Simone Lawson
The Wisconsin Constitution, which was drafted in English in December 1847, came into effect on May 29, 1848, when Wisconsin became the 30th state. The constitution was approved by the citizens of Wisconsin Territory in a referendum held in March 1848. It establishes the structure and function of the state government, describes the state boundaries, and declares the rights of state citizens. Although the Wisconsin Constitution has been amended over a hundred times, the original constitution ratified in 1848 is still in use, making it the oldest U.S. state constitution outside of New England.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Effect | 29 May 1848 |
| Date of Ratification | 13 March 1848 |
| Referendum Vote | 72% Yes, 28% No |
| Constitutional Convention Date | December 1847 |
| Number of Delegates | 69 |
| Number of Amendments | Over 100 |
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What You'll Learn
The Wisconsin Constitution was ratified in 1848
The constitution was drafted in English and translated into other languages for publication in newspapers in the territory. The issue of banking was put to a public vote, and citizens could decide whether the state legislature could pass laws allowing banking after the constitution was ratified. The second proposed constitution was finished in December 1847 and approved by the public in March 1848. Voters ratified the 1848 constitution on March 13, 1848, by a vote of 16,759 (72%) to 6,384 (28%).
The Wisconsin Constitution establishes the structure and function of the state government, describes the state boundaries, and declares the rights of state citizens. It is divided into two houses: the Wisconsin State Assembly and the Wisconsin State Senate. The constitution sets forth the method of electing legislators and gives their terms as two years for representatives to the assembly and four years for senators. It allows bills to originate in either house and gives each house the ability to amend bills already passed by the other.
The constitution has been amended over a hundred times, but the original constitution ratified in 1848 is still in use. This makes the Wisconsin Constitution the oldest U.S. state constitution outside of New England.
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It is the state's first and only constitution
The Wisconsin Constitution, drafted in English and translated into multiple languages, is the state's first and only constitution. It was written in December 1847 at a constitutional convention held in Madison, Wisconsin, and approved by the citizens of Wisconsin Territory in a referendum on March 13, 1848, with 72% of the vote. Wisconsin was admitted to the United States on May 29, 1848, and its constitution became the framework for its state and local governments.
The Wisconsin Constitution establishes the structure and function of the state government, describes state boundaries, and declares the rights of its citizens. It consists of a brief preamble and fourteen articles detailing the state government, its powers, and its limitations. The constitution has been amended over a hundred times, with the first amendment occurring in 1908, but the original constitution ratified in 1848 remains in use, making it the oldest U.S. state constitution outside of New England.
The constitution outlines the process for impeaching and trying state officials, with the state assembly having the power to impeach and the state senate conducting the impeachment trial. It also establishes the state's judicial branch, granting judicial power to a unified Wisconsin Supreme Court. Additionally, it addresses issues such as banking, homestead exemptions, and married women's property rights.
The Wisconsin Constitution has been amended to address changing historical circumstances and concerns not considered by its founders. For example, an amendment in 1908 ended the practice of allowing noncitizens to vote if they declared their intent to become citizens. In 1968, another amendment allowed the legislature to meet more frequently to prevent backlog.
The Wisconsin Constitution's longevity and continued relevance are a testament to the vision and wisdom of the state's founders.
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The document has been amended over 100 times
The Wisconsin Constitution, which was ratified in 1848, has been amended over a hundred times. This makes it the oldest U.S. state constitution outside of New England. The constitution is a testament to the vision and wisdom of Wisconsin's founders, with many of its key provisions remaining as originally drafted. However, some amendments have been necessary to address changing historical circumstances, while others have been created to address concerns not considered by the founders.
One notable amendment occurred in 1908, when the Wisconsin Constitution was amended to end the practice of allowing noncitizens to vote if they declared their intent to become citizens. This change took effect in 1912, and while it removed the affirmative grant of voting rights to certain noncitizens, it did not explicitly bar state lawmakers or local governments from authorizing noncitizen voting. It was subsequent federal and state laws that made it expressly illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal and state elections.
Another significant amendment was made in 1930, when the constitution was amended to grant the governor a powerful line-item veto on appropriation bills. However, this power was curtailed in 1990 with another amendment specifying that the governor could not create a new word in a bill by vetoing individual letters.
In addition to these amendments, the Wisconsin Constitution has also undergone numerous other changes. For example, the constitution was amended to remove the restriction on the legislature's ability to meet "once in two years, and no oftener," allowing them to determine their meeting times more flexibly. The constitution has also been amended to address issues such as banking laws, homestead exemptions, and married women's property rights.
The process of amending the Wisconsin Constitution is outlined in Article XII, which describes the two methods that can be used to make changes. The first method is a legislative amendment, where legislators in two successive legislative sessions must vote by a majority in both houses to pass the amendment before presenting it to voters for ratification or rejection. The second method is a convention-referred amendment, which also requires voter approval. These processes ensure that any changes to the constitution are carefully considered and approved by the people of Wisconsin.
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It establishes the structure and function of the state government
The Wisconsin Constitution, which came into effect in 1848, establishes the structure and function of the state government. It is the governing document of the US State of Wisconsin and is divided into two houses: the Wisconsin State Assembly and the Wisconsin State Senate. The constitution outlines the method of electing legislators, with representatives to the assembly serving two-year terms and senators serving four-year terms. It allows bills to originate in either house, and each house can amend bills passed by the other.
The constitution also sets limitations on the power of the legislative branch. For example, it prohibits the state legislature from authorising gambling, although amendments have created exceptions for certain nonprofit organisations and a state lottery. The legislature is also restricted from passing laws affecting specific private businesses, such as changing a person's name.
Article V of the constitution, entitled "Executive", describes the executive office and provides for a governor and lieutenant governor, who are jointly elected for four-year terms. The governor of Wisconsin commands the state's military forces and has the power to pardon convicts and veto bills passed by the state legislature. However, a two-thirds majority in the legislative house can override the veto.
Article VII of the constitution, entitled "Judiciary", outlines the state's judicial branch, granting judicial power to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. It also describes the process for impeaching and trying state officials. A majority of members in the state assembly can vote to impeach a civil officer, and the state senate conducts the impeachment trial. Conviction requires a two-thirds affirmative vote of the present senators.
Article X of the constitution, entitled "Education", covers the establishment of school districts, a state university, and the rules, standards, and funding mechanisms for state education.
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It was drafted in English and other languages
The Wisconsin Constitution, drafted in English, is the governing document of the U.S. State of Wisconsin. It establishes the structure and function of the state government, describes the state boundaries, and declares the rights of state citizens. The Wisconsin Constitution was written at a constitutional convention held in Madison, Wisconsin, in December 1847. It was approved by the citizens of Wisconsin Territory in a referendum held in March 1848, with 72% of voters ratifying the constitution.
Although the drafters wrote the constitution in English, they contracted with publishers of newspapers in the territory that were not printed in English to translate the constitution into other languages. This ensured that people who did not speak English could understand the constitution in their native language. The drafters recognised the importance of ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their language, could understand and engage with the constitution.
The constitution was drafted by 69 delegates, including 46 Democrats and 23 Whigs. It was the state's first and only constitution, and it has been amended over a hundred times. The original constitution, ratified in 1848, is still in use today, making it the oldest U.S. state constitution outside of New England. Only Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont have older constitutions.
Wisconsin became the 30th state on May 29, 1848, and its constitution has served as the framework for its state and local governments. The constitution has been amended to address changing historical circumstances and to include concerns not considered by the founders. Many of its key provisions remain as originally drafted, demonstrating the wisdom and foresight of Wisconsin's founders.
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Frequently asked questions
The Wisconsin Constitution went into effect in 1848.
Yes, the 1848 constitution is Wisconsin's first and only constitution.
Voters ratified the constitution on 13 March 1848.
72% of voters approved the constitution, while 28% voted against it.
The constitution has been amended over a hundred times, but the original constitution from 1848 is still in use.
