Jonah Patel
Alaska's constitution was written in 1956 and came into effect in 1959 when Alaska became a US state. The constitution was drafted by 55 delegates at the University of Alaska, and it was ratified by the people of Alaska on 24 April 1956. The document is concise, at only 12,000 words, and it has been amended 28 times since its creation. The constitution outlines the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date written | February 5, 1956 |
| Date ratified | April 24, 1956 |
| Date effective | January 3, 1959 |
| Location written | University of Alaska, Fairbanks |
| Number of delegates | 55 |
| Number of lawyers among delegates | 14 |
| Number of words | 12,000 |
| Number of articles | 15 |
| Number of amendments | 28 |
| Last amended | November 2, 2004 |
| Number of voters approving | 1,000 |
| Voter majority | Two-to-one |
| Number of voters in last amendment approval | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Alaska's statehood movement
In November 1955, 55 elected delegates from across Alaska assembled at the University of Alaska to draft the constitution. The number of delegates was chosen to echo the 55 attendees at the Philadelphia Convention of 1787. The convention was led by then-territorial Senator William A. Egan, who later became the state's first governor. The delegates included 14 lawyers, 49 men, and six women. The youngest delegate, Thomas C. Harris, had only lived in Alaska for around five years.
The delegates drew inspiration from several sources, including the National Municipal League's "Model State Constitution" and the recently adopted constitutions of Missouri, New Jersey, and Hawaii. They also considered studies by consultants and constitutional law scholars. Rather than specifying most aspects in detail, the delegates chose to leave broad authority to future state legislatures. The resulting document is only about half the average state constitution length of 26,000 words.
The constitution was adopted by the delegates on February 5, 1956, and ratified by the voters of Alaska on April 24, 1956, by a better-than-two-to-one majority. It became effective on January 3, 1959, when Alaska officially became the 49th state of the United States. The Alaska Constitution has been praised by political scientists and public administrators as "one of the finest ever prepared."
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The drafting process
The delegates drew on several sources for inspiration, including the National Municipal League's "Model State Constitution", the recently adopted constitutions of Missouri, New Jersey, and Hawaii, and studies by consultants and constitutional law scholars. Rather than specifying most aspects in detail, the delegates chose to leave broad authority to future state legislatures. The resulting document is only 12,000 words, which is half the average state constitution length of 26,000 words. Much of the language in the new constitution was a reaction against weak territorial institutions, and the delegates incorporated leading constitutional thought, such as the "broad strokes" approach and the unified judiciary of Article IV.
The constitution was adopted by the delegates on February 5, 1956, and signed the following day. The signing attracted nearly 1,000 spectators, so the event was moved to the university's gymnasium and library building. One delegate, R. E. Robertson, was absent, having resigned his position in protest of the final document. The constitution was then ratified by the voters of Alaska on April 24, 1956, by a majority of better than two-to-one, and became effective on January 3, 1959, when Alaska officially became a U.S. state.
Alaska's constitution has been amended 28 times since its ratification. The last amendment was approved by voters on November 2, 2004. Alaska requires a simple majority vote (50% plus 1) for voters to approve constitutional amendments. However, Alaskans cannot use a citizen initiative to amend the state's constitution. The power of initiative in Alaska is restricted to proposing state statutes.
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The ratification process
The Alaska Statehood Committee was established in 1949 to "assemble applicable material, make studies and provide recommendations" in preparation for drafting a constitution. On November 8, 1955, 55 delegates from across Alaska met at the University of Alaska to draft the constitution. The convention was led by then-territorial Senator William A. Egan, who became the state's first governor. The delegates included 14 lawyers, territorial legislators, and notable figures outside of law and politics. The convention was in session for 75 days.
The constitution was adopted by the delegates on February 5, 1956, and signed the following day. The signing attracted nearly 1,000 spectators, so the event was moved to the university's gymnasium and library building, which was later renamed Signers' Hall. One delegate, R. E. Robertson, resigned his position in protest of the final document and was absent from the signing. The constitution was then ratified by the voters of Alaska on April 24, 1956, by a better-than-two-to-one majority. It took effect on January 3, 1959, with Alaska's admission to the United States as a state.
The Alaska Constitution has been praised as "one of the finest ever prepared" by political scientists and public administrators. It has been noted for its concise and "broad strokes" approach, with only 12,000 words, which is half the average state constitution length. The document outlines the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the government, individual and civil rights, and other matters.
Alaska's constitution has been amended 28 times since its ratification. Amendments require a simple majority vote (50% plus 1) for approval by voters. Alaskans cannot use a citizen initiative to amend the constitution; instead, the power of initiative is restricted to proposing state statutes. A question about holding a state constitutional convention automatically appears on the state's ballot every 10 years, starting in 1970.
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The constitution's contents
The Alaska Constitution is the fundamental document that outlines the state's framework for governance. It was written by 55 delegates, including 14 lawyers, who met for 75 days at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, in 1955. The constitution was adopted on February 5, 1956, and ratified by the people of Alaska on April 24, 1956, taking effect on January 3, 1959, when Alaska became the 49th state. It has been amended 28 times, with the last amendment taking place on November 2, 2004.
The constitution is concise, containing only 12,000 words, which is half the average state constitution length of 26,000 words. The delegates chose to leave broad authority to future state legislatures rather than specifying most aspects in detail. The document draws inspiration from the National Municipal League's "Model State Constitution", as well as the recently adopted constitutions of Missouri, New Jersey, and Hawaii, and studies by consultants and constitutional law scholars.
The Alaska Constitution consists of 15 articles that outline the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters. Here are some key provisions:
- Legislative Branch: Article II establishes a bicameral legislature, including a senate with 20 members serving four-year terms and a house of representatives with 40 members serving two-year terms. It also outlines the rules of procedure for each house, such as the election of officers, the expulsion of members, and the keeping of journals.
- Executive Branch: Article III defines the power vested in the executive branch, the Governor of Alaska, including the qualification requirements, term limits, responsibilities, and provisions for absences. The governor is responsible for executing the laws and enforcing compliance with constitutional mandates. They are also the commander-in-chief of the state's armed forces.
- Judicial Branch: Article IV defines the power of the judicial branch, which consists of the supreme court, the superior court, and the judicial council. It outlines the responsibilities, terms of service, and size of each judicial group.
- Voting and Elections: Article V explains the process of voting in Alaska and defines who is qualified to vote. Article VI covers the apportionment of the Alaska House of Representatives and the State Senate, including redistricting procedures and the boundaries of districts.
- Education, Health, and Welfare: Article VII outlines the responsibilities of the Alaskan legislature to provide a suitable system of education, public health, and welfare programs for its citizens.
- Individual and Civil Rights: The constitution includes provisions protecting the right to privacy and restricting the quartering of armed forces in peacetime without consent. It also grants the state the power to give preferences to residents over non-residents, subject to the US Constitution.
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Amendments
The Alaska Constitution, which was ratified in 1956 and went into effect in 1959, has been amended 28 times. The last amendment was approved by voters on November 2, 2004. Alaska requires a simple majority vote (50% plus one) for voters to approve constitutional amendments. Alaskans cannot use a citizen initiative to amend the state's constitution. The power of initiative in Alaska is restricted to proposing state statutes.
The constitution was drafted by 55 delegates, including 14 lawyers, at the University of Alaska in 1955. The drafting took 75 days. The document is concise, with only 12,000 words, and grants broad authority to future state legislatures.
The constitution has 15 articles that outline the state's framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters.
Article I contains the Preamble and Declaration of Rights, which includes the right to privacy and the subordination of the military to civil power.
Article II establishes a bicameral legislature, including a senate and a house of representatives.
Article III defines the power vested in the executive branch, the qualification requirements, and the responsibilities of the governor of Alaska.
Article IV defines the power vested in the judicial branch, which consists of the supreme court, the superior court, and the judicial council.
Article V defines the process of voting and explains who is qualified to vote.
Article VI defines the apportionment of the Alaska House of Representatives and the State Senate and regulates a Redistricting Board responsible for overseeing reapportioning within the state.
Article VII outlines the responsibilities of the Alaskan legislature to provide a suitable system of education, public health, and welfare programs.
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Frequently asked questions
Alaska needed a constitution to outline a framework for governance, including the powers, structure, and limitations of the state government, individual and civil rights, and other matters.
The purpose of writing Alaska's constitution was to advance the cause of Alaska's statehood in Washington, D.C.
Alaska's constitution was written in 1956 and went into effect in 1959.
