Examining Early State Constitutions
In class we will compare and contrast the
following constitutions:
• Articles of Confederation - 1775
• Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776
• New York Constitution of 1777
• Massachusetts Constitution of 1780
Examining Early State Constitutions
Explain the Framework of government
ITEMS TO LOOK FOR:
• 1 or 2 house legislature
• Term of service
• Single or plural executive, or no exec.
• Election of Executive
• Separation of Powers or legislative supremacy
• Who gets to vote?
• Checks and Balances - Does the Executive have a veto?
• Bill of rights (1st or last?), what rights are protected?
• Any other unique features, e.g. Declarations of
Independence
Examining Early State Constitutions
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/avalon.ht
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Massachusetts Constitution
• http://www.nhinet.org/ccs/docs/ma-1780.htm