Eleanor Finch
The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of the U.S. State of Missouri, and it is the supreme law that outlines the state's framework for governance. The Missouri Constitution has been amended several times since its adoption in 1945, and these amendments have been proposed and passed by both lawmakers and citizens. However, there is ongoing infighting within the GOP over how far to go with a ballot measure that would make it harder for future voters to amend the state constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of amendments to the Missouri Constitution | 119-126 |
| Current Missouri Constitution | Fourth Missouri Constitution, adopted in 1945 |
| Who can amend it? | More than half of the voters in Missouri |
| Who can suggest a change? | More than half of the senators and half of the representatives |
| Who can propose and pass laws? | Missouri citizens and senators or representatives |
| Number of signatures required for an initiated constitutional amendment | Equal to 8% of the gubernatorial vote in two-thirds of Missouri's congressional districts |
| Number of votes required for voter approval | Simple majority |
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What You'll Learn
The role of citizens
Citizens of Missouri have played a crucial role in shaping the state's constitution and laws. Missouri is one of eighteen states that allow citizens to initiate constitutional amendments. This process empowers citizens to directly propose and enact laws that reflect their values and address issues they deem important.
The process of citizen-initiated constitutional amendments in Missouri has several key steps. Firstly, proponents must collect a significant number of signatures to get the initiative on the ballot. The number of signatures required is based on the votes cast for governor in the state's most recent gubernatorial election. In at least two-thirds of Missouri's congressional districts, supporters must gather signatures equalling 8% of the gubernatorial vote. This step ensures that any proposed amendment has a substantial level of support from Missouri citizens before it can proceed further.
Once the required number of signatures is obtained, the proposed amendment is placed on the ballot for a statewide vote. For an amendment to be approved and enacted, it must receive a simple majority vote from Missouri voters. This process allows citizens to have a direct say in amending their state's constitution. Notably, Missouri citizens have successfully utilised this process on several occasions to pass initiatives such as the legalisation of medical and recreational marijuana, and the expansion of Medicaid.
In addition to initiating constitutional amendments, Missouri citizens also play a role in the legislative process. Citizens can propose and pass laws, engaging with their representatives and senators to shape the state's legal framework. This process begins with the drafting of a "bill", which is then discussed by a committee that includes citizens and experts. If the bill receives sufficient support from the committee, it proceeds to the full Senate or House for further debate and a vote. If it passes this stage, it goes to the other chamber of the General Assembly, and if it receives majority support there, it moves on to the Governor for final approval or veto.
While citizens in Missouri have had a successful track record of initiating constitutional amendments and proposing laws, there have been recent efforts by Republican lawmakers to make this process more challenging. In 2024, the Missouri Senate passed a bill that would increase the vote threshold required for constitutional amendments. This proposal, if approved by voters, would require a majority of votes in five out of the state's eight congressional districts, in addition to a statewide majority. These efforts reflect a desire by some lawmakers to reduce the ease with which citizens can amend the constitution and shape the state's laws.
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The General Assembly
The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of the U.S. State of Missouri. The Legislative Branch in Missouri is called the "General Assembly," and it consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Missourians elect their representatives and senators through voting in elections. Senators hold their positions for four years before running for reelection.
For the General Assembly to propose a change to the Missouri Constitution, more than half of the senators and half of the representatives must support the change before Missouri citizens can vote on it. The Missouri Constitution can be amended if more than half of the voters agree to the change. The laws of Missouri can be written by senators, representatives, and Missouri citizens.
The first step in creating a law is to write a "bill." A senator or representative can draft a bill that they want to be enacted. A smaller group of senators or representatives, known as a "committee," then examines the bill and discusses it. The committee holds a meeting where citizens and experts can further discuss the bill. If the committee members support the bill, the entire Senate or House considers it and votes on it. If more than half of the Senate or House approves the bill, it goes to the other side of the General Assembly. For example, if more than half of the Senate supports the bill, it goes to the House, and vice versa. If more than half of the General Assembly supports the bill, it goes to the Governor.
The Governor can approve the bill, signing it into law, or veto it. If the Governor vetoes the bill, it can still become law if two out of three senators and representatives support it.
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Senators and representatives
Missouri has had four constitutions in its history, with the current one being enacted in 1945. The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of the U.S. State of Missouri and is the fundamental document outlining the state's framework for governance. It is subject only to the federal Constitution and the people.
The Missouri Constitution can be amended by the General Assembly, which is the Legislative Branch of Missouri's government and is split into the Senate and the House of Representatives. For the General Assembly to propose a change to the Missouri Constitution, more than half of the senators and half of the representatives must support the change. The people of Missouri can then vote for the change, and if more than half agree, the Missouri Constitution is amended.
Missouri citizens can also propose and pass laws, and citizens can initiate constitutional amendments. For a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment, 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.
The Missouri Senate has recently passed bills making it harder for voters to amend the constitution. One such bill requires a statewide majority and a majority vote in five out of eight congressional districts to pass a constitutional amendment.
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The Governor
The Missouri Constitution outlines a state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters. The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of the US State of Missouri. It is the supreme law formulating the law and government of Missouri, subject only to the federal Constitution and the people. Missouri's Constitution splits Missouri's government into three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The Executive Branch of the Missouri government is headed by the Governor of Missouri.
Signing or vetoing bills that propose amendments: When a bill that includes a constitutional amendment reaches the Governor's desk, they have the power to sign it into law or veto it. If the Governor supports the amendment, signing it into law indicates their approval and moves the process forward. However, if the Governor disagrees with the amendment, they can veto the bill, providing a roadblock to that particular amendment.
Influencing the legislative process: The Governor can use their influence and work with legislators to shape the content of proposed amendments. Through negotiations, compromise, and political alliances, the Governor can advocate for specific changes or amendments that align with their policy agenda and vision for the state.
Convening constitutional conventions: While constitutional conventions are called for through automatic referendums every 20 years, the Governor can indirectly influence the timing and context of these conventions. By engaging with citizens and legislators, the Governor can help shape the agenda and focus of these conventions, potentially impacting the types of amendments that are considered and proposed.
Appointing officials: The Governor may also have the power to appoint certain officials who could play a role in the amendment process. By appointing individuals who share their ideological perspectives or policy goals, the Governor can indirectly influence the interpretation and implementation of constitutional amendments.
In summary, while the Governor of Missouri does not have the sole authority to amend the state's constitution, they play a significant role in the process. Through their ability to propose amendments, sign or veto bills, influence legislators, and shape the context of constitutional conventions, the Governor can impact the direction and outcome of constitutional changes in Missouri.
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Constitutional conventions
Missouri is one of 18 states that allow citizens to initiate constitutional amendments. The Missouri Constitution is the state constitution of the US State of Missouri. It is the supreme law that formulates the law and government of Missouri, subject only to the federal Constitution. The Missouri Constitution has been amended 126 times since its adoption in 1945. The Missouri Constitution splits Missouri's government into three branches: the legislative (the Missouri General Assembly), the executive (the Governor of Missouri), and the judicial (the Supreme Court of Missouri). It also sets up local governments in the form of counties and cities.
The Missouri Constitution can be changed if more than half of the voters agree to the change. 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 laws of Missouri can be written by senators, representatives, and even Missouri citizens. The first step to making a law is writing what is called a "bill." A senator or representative can write a bill they want to be a law. A smaller group of senators or representatives called a "committee" then looks over the bill and discusses it. The committee holds a meeting where citizens and experts can talk more about the bill. If enough committee members support the bill, the whole house or senate then discusses the bill and votes on it. If more than half of the Senate or House supports the bill, the bill then goes to the other side of the General Assembly. For example, if more than half of the Senate supports the bill, then the bill goes to the House. If more than half of that side of the General Assembly supports the bill, the bill goes to the Governor. The Governor can sign the bill into law or veto it. A veto means that the Governor does not think the bill should be a law. If the Governor vetoes the bill, the bill can still become a law if two out of three senators and representatives support the bill.
Missouri is one of 14 states that provide for an automatic constitutional convention question. According to Section 3a of Article XII of the Missouri Constitution, a question about whether to hold a state constitutional convention is to automatically appear on the state's ballot every 20 years starting in 1942. Since 1962, Missourians have been asked every twenty years if they would like to convene a constitutional convention to revise the constitution; each time, a majority of the state's voters have rejected the proposal.
Missouri has had four constitutions in its history. The first constitution was written by a Constitutional Convention in 1820 in only 38 days and was adopted on July 19, 1820. This constitution took effect the day Missouri joined the union as the 24th state on August 10, 1821. The second convention in 1845 produced a constitution rejected by voters. The fourth constitutional convention was held in 1875, which drafted the state's third constitution. The convention met from May 5 to August 2, and the resulting constitution provided for, among other things, separate schools for African-American children. The current Missouri Constitution has been amended four times and was approved in 2024.
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Frequently asked questions
Amendments can be proposed by the Missouri General Assembly, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives, or by Missouri citizens.
For the General Assembly to propose a change, more than half of the senators and representatives need to support it. The amendment is then voted on by all the voters of Missouri. If more than half of the voters agree to the change, the constitution is amended.
The current Missouri Constitution, adopted in 1945, has been amended at least 119 times, with four more amendments approved in 2024.
