopted in 1639 and is considered the world's first written constitution. It set forth the framework for Connecticut's government, voting eligibility, and law-making processes. This document emphasised the separation of powers, establishing a strong single assembly with a legislative body known as the General Court.
The General Court, which began as a one-house legislature with supreme authority, underwent a split in 1698, resulting in the formation of the General Assembly. Despite this change, the General Assembly continued to exert dominance over the executive and judiciary branches until 1818. The General Assembly's interference in the judiciary, as seen in the case of Peter Lung in 1815, sparked outrage among judges and fuelled the call for an independent judiciary.
The Constitution of 1818 marked a significant shift in Connecticut's governance, introducing a bicameral legislature with a strong governor and a more independent judiciary. This constitution provided for freedom of religion, marking a departure from the Fundamental Orders. It was in effect until 1965 when it was replaced by the current state constitution, which was approved by referendum and proclaimed by the governor. The 1965 constitution has been amended numerous times to adapt to the evolving needs of the state and its residents.
The separation of powers is a key principle in the governance of Connecticut, with the state constitution establishing three distinct branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each branch has its own set of responsibilities and checks on the others to ensure a balanced distribution of power. The General Assembly, as part of the legislative branch, retains the right to initiate the process of amending the state constitution, emphasising its enduring role in shaping Connecticut's governance.
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Freedom of religion
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1638) is considered the state's first constitution, though it was adopted while Connecticut was still a British colony. The document recognised no allegiance to England but instead an independent government. The Fundamental Orders became the cornerstone of Connecticut's government soon after its adoption in 1639.
The first state constitution was implemented in 1818, after the American Revolutionary War. This constitution provided for freedom of religion, though Christianity remained the constitutionally favoured religion. The Congregational Church was disestablished in the 1818 Constitution, nearly two decades after the First Amendment to the United States Constitution banned Congress from making any law "respecting an establishment of religion".
In 1843, a law was passed that recognised Jews' right to worship, though these laws were largely ignored following large-scale Jewish and Catholic immigration in the latter half of the 19th century. Non-Christians were finally granted official freedom of religion in 1965 when Connecticut's current constitution was passed. The 1965 constitution absorbed most of its 1818 predecessor and incorporated some important modifications.
The freedom to practice or not practice religion without interference or coercion from the government is a fundamental guarantee of the U.S. and Connecticut constitutions. Religious freedom includes two complementary protections: the right to religious belief and expression, and a guarantee that the government neither prefers religion over non-religion nor favours particular faiths over others.
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Amendments
The first constitution of Connecticut, known as the "Fundamental Orders", was adopted in 1639. It has been referred to as the world's first written constitution and set the framework for Connecticut's government, voting eligibility, and law-making processes.
The current Connecticut Constitution, implemented in 1965, is the state's second constitution since the establishment of the United States. It replaced the earlier constitution of 1818, which was in effect from 1818 until 1965. The 1818 constitution, in turn, replaced the Fundamental Orders of 1639, providing for freedom of religion, which was absent in the earlier document.
The 1965 Constitution of the State of Connecticut has been amended 31 times. Notable amendments include:
- November 25, 1970: The addition of the Attorney General to the list of state officers.
- November 25, 1970: Changing the minimum age for state-elected offices to 21, except in cases provided for in the constitution.
- November 25, 1970: Requiring annual, rather than biennial, general sessions of the legislature.
- December 22, 1972: Establishing a six-person jury for criminal trials (excluding capital offenses, which require a twelve-person jury) and the right of peremptory challenge.
- November 27, 1974: Prohibiting sexual discrimination.
- November 27, 1974: Revising electorship from a "privilege" to a "right".
- November 24, 1976: Reducing the age requirement for electors from 21 to 18, and relaxing residency and reading requirements.
The Connecticut Constitution outlines a specific process for amending the document. Amendments can be proposed by a joint resolution of the General Assembly, which must pass each house with a three-fourths majority. The resolution then goes through a legislative process, culminating in a referendum where Connecticut residents vote on the proposed amendment.
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Frequently asked questions
The first constitution of Connecticut, known as the "Fundamental Orders", was adopted in 1639.
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut are considered the world's first written constitution. It set forth the framework for Connecticut's government, outlined who was eligible to vote, and established how laws were to be made.
The Fundamental Orders established a separation of powers with a strong single assembly. The colony elected its governor and appointed its judges, rather than having a royally appointed governor.
The Fundamental Orders were replaced by a new constitution in 1818, which provided for freedom of religion. This constitution remained in effect until 1965, when the current state constitution was implemented.
