Key Provisions Of Pennsylvania's Constitution

The Pennsylvania Constitution has undergone several revisions since the state's first constitution was ratified in 1776. The 1776 constitution was drafted by Robert Whitehill, Timothy Matlack, Dr. Thomas Young, George Bryan, James Cannon, and Benjamin Franklin, and it was considered the most democratic in America at the time. The constitution included a declaration of rights, and it expanded voting rights to all men who had paid taxes, including African American men. It also established a unicameral legislature and a collective executive, and it required transparency in government proceedings. Since then, Pennsylvania has held constitutional conventions in 1789–90, 1837–38, 1872–73, and 1967–68, leading to the current constitution, which entered into force in 1968 and has been amended numerous times. The provisions of the Pennsylvania Constitution include the vesting of legislative power in a General Assembly, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives, with members chosen through elections held every two years. It also addresses compensation for public servants and the classification of counties, cities, and school districts.

Explore related products

The Constitution of the United States of America: The Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights

$9.99 $9.99

Understanding State Constitutions

$28.1 $45

An Examination of the Constitution of Pennsylvania. Exhibiting the Derivation and History of Its Several Provision, with Observation and Occasional N

$29.47 $32.75

Land Use and the Constitution: Principles for Planning Practice (AICP Handbook)

$82.99 $190

Pennsylvania Appellate Practice: Containing the Provisions of the Constitution and Statutes and the Rules of the Supreme and Superior Courts, and the ... Forms of Practice; Also the Equity Rules

$42.57

State Constitutions of the United States

$124.8 $156

The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 was the state's first constitution

The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 was a response to the growing dissatisfaction of the American colonists with King George and English rule, which ultimately led to the American Revolution. There were also strong geographic and economic conflicts within Pennsylvania that influenced the form and nature of the constitution. For example, farmers and settlers in central and western Pennsylvania resented the power held by Quakers in the eastern part of the state, who were pacifists and refused to provide military aid against attacks by Indians. Additionally, political power was concentrated in the east, and there was a refusal to admit new counties in the west, even as their populations grew.

The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 included several innovative and democratic provisions. It lifted all restrictions on voting, providing for the first time the voting franchise for all men who had paid taxes, rather than only those who owned property. It established a unicameral legislature, with members elected for one term, and a twelve-member Supreme Executive Council to administer the government. The judiciary was appointed by the legislature for seven-year terms and could be removed at any time. Another unique provision was that all approved legislation would only take effect at the next session of the Assembly, allowing the people of the state to assess the utility of the proposed law.

The constitution also established a Council of Censors, whose members were to be elected every seven years. This council was responsible for evaluating the activities of the government and censuring any actions that violated the new constitution. Any changes to the constitution had to be made through this council. The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 included a Declaration of Rights, which contributed significantly to the federal bill of rights. This declaration recognised that "all men have a right: to life, liberty, property, happiness".

The constitution was drafted by an elected court of non-government officials

The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 was the state's first constitution following its declaration of independence. It was drafted by an elected court of non-government officials, including Robert Whitehill, Timothy Matlack, Dr. Thomas Young, George Bryan, James Cannon, and Benjamin Franklin. Many of the men who took part in its creation were not members of Pennsylvania's government at the time, but rather non-landowners. The constitution was carefully compared with the original and included a Report of the Committee, appointed to enquire whether the constitution had been preserved inviolate in every part.

The constitution was framed by a convention called in accordance with the expressed wish of the Continental Congress, which assembled in Philadelphia on July 15, 1776, and completed its labors on September 28, 1776. The convention was a response to an election held in May of 1776, which returned the old guard Assemblymen to office. The Continental Congress responded by issuing a call for a new form of government, stating that the current government was "insufficient to the exigencies of affairs." Opponents of the Assembly demanded a convention to "take the sense of the province."

The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 has been described as the most democratic in America, with several innovations that were quite radical for that era. One of the most noticeable changes was the expansion of voting rights to all men who had paid taxes, including African American men. This was a significant departure from the previous requirement that voters own property. The constitution also established a unicameral legislature, with members elected for one term, and a collective executive.

The level of transparency expected and required from the government was another key feature of the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776. The Assembly, or the legislative branch, kept all of its meetings public, allowing the people to observe their proceedings at any time. Additionally, all approved legislation would only take effect at the next session of the Assembly, giving the people of the state time to assess the utility of the proposed law. This was the first instance in the colonies where the government was expected to share information so publicly.

The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 was replaced in 1790 by a new constitution. However, its influence extended beyond its relatively short lifespan, as it served as a template for other constitutions, including Vermont's 1777 constitution and the French Constitution of 1793.

The unicameral legislature and collective executive were innovative

The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 was the state's first constitution following its declaration of independence. It was drafted by Robert Whitehill, Timothy Matlack, Dr. Thomas Young, George Bryan, James Cannon, and Benjamin Franklin. Notably, many of the men who took part in its creation were not members of Pennsylvania's government at the time, but rather an elected court composed of many non-landowners. The constitution contained several innovations that were considered quite radical for that era.

The collective executive, on the other hand, represented a significant departure from the traditional model of a single executive leader, such as a governor or president. The collective executive was composed of multiple individuals who shared the powers and responsibilities of the executive branch. This approach aimed to improve decision-making by incorporating diverse perspectives and expertise. It also provided a system of checks and balances, as the collective nature of the executive branch made it more challenging for any single individual or faction to dominate.

The unicameral legislature and collective executive in the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 were designed to expand democracy and ensure that the government was representative of the people. By eliminating the need for property ownership as a voting requirement, the constitution extended voting rights to a broader segment of the population, including African American men who paid taxes. This marked a significant shift towards a more inclusive and representative form of governance.

The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 also introduced a high level of transparency in government. The legislative branch, or Assembly, kept all its meetings public, allowing people to observe their proceedings at any time. Additionally, all approved legislation would only take effect during the next session of the Assembly, providing an opportunity for the people of the state to assess the utility of the proposed laws. This unprecedented level of transparency helped prevent the concentration of power in the Assembly and ensured that the government remained accountable to its constituents.

Explore related products

Constitution of the Confederate States of America

$4.99

The Constitution of the State of Indiana

$9.75 $9.75

The Constitution of the United States and The Declaration of Independence

$1.99 $14.95

North Carolina State Constitution

$2 $12

The Constitution of the United States and Other Patriotic Documents

$22 $35

The Constitution of the United States of America: The Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights

$19.99 $3.89

The constitution expanded voting rights to all men who paid taxes

The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 was the state's first constitution following its declaration of independence. It has been described as the most democratic constitution in America at the time. The constitution was drafted by Robert Whitehill, Timothy Matlack, Dr. Thomas Young, George Bryan, James Cannon, and Benjamin Franklin. Notably, many of the men involved in its creation were not members of Pennsylvania's government but rather an elected court composed of many non-landowners.

The constitution's most noticeable change was the expansion of voting rights to all men who paid taxes, including African American men. This was a significant innovation as it was less restrictive than the previous requirement that voters own property. The new constitution also established a unicameral legislature, with members elected for one term.

The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 was the product of a popular revolt against the existing government, which had been governed under a succession of instruments known as frames of government. These documents restricted voting rights to men of property and ensured the domination of a largely Quaker ruling class. As immigration reduced the relative numbers of Quakers, their alliance with other groups continued to elect governments whose policies frustrated a growing number of people.

The constitution also introduced a high level of transparency in government. The Assembly, or the legislative branch, kept all of its meetings public, allowing the people to observe at any time. Additionally, all approved legislation would only take effect at the next session of the Assembly, so the people of the state could assess the utility of the proposed law. This was the first instance in the colonies where the government was expected to share information publicly to this extent.

The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 was replaced in 1790 by a new constitution, and the state's current constitution entered into force in 1968. Since 1776, Pennsylvania's Constitution has undergone five versions, with the most recent constitution being amended numerous times.

The constitution was amended in 1790, 1873/4, 1967, and 1968

The Pennsylvania Constitution has been amended several times since its inception, including in 1790, 1873/1874, 1967, and 1968. Here is an overview of the changes made during these periods:

1790 Amendments:

In 1790, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania made amendments to its constitution, which included provisions such as:

• Ensuring the rights, privileges, immunities, and estates of religious societies and corporate bodies were maintained, despite any changes to the state constitution.
• Requiring members of the General Assembly and all officers to take an oath to support the constitution and faithfully perform their duties.
• Declaring that all men are born free and equal, with inherent rights to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness.
• Vesting the legislative power in a General Assembly, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives.
• Stipulating that revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives, with the Senate able to propose amendments.

1873/1874 Amendments:

The Constitution of 1874 was adopted on November 3, 1873, and ratified on December 16, 1873, coming into effect on January 1, 1874. This version of the constitution included amendments such as:

• Ensuring equality of rights under the law regardless of race or ethnicity.
• Vesting legislative power in a General Assembly, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives, with members chosen during general elections every second year.
• Stipulating that no bill shall be considered unless referred to a committee and printed for members' use.
• Requiring all bills to contain only one subject, clearly expressed in the title.
• Invalidating charters or grants of special privileges where no bona fide organization existed or business was commenced in good faith.

1967 Amendments:

In 1967, the state Constitutional Convention brought about significant changes, including:

• Establishing a unified judicial system, including the creation of the appellate Commonwealth Court and the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
• Permitting local home rule and changing the legislative reapportionment process.
• Allowing the governor and lieutenant governor to serve a second term.
• Renumbering sections and amending provisions related to the selection of public officers, federal officers holding state offices, and disqualifications for office due to dueling.

1968 Amendments:

The amendments of 1968 continued the work of the 1967 Constitutional Convention, making further changes such as:

Renumbering sections and amending provisions related to the National Guard, legislative officers, compensation laws, and appropriations for public assistance.

Frequently asked questions