Isabella Carter
The Utah Constitution, which was drafted in 1895 and ratified in 1896, defines the basic form and operation of the state government in Utah. The constitution was drafted at a convention that opened on March 4, 1895, in Salt Lake City and was later approved by the citizens of Utah. It was ratified on November 5, 1895, by popular vote and Utah was admitted to the Union as a state on January 4, 1896.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year the Utah Constitution was drafted | 1895 |
| Date the Utah Constitution was drafted | March 4, 1895 |
| Location the Utah Constitution was drafted | Salt Lake City |
| Date the Utah Constitution was ratified | November 5, 1895 |
| Date Utah was admitted to the Union as a state | January 4, 1896 |
| Number of times the Utah Constitution has been amended | 91 times as of 1996; 134 times as of 2024 |
| Last date Utah Constitution was amended | November 5, 2024 |
| Number of articles in the Utah Constitution | 22 |
| Number of sections in Article X ("Education") | 2 |
| Number of sections in Article IV ("Elections and Right of Suffrage") | 10 |
| Number of sections in Article V ("Distribution of Powers") | 1 |
| Number of sections in Article VI ("Legislative Department") | 33 |
| Number of sections in Article VII ("Executive Department") | 21 |
| Number of sections in Article VIII ("Judicial Department") | 16 |
| Voting method for the draft constitution | Voters were given a ballot with "yes" and "no" and had to erase the word they disagreed with |
| Number of delegates at the 1895 Utah Constitutional Convention | 107 |
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What You'll Learn
The Utah Constitution was ratified in 1895 and amended in 2020
Utah's journey towards statehood began in 1849 when early Mormon settlers first sought status as a territory and drafted a constitution for the State of Deseret. In 1850, the federal government established the Utah Territory, with a secular government. However, Utah's path to statehood was fraught with obstacles, primarily due to the practice of polygamy in the region. In 1852, Utah voted to become a slave territory, but this status was revoked in 1862 when Congress prohibited slavery in all U.S. territories. The same year, Congress passed the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act, which further complicated Utah's quest for statehood.
It was not until 1890 that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints renounced polygamy, clearing the way for Utah to begin drafting a new constitution. The Enabling Act of 1894, approved by Congress and signed by President Grover Cleveland, provided the framework for Utah's constitutional convention, which commenced on March 4, 1895. The convention faced contentious debates, including the question of women's suffrage. Despite opposition from some delegates and external groups, the majority supported women's voting rights, and a suffrage clause was included in the final draft.
The Utah Constitution was ratified on November 5, 1895, by a popular vote, and Utah was officially admitted to the Union as a state on January 4, 1896, with the proclamation issued by the President of the United States. The constitution has since been amended numerous times, with voters approving the most recent amendments in 2024. These amendments underscore the dynamic nature of the constitution, ensuring that it remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs and values of the people of Utah.
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The constitution was drafted at a convention in Salt Lake City
The Utah Constitution was drafted and ratified in 1895, and it was adopted in 1896 when Utah became a state. The constitution-drafting process began with the 1894 Enabling Act, which was introduced by Utah's non-voting representative in Congress, Joseph L. Rawlins, and approved by President Grover Cleveland. The Act outlined the process for Utah to become a state, including the organisation of a constitutional convention.
The convention opened on March 4, 1895, in Salt Lake City, with delegates from across the state. One of the key issues debated by the delegates was women's suffrage. While some delegates worried that including a suffrage clause in the constitution might jeopardise its chances of being approved, others, such as B.H. Roberts, strongly advocated for women's right to vote. Women suffragists like Ruth May Fox and Lucy Heppler played an active role, gathering signatures from twenty Utah counties in support of women's suffrage. Ultimately, the number of signatures in favour of women's voting rights surpassed those opposed, and suffrage was included in the Utah State Constitution.
Another significant aspect of the convention was the inclusion of an anti-polygamy provision. The practice of polygamy had been a stumbling block in Utah's previous attempts to become a state. However, in 1890, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints renounced polygamy, clearing the way for Utah to draft a constitution and take steps towards statehood.
The final draft of the constitution was put to a vote, with voters given a ballot featuring both "yes" and "no". They had to erase the word they disagreed with. The constitution was ratified on November 5, 1895, by a popular vote of 31,305 to 7,607. On January 4, 1896, President Grover Cleveland issued a proclamation admitting Utah as the 45th state of the Union.
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The constitution was approved by the citizens of Utah
The Utah Constitution was approved by the state's citizens in 1895. This was a significant step in the process of Utah gaining statehood and establishing a framework for its government and laws. The path to this approval, however, was not without its challenges and controversies.
The constitution was drafted by a group of 104 delegates, including some well-known figures in Utah's history, such as Brigham Young, Jr. and B.H. Roberts. These delegates were elected by the people of Utah and represented a diverse range of backgrounds and political beliefs. The drafting process took place over several months, with the delegates meeting in Salt Lake City to debate and shape the document that would become the foundation of Utah's governance.
The resulting constitution reflected the unique characteristics of the state and its population at the time. For example, it included provisions that prohibited polygamy and established a public school system that was free from religious control. These provisions were included to address concerns raised by the federal government and to ensure that Utah met the requirements for statehood.
Once the constitution was drafted, it was submitted to the people of Utah for their approval. This process involved a territory-wide vote, with all citizens given the opportunity to cast their ballot. The vote took place on November 5, 1895, and the constitution was approved by a significant majority. This approval sent a strong message to the federal government that the people of Utah were united in their desire for statehood and committed to meeting the necessary requirements.
The approval of the constitution by Utah's citizens was a crucial step in the state's journey to gaining admission to the Union. It demonstrated a unified front and a commitment to establishing a stable and lawful government. This approval also set the stage for the final steps in the process, including the election of state officers and the creation of a functioning state government. The people of Utah had spoken, and their voices played a pivotal role in shaping the future of their state.
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The constitution was amended 91 times between 1896 and 1996
The Utah Constitution, which defines the basic form and operation of the state government, was signed in 1895 and ratified on November 5, 1895, by a popular vote of 31,305 to 7,607. The constitution was drafted at a convention that began on March 4, 1895, in Salt Lake City. It was the eighth constitution drafted by Utahns, with the first drafted in 1849 as part of repeated attempts to become a state.
Utah became a state in 1896 when it was admitted to the Union. Between 1896 and 1996, the Utah Constitution was amended 91 times. The constitution has been interpreted and amended over the years, with the Utah Supreme Court playing a significant role in its evolution. For example, in the 1980 case of Hansen v. Owens, the Utah Supreme Court interpreted Article I, § 12 of the constitution as providing greater protection against self-incrimination than the Fifth Amendment. This interpretation was based on the unique language of Article I, § 12, which refers to being compelled "to give evidence against [one]self" rather than "to be a witness against [one]self." However, this position was later retracted in the 1985 case of American Fork City v. Crosgrove, where the court overruled the Hansen decision.
The Utah Constitution includes various provisions that shape the state's laws and governance. For instance, it prohibits polygamy and "plural marriages," mandates free public schooling without sectarian control, and bans lotteries and other forms of gambling. It also outlines the process of impeachment for officials and the powers of the Governor regarding convening extraordinary sessions of the legislature.
The process of voting on the draft constitution in the late 19th century was carefully designed. Voters were given ballots with both "yes" and "no" options, and they had to erase the word they disagreed with to cast their vote. This two-step process ensured that voters actively considered their choice and provided a clear indication of their preference.
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The constitution includes the right to vote for women
The Utah Constitution was drafted and ratified in 1895, with the state being admitted to the Union in 1896. The constitution was drafted at a convention in Salt Lake City, which began on March 4, 1895, and was later approved by the citizens of Utah.
Article 4, Section 1 of the Utah Constitution states: "The rights of citizens of the State of Utah to vote and hold office shall not be denied on account of sex. Both male and female citizens of this State shall enjoy equally all civil, political, and religious rights and privileges." This provision was added to the constitution after women's suffrage organizations throughout the territory lobbied delegates to include these rights. The final struggle for suffrage began with the convening of Utah's constitutional convention in March of 1895, and despite some opposition, the delegates voted by a comfortable majority to include a clause granting women's suffrage and the right to hold office.
The inclusion of women's suffrage in the Utah Constitution was a significant step forward for women's rights in the state, and it came at a time when the national women's rights movement was gaining momentum. The right to vote for women in Utah was won twice, first granted in 1870 and then restored in 1895 when it was written into the constitution of the new state. The inclusion of this right in the constitution ensured that women in Utah would have a voice in the political process and the ability to influence the direction of the state.
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Frequently asked questions
The Utah Constitution was signed in 1896.
In 1896, Utah was admitted to the Union as a state, after the constitution was ratified in 1895.
The Utah Constitution has been amended 134 times as of 2024, with the last amendment taking place in 2020.
