Isabella Carter
The Constitution of Vermont was first written in 1777 and declared the state's independence from New York and New Hampshire. The document was drafted in Windsor and was based on the Pennsylvania Constitution. It established a government and laws for the state, including the election of the governor by the freemen of the state, and the right to vote regardless of property ownership. The constitution also limited slavery in Vermont and guaranteed various civil and political rights. It has been amended several times since, including in 1786, 1793, and 1913, with the most recent amendment occurring in 1870.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of adoption | 1793 |
| Date of drafting | 1777 |
| Date of amendments | 1786, 1793, 1870, 1913 |
| Basis | 1777 Constitution of the Vermont Republic |
| Length | 8,295 words |
| Status | Shortest U.S. state constitution |
| Inspiration | Pennsylvania's Constitution |
| Features | Ban on adult slavery |
| Universal male suffrage at 21 | |
| Universal female suffrage at 18 | |
| Unicameral legislature | |
| Declaration of Rights |
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What You'll Learn
The 1777 Constitution
On July 2, 1777, delegates convened in Windsor and approved the constitution, establishing the Republic of Vermont. The constitution was drafted at the Old Constitution House in Windsor and was amended in 1786 and again in 1793. From 1777 to 1791, Vermont was an independent country, often referred to as the Vermont Republic.
The second part of the 1777 Constitution, Chapter 2, outlined the "Plan or Frame of Government". It provided for a governor, deputy governor, council, and an assembly of the representatives of the freemen of the state. The governor was given executive power, while legislative power was vested in the House of Representatives, and a court of justice was to be established in every county.
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The 1786 Constitution
The 1777 Constitution of the Vermont Republic was drafted by a group of delegates who met in Windsor, Vermont, on July 8, 1777. It was approved and signed by the delegates, creating the Vermont Republic. The 1777 Constitution was composed of two chapters: the "Declaration of Rights of the Inhabitants of the State of Vermont" and the "Plan or Frame of Government." The first chapter, composed of 19 articles, guaranteed various civil and political rights, including the right to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness. It also banned adult slavery and provided voting rights to male slaves upon reaching the age of majority. The second chapter outlined the structure of governance, including the roles of the governor, deputy governor, council, and the assembly of representatives.
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The 1793 Constitution
The 1777 Constitution was drafted by a group of delegates who met in Windsor on July 8, 1777, and approved the constitution creating the republic of Vermont. It was written to legitimize the state in the eyes of the people of the Grants and the Continental Congress. The writers gave as their reason for creating the new state the premise that governments were created to provide for the security, support, and protection of the community and the natural rights of individuals. They believed that the British king and New York authorities had failed them and that they could change their government by common consent.
The 1777 Constitution's Declaration of Rights of the Inhabitants of the State of Vermont anticipated the United States Bill of Rights by a dozen years. It was composed of 19 articles guaranteeing various civil and political rights in Vermont. The first article declared that "all men are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and unalienable rights, amongst which are the enjoying and defending life and liberty; acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety." It also banned adult slavery, stating that male slaves become free at the age of 21 and females at 18.
The 1777 Constitution was amended in 1786, and this version continued in effect when, in 1791, Vermont transitioned from independence to becoming one of the states of the Union.
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The 1870 Amendment
The Vermont Constitution, which was first drafted in 1777, has been amended several times since its adoption in 1793. One of the significant amendments to the constitution occurred in 1870, which brought about changes to the process of amending the constitution itself.
To amend the constitution, a proposal must first originate in the Senate and receive a two-thirds majority vote. Following this, it must receive a majority vote in the House. Once a new legislature is seated, the amendment returns to the chambers and must receive a majority vote in each, first in the Senate and then in the House. This multi-step process ensures a thorough consideration of any proposed changes to the constitution.
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The Rights of Inhabitants
The Vermont Constitution was first drafted in 1777, and was among the most far-reaching in guaranteeing personal freedoms and individual rights. The first chapter of the 1777 constitution is a "Declaration of Rights of the Inhabitants of the State of Vermont", which is followed by a "Plan or Frame of Government" outlining the structure of governance.
The "Declaration of Rights of the Inhabitants" provided that the governor would be elected by the freemen of the state, who could vote regardless of whether they owned property. It also stated that each town would be represented in the legislative assembly, that there would be a court of law in each county, and that the legislative assembly and the governor's council would jointly hold legislative power.
The 1777 constitution also banned adult slavery, stating that male slaves become free at the age of 21 and females at 18. This anticipated the United States Bill of Rights by a dozen years.
The Vermont Constitution has been amended several times since its adoption, including in 1786, 1793, 1870, and 1913. The 1786 amendments established a greater separation of powers than what had prevailed under the 1777 Constitution. For example, it forbade anyone from simultaneously holding more than one of certain offices, including those of judges, legislators, members of the governor's council, and the governor. The 1793 Constitution, adopted two years after Vermont's admission to the Union, eliminated all mention of grievances against King George III and the State of New York.
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Frequently asked questions
The Vermont Constitution was written in 1777.
The Vermont Constitution was written to establish Vermont as an independent state, separate from New York and New Hampshire. It also established a government and laws for the state.
The 1777 Vermont Constitution guaranteed various civil and political rights, including the right to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness. It established a unicameral legislature, with the governor elected by the freemen of the state. It also provided for a court of law in each county and banned adult slavery.
![The Constitution of the State of Vermont : Adopted by Convention Held in the Year of Our Lord 1777 : and Amended by Convention Held in the Years 1786, 1793, 1828, 1836, and 1852 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617DLHXyzlL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
