Email webmaster contact senator contact representative. All men are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent and indefeasible rights, among which are those of enjoying and. The parliament of great britain, by a declaratory act, having assumed a right to make laws to. Pennsylvanias constitution of 1776 flashcards quizlet. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 legal definition of. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first constitution following the declaration of independence, and has been described as. Pennsylvanias constitution of 1776 study guide by gordode20 includes 5 questions covering vocabulary, terms and more. Constitutional convention 1776 the proceedings relative to calling the conventions of 1776 and 1790, the minutes of the convention that forms the present constitution of pennsylvania the proceedings.
Pennsylvania s constitution of 1776 study guide by gordode20 includes 5 questions covering vocabulary, terms and more. The first pennsylvania constitution in 1776 created the supreme executive council as the states executive branch, with the president of the commonwealth of pennsylvania as its head. This declaration of rights was framed by a convention, composed of fortyfive members of the colonial house of burgesses, which met at williamsburgh may 6, 1776, and adopted this declaration june 12, 1776. Section headings were not contained in the constitution as adopted by referendum of december 16, 1873, but were either added by various constitutional. The constitutional convention of 1776 was the outgrowth of the dissension between the conservative and reactionary parties in pennsylvania politics, which. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1874. 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. After that date, all the colonies referred to themselves as states of the. This site is meant to be a primary source of information about the.
Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 phmc our documentary. 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. The constitution was ratified at a special election held december 16, 1873, and went into effect january 1, 1874. This constitution was amended in 1901, 1909, 1911, 19, 1915, 1918. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 american constitutional and legal history series. In 1776, pennsylvania adopted its first constitution which has been described as the most democratic in america. 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.
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. Widely considered the most democratic constitution of its time, it granted all. The 1968 version was heavily based on the previous constitution and is sometimes considered as a revision of the 1874 constitution. 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. Dedicated to the idea of placing authority in the hands of the people, and specifying a broad range of. Constitution of maryland november 11, 1776 a declaration of rights, and the constitution and form of government agreed to by the delegates of maryland, in free and full convention assembled. With its writing coinciding with the declaration of independence and the first. Thomas paines pamphlet common sense was published the same year the pennsylvania. Four versions followed, one in 1790, 1838, 1874, and the latest in 1968. In this lesson we explore the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. The first pennsylvania constitution in 1776 created the supreme executive. June 29, 1776 any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal. Prior to declaring its independence, pennsylvania was a colony of the kingdom of great britain. Constitution of the united states of america17871 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 estab.
Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1968 pa. Pennsylvania state constitution of 1776 tax history. Avalon project colonial charters, grants and related. Hello, and welcome to the pennsylvania constitution website of the duquesne university school of law.
It was passed by constitutional convention of the 28th day of september, 1776. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 american constitutional and legal history series selsam, j. 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. Lawyers, journalists, and members of the public are welcome to start here when beginning. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1968. 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. 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. View test prep legal history pennsylvania constitution 1776.
Constitution of the united states of america1787 page ii 4this clause has been affected by clause 2 of amendment xviii. Causes and effects of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. In 1776, pennsylvania adopted a new constitution that has been described as the most democratic in america. 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. Apr 18, 2011 the constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776 was the supreme law of the commonwealth of pennsylvania. 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. Pennsylvania declaration of rights 1776 lonang institute.
For information on visiting the capitol complex, please visit. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 flashcards quizlet. Download this resource for free constitution of pennsylvania august 16, 1776. Since 1776, pennsylvania s constitution has undergone five versions. Whereas all government ought to be instituted and supported for the security and protection of the. Pennsylvanias first constitution 429 a provincial conference in philadelphia, july i 5.
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. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 people, american. Constitution as adopted by referendum of december 16, 1873, but were either added by various constitutional amendments or promulgated on june 11, 1974, p. The methodology used in this historical examination of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776, its overturn and subsequent. The pennsylvania constitution had two parts, a bill or declaration of rights and what became known as the frame of government.
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 constitution was framed by the convention which issued the preceding declaration of rights, and was adopted june 29, 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. The governor at once realized his mistake in giving popular. State constitutions as national constitutions mark a. 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. The president was chosen annually by the council, though with no specific term dates.
Constitution of pennsylvania september 28, 1776 avalon project. On july 18 the convention appointed a drafting committee, which reported a week later. The constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776 was the supreme law of the commonwealth of pennsylvania. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first.
The question that is explored in this thesis is the formation of democratic government in colonial pennsylvania and postcolonial pennsylvania. Pennsylvania was one of the original thirteen colonies, and was admitted as a state on december 12, 1787. C onstitution of pennsylvania 1776 state constitutions. Although the extralegal convention that framed the document exercised full powers of government and remained in session as the legislature, the constitution was. 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. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 book description. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 was principally written by james cannon, george bryan, and benjamin franklin. Quizlet flashcards, activities and games help you improve your grades. The adoption of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 jstor. The constitution of 1776 is regarded as the highwater mark of legislative power, versus executive power, in american constitutional history. The influences of pennsylvanias 1776 constitution on. Professor john fea talked about the people and ideas that shaped the pennsylvania constitution, written in 1776. Revisions of the pennsylvania declaration of rights.
November 11, 1776 a declaration of rights, and the constitution and form of government agreed to by the delegates of maryland, in free and full convention assembled. How the constitution affects lawmaking in pennsylvania. 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. The current constitution entered into force in 1968, and has been amended numerous. This declaration of rights was assented to, and passed, in convention of the delegates of the freemen of maryland, begun and held at annapolis, the 14th day of august, a. The pennsylvania constitution, written by benjamin franklin, was the heart of a popular revolt against the existing government, one that had been brewing for months. Records of the department of state, basic documents. All acts of the general assembly, the governor, and each governmental agency are subordinate to it. The constitution of pennsylvania is the supreme law within the commonwealth of pennsylvania. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776 available via the duquesne university school of law pa constitution site. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776, declaration of rights. How the charter of 1701 in colonial pennsylvania laid the basis for the development of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. Revisions of the pennsylvania declaration of rights, between.
Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania article. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 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. Avalon project colonial charters, grants and related documents. This edition is taken from the pennsylvania state archives. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 lasted only until 1790.
Printable constitution of pennsylvania 1776 transcription. The constitution of pennsylvania pa general assembly. This quiz and corresponding worksheet gauge your understanding of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. On july 18 the convention appointed a drafting committee. Pennsylvania s first constitution of its statehood was ratified in 1776. Pennsylvania constitution pennsylvania law us law justia. This constitution was the heart of a popular revolt against the existing government, one that had been brewing for months. Constitution of the united states legislative reference bureau includes the text of and index to the 1968, 1874, 1838, 1790, and 1776 pennsylvania constitutions. 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. Declaration of independence in congress, july 4, 1776.
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