Omar Bennett
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the fundamental governing document of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, one of the 50 individual states that make up the United States of America. The 1780 Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was drafted primarily by John Adams, an American founding father and future president. It is the world's oldest functioning written constitution, serving as a model for the United States Constitution, which was written in 1787 and became effective in 1789. The Massachusetts Constitution contains three parts: a preamble, a declaration of the rights of the inhabitants, and a frame of government. It establishes a government of separate powers, including an executive, a bicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | John Adams |
| Year Written | 1780 |
| Year Effective | 1780 |
| Year Amended | 1832 |
| Basis | Religious freedom, equality, and liberty |
| Amendments | Must be approved by voters |
| Government | Separate powers with three branches: executive, bicameral legislature, and independent judiciary |
| Judiciary | Judges should be independent, skilled, and experienced |
| Governor | Receives a salary to maintain independence |
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What You'll Learn
John Adams was the primary author
Adams' draft declaration of rights stated: "All men are born equally free and independent...". Before being adopted by the constitutional convention, it was revised to read: "All men are born free and equal...". Adams also insisted that the document refer to the state as a "commonwealth".
The Massachusetts Constitution contains three parts: a Preamble, Part the First: A Declaration of the Rights of the Inhabitants of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Part the Second: The Frame of Government. The Frame of Government establishes a government of separate powers, including an executive, a bicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary. Adams wrote of the necessity for an independent judiciary:
> The dignity and stability of government in all its branches, the morals of the people, and every blessing of society depend so much upon an upright and skillful administration of justice, that the judicial power ought to be distinct from both the legislative and executive, and independent upon both, that so it may be a check upon both, as both should be checks upon that.
The Massachusetts Constitution, ratified by the legal voters of the Commonwealth in 1780, is the oldest constitution currently in effect in the world. It served as a model for the U.S. Constitution, which was written in 1787 and became effective in 1789.
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It was approved by voters on 15 June 1780
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was approved by voters on 15 June 1780. It is the world's oldest functioning written constitution. Drafted by John Adams, it served as a model for the United States Constitution, which was written in 1787 and became effective in 1789. The Massachusetts Constitution was the last to be written among the initial thirteen U.S. states.
The document was created by the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention of 1779 and primarily authored by John Adams, an American founding father and future president. Following its approval by convention delegates, it was ratified by male voters 21 years or older at the convention on 15 June 1780. It then became effective on 25 October 1780.
The constitution consists of a preamble, declaration of rights, description of the principles and
The constitution's framework establishes a government of separate powers, including an executive, a bicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary. This structure is identical to that of the United States Constitution. The constitution also includes provisions for the governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, who is to be styled "His Excellency" and receive a salary that is "honorable and stated."
The Massachusetts Constitution has been amended numerous times to meet the needs of an evolving society. These changes are referred to as the Articles of Amendment. The process for amending the constitution involves initiatives or legislative referrals going through two sessions of the Massachusetts General Court and receiving support from 25% of the legislature in each session. If the proposed amendment receives enough legislative support, it is then put on the ballot for Massachusetts citizens to vote on.
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It is the world's oldest functioning constitution
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, drafted in 1780, is the world's oldest functioning written constitution. It was created by the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention of 1779 and was primarily authored by American founding father and future president John Adams. The document was approved by convention delegates and voters on June 15, 1780, and became effective on October 25 of that same year.
The Massachusetts Constitution is divided into three parts: a preamble, "Part the First: A Declaration of the Rights of the Inhabitants of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts", and "Part the Second: The Frame of Government". The preamble is a brief introductory statement that outlines the purpose and intent of the constitution. "Part the First" consists of thirty articles that outline the rights and freedoms of the people of Massachusetts, including the famous declaration that ""all men are born free and equal". The Frame of Government establishes the structure and principles of the state government, including the separation of powers into an executive, a bicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary.
The Massachusetts Constitution served as a model for the United States Constitution, which was written in 1787 and became effective in 1789. The US Constitution is the oldest active codified constitution in the world, and one of the oldest still in place today.
The Massachusetts Constitution has had a significant impact on history. For example, in 1781, Elizabeth Freeman, a black slave, sued for her freedom based on Article I of the constitution, which states that "all men are born free and equal". The jury agreed that slavery was inconsistent with the constitution and awarded Freeman her freedom. This case effectively abolished slavery within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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It served as a model for the US Constitution
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, written in 1780, is the world's oldest functioning written constitution. It was drafted by John Adams, who would later become the second President of the United States. The Massachusetts Constitution was the last of the initial thirteen U.S. states to be written.
The Massachusetts Constitution served as a model for the U.S. Constitution, which was drafted seven years later in 1787 and became effective in 1789. It influenced the U.S. Constitution both structurally and substantively. Notably, it was the first constitution in history to be created by a convention called for that purpose, rather than by a legislative body. It is structured with chapters, sections, and articles, a format that would be adopted by the U.S. Constitution.
The Massachusetts Constitution consists of a preamble, a declaration of rights, a description of the principles and framework of government, and articles of amendment. The declaration of rights states: "All men are born free and equal and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights; among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties". This declaration was influential in ending slavery in Massachusetts. In 1781, Elizabeth Freeman, a black slave, sued for her freedom based on this article. The jury agreed that slavery was inconsistent with the Massachusetts Constitution and awarded Freeman her freedom. This set a precedent, effectively abolishing slavery within the Commonwealth.
The Massachusetts Constitution also established a government of separate powers, consisting of three branches: an executive, a bicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary. This structural framework was also adopted in the U.S. Constitution. John Adams, influenced by witnessing attorney James Otis arguing the Writs of Assistance case in 1761, included a strong prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures in the Massachusetts Constitution. This provision ensures that rules are followed before private property can be searched or seized by government officials.
In summary, the Massachusetts Constitution, authored by John Adams, served as a significant model for the U.S. Constitution in terms of both structure and content. It played a pivotal role in shaping the U.S. Constitution's approach to individual rights, separation of powers, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
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It was drafted by a subcommittee of three
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was drafted by a subcommittee of three: James Bowdoin, Samuel Adams, and John Adams. The trio delegated the drafting process to John Adams, who later wrote that he constituted a "sub-sub committee of one".
John Adams, a founding father of the United States and future president, was the principal author of the constitution. It was created by the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention of 1779 and approved by convention delegates and voters on June 15, 1780. The constitution became effective on October 25, 1780.
The document was structured with chapters, sections, and articles, and it served as a model for the U.S. Constitution. The Massachusetts Constitution contains three parts: a preamble, "Part the First: A Declaration of the Rights of the Inhabitants of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," and ""Part the Second: The Frame of Government."
The constitution establishes a government of separate powers, including an executive, a bicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary. Adams emphasised the importance of an independent judiciary, writing that the "dignity and stability of government" depend on an upright and skilled administration of justice, distinct from the legislative and executive branches.
The Massachusetts Constitution has been amended numerous times to meet the needs of a changing society. These changes are referred to as the Articles of Amendment, and the process involves initiatives and legislative referrals going through two sessions of the Massachusetts General Court. The proposed amendment must receive sufficient legislative support before being put on a ballot for citizens to vote on.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was primarily written by John Adams.
A subcommittee of James Bowdoin, Samuel Adams, and John Adams was initially appointed to draft the constitution. However, John Adams was the one who ended up doing the majority of the work.
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was written in 1780 and became effective on October 25 of that same year. It is the oldest functioning written constitution in the world.
