Simone Lawson
Florida's current constitution was ratified on November 5, 1968, and has been modified by initiative and referendum several times since. The constitution was framed by a constitutional revision commission and approved in 1968, but many of its provisions date back to the 19th century.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current Florida Constitution Ratified | November 5, 1968 |
| Previous Florida Constitutions | 1838, 1861, 1865, 1868, 1885 |
| First Constitution as a U.S. Territory | 1838 |
| Admission to the Union | March 3, 1845 |
| Constitutional Convention, 1868 | January 1868 |
| Voters Ratified, 1868 | May 4, 1868 |
| Back in the Union | July 25, 1868 |
| Constitution of 1885 Ratified | November 1886 |
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What You'll Learn
Florida's current constitution was ratified in 1968
Florida's current constitution was ratified on November 5, 1968, and has been modified by initiative and referendum several times since. The 1968 constitution was proposed via three joint resolutions in special sessions of the Florida Legislature, held between June 24 and July 3, 1968.
The current constitution was framed by a constitutional revision commission. Many of its provisions date back to the 19th century, with Florida's first constitution as a US territory being written and implemented in 1838. Florida was admitted to the Union as the 27th state in 1845.
The 1885 Constitution, ratified in 1886, legitimized a poll tax as a prerequisite for voting, effectively disenfranchising Black people and many poor White people. It also mandated racial segregation in schools and prohibited interracial marriage between "a white person and a person of negro descent". By 1888, voter turnout had decreased by 27%, and additional provisions were adopted that further suppressed voter registration and turnout.
The 1968 Constitution has been amended several times since its ratification. The most recent amendment occurred in 2018.
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The constitution has been amended several times since
Florida's current constitution was ratified on November 5, 1968, and has been amended several times since. The process of amending the constitution involves proposing amendments, which must then be approved by 60% of voters in a referendum held alongside the next general election.
One notable amendment occurred in 2003, when the Florida Cabinet was restructured. The positions of secretary of state and commissioner of education became appointed roles, with the governor assuming responsibility for their respective agencies. Additionally, a new State Board of Education was established, comprising seven members appointed by the governor to oversee the Department of Education.
Another significant amendment was the Blaine Amendment, which aimed to prevent public funds from being used for religious purposes. In 2012, an attempt was made to repeal this amendment, but it failed to garner sufficient support.
The Florida Constitution also includes provisions for protecting the state's natural resources and scenic beauty. It mandates the conservation and protection of natural resources, with specific references to addressing air and water pollution in the Everglades Agricultural Area.
Furthermore, the constitution has been amended to include a section on due process, guaranteeing that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. This section also prohibits double jeopardy and self-incrimination in criminal matters.
The constitution has also addressed social issues, such as prohibiting marriage between "a white person and a person of negro descent" in Article XVI, Section 24. This provision was included in the 1885 Constitution and ratified in 1886, contributing to the disenfranchisement of blacks and poor whites.
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Florida's first constitution was written in 1838
Florida has been governed by six different constitutions since it joined the United States. Florida's first constitution as a US territory was written and implemented in 1838.
On December 3, 1838, delegates from across the Territory of Florida gathered in the town of St. Joseph to draft a constitution in preparation for statehood. The 1838 constitution established a one-term governor, a bicameral legislature, tight restrictions on banking, and a strict separation of church and state. The delegates used the constitutions of several other southern states as models.
The original constitution, signed by the delegates, has never been found. The only known copy of the 1838 constitution is a handwritten document signed by Convention president Robert Raymond Reid and Convention secretary Joshua Knowles, which resides at the State Archives of Florida.
The 1838 constitution was approved by the United States Congress in 1845, and it remained the basic governing document of the state through the Civil War. Confederate Florida amended the 1838 constitution but did not replace it. In 1865, Reconstruction delegates adopted a new constitution as part of the process of restoring Florida to the Union.
The current Florida Constitution was proposed in 1968 and ratified on November 5, 1968. It has been modified by initiative and referendum several times since. The change became effective on January 7, 2003.
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The constitution prohibits cruel confinement of pigs during pregnancy
Florida has had many constitutions throughout its history. Notably, the state's 1861 constitution was short-lived, as it seceded from the Union that same year. Florida's first constitution as a U.S. territory was written and implemented in 1838, and it was admitted to the Union as a state in 1845.
The current Florida Constitution was framed by a constitutional revision commission and approved in 1968, with ratification taking place on November 5th of that year. It has been modified by initiative and referendum several times since, with its most recent amendment in 2018.
One notable provision in the current Florida Constitution is the prohibition of cruel confinement of pigs during pregnancy. This provision, found in Section 21, is included alongside other sections that regulate smoking in indoor workplaces, set the state minimum wage, and require parental notification for minors seeking abortions.
The specific wording of Section 21 contains a prohibition against "limiting cruel and inhumane confinement of pigs during pregnancy." This section aims to protect pigs from inhumane treatment during pregnancy, ensuring their welfare and well-being. It is essential to note that this provision only applies to Florida and may not reflect the laws or standards in other states or countries.
The inclusion of this provision in the Florida Constitution reflects the state's recognition of animal welfare as an important issue. By prohibiting the cruel confinement of pregnant pigs, Florida has taken a step towards improving the treatment of animals within its jurisdiction. This measure is likely to have positive impacts on both the pigs' health and the quality of the state's agricultural practices.
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The constitution requires parental notification for minors seeking abortions
Florida's current constitution became effective in 1968 following its approval by the voters in 1966 and subsequent revisions in 1968. The constitution addresses various issues, including those pertaining to the state's governance, rights, and abortion.
Parental Notification for Minors Seeking Abortions
The Florida Constitution, which became effective in 1968, does not explicitly address the issue of parental notification for minors seeking abortions. However, it does contain provisions that could impact the interpretation and application of laws related to this topic.
While the Florida Constitution does not directly mandate parental notification for minors seeking abortions, the state legislature has passed laws that do require such notification. These laws are in accordance with the constitution's provisions and are designed to protect the well-being of minors and involve parents or guardians in their children's medical decisions.
The Florida Statutes § 390.01115, "Parental Consent for Abortion," outlines the specific requirements and procedures for minors seeking abortions. It states that a physician may not perform an abortion on a minor unless the physician has received written consent from the minor's parent or legal guardian. This law also provides a judicial waiver process, allowing minors to petition the court for a waiver of parental consent if they meet certain requirements, such as demonstrating sufficient maturity or best interests.
The Florida Constitution's impact on this issue primarily relates to the protection of privacy and the right to access courts. The constitution's Article I, Section 23, which addresses the right to privacy, could be interpreted as providing a basis for minors to make their own abortion decisions without parental involvement. Additionally, the constitution guarantees access to the courts, which is relevant to the judicial waiver process, ensuring that minors have a legal avenue to seek relief if they cannot obtain parental consent.
In conclusion, while Florida's current constitution does not directly address parental notification for minors seeking abortions, it sets the framework for laws and interpretations that do. The state's constitution, with its focus on privacy rights and access to courts, guides the legislation and judicial processes surrounding this complex and emotionally charged issue.
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Frequently asked questions
Florida's current constitution was ratified and became effective on November 5, 1968.
The current constitution was proposed via three joint resolutions in special sessions of the Florida Legislature.
Yes, the current constitution has been modified by initiative and referendum several times since 1968. The last amendment was in 2018.
The previous Florida Constitution was ratified in November 1886. This constitution legitimized a poll tax as a prerequisite for voting, mandated racial segregation in schools, and prohibited interracial marriage.
