Omar Bennett
The Colorado Constitution, written and ratified in 1876, is the state's original and only constitution. It establishes the basic framework of the state's government, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters. The document was drafted over 87 days by 39 delegates, and it was approved by Colorado voters on July 1, 1876, with 15,443 residents voting in favor and 4,062 opposed. The constitution has seen over 150 amendments in its history, with nearly half of the 360 amendments proposed being adopted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date written | 1876 |
| Date ratified | 1st July 1876 |
| Date operative | 1st August 1876 |
| Number of constitutions | 1 |
| Number of amendments | >150 |
| Number of delegates | 39 |
| Number of days to draft | 87 |
| Number of voters in favour | 15,443 |
| Number of voters opposed | 4,062 |
| First proposed constitution date | 11th July 1864 |
| First proposed constitution adopted by | First Colorado Constitutional Convention |
| First proposed constitution location | Denver City |
| First proposed constitution rejected | 11th October (no year given) |
| Second proposed constitution date | 12th August (no year given) |
| Second proposed constitution approved by voters | 1st September (no year given) |
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What You'll Learn
The first proposed constitution was rejected by voters
The first steps towards Colorado's constitution were taken in 1864, when Abraham Lincoln signed "An Enabling Act for the State of Colorado" on March 21, allowing citizens of the territory to organize a state. On July 11, the first Colorado Constitutional Convention in Denver City adopted the first proposed "Constitution of the State of Colorado". However, this proposed constitution was rejected by Colorado voters on October 11 by a vote of 1520 to 4672. The main reason for this rejection was the inclusion of a pre-selected group of candidates for state and national office.
The second Colorado Constitutional Convention adopted their proposed constitution on August 12, 1865, and this was approved by Colorado voters on September 1 of that year. This constitution created the basic framework for the state's government, addressing the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters. It provided for the freedom of elections, equality of justice, due process of law, prohibition of slavery, and guarantees for the property rights of aliens.
Colorado's constitution has had a significant impact on the state's governance and the lives of its citizens. It has served as the foundation for laws and policies, shaping the state's political, legal, and social landscape. The document also reflects the state's diverse citizenry and their rights, including explicit declarations of basic equality guarantees.
Over the years, Colorado's constitution has undergone several amendments to stay relevant and responsive to the evolving needs and dynamics of the state and its residents. Colorado is unique in that it reserves the right to initiate laws and hold referendums on legislative enactments for its citizens. This has resulted in a significant number of amendments, with the state having adopted nearly half of the 360 amendments proposed for approval.
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The second proposal was approved in 1865
The history of Colorado's constitution demonstrates the transformative possibilities of a state constitution in achieving protections and guarantees for its citizens. The state's constitutional history is marked by ambivalence about the human rights concerns of its diverse population. The second proposal for Colorado's constitution was approved in 1865, following the rejection of the first proposal in 1864. This second proposal was adopted by the second Colorado Constitutional Convention on August 12, 1865, and approved by Colorado voters on September 1 of the same year.
The proposal was inspired by the Wyandotte Constitution of the State of Kansas, which had been drafted in 1859. However, the first proposal was rejected by Colorado voters in October 1864, primarily due to its inclusion of a pre-selected slate of candidates for state and national offices. This rejection led to the creation of the second proposal, which was ultimately accepted by the voters.
The 1865 proposal served as a precursor to many state constitutions drafted or amended in the latter half of the 19th century. It created the constitutional conditions for Americans to engage more directly in democracy and navigate the terms and limitations of political, civil, and human rights for diverse and dynamic populations. The constitution also addressed the protection and management of natural resources, a significant concern at the time.
Colorado's constitution has undergone numerous amendments since its initial drafting, with citizens reserving the right to initiate laws, hold referendums on enacted laws, and alter the constitution itself. This has resulted in a significant number of amendments, with courts interpreting and clarifying the meaning of these changes over time. The current Colorado Constitution, adopted in 1876, remains the state's original and only constitution.
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The final constitution was ratified in 1876
The final Colorado Constitution was written and ratified in 1876. It is the state's original and only constitution. The document establishes the basic framework of the state's government, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters. Ultimate power rests with the people of Colorado and is exercised by their elected representatives in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government.
The Colorado Constitution has a unique feature that reserves the right to initiate laws for its citizens, allowing them to propose new legislation directly. Additionally, it provides for referendums on laws enacted by the legislature and the ability to alter the Constitution itself. This has resulted in a significant number of amendments over time, with Colorado citizens adopting nearly half of the 360 amendments submitted for their approval.
The process of amending the Constitution in Colorado can occur through citizen initiatives, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, or constitutional conventions. This flexibility allows the state's governing document to adapt to the changing needs and priorities of its diverse population.
The journey towards the final constitution began in 1864 when President Abraham Lincoln signed "An Enabling Act for the State of Colorado." This act allowed the citizens of the territory to organize a state, with the understanding that it would be subject to later congressional recognition. The first proposed constitution, inspired by the Wyandotte Constitution of Kansas, was rejected by Colorado voters in 1864. The second proposed constitution, adopted in 1865, was approved by the voters on September 1 of that year. However, it was the 1876 version that became the operative constitution and marked a significant milestone in the state's history.
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The document establishes the basic framework of the state government
The Colorado Constitution, written and ratified in 1876, establishes the basic framework for the state's government. It is the state's original and only constitution. The document outlines the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, as well as the rights of its citizens. Ultimate power rests with the people of Colorado, who have the right to initiate laws, hold referendums on laws enacted by the legislature, and recall office holders. The constitution also provides for voting for the governor, state legislators, and judges.
The Colorado Constitution was drafted over 87 days by 39 delegates at the Colorado Constitutional Convention, which convened on December 20, 1875. It was approved by Colorado voters on July 1, 1876, with 15,443 voting in favour and 4,062 opposed. The constitution became operative on August 1, 1876, when Colorado officially became a state.
The document was inspired by the Wyandotte Constitution of the State of Kansas, drafted in 1859. However, Colorado voters rejected this initial formulation in October 1864, primarily due to concerns over a pre-selected slate of candidates for state and national office. A second proposed constitution was adopted on August 12, 1865, and approved by voters on September 1 of the same year.
The Colorado Constitution includes provisions for the freedom of elections, equality of justice, due process of law, prohibition of slavery, and property rights for aliens. It also addresses the state's boundaries and the protection of natural resources. The document has seen numerous amendments throughout its history, with Colorado citizens adopting nearly half of the 360 amendments submitted for their approval.
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Colorado is distinct in reserving citizen's rights to initiate laws
Colorado's constitution was written and adopted in 1876, when the state was first admitted to the Union. It has since been amended numerous times, but one unique aspect that has remained is the state's reservation of citizens' rights to initiate laws. This provision, which is distinct to Colorado, grants citizens the power to directly propose and enact legislation, bypassing the state legislature.
The process of initiating laws by citizens is often referred to as the initiative process, and it reserves a significant amount of power to the people of Colorado. This power is outlined in Article V of the Colorado Constitution, which specifies that citizens have the right to propose changes to laws and even propose entirely new laws. This sets Colorado apart from many other states, where the power to initiate laws typically rests solely with the state legislature.
The initiative process in Colorado involves several steps. Firstly, citizens must prepare and submit a petition to the state. If the petition meets certain requirements, including a sufficient number of valid signatures from registered Colorado voters, it can then be placed on the ballot for a popular vote. This allows citizens to propose changes to existing laws or even introduce new laws that they believe are important for the state.
One of the key benefits of this process is that it allows citizens to have a direct say in the laws that govern them. It provides a mechanism for the people to bypass the legislature and enact laws that they feel are in the best interests of the state, even if they do not have the support of their elected representatives. This can be particularly useful in situations where the legislature is unresponsive or reluctant to act on certain issues.
The initiative process also promotes citizen engagement and participation in the law-making process. It encourages people to get involved, learn about the issues, and actively shape the laws that affect their lives. This can lead to a more informed and engaged citizenry, which is beneficial for a healthy democracy. Additionally, the process can act as a check and balance on the power of the legislature, helping to prevent the concentration of power in one branch of government.
However, it is important to note that the initiative process also has its challenges and potential drawbacks. One concern is that complex or technical issues may be decided by popular vote without the benefit of legislative debate and expertise. Another challenge is ensuring that all citizens have equal access to the initiative process, as organizing and running a successful campaign can require significant resources and knowledge of the system. Nonetheless, Colorado's reservation of citizens' rights to initiate laws remains a unique and powerful feature of its constitution, providing a direct avenue for citizens to shape their state's legislation.
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Frequently asked questions
Colorado's constitution was written and ratified in 1876.
Colorado has had one state constitution.
The first Colorado Constitutional Convention took place on July 11, 1864, in Denver City.
Colorado has a process for initiated constitutional amendments, which means amendments can happen through citizen initiatives, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, or constitutional conventions.
The Colorado Constitution guarantees freedom of elections, equality of justice, due process of law, prohibition of slavery, and property rights for all.
