Now that we've talked about the US Constitution, let's talk about State Constitutions. You might not be aware of this, but every State ALSO has ITS OWN Constitution. What we're going to find out in this unit is that most State Constitutions look VERY different from the US Constitution. They tend to be a lot longer, and a lot more detailed in length. We're going to learn why in this unit.
Textbook Reading |
Chapter 5 (Parts 5.A through 5.E) Chapter 4 (Part 4.E.I ONLY, on "Initiative and Referenda") |
Instructor Notes |
State Constitutions - Lecture Notes |
Outside Links |
Minnesota's Constitutions of 1858 (Minnesota SOS Office) - yes, you read that right (plural Constitutions) General Information on State Constitutions (CSG Book of the States - 2019) State Constitutions Infographic (CSG Book of the States - 2019) Constitutional Amendments by Legislature (CSG Book of the States - 2019) Constitutional Amendments by Initiative (CSG Book of the States - 2019) State Constitutional Convention Process (CSG Book of the States - 2019) Statewide Initiative and Referral (CSG Book of the States - 2019) States with Initiative and Referral (map and short essay from Ballotpedia) From Taxes to Marijuana: November voters to decide 160-plus Policy Issues (NCSL Our American States podcast - Sept 2018) - first seven minutes are most important, on the process (transcript available as separate link at site) Direct Democracy Options (ACE Electoral Knowledge Network) - use drop-down carrots to read about advantages and disadvantages of "Referendum" and "Citizen Initiatives" |
Unit Assignments |
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