Malcolm Rivera
New Jersey has been governed by three constitutions. The first was adopted on July 2, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, and served as the charter document for the state government for 68 years. The second came into effect in 1844, and the third and final New Jersey Constitution was adopted in 1947 and has been amended several times since.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Constitution Adopted | July 2, 1776 |
| Second Constitution Adopted | June 29, 1844 |
| Third and Final Constitution Adopted | 1947 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The first constitution was adopted in 1776
The first New Jersey State Constitution was adopted on July 2, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War. Composed in five days and ratified two days later, the constitution aimed to provide a basic governmental framework to prevent New Jersey's descent into anarchy. At the time, New Jersey was at war and on the brink of civil war, with Patriot and Tory factions plotting and battling each other. The state was in imminent danger of invasion, as George Washington had recently been defeated in New York.
The 1776 Constitution served as the charter document for New Jersey's government for the next 68 years. It granted unmarried women and blacks who met property requirements the right to vote. It also reflected the turbulence and uncertainty of the time. For instance, it was written and ratified during a state of emergency.
The 1776 Constitution was New Jersey's first governing document as a state. Before that, the territory now known as New Jersey had been governed by three British Royal Charters issued for East Jersey, West Jersey, and united New Jersey while they were colonies. New Jersey became the fourth American colony to adopt a constitution declaring independence from Great Britain. The state became the third state in 1787.
The 1776 Constitution was revised in 1844 to restrict suffrage to white males and shift governmental power to the executive branch. The 1844 constitution also provided for gubernatorial veto power and the appointment of most high-level officials by the governor. It separated the government's powers into judicial, legislative, and executive branches and granted the people (rather than the legislature) the ability to elect a governor.
Omissions in the 1792 Constitution: Voting Rights
You may want to see also
The second came into effect in 1844
The state of New Jersey has been governed by three constitutions. The second of these came into effect on June 29, 1844, and was a revision of the first constitution, which was adopted in 1776. The 1844 constitution was itself revised in 1875 and superseded in 1947 by the current New Jersey Constitution.
The 1776 constitution was composed in five days and ratified two days later. It was formulated during the American Revolutionary War, with New Jersey in imminent danger of invasion and Patriot and Tory factions plotting and battling each other. In this state of emergency, the primary objective of the 1776 constitution was to provide a basic governmental framework that would preempt New Jersey's fall into anarchy.
The 1844 constitution was adopted in a very different context. It restricted suffrage to white males, whereas the 1776 constitution had granted the right to vote to unmarried women and blacks who met property requirements. The 1844 constitution also separated the government's powers into judicial, legislative, and executive branches, granting the people (as opposed to the legislature) the ability to elect a governor. It provided for gubernatorial veto power and the appointment of most high-level officials by the governor. It also formally limited state debt, a predecessor of many contemporary "debt ceiling" clauses.
The 1844 constitution was amended in 1875, mainly to conform to the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments. The state's amendments required that the legislature provide for a free public school system.
Understanding HOA Resale Packages in Nevada: Receipt and Buyer Rights
You may want to see also
The current document was adopted in 1947
The current New Jersey State Constitution was adopted in 1947. It is the third and final constitution of the state and was drafted by a convention of delegates. The constitution has been amended several times since its adoption.
The first New Jersey State Constitution was adopted on July 2, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War. Composed in a span of five days and ratified just two days later, this constitution reflects the turbulence and uncertainty of the moment. Its primary objective was to provide a basic governmental framework that would preempt New Jersey's fall into anarchy. It served as the charter document for the state government for the next 68 years.
The second New Jersey Constitution came into effect in 1844. This constitution restricted suffrage to white males and separated the government's powers into judicial, legislative, and executive branches. It also granted the people, as opposed to the legislature, the ability to elect a governor.
The third and current New Jersey Constitution was adopted in 1947. At 26,159 words, it is slightly shorter than the average American state constitution. This constitution reinforces the basic rights found in the United States Constitution, such as freedom of speech, a speedy and public trial, and religious freedom. It also contains several unique provisions, such as regulations governing the operation of casinos.
Identifying Non-Spill Factors: What Doesn't Count as Spillage?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Constitution & Government of ... New Jersey: With Biographical Sketches of the Governors from ... 1872 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617DLHXyzlL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The constitution has been amended several times
The current New Jersey Constitution, adopted in 1947, is the third and final governing document of the state. It has been amended several times since its adoption. The constitution provides for a legislative process to amend the document, with two methods for referring a constitutional amendment to the ballot. Firstly, the legislature can refer an amendment through a 60% vote of both chambers during a legislative session. This amounts to a minimum of 48 votes in the General Assembly and 24 in the State Senate.
The constitution has been amended to address a range of issues, including the judiciary, public officers, taxation, elections, suffrage, and the distribution of governmental powers. For example, Article VI addresses the judiciary, permitting the establishment, alteration, and abolishment of any court other than the Supreme Court. It also outlines the positions and authority of the Supreme Court. Article XI, or the "Schedule," is an enumerated list of amendments in the order of their addition. Sections I to IV were adopted with the rest of the constitution and outline the process of supersession.
Article II, "Elections and Suffrage," details the dates for elections of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and members of the Legislature. It also establishes voting qualifications and outlines circumstances under which the right of suffrage may be removed. Article III, "Distribution of the Powers of Government," defines the separation of powers into three branches: executive, judicial, and legislative. Article VIII, "Taxation and Finance," establishes the act of taxation, while Article VII, "Public Officers and Employees," covers public officers and employees, including roles, appointments, nominations, compensation, promotions, and powers.
Amendments have also been made to specific articles and sections. For instance, Article V, Section I, paragraph 14 was amended on December 8, 1983, to address the process of bill approval and the governor's ability to object to items of appropriation. Similarly, Article VI, Section III, paragraph 3 was amended on the same date to ensure the residency of judges in their respective counties. Article VI, Section IV was repealed on December 7, 1978.
Citing the Constitution: APA 7th Edition Style
You may want to see also
The constitution reinforces the US Constitution's basic rights
The current New Jersey Constitution, the third and final iteration, was adopted in 1947. It has been amended several times since then. The constitution reinforces the basic rights found in the US Constitution, such as freedom of speech, the right to a speedy and public trial, and religious freedom.
Article I of the New Jersey Constitution establishes the rights and freedoms inherent to people and the relevant operation of the government. These rights largely mirror those in the US Constitution. For example, Article I also contains a Victims' Bill of Rights, which includes the right for victims of crime to be present at public judicial proceedings. This is in line with the US Constitution's right to a public trial.
Article IX of the New Jersey Constitution outlines the process for amending the document. Amendments can be submitted through the Senate or General Assembly and must gather at least three-fifths of the vote in both houses to be submitted to the people of New Jersey for a vote. This process ensures that any changes to the constitution are made with the consent of the people and allows for the protection of their rights.
The New Jersey Constitution also contains unique provisions that reinforce the rights of its citizens. For example, it includes regulations governing the operation of casinos, which are not specifically addressed in the US Constitution. Additionally, it grants the people, rather than the legislature, the ability to elect a governor, further empowering the citizens of New Jersey.
The New Jersey Constitution, through its reinforcement of basic rights, separation of powers, and unique provisions, demonstrates a commitment to protecting the freedoms and well-being of its citizens, building upon the foundation laid by the US Constitution.
Who Protects the Treasury Secretary? Secret Service Involvement
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The first New Jersey Constitution was adopted on July 2, 1776.
The American Revolutionary War was underway, and New Jersey was in danger of invasion. The state was nearly at civil war, with Patriot and Tory factions plotting and battling each other.
The second New Jersey Constitution was adopted on June 29, 1844.
The second constitution restricted suffrage to white males. It also separated the government's powers into judicial, legislative, and executive branches, and granted the people (rather than the legislature) the ability to elect a governor.
The third and current New Jersey Constitution was adopted in 1947.
