Malcolm Rivera
The Maine Constitution was drafted in October 1819, shortly after residents voted to separate from Massachusetts in July of the same year. The constitution was ratified in 1820 and was last amended in November 2011. It is the fourth-oldest operating state constitution in the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of drafting | July 1819 |
| Date of finalization | October 1819 |
| Date of approval by 210 delegates | October 1819 |
| Date of approval by towns people | December 1819 |
| Date of approval by Congress | March 4, 1820 |
| Date of ratification | 1820 |
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What You'll Learn
- The Maine Constitution was drafted in 1819 and ratified in 1820
- It was approved by 210 delegates at the Maine Constitutional Convention
- The Constitution was written to establish justice, insure tranquility, and promote common welfare
- It is the fourth-oldest operating state constitution in the US
- The Constitution was amended most recently in 2011
The Maine Constitution was drafted in 1819 and ratified in 1820
In December 1819, the towns were asked to approve the constitution, which they did. The Maine Constitution was then approved by Congress on 4 March 1820, as part of the Missouri Compromise, as the Maine Constitution did not recognise slavery. On 25 February 1820, the General Court passed a measure officially accepting Maine's imminent statehood.
The Maine Constitution is the fourth-oldest operating state constitution in the country and is preserved at the Maine State Archives. It differs from the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 in its reference to religious freedom, stating that "all individuals have a natural and unalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences".
The Maine Constitution also outlines who may vote for the Governor and members of the Maine Legislature. It states that every citizen of the United States aged 18 or older who has established residence in Maine is eligible to vote in state elections, with certain exceptions, such as those under guardianship for reasons of mental illness or those in the military service.
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It was approved by 210 delegates at the Maine Constitutional Convention
The Maine Constitution, one of the oldest functioning written constitutions, was indeed approved by 210 delegates at the Maine Constitutional Convention, which took place from October 27 to November 3, 1819, in the then-capital of Portland. This gathering of delegates followed the people's will, expressed through a referendum in July of the same year, in which they voted in favor of separating from Massachusetts and becoming a state.
The convention was held in the courthouse, now known as the "Old Courthouse," which still stands in downtown Portland. The delegates represented various towns and cities across what would become Maine. They engaged in spirited debates and discussions to shape the new state's government and laws.
One of the convention's key figures was William King, a prominent businessman and politician who would become Maine's first governor. King played a pivotal role in drafting the constitution and ensuring its approval by the delegates. The document they crafted established the framework for Maine's government, outlining the powers and responsibilities of the state's executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
The constitution addressed a range of issues, including voting rights, the establishment of a bicameral legislature, and the protection of individual liberties. It also included provisions for the gradual abolition of slavery, making Maine one of the few states at the time to take such a progressive stance.
Following its approval by the delegates, the constitution was submitted to the people of Maine for ratification. On May 29, 1820, the voters of Maine overwhelmingly approved the document, with 7,087 votes in favor and only 256 against. This ratification marked the final step in Maine's journey to statehood, as it was officially admitted to the Union as the 23rd state on March 15, 1820. The Maine Constitution has since been amended numerous times, but it remains the foundation of the state's governance, reflecting the values and aspirations of its citizens.
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The Constitution was written to establish justice, insure tranquility, and promote common welfare
The Maine Constitution was drafted in 1819, shortly after the residents of Maine towns voted to separate from Massachusetts in July of that year. The primary purpose of a constitution is to establish justice, ensure tranquility, and promote the common welfare.
The Maine Constitution, like other constitutions, provides a framework for the state government and outlines the rights and responsibilities of its citizens and government officials. It establishes the structure and functions of the different branches of government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. By dividing the government into these branches, the constitution helps to ensure justice and prevent the abuse of power by any single individual or group.
The legislative branch, as outlined in the constitution, is responsible for creating and amending laws. The executive branch, led by the governor, is tasked with enforcing these laws, while the judicial branch, including courts and judges, interprets and applies the law, resolving disputes and holding those who violate the law accountable. This separation of powers promotes justice and checks and balances within the government.
Additionally, the Maine Constitution, and constitutions in general, often include provisions to protect the rights and liberties of citizens. These rights may include freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, and due process of law. By guaranteeing these rights, the constitution promotes justice, ensures that citizens can live peacefully without fear of arbitrary government intrusion, and fosters a sense of common welfare among the people.
Furthermore, constitutions typically define the relationship between different levels of government, such as the state and local governments, and outline the powers and responsibilities of each. This helps to prevent conflicts and ensure a smooth governance system, contributing to tranquility and the overall welfare of the state.
The Maine Constitution, finalized in October 1819 and adopted by a vote of the townspeople in December of the same year, served to establish a framework for governance, justice, and the protection of rights, thereby promoting tranquility and the common welfare of the people of Maine.
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It is the fourth-oldest operating state constitution in the US
The Maine Constitution was drafted shortly after the residents of Maine towns voted to separate from Massachusetts in July 1819. The drafting took place in October 1819 in Portland, where it was approved by all 210 delegates to the Maine Constitutional Convention. It was then put to a vote by the townspeople in December of the same year, who approved it.
The Maine Constitution was approved by Congress on March 4, 1820, as part of the Missouri Compromise, as the document did not recognise slavery. It was ratified in 1820 and has since been amended several times, most recently in November 2011.
The Constitution of Maine is the fourth-oldest operating state constitution in the US. It is a detailed document that covers a range of topics, including the expression of dissatisfaction with being the District of Maine, and the reasons for establishing the State of Maine. The Preamble states that the people of Maine:
> "do agree to form ourselves into a free and independent State, by the style and title of the State of Maine and do ordain and establish the following Constitution for the government of the same."
The Maine Constitution also includes a section on religious freedom, which is notably different from the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780. The Maine document states that:
> "all individuals have a natural and unalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences."
In contrast, the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 referred to the:
> "duty of all men in society, publicly, and at stated seasons to worship the Supreme being."
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The Constitution was amended most recently in 2011
The Maine Constitution was drafted in October 1819 and was adopted by a vote of townspeople in December of the same year. It was approved by Congress on March 4, 1820, as part of the Missouri Compromise, as the Maine Constitution did not recognise slavery. Maine was previously the District of Maine in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Constitution of the State of Maine has been amended many times since its adoption in 1820. It is the fourth-oldest operating state constitution in the country. The Constitution was most recently amended in 2011, and voters have approved three additional constitutional amendments since 2018.
The Maine Constitution can be amended in two ways: through the legislative process or a state constitutional convention. A two-thirds majority (66.67%) vote is required during one legislative session for the Maine State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. This amounts to a minimum of 101 votes in the Maine House of Representatives and 24 votes in the Maine State Senate, assuming no vacancies.
If two-thirds of both houses of the Maine State Legislature vote in favour, a proposed constitutional amendment can be placed on a statewide ballot. If a simple majority of voters approves the proposed amendment in a particular election, it becomes part of the constitution. Through 2017, the Maine Constitution had been amended 173 times.
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Frequently asked questions
The Maine Constitution was drafted in October 1819, shortly after the residents of Maine towns voted to separate from Massachusetts in July of the same year.
The Maine Constitution was written by 210 delegates to the Maine Constitutional Convention, held in Portland, Maine. William King, as the president of the convention, likely authored the largest part of the constitution. Other authors include Thomas Jefferson, John Chandler, Albion K. Parris, William Pitt Preble, and John Holmes.
The Maine Constitution was approved by a vote of townspeople in December 1819. It was then approved by Congress on March 4, 1820, as part of the Missouri Compromise, since the Maine Constitution did not recognize slavery.
Yes, the Maine Constitution was last amended in November 2011.
