Eleanor Finch
The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of Missouri, and it establishes the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters. Missouri has had four constitutions, with the current one being adopted in 1945. This constitution outlines three branches of government: legislative (the Missouri General Assembly), executive (the Governor of Missouri), and judicial (the Supreme Court of Missouri). It also sets up local governments in the form of counties and cities. The Missouri Constitution is a product of direct democracy, and it can be changed or amended if more than half of the voters support it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of state constitutions | 4 |
| Current constitution | Fourth constitution, adopted in 1945 |
| Number of amendments | 119 or more |
| Notable amendments | Legalizing commercial gambling in 1993, allowing the production of human embryos for stem cell research in 2006, prohibiting same-sex marriage in 2004, English-only amendment in 2008, legalizing and regulating medical marijuana in 2018 |
| Legislative branch | General Assembly, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives |
| Executive branch | Governor of Missouri |
| Judicial branch | Supreme Court of Missouri |
| Local governments | Counties and cities |
| Citizen involvement | Citizens can propose and pass laws, with the support of five percent of Missouri voters |
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What You'll Learn
The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of Missouri
The Missouri Constitution provides for three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislative branch is called the "General Assembly" and is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The executive branch is led by the Governor of Missouri, and the judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court of Missouri. The constitution also establishes local governments in the form of counties and cities.
Missouri citizens have the power to propose and pass laws. A bill must first be written by a senator or representative and then reviewed by a committee. If the committee supports the bill, it goes to the full Senate or House for a vote. If it passes, it moves to the other side of the General Assembly. The Governor can sign the bill into law or veto it. If vetoed, the bill can still become a law if two out of three senators and representatives support it. Citizens can also initiate constitutional amendments through a ballot measure, with the number of signatures required based on the number of votes cast for governor in the state's most recent gubernatorial election.
The first Missouri Constitution was written in 1820 and adopted on July 19, 1820. Missouri was initially admitted to the Union as a slave state, and the first constitution specifically excluded "free negroes and mulattoes" from the state. This "exclusion clause" delayed Missouri's admission to the Union but was interpreted vaguely as a "second" compromise. The second constitution was passed in 1865 and abolished slavery. It was known as the ""Draconian Constitution" due to its loyalty oath provisions, which were later struck down by the US Supreme Court. The third constitution was drafted in 1875 and provided for separate schools for African-American children. The fourth constitutional convention was held in 1875, and the current constitution was ratified in 1945.
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It establishes three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial
The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of Missouri. It is the supreme law that outlines the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters.
The current Missouri Constitution, adopted in 1945, is the state's fourth constitution. It establishes three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial.
The legislative branch in Missouri is called the "
The executive branch is headed by the Governor of Missouri, who has the power to sign bills into law or veto them. If the Governor vetoes a bill, it can still become a law if two out of three senators and representatives support it.
The judicial branch is comprised of the Supreme Court of Missouri, which interprets the laws and ensures justice for all Missourians.
Since its adoption, the 1945 Missouri Constitution has been amended numerous times, with at least 119 amendments made to date. These amendments have covered various topics, including controversial issues such as the legalization of commercial gambling, stem cell research, and same-sex marriage.
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Citizens can propose and pass laws
The Missouri Constitution is the supreme law that formulates the law and government of Missouri, subject only to the federal Constitution and the people. The current Missouri Constitution, adopted in 1945, provides for three branches of government: the legislative (Missouri General Assembly), the executive (the Governor of Missouri), and the judicial (the Supreme Court of Missouri). It also establishes local governments in the form of counties and cities.
The Missouri Constitution empowers citizens to directly propose and pass laws. This citizen-led lawmaking process begins with the drafting of a "bill" that aims to become law. To advance this bill, five percent of Missouri voters must sign a petition demonstrating their support. If successful, all Missouri voters then decide through a vote whether the bill should become law. The Governor can either sign the bill into law or veto it. In the case of a veto, the bill can still become law if two out of three senators and representatives support it.
The Missouri Constitution also allows citizens to initiate constitutional amendments. To do so, proponents must collect signatures equal to 8% of the gubernatorial vote in two-thirds of Missouri's congressional districts. A simple majority vote is then required for voter approval of the amendment.
The Missouri Constitution has a rich history of citizen-led revisions. Since 1962, Missourians have been asked every twenty years if they wish to convene a constitutional convention to revise the constitution. While the majority of voters have consistently rejected this proposal, citizens have successfully initiated other significant changes. For instance, in 1942, voters passed an initiative to call for a constitutional convention, leading to the drafting and ratification of the current 1945 constitution.
In recent years, Missouri citizens have continued to exercise their constitutional rights by proposing and passing laws on various topics. Notable examples include the legalization of commercial gambling in 1993, the authorization of human embryo research for stem cell purposes in 2006, and the regulation of medical marijuana in 2018.
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The constitution has been amended over 100 times since 1945
The Missouri Constitution, the supreme law of the U.S. State of Missouri, has been amended over 100 times since 1945. The current Missouri Constitution, the fourth of its kind, was adopted in 1945. It establishes a three-branch government: the legislative branch (the Missouri General Assembly), the executive branch (the Governor of Missouri), and the judicial branch (the Supreme Court of Missouri). It also sets up local governments in the form of counties and cities.
The process of amending the Missouri Constitution is straightforward. If a person wants to propose a change, they must first gather enough voter support. This is followed by a vote, and if more than half of the voters agree to the change, the Missouri Constitution is amended. Notably, Missouri citizens can propose and pass laws. The first step in this process is writing a "'bill.'" A senator or representative can write a bill that they want to be passed into law. A smaller group of senators or representatives, called a "committee," then reviews the bill and discusses it. If the committee supports the bill, it moves to the full house or senate for further discussion and a vote. If more than half of the Senate or House supports the bill, it then goes to the other side of the General Assembly. The Governor can sign the bill into law or veto it. If vetoed, the bill can still become a law if two out of three senators and representatives support it.
The history of the Missouri Constitution is marked by several significant moments. The first constitution was drafted in 1820 and adopted on July 19, 1820, when Missouri was admitted to the Union as a slave state. Notably, this constitution specifically excluded "free negroes and mulattoes" from the state. In 1845, a second constitutional convention produced a constitution that was rejected by voters. During the American Civil War, the Missouri Constitutional Convention (1861-1863) chose against secession and operated as the de facto pro-Union government when the governor, and other politicians supporting the Confederacy, fled. In 1865, a second Missouri state constitution was passed, abolishing slavery. This constitution was known as the "Draconian Constitution" due to its strict loyalty oath provisions. The fifth constitutional convention, held from 1922 to 1923, proposed 21 amendments, of which seven were adopted.
The current Missouri Constitution, adopted in 1945, has seen numerous amendments, some of which have been controversial. Notable amendments include the legalization of commercial gambling in 1993, the allowance of human embryo production for stem cell research in 2006, and the prohibition of same-sex marriage in 2004. More recently, in 2018, a constitutional amendment legalized and regulated medical marijuana. These amendments reflect the evolving nature of Missouri's laws and the active role of its citizens and government in shaping them.
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It guarantees certain rights to crime victims
The Missouri Constitution is the supreme law that formulates the law and government of Missouri, and it guarantees certain rights to crime victims. The current Missouri Constitution, adopted in 1945, provides for three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial. It also establishes local governments in the form of counties and cities.
The Missouri Constitution has undergone several changes since its inception, with the current version being the fourth constitution. The first constitution was written in 1820 and admitted Missouri to the Union as a slave state, specifically excluding "free negroes and mulattoes." This exclusion clause was deliberately vague to allow for Missouri's admission to the Union. The second constitution, drafted during the American Civil War, abolished slavery and was known as the "Draconian Constitution" due to its strict loyalty oath provisions. The third constitution, drafted in 1875, provided for separate schools for African-American children. The current constitution has been amended numerous times, including controversial amendments such as legalizing commercial gambling, allowing stem cell research, and prohibiting same-sex marriage.
Crime victims in Missouri have certain rights guaranteed by the state's constitution and federal laws. These rights include the right to reasonable protection from the accused, the right to be notified of being a victim of a federal crime, and the right to information about medical and social services. Victims also have the right to be informed about counselling, treatment, and other support services. They are entitled to have their personal property, which is held for evidentiary purposes, maintained and returned promptly. Additionally, crime victims have the right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any public court proceedings involving the crime, as well as the right not to be excluded from such proceedings unless there is clear and convincing evidence that their testimony would be altered. They also have the right to be heard during public proceedings and to confer with the government attorney in the case.
In cases where the victim is a minor, incompetent, incapacitated, or deceased, their legal guardians, representatives, family members, or court-appointed individuals may assume their rights. These rights are enforced by regulations promulgated by the Attorney General of the United States, ensuring compliance by responsible officials. The Crime Victims' Rights Act (CVRA) and the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act (VRRA) further outline the rights of crime victims, including the right to be reasonably protected from the accused and to receive restitution as provided by law.
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Frequently asked questions
The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of Missouri. It is the supreme law that outlines the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters.
Missouri has had four state constitutions. The current Missouri Constitution was adopted in 1945 and has been amended over 100 times.
If a person wants to change the Missouri Constitution, they must get enough voters to support it. The change, or amendment, is then voted on by all the voters of Missouri. The Missouri Constitution is changed if more than half of the voters agree to it.
Some notable amendments to the Missouri Constitution include the legalization of commercial gambling in 1993, the allowance of human embryo research in 2006, and the legalization of medical marijuana in 2018.
The Missouri Constitution establishes three branches of government: the legislative branch (General Assembly), the executive branch (Governor of Missouri), and the judicial branch (Supreme Court of Missouri).
