Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1968. Dec 10, 2019 on december 12, 1787, pennsylvania becomes the second state to ratify the constitution, by a vote of 46 to 23. The constitution was ratified at a special election held december 16, 1873, and went into effect january 1, 1874. The commonwealth or state of pennsylvania shall be governed hereafter by an assembly of the representatives of the freemen. Article i section 27 of the pennsylvania constitution states.
The pennsylvania constitution placed a fundamental check on legislative power by creating two bodies which must cooperate to make law the. We, the people of the commonwealth of pennsylvania, grateful to almighty god for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking his guidance, do ordain and establish this constitution. Local government regulations of wireless telecommunications facilities pdf. Widely considered the most democratic constitution of its time, it granted all. Acceptance of constitution by existing corporations as prerequisite for amendment or renewal of charter. Lawyers, journalists, and members of the public are welcome to start here when beginning research about the pennsylvania constitution, pennsylvania constitutional law cases pending in various courts, and current public policy debates. Taxation of stock owned by persons or corporations without the state. Pennsylvania created the most radical state constitution of the period. The disenfranchisement of black pennsylvanians in the 1838 state constitution. For information on visiting the capitol complex, please visit.
Find information and services from pennsylvania state government agencies. The disenfranchisement of black pennsylvanians in the 1838. Further, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the constitution and laws of the commonwealth pursuant to 51 pa. Blacks had voted for many years in some parts of the state, but under the new. Some standard statements have bulleted items known as standard descriptors. The constitution of 1874 was adopted november 3, 1873, by a constitutional convention which was called pursuant to the act of april 11, 1872 p. Following the idea of popular rule to its logical conclusion, pennsylvania created a state government with several distinctive features. The supreme legislative power shall be vested in a house of representatives of the freemen of the commonwealth or state of pennsylvania. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.
As revised, with amendments adopted by the constitutional convention of 1938 and approved by vote of the people on november 8, 1938 and amendments subsequently adopted by the legislature and approved by vote of the people. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first constitution following their declaration of independence and has been described as the most democratic in america. Racism, politics, or economics in 1838 pennsylvania voters approved a state constitution that restricted the right to vote to white freemen. State constitution education clause language molly a. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 was principally written by james cannon, george bryan, and benjamin franklin. In 1776 pennsylvania adopted a new constitution that has been described as the most democratic in america in late june 1776 convention representatives met in philadelphia and by july 8 elected delegates to write a new state constitution. Printable constitution of pennsylvania 1776 transcription the representatives of the free men of the same, and a president and council, in manner and form followingsect. Pa will look to other states for guidance, not binding, but will consider. Deliberations began one week later under the chairmanship of benjamin franklin.
The official website of the commonwealth of pennsylvania. Preamble we, the people of the commonwealth of pennsylvania, grateful to almighty god for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking his guidance, do ordain and establish. Citizens guide to pennsylvania local government pdf pa. We, the people of the commonwealth of pennsylvania, grateful to almighty god for the blessings.
Pennsylvanias public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. That all men are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and inalienable rights, amongst which are, the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety. All commissions shall be in the name and by the authority of the commonwealth of pennsylvania, and be sealed with the state seal, and signed by the governor. Constitution of the united states of america bill of. On december 12, 1787, pennsylvania becomes the second state to ratify the constitution, by a vote of 46 to 23. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the state s first constitution following their declaration of independence and has been described as the most democratic in america. The state treasurer shall be appointed, annually, by the joint vote of the members of both houses. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania article. Pennsylvania was the first large state to ratify, as well as the first state to endure. Please note that the next update of this compilation will not take place until after the conclusion of the 53rd legislature, 1st regular session, which convenes on january 9, 2017. Constitution of virginia foreword the virginia constitution of 1971 was approved by vote of the people on november 3, 1970, and became effective on july 1, 1971. New jersey state constitution 1947 updated through amendments adopted in november, 2019 a constitution agreed upon by the delegates of the people of new jersey, in convention, begun at rutgers university, the state university of new jersey, in new brunswick, on the twelfth day of june, and continued to the tenth day of september, in the year of our lord.
The pennsylvania constitution consists of a preamble followed by 11 articles and two schedules. Jan 06, 2016 categorieslocal government administration, publications and documents file type download7754 size838. All acts of the general assembly, the governor, and each. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania findlaw. The pennsylvania state constitution, section 27, states the people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Proclamation of disaster emergency march 6, 2020 concern. The convention met at carson city on july 4, 1864, and adjourned on july 28 of t. Each category has a number of standards statements designated by a capital letter. Revisions of the pennsylvania declaration of rights, between. Terms of office of auditor general and state treasurer. The constitution of pennsylvania is the basic governing document of the commonwealth of pennsylvania. Pa growing smarter land use planning series the governors center for local government services provides valuable tools that will support wise land use decisions and will encourage economic development, a healthy environment, and strong communities. Article i, section 27 was agreed to in the 19691970 and 197172 sessions of the general assembly, and approved by the states voters on may 18, 1971. On july 18 the convention appointed a drafting committee.
Pennsylvania constitution pennsylvania law us law justia. If approved, state and local governments will need to create new procedures to ensure that victims receive the rights provided for by the amendment. Email webmaster contact senator contact representative. Table of contents for the constitution of california. Mar 06, 2020 further, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the constitution and laws of the commonwealth pursuant to 51 pa. All men are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent and indefeasible rights, among which are those of enjoying and. The shpo administers all official state historic preservation. A guiding question for each lesson is included below each section.
Proposing an amendment to the constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania, providing for rights of victims of crime. The pennsylvania constitution had two parts, a bill or declaration of rights and what became known as the frame of government. Designation, by foreign corporation, of agent for service of process. Resources guide explore the links in the text of the constitution below to discover a variety of relevant, classroom ready, lessons and activities from the bill of rights institute. Sep 01, 2010 pennsylvania created the most radical state constitution of the period. Consistent with the procedures prescribed by article xi, section 1 of the constitution, the general. The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. This constitution was amended in 1901, 1909, 1911, 19, 1915, 1918. Constitutional law pennsylvania constitution equal. Browse all sections of constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania in. Categorieslocal government administration, publications and documents file type download7764 size838. Pennsylvania state constitution flashcards quizlet.
On july 18 the convention appointed a drafting committee, which reported a week later. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1790 the. Records of the department of state, basic documents. Arizona state constitution arizona state legislature. The convention met at carson city on july 4, 1864, and adjourned on july 28 of the same year. The current constitution entered into force in 1968, and has been amended numerous. In 1776, pennsylvania adopted a new constitution that has been described as the most democratic in america. Printable constitution of pennsylvania 1776 transcription.
The constitution of pennsylvania pa general assembly. All acts of the general assembly, the governor, and each governmental agency are subordinate to it. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1790 pa. The constitution of pennsylvania is the supreme law within the commonwealth of pennsylvania. Amendments to the state constitution must be approved by each house of the general assembly in two successive legislative sessions, and then approved by a majority of voters in a public referendum. Arizona state constitution the arizona revised statutes have been updated to include the revised sections from the 52nd legislature, 2nd regular session. State and federal laws relating to historic preservation. First, the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 abolished property requirements for voting as well as for holding office. On the 1st wednesday of september 1864, the constitution was approved by the vote of the people of the territory of. The preamble to the pennsylvania constitution states.
March 23, 2020 notice pennsylvania stay at home order to further combat the spread of covid19, the governor of pennsylvania, tom wolf, has issued a new directive directing all state residents to shelter at. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776, declaration of rights. Under the pennsylvania history code and the national historic preservation act, the pennsylvania historical and museum commission phmc, the commonwealths official history agency, is designated as the state historic preservation office shpo. Revisions of the pennsylvania declaration of rights. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature. The constitution of 1874 was adopted november 3, 1873, by a constitutional. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 phmc our documentary. Since 1776, pennsylvanias constitution has undergone five versions. The 1971 constitution is the fifth complete revision of virginias fundamental law since 1776other complete revisions having been effective in 1830, 1851, 1870, and 1902. Contested elections of governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. Mar 23, 2020 march 23, 2020 notice pennsylvania stay at home order to further combat the spread of covid19, the governor of pennsylvania, tom wolf, has issued a new directive directing all state residents to shelter at. No person who acknowledges the being of a god and a future state of rewards. Court endorsed new emphasis on state constitutional jurisprudence in pa.
162 1409 619 1231 1479 1121 1334 74 423 1431 158 761 654 321 202 301 1193 301 200 685 1147 1188 1653 586 616 1356 578 1369 1302 922 1603 998 1317 1032 124 1286 110 619 243