Constitution of Missouri facts for kids
The Missouri Constitution is like the main rulebook for the state of Missouri in the United States. It's the most important law that sets up how Missouri's government works. It also explains what laws the state can make.
This constitution must follow the rules of the Constitution of the United States. The people of Missouri also have a say in it. The version of the Missouri Constitution we use today was put in place in 1945. It creates three main parts, or "branches," of government. These are the legislative branch (which makes laws), the executive branch (which carries out laws), and the judicial branch (which interprets laws).
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The Missouri Constitution: Your State's Rulebook
What is the Missouri Constitution?
The Missouri Constitution is the highest law in the state. It explains how the state government is organized. It also lists the rights of the people who live in Missouri.
The legislative branch is called the Missouri General Assembly. The executive branch is led by the Governor of Missouri. The judicial branch includes the Supreme Court of Missouri and other state courts. The constitution also sets up how local governments work, like in counties and cities.
A Look Back: History of Missouri's Constitutions
Missouri has had several constitutions throughout its history. Each one was created to help the state grow and change.
The First Constitution (1820)
The very first constitution for Missouri was written quickly in 1820. It took only 38 days to finish! This constitution helped Missouri become a state.
Changes and Challenges (1845-1865)
By 1845, Missouri was growing fast. The state needed to create new counties, but the old constitution made it hard. So, leaders met in Jefferson City to write a new one. However, the people of Missouri voted against this new plan in 1846.
Later, during the American Civil War, another meeting was held. This meeting was to talk about whether Missouri should leave the United States. But no changes were made to the constitution at that time.
In 1865, after the Civil War ended, a new constitution was created. It was sometimes called the “Draconian Constitution.” This constitution required people to promise their loyalty to the United States. But a few years later, in 1867, the Supreme Court of the United States said this loyalty promise was not allowed.
The 1875 Constitution: Focus on Schools
In 1874, citizens decided it was time for another new constitution. Delegates met in Jefferson City in 1875. Many of the changes they made were about public schools.
This new constitution said that a certain amount of state money had to go to support schools. It also required separate schools for children of African descent. This was a common practice during that time. The people of Missouri approved this constitution in October 1875.
The Current Constitution (1945)
Another attempt to change the constitution happened in 1922 and 1923. Many changes were suggested, but voters did not approve any of them.
Finally, a new meeting was called in 1943. This time, the delegates successfully wrote a new constitution. It was approved in 1944 and officially put into use on February 27, 1945. This is the constitution that Missouri uses today. It has been updated many times since then to keep up with the state's needs.
