When Missouri's Current Constitution Was Written

The current Missouri Constitution, the fourth in the state's history, was written and ratified in 1945. It was adopted on February 27, 1945, and remains the state's current constitution.

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The fourth Missouri Constitution was ratified in 1945

The fourth Missouri Constitution, which is the current constitution, was ratified in 1945. This constitution was adopted to address the changing needs and challenges faced by the state, including demographic shifts, economic changes, and the influence of corrupt political "bosses". The previous constitution, which was adopted in 1875, was no longer seen as reflective of Missouri's priorities.

The process of drafting the new constitution began in 1943 when a constitutional convention was convened in Jefferson City, bringing together delegates from across the state. These delegates were tasked with reviewing the existing constitution, considering amendments, and creating a document that better served the state's evolving needs. The result was a modern framework for governance that provided for three branches of government: the legislative branch (the Missouri General Assembly), the executive branch (the Governor of Missouri), and the judicial branch (the Supreme Court of Missouri). It also established local governments in the form of counties and cities.

The 1945 constitution includes a preamble that was also used in the 1875 constitution, stating: "We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness, do establish this Constitution for the better government of the state." Since its adoption, the 1945 constitution has been amended numerous times, with at least 119 amendments made to date. These amendments have addressed various issues, including controversial topics such as the legalization of commercial gambling, stem cell research, and same-sex marriage.

The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of Missouri and serves as the supreme law formulating the state's law and government. It is subject only to the federal Constitution of the United States. The first Missouri Constitution was written in 1820 and admitted Missouri to the Union as a slave state, with an "exclusion clause" that specifically excluded "free negroes and mulattoes". This clause initially caused issues with Missouri's admission to the Union but was interpreted vaguely to allow for admission.

The first Missouri Constitution was written in 1820

During the American Civil War, the Missouri Constitutional Convention (1861-63) decided against secession and did not produce a new constitution. Instead, they acted as the de facto pro-Union government of Missouri when the governor and other politicians who supported the Confederacy fled from Jefferson City. They provided for elections to a new constitutional convention, which was elected in November 1864 and passed a second Missouri state constitution that abolished slavery, ratified on June 6, 1865. This second constitution was known as the "Draconian Constitution" due to its loyalty oath provisions, which were later struck down by the US Supreme Court.

The fourth and current Missouri Constitution was adopted in 1945, providing a modern framework for governance that reflected the contemporary needs and aspirations of Missourians. It established three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial, as well as local governments in the form of counties and cities. The need for this new constitution arose from various factors, including demographic shifts, economic changes, and the perceived influence of corrupt machine politics on the state.

Since its adoption, the 1945 constitution has been amended numerous times, with at least 119 amendments made to date. These amendments have covered a range of issues, from legalizing commercial gambling to allowing the production of human embryos for stem cell research, and more recently, regulating medical marijuana. While the current constitution has been amended and updated over time, the foundation laid by the first Missouri Constitution in 1820 remains a significant milestone in the state's history.

The current Missouri Constitution has been amended over 100 times

The current Missouri Constitution, adopted in 1945, is the fourth constitution of the state. It has been amended over 100 times since its adoption, with at least 119 amendments made to date. The constitution provides for three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial, and sets up local governments in the form of counties and cities. It also includes detailed taxation provisions and guarantees certain rights to crime victims, which are not included in the federal constitution.

The process of amending the Missouri Constitution can be done through three different paths: a citizen-initiated process, a legislative process, or a state constitutional convention. The state constitution also includes an automatic provision, which gives voters the option to call for another constitutional convention through a ballot referendum every 20 years. This referendum has been voted on in 1962, 1982, 2002, and 2022, and will be voted on again in 2042, but none have passed to date.

Some of the recent amendments to the Missouri Constitution include the legalization of commercial gambling in 1993, the approval of human embryo production for stem cell research in 2006, and the prohibition of same-sex marriage in 2004. In 2008, an English-only amendment was passed, and in 2018, a constitutional amendment legalized and regulated medical marijuana.

The need for the current Missouri Constitution arose from various factors, including demographic shifts, economic changes, and the perceived influence of corrupt political "bosses" in the state. The previous constitution, adopted in 1875, was considered outdated and no longer reflective of the state's priorities and challenges. The drafting of the new constitution began in 1943 when a constitutional convention was called, and it was ratified by voters on February 27, 1945.

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Voters can call for a new constitution every 20 years

The current Missouri Constitution, the fourth in the state's history, was written and ratified in 1945. This constitution provides for three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial. It also sets up local governments in the form of counties and cities. The need for a new constitution arose from various factors, including demographic shifts, economic changes, and the perceived influence of corrupt political "bosses".

The Missouri Constitution can be amended in three ways: through a citizen-initiated process, a legislative process, or a state constitutional convention. Since its adoption in 1945, the constitution has been amended at least 119 times, with some of these amendments being particularly controversial and high-profile. For example, in 1993, an amendment was passed to legalize commercial gambling, and in 2004, an amendment was added to prohibit same-sex marriage. More recently, in 2018, a constitutional amendment was passed to legalize and regulate medical marijuana.

The 1945 Constitution was Missouri's sixth constitutional convention

The current Missouri Constitution, adopted in 1945, is the state's fourth constitution. It provides for three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial, as well as local governments in the form of counties and cities. The 1945 Constitution was Missouri's sixth constitutional convention, with the first constitution being written in 1820.

In the early 20th century, Missouri was plagued by corrupt political "bosses" like Tom Pendergast of Kansas City. Reformers called for a new constitutional convention, and in 1942, voters passed this initiative. The 1945 Constitution was ratified by voters on February 27, 1945, and it remains Missouri's current constitution.

The 1945 Constitution provided a modern framework for governance, reflecting the contemporary needs and aspirations of Missourians. It addressed issues such as demographic shifts, economic changes, and the influence of corrupt machine politics. The constitution has been amended over 100 times since its adoption, with at least 119 amendments made to date. These amendments have covered a range of issues, from commercial gambling and stem cell research to same-sex marriage and medical marijuana.

The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of Missouri and is the supreme law formulating the state's government and legal system. It is subject only to the federal Constitution of the United States. The Missouri Constitution goes beyond the federal constitution in certain guarantees to its citizens, such as ensuring certain rights to crime victims.

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