Omar Bennett
The first constitution of Tennessee was adopted on February 6, 1796, and came into effect on June 1, 1796, when Tennessee became a state. The original constitution was not submitted to voters for approval but was approved by the US Congress. Tennessee has had three state constitutions, with the current one being adopted in 1870 and amended 11 times since 2006.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of first constitution | 1 June 1796 |
| Date of first constitution adoption | 6 February 1796 |
| Current constitution | Third constitution, adopted in 1870 |
| Number of state constitutions | 3 |
| Number of amendments to current constitution since 2006 | 11 |
| Date of last amendments approved by voters | 8 November 2022 |
| Number of amendments proposed in 2002 | 2 |
| Number of amendments proposed in 1978 | 13 |
| Number of amendments rejected by voters in 1978 | 1 |
| Number of articles in the current constitution | 11 |
| Number of sections in Article IX | 3 |
| Number of sections in Article X | 5 |
| Number of sections in Article XI | 3 |
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What You'll Learn
Tennessee's first constitution was adopted on February 6, 1796
The constitution defined the legislative authority of the state, which was to be vested in a general assembly consisting of a senate and a house of representatives, both dependent on the people. It also outlined the process for choosing senators and the apportionment of senators and representatives. The constitution included provisions for the state seal and the appointment of a secretary of the state, who would maintain a register of official acts and proceedings of the governor.
Another notable aspect of Tennessee's first constitution was its stance on ministers and atheists. It stated that ministers of any religion could not serve as legislators, while atheists were barred from holding any government office. These restrictions were later deemed unenforceable due to interpretations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the US Constitution.
The original constitution also included a preamble and articles outlining various sections. The sections addressed topics such as taxable inhabitants, land claims, and temporary commissions to fill vacancies during recesses. The constitution established the framework for governance in Tennessee, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, as well as individual and civil rights.
Tennessee has had three state constitutions in total. The second version was adopted in 1835, and the third and current constitution was adopted in 1870 after the Civil War. The current constitution has been amended multiple times, with voters approving four amendments as recently as November 8, 2022.
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It came into effect on June 1, 1796, when Tennessee became a state
The original Tennessee state constitution came into effect on June 1, 1796, when Tennessee became a state. This was the first constitution of the State of Tennessee, and it was adopted on February 6, 1796. It was approved by the US Congress, in conjunction with the resolution admitting Tennessee as a state. The constitution was not submitted to the voters for approval. Instead, it was put into effect when Tennessee entered the Union.
The constitution outlined the legislative authority of the state, with the power vested in a general assembly consisting of a senate and a house of representatives. It also established the fundamental rules and structure of the state, including the method of choosing senators and the process for filling vacancies in government offices.
The original Tennessee state constitution was replaced by a second version in 1835, and a third constitution was adopted in 1870. The current Tennessee Constitution is the third constitution and has been amended multiple times since 2006. The voters approved four amendments as recently as November 8, 2022.
The process of amending the Tennessee Constitution is a rigorous one. It requires the state legislature to pass a constitutional amendment during two successive legislative sessions, with an election in between. This ensures that the changes are carefully considered and have broad support before being implemented.
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The constitution has been amended 11 times since 2006
The original constitution of Tennessee came into effect on June 1, 1796, concurrent with the state's admission to the Union. The first constitution was criticised for giving insufficient authority to the executive and investing too much authority in the legislature, a part-time body. A second version of the constitution was adopted in 1835, and a third in 1870, which is the constitution that remains in use today.
The Tennessee Constitution has been amended 11 times since 2006. In the state of Tennessee, the constitution can be amended in two ways: through the legislative process or a state constitutional convention. The state Legislature must pass a constitutional amendment during two successive legislative sessions with an election in between. During the first legislative session, a simple majority vote is required in both legislative chambers. During the second legislative session, a two-thirds majority vote is required in both legislative chambers. Amendments must be placed on general election ballots with a gubernatorial election, and they do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
In 2002, the legislature proposed two amendments. The first proposal passed, repealing a constitutional ban on all lotteries. The second amendment, pushed by the Tennessee Municipal League (TML), would have eliminated a constitutional provision that set a $50 fine as the maximum allowable punishment for violating a municipal ordinance. However, the TML did not put enough effort into winning voter approval, and the proposal was largely overlooked during the public debate. This amendment was defeated at the polls.
In 2022, voters approved four amendments to the Tennessee Constitution. There are also several proposed amendments for 2026, including an amendment to Article I, Section 35, relative to the rights of crime victims, and an amendment to Article II, Section 28, to prohibit taxation of property by the state.
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The document defines the state's framework for governance
The Constitution of Tennessee is the state's fundamental document, outlining its framework for governance. Tennessee has had three constitutions, with the current one being adopted in 1870. The original constitution came into effect on June 1, 1796, with Tennessee's admission to the Union as a state. This document established the state's legislative authority, consisting of a senate and a house of representatives, both accountable to the people.
The constitution defines the powers, structure, and limitations of Tennessee's government, as well as individual and civil rights. For instance, Article V grants the House of Representatives the sole power to impeach, with the process being tried in the Senate and presided over by the chief justice of the Supreme Court. It also outlines the procedure for filling vacancies in offices during recess, with the governor having the power to grant temporary commissions until the next session of the legislature.
The document also includes provisions that are now considered archaic, such as restrictions on ministers and atheists holding certain offices, which have been deemed unenforceable due to interpretations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the US Constitution. Another example is the ban on lotteries, which was repealed in 2002 as it was seen as a relic of religious fundamentalism and the influence of Andrew Jackson, a known lottery opponent.
Amending the constitution is a rigorous process. The state legislature must pass a constitutional amendment during two successive legislative sessions with an election in between. A simple majority vote is required in the first session, while a two-thirds vote is mandated for the second. Amendments are then placed on general election ballots, where voters have the final say. This process has been utilised several times since 2006, with voters approving four amendments as recently as November 8, 2022.
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It outlines powers, structure, limitations and civil rights
The Constitution of the State of Tennessee is the fundamental document that outlines the state's framework for governance. It defines the form, structure, activities, character, and fundamental rules of the state, as well as the means for changing them. Tennessee has had three constitutions, with the current one being adopted in 1870 and amended 11 times since 2006.
The original Tennessee state constitution came into effect on June 1, 1796, concurrent with the state's admission to the Union. It outlined the legislative authority of the state, which was to be vested in a general assembly consisting of a senate and a house of representatives, both dependent on the people. The constitution also included sections on the enumeration of taxable inhabitants, the apportionment of senators, the method of choosing senators, and the powers of the governor.
The second version of the Tennessee Constitution was adopted in 1835, and the third in 1870, after the Civil War. The current constitution has been amended several times, with the most recent amendments being approved by voters on November 8, 2022.
The Tennessee Constitution outlines the powers, structure, limitations, and civil rights of the state government. It includes articles on disqualifications, barring ministers of any religion, atheists, and those involved in duels from holding certain offices or privileges. It also outlines the process of impeachment, which is led by the House of Representatives and tried in the Senate, with the chief justice of the Supreme Court presiding.
The constitution also addresses the role of the governor, who has the power to fill vacancies in the general assembly during recesses and is responsible for grants, commissions, and the state seal. It further establishes the position of a secretary of the state, who is appointed for a term of four years and is responsible for keeping a register of the official acts and proceedings of the governor.
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Frequently asked questions
Tennessee's first constitution was written in 1796.
Tennessee's first constitution came into effect on June 1, 1796, upon Tennessee's admission by Congress to statehood.
Tennessee has had three state constitutions.
The constitution is located in Tennessee's State Library and Archives.
