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. As the focal point of controversy over the proper structure of the new state government, and as a reflection of a significant internal shift in power during the revolution,6 it mirrored a broader debate on the. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 book description. Check the sections youd like to appear in the report, then use the create report button at the bottom of the page to generate your report. View this articles jstor metadata you may also retrieve all of this items metadata in json at the following url. Pennsylvania legacies is the historical society of pennsylvanias hsp semiannual, illustrated history magazine, published since 2001. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 legal definition of. Pennsylvania state constitution of 1776 tax history. The 1776 constitution was amended 66 times, most notably in 1837, to, among other things, provide for a popularly elected governor, instead of one chosen by the legislature. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 lasted only until 1790. See also charles lincoln,the revolutionary moment in pennsylvania, 17601776philadelphia, 1901. Professor john fea talked about the people and ideas that shaped the pennsylvania constitution, written in 1776. The constitution of 1874 was modified and renumbered by extensive amendments on may 17, 1966, november 8, 1966, and may 16, 1967.
The next important document created was not our current us constitution but articles of confederation which went into effect on march 1, 1781. For information on visiting the capitol complex, please visit. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania, as established by the general convention elected for that purpose, and held at philadelphia, july 15th, 1776, and continued by adjournment to september 28th, 1776 whereas all government ought to. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. 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. The last of the general assembly under the pennsylvania. Jan 16, 2016 the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first constitution following the declaration of independence, and has been described as the most democratic in. This edition is taken from the pennsylvania state archives. Email webmaster contact senator contact representative. The constitution was ratified at a special election held december 16, 1873, and went into effect january 1, 1874. You can go here to apply online or you can download the form below and mail in the form to your county voter registration office or you can hand deliver it. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 august 16, 1776pennsylvanias shortlived first constitution, superseded in 1790, is notable because it was the most unorthodox and democratic of the constitutions of the original states. This constitution was framed by a convention which met at annapolis august 14, 1776, and completed its labors november 11, 1776. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 a constitution that granted all taxpaying men the right to vote and hold office and created a unicameral onehouse legislature.
The 1968 version was heavily based on the previous constitution and is sometimes considered as a revision of the 1874 constitution. Sample page of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776. The constitution of the united states preamble we the people of the united states, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do. Constitution of the united states of america1787 page ii 4this clause has been affected by clause 2 of amendment xviii. The several amendments added to it between 1792 and 1846 brought its total length to about 15,200 words. The influences of pennsylvanias 1776 constitution on. Pennsylvanias innovative and highly democratic government structure. On the 28thhe has refused to pass other laws for the ac.
Widely considered the most democratic constitution of its time, it granted all. Whereas all government ought to be instituted and supported for the security and protection of the community as such, and to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and the other blessings which the author of existence has bestowed upon man. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 american constitutional and legal history series selsam, j. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first constitution following the declaration of independence, and has been described as the most democratic in america. The constitution of pennsylvania is the supreme law within the commonwealth of pennsylvania. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776 available via the duquesne university school of law pa constitution site.
The methodology used in this historical examination of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776, its overturn and subsequent. Printable constitution of pennsylvania 1776 transcription. Thomas paines pamphlet common sense was published the same year the pennsylvania. The unanimous declaration of the thirteen united states of america, when in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the. Photo, print, drawing passage, in russian, from a journey from st. 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.
Lets start at the beginning the us declared it independent from england by creating the declaration of independence on july 4, 1776. It was passed by constitutional convention of the 28th day of september, 1776. Since 1776, pennsylvania s constitution has undergone five versions. An american constitutional history course for nonamerican. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1968. State constitutions as national constitutions mark a. The question that is explored in this thesis is the formation of democratic government in colonial pennsylvania and postcolonial pennsylvania. View more articles from the pennsylvania magazine of history and biography. Once the report is generated youll then have the option to download it as a pdf. The supreme legislative power shall be vested in a house of representatives of the freemen of the commonwealth or state of pennsylvania. The adoption of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. View test prep legal history pennsylvania constitution 1776. Article i section 27 of the pennsylvania constitution states.
View more articles from political science quarterly. It was drafted by robert whitehill, timothy matlack, dr. And that no man ought or of right can be compelled to attend any religious worship, or erect or support any place of worship, or. How the charter of 1701 in colonial pennsylvania laid the basis for the development of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. Constitution of the united states are the two most. Action of second continental congress, july 4, 1776. We the people of the united states, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the united states of america. Hill avalon hill russian campaign avalon hill the longest day board game 1776 pennsylvania constitution of 1776 pdf book. Each issue is developed around a single topic in pennsylvania history. Radischev cites excerpts from the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 which guarantee freedom of the press.
Apr 18, 2011 the constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776 was the supreme law of the commonwealth of pennsylvania. Constitution of the united states legislative reference bureau includes the text of and index to the 1968, 1874, 1838, 1790, and 1776 pennsylvania constitutions. The last of the general assembly under the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 is an article from the pennsylvania magazine of history and biography, volume 25 view more articles from the pennsylvania magazine of history and biography. The unanimous declaration of the thirteen united states of america, when in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to. In 1776 pennsylvania enacted its first state constitution in direct response to the declaration of independence and the instructions of the second continental congress to the colonies to reject british rule. The constitution was initially about 8,800 words long. Four versions followed, one in 1790, 1838, 1874, and the latest in 1968. 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. That all men have a natural and unalienable right to worship almighty god according to the dictates of their own consciences and understanding. Pennsylvania s first constitution of its statehood was ratified in 1776.
This constitution was the heart of a popular revolt. This is a static, archived version of the phmc our documentary heritage website which will not be updated. The commonwealth or state of pennsylvania shall be governed hereafter by an assembly of the representatives of the freemen of the same, and a president and council, in manner and form following sect. This site is meant to be a primary source of information about the. The constitution of pennsylvania pa general assembly. 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. Jersey four, pennsylvania eight, delaware one, maryland six, virginia ten, north carolina five, south carolina five, and georgia three. The federal and state constitutions colonial charters, and other organic laws of the states, territories, and colonies now or heretofore forming the united states of america. Thomas young, george bryan, james cannon, and benjamin franklin.
Declaration of independence in congress, july 4, 1776. The current constitution entered into force in 1968, and has been amended numerous times the constitution may only be amended if a. Records of the department of state, basic documents. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania article. Whereas all government ought to be instituted and supported for the security and protection of the. Dedicated to the idea of placing authority in the hands of the people, and specifying a broad range of. Pennsylvania s constitution of 1776 study guide by gordode20 includes 5 questions covering vocabulary, terms and more. Since 1776, pennsylvanias constitution has undergone five versions. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 flashcards quizlet. Constitution of pennsylvania september 28, 1776 page 1. Pennsylvanias constitution of 1776 flashcards quizlet. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first. All acts of the general assembly, the governor, and each governmental agency are subordinate to it. Lawyers, journalists, and members of the public are welcome to start here when beginning.
The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 american constitutional and legal history series. The adoption of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 is an article from political science quarterly, volume 10. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 phmc our documentary. The current constitution entered into force in 1968, and has been amended numerous. Causes and effects of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. Dedicated to the idea of placing authority in the hands of the people, and specifying a broad range of rights, the constitution proved to be controversial. In 1776, pennsylvania adopted a new constitution that has been described as the most democratic in america. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776, declaration of rights. Vermont, in convention, ratified the constitution january 10, 1791, and was, by an act of congress approved february 18, 1791, re. As the focal point of controversy over the proper structure of the new state government, and as a. The last of the general assembly under the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 is an article from the pennsylvania magazine of history and biography, volume 25. The adoption of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 is an article from political science quarterly, volume 10 view more articles from political science quarterly. Dedicated to the idea of placing authority in the hands of the people, and specifying a broad range of rights, the constitution proved to.
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 concerning the state constitution. Quizlet flashcards, activities and games help you improve your grades. Declaration of independence and constitution of the united. Jersey four, pennsylvania eight, delaware one, maryland six, virginia ten, north carolina. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania, as established by the general convention elected for that purpose, and held at philadelphia, july 15th, 1776, and continued by adjournment to september 28th, 1776 whereas all government ought to be instituted and supported for the security. Extent of territory of the commonwealth after the constitution of 1776. Pennsylvania constitution 1776 pdf constitution of pennsylvania september 28, 1776 1. The rebellion of the unprotected frontiersmen and the unfranchised artisans, who constituted twothirds of the population in pennsylvania, against the quaker property owners to achieve a voice in the government and establish a liberal constitution in 1996. It is a snapshot of the website with minor modifications as it appeared on august 26, 2015. Register to vote the constitution party of pennsylvania. Pa state constitution pdf the commonwealth or state of pennsylvania shall be governed hereafter by an assembly of the representatives of the freemen of the. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 was principally written by james cannon, george bryan, and benjamin franklin.
Hello, and welcome to the pennsylvania constitution website of the duquesne university school of law. Test your knowledge of the history and key aspects of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 using this interactive quiz. Pennsylvania, the militia, and the second amendment t. Legacies explores a variety of topics in pennsylvania history for the curious reader, including teachers, students, history enthusiasts, and scholars. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1874. Provides an account of the rebellion of the unprotected frontiersmen and the unfranchised artisans, who constituted twothirds of the population in pennsylvania, against the quaker property owners in their attempt to achieve a voice in the government and establish a liberal constitution in. The adoption of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 jstor.