Isabella Carter
Ohio has had three constitutions since it became the 17th state to join the United States of America in 1803. The second constitution was ratified in 1851, following a statewide referendum on June 17 of that year. The constitution was drafted in 1850-51 by a convention, as directed by voters, and took effect on September 1, 1851.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Ratification | 1851 |
| Date of Adoption | 17 June 1851 |
| Date of Effect | 1 September 1851 |
| Number of Constitutions | 3 |
| Date of Statehood | 1803 |
| Number of Counties | 88 |
| Powers of Initiative and Referenda | Granted to voters |
| Powers of Governor | Veto power granted in 1903 |
Explore related products
![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 constitution was ratified in 1851
Ohio's second constitution was ratified in 1851. This constitution was drafted in 1850-51 and adopted in a statewide referendum on 17 June 1851, taking effect on 1 September 1851. It is the same constitution under which the state of Ohio still operates today.
Ohio has had three constitutions since statehood was granted in 1803. The second constitution was drafted in response to the perception of the legislature as corrupt, as well as the explosion of state debt between 1825 and 1840. Two key issues debated at the convention were African American suffrage and the prohibition of alcohol.
The constitution was drafted by a convention, as directed by voters, and it greatly redressed the checks and balances of power. The U.S. Supreme Court later found this provision unconstitutional in Hawke v. Smith.
Article II of the constitution grants voters powers of initiative and referenda, including the creation of new counties, although no new county has been created since the constitution was ratified. Article XVI also lays out general rules for amendments, requiring that ballot language be approved by a five-member board consisting of the Secretary of State and four others.
The Constitution: Written, Ratified, and Signed
You may want to see also
The constitution was drafted in 1850-51
Ohio's second constitution was drafted in 1850-51 and ratified in 1851. The constitution was drafted by a convention, as directed by the voters, and was subsequently adopted in a statewide referendum on June 17, 1851, taking effect on September 1 of that year. This is the same constitution under which the state of Ohio still operates. The later "constitutions" were viewed as such, but in reality were large-scale revisions.
Ohio has had three constitutions since statehood was granted in 1803. Ohio was created from the easternmost portion of the Northwest Territory. In 1787, the Congress of the Confederation of the United States passed the Northwest Ordinance, establishing a territorial government and providing that " [t]here shall be formed in the said territory, not less than three nor more than five states." The Ordinance prohibited slavery and provided for freedom of worship, the right of habeas corpus and trial by jury, and the right to make bail except for capital offenses.
The 1850-51 constitution greatly redressed the checks and balances of power. Two key issues debated at the convention were African American suffrage and prohibition of alcohol. The U.S. Supreme Court, however, found this provision unconstitutional two years later in Hawke v. Smith.
The Historic Year Massachusetts Ratified the US Constitution
You may want to see also
The constitution was adopted in a statewide referendum
Ohio has had three constitutions since it became the 17th state to join the United States of America in 1803. The second constitution was ratified in 1851, following a convention in 1850-51. The constitution was adopted in a statewide referendum on 17 June 1851, taking effect on 1 September of the same year.
The constitution was drafted in response to the perception of the legislature as corrupt, granting special privileges and subsidising private companies. State debt also exploded between 1825 and 1840. The new constitution redressed the checks and balances of power. Two key issues debated at the convention were African American suffrage and the prohibition of alcohol.
The constitution also details the state's executive branch, including the governor and other statewide officers. Initially, the governor lacked substantial power, and it was not until 1903 that governors gained veto power. The constitution also grants voters powers of initiative and referenda, including the creation of new counties, although no new counties have been created since the constitution was ratified.
The Bill of Rights: A Constitution's Essential Companion
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The constitution was directed by voters
Ohio has had three constitutions since it became the 17th state to join the United States of America in 1803. The second constitution was ratified in 1851. This constitution was directed by voters and subsequently adopted in a statewide referendum on 17 June 1851, taking effect on 1 September of that year. The constitution redressed the checks and balances of power, and two key issues debated at the convention were African American suffrage and the prohibition of alcohol.
The U.S. Supreme Court found this provision unconstitutional two years later in Hawke v. Smith. Article II grants voters powers of initiative and referenda, and this power extends to the creation of new counties. No new county has been created since the constitution was ratified in 1851. Article III details the state's executive branch, including the governor and other statewide officers. Initially, the governor lacked substantial power, and it was not until 1903 that governors gained veto power.
The Northwest Ordinance of 1787, passed by the Congress of the Confederation of the United States, established a territorial government and provided that "there shall be formed in the said territory, not less than three nor more than five states". The Ordinance prohibited slavery and provided for freedom of worship, the right of habeas corpus and trial by jury, and the right to make bail except for capital offences. It also noted that the Northwest Ordinance "was ever considered as the fundamental law of the territory".
The Constitution: Ratified in 1776?
You may want to see also
The constitution was a large-scale revision
Ohio has had three constitutions since statehood was granted in 1803. The second constitution was ratified in 1851, and was a large-scale revision of the original. The constitution was drafted in 1850-51 by a convention, as directed by voters, and was subsequently adopted in a statewide referendum on June 17, 1851, taking effect on September 1 of that year.
The constitution was a response to the perception of the legislature as corrupt, granting special privileges and subsidies to private companies, as well as the explosion of state debt between 1825 and 1840. The new constitution redressed the checks and balances of power, and included debates on African American suffrage and the prohibition of alcohol.
The U.S. Supreme Court found a provision in the constitution unconstitutional in Hawke v. Smith, and Article II grants voters powers of initiative and referenda. Article III details the state's executive branch, including the governor and other statewide officers. The governor initially lacked substantial power, and it was not until 1903 that governors gained veto power.
The Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which established a territorial government and prohibited slavery, is considered the fundamental law of the territory. The later "constitutions" were viewed as large-scale revisions, rather than new constitutions.
Compromise of 1789: What Was Agreed to Ratify the Constitution?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Ohio's second constitution was ratified in 1851.
Ohio has had three constitutions since statehood was granted.
The first constitution of Ohio was the Northwest Ordinance, passed by the Congress of the Confederation of the United States in 1787.
Two key issues debated at the convention were African American suffrage and the prohibition of alcohol.
The second constitution was adopted in a statewide referendum on June 17, 1851, and took effect on September 1 of that year.
