Isabella Carter
The current Ohio Constitution, which outlines the state's framework for governance, was adopted in 1851. Ohio has had two state constitutions, with the first one being in effect from 1803, the year Ohio became a state, until 1851. The current constitution has been amended 173 times, with the latest amendment being approved by voters on November 7, 2023.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current Ohio Constitution | Adopted in 1851 |
| Previous Ohio Constitutions | 2 |
| First Ohio Constitution | Adopted in 1802 |
| First Constitution Duration | 1802-1851 |
| Current Constitution Duration | 1851-present |
| Number of Articles | 19 |
| Number of Amendments | 173 |
| Last Amendment | November 7, 2023 |
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![Constitution of the State of Ohio ... 1851 as Amended Oct. 9, 1883 and Oct. 13, 1885, with Proposed Amendments. 1889 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617DLHXyzlL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
The current Ohio Constitution was adopted in 1851
Ohio has held four state constitutional conventions, including in 1802 and 1850-51. The third and fourth conventions were held in 1873-74 and 1912, respectively. The 1850-51 convention was convened to address concerns about the state legislature's corruption and the rapid increase in state debt between 1825 and 1840. The new constitution significantly altered the checks and balances of power. Two key issues debated at the convention were African American suffrage and the prohibition of alcohol.
The delegates at the 1850-51 convention proposed a new constitution that included provisions for annual sessions of the legislature and the establishment of state circuit courts. They also proposed granting the governor veto power, which could be overridden by a three-fifths vote of each house. Unfortunately, the proposed document was defeated by voters in August 1873, with a key point of contention being the licensing of liquor sales.
The current Ohio Constitution, adopted in 1851, has been amended 173 times. The document outlines the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters. Article II of the constitution grants voters the powers of initiative and referendum, while Article III details the state's executive branch, including the governor and other statewide officers.
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Ohio has had three constitutions since statehood was granted in 1803
Ohio became the 17th state to join the United States of America on 1 March 1803. Since then, it has had three constitutions. The first constitution was adopted in 1802, the same year that Ohio was granted statehood. This constitution was superseded in 1851 when a new constitution was approved by 53.46% of voters in a statewide referendum. The 1851 constitution remains in effect today, although it has been amended 173 times.
The 1851 constitution was drafted by a convention in 1850-51. It came into effect on 1 September 1851 and significantly altered the checks and balances of power. Two key issues debated at the convention were African American suffrage and the prohibition of alcohol. Delegates rejected proposals to allow Black suffrage in the state and did not decide on prohibition. Instead, voters were asked whether they wished to permit the licensing of alcohol sales, and they rejected the proposition.
In 1912, Ohio voters approved the calling of a constitutional convention, believing the 1851 constitution to be outdated. The convention began meeting in January 1912, and delegates wrote 41 or 42 amendments, which were submitted to Ohioans in the general election in November 1912. Voters approved 33 or 34 of the amendments and rejected eight or nine others. The approved amendments reflected Progressive reforms aimed at checking the power of corrupt politicians.
Ohio held another constitutional convention in 1873-74. This time, however, voters rejected the proposed revised constitution. A key provision that led to the defeat was another attempt to permit the licensing of liquor sales, which was opposed by prohibition advocates.
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The constitution has been amended 173 times
The current Ohio Constitution, adopted in 1851, has been amended 173 times. Ohio has had three constitutions since statehood was granted in 1803. The first constitution was in place from 1802 until 1851, when the second constitution came into effect. The third constitution was drafted in 1873-1874, but was rejected by voters.
The 1851 constitution was drafted by a convention and adopted in a statewide referendum on June 17, 1851, taking effect on September 1 of that year. This constitution significantly altered the checks and balances of power, addressing issues of state debt, corporate subsidies, and special privileges that had plagued the previous legislative body. Two key issues debated at the convention were African American suffrage and the prohibition of alcohol. Delegates rejected proposals to allow Black suffrage in the state and did not decide on prohibition. Instead, Ohio voters were asked if they wished to permit the licensing of alcohol sales, and they rejected the proposition.
The 1851 constitution has been amended numerous times to reflect changing societal needs and values. One notable amendment in 1918 gave voters the power to review legislative ratification of amendments to the U.S. Constitution, although this provision was later found to be unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1912, delegates wrote 41 amendments, of which 33 were approved by voters, reflecting Progressive reforms to curb the power of corrupt politicians. Other amendments granted the power to regulate working conditions, set an eight-hour workday for public works employees, and create a mandatory workmen's compensation system.
The Ohio Constitution's Bill of Rights includes the right to alter, reform, or abolish the government, rights of conscience and education, rights for victims of crime, a prohibition of imprisonment for debt, and the right to payment of damages for wrongful death. The constitution also outlines the state's electoral system, voting rights, and term limits, as well as the structure and powers of the executive branch, including the governor and other statewide officers.
The process of amending the Ohio Constitution involves legislative, citizen-initiated, or convention-referred constitutional amendments, all of which require voter approval. The most recent amendment was approved by voters on November 7, 2023, demonstrating the ongoing evolution of Ohio's governing document.
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The constitution outlines the state's electoral system
The current Ohio Constitution, which outlines the state's electoral system, was adopted in 1851. This is the second constitution since Ohio became a state in 1803, superseding the original constitution of 1802. The constitution has been amended 173 times, most recently in November 2023.
The Ohio Constitution is the state's fundamental document, outlining its framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters. It consists of 19 articles, one of which is entitled "Elective Franchise" (Article V), which outlines the state's electoral system, including voting rights and term limits.
Article V of the Ohio Constitution establishes the requirements for voting in the state. For example, voters must register at least 30 days before an election, and inactive voters must be removed from the rolls after four years. This article also includes sections on the state's initiative and referendum process, which grants voters the power to initiate legislation and approve or reject constitutional amendments.
The right to initiative and referendum has been a significant feature of Ohio's electoral system, with voters having the final say on constitutional amendments and other important issues. For example, in 1912, Ohio voters approved an amendment that granted them the power to review legislative ratification of amendments to the U.S. Constitution, although this provision was later found to be unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition, in 1974, Ohio voters approved the Ballot Measure Language Amendment, which provided rules for the drafting and public notice of ballot language on constitutional amendments.
The Ohio Constitution also includes provisions for the state's executive branch, including the governor and other statewide officers (Article III). Initially, the governor lacked substantial power, but this has been expanded over time. For example, in 1903, governors were granted veto power.
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The constitution has 19 articles
The current Ohio Constitution, which came into effect on September 1, 1851, has 19 articles. This is the second state constitution in Ohio's history, the first having been adopted in 1802. The constitution has been amended 173 times, most recently on November 7, 2023, when voters approved Issue 1.
The 19 articles of the constitution cover a range of topics, including the state's executive branch, the governor, and other statewide officers. Article II, entitled "Legislature," grants voters powers of initiative and referendum and consists of 42 sections, four of which have been repealed. Article III, entitled "Executive," initially left the governor with limited power, and it was not until 1903 that governors gained veto power. Article IV, entitled "Judicial," consists of 23 sections, seven of which have been repealed. Article V, "Elective Franchise," covers voting rights and term limits and consists of nine sections, two of which have been repealed.
Article VI, "Education," consists of six sections, while Article VII, "Public Institutions," has three sections. Article VIII, "Public Debt and Public Works," has 17 sections, one of which has been repealed. Article IX, "Militia," has five sections, one of which is no longer in force. The constitution has been amended numerous times since its adoption, reflecting the changing needs and values of the state and its people.
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Frequently asked questions
The current Ohio Constitution dates back to 1851.
Ohio has had two or three state constitutions, depending on the source.
Ohio became a state on March 1, 1803.
The current Ohio Constitution has been amended 173 times.
The Ohio Constitution can be amended with a legislative, citizen-initiated, or convention-referred constitutional amendment, all of which require voter approval.
