The Constitution of the State of New York: A Comprehensive Guide

The Constitution of the State of New York is the supreme law of the state. It was adopted in 1894 and has been amended several times since then. The Constitution establishes the framework for the state government and protects the rights of its citizens.

The Constitution of the State of New York

by Francis J. Gavin

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1653 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	190 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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History of the New York State Constitution

The first constitution of the State of New York was adopted in 1777. This constitution was heavily influenced by the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. It established a strong governor and a bicameral legislature. The constitution also included a Bill of Rights that protected the rights of citizens.

The second constitution of the State of New York was adopted in 1821. This constitution made several changes to the first constitution, including weakening the governor's power and strengthening the legislature's power. The constitution also included a new Bill of Rights that expanded the rights of citizens.

The third and current constitution of the State of New York was adopted in 1894. This constitution made several changes to the second constitution, including creating a new court system, establishing a new system of local government, and adding new provisions to the Bill of Rights.

Structure of the New York State Constitution

The Constitution of the State of New York is divided into 20 articles. Each article deals with a different topic, such as the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, and the rights of citizens.

The first article of the constitution is the Preamble. The Preamble states the purpose of the constitution and the principles on which it is based.

The second article of the constitution is the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights protects the rights of citizens, such as the right to free speech, the right to bear arms, and the right to due process of law.

The third article of the constitution establishes the legislature. The legislature is responsible for making laws for the state.

The fourth article of the constitution establishes the executive branch of government. The executive branch is responsible for carrying out the laws of the state.

The fifth article of the constitution establishes the judiciary. The judiciary is responsible for interpreting the laws of the state and resolving disputes.

The remaining articles of the constitution deal with a variety of topics, such as local government, education, and taxation.

Amendments to the New York State Constitution

The Constitution of the State of New York has been amended several times since it was adopted in 1894. Amendments to the constitution can be proposed by the legislature or by a constitutional convention. Amendments must be approved by a majority of voters in order to become law.

Some of the most notable amendments to the New York State Constitution include:

• The 14th Amendment (1867): Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude.
• The 15th Amendment (1870): Granted African American men the right to vote.
• The 19th Amendment (1920): Granted women the right to vote.
• The 26th Amendment (1971): Lowered the voting age to 18.

The Constitution of the State of New York Today

The Constitution of the State of New York is a living document that has been amended over time to meet the changing needs of the state. The constitution remains the supreme law of the state and serves as a foundation for the state government and the rights of its citizens.

The Constitution of the State of New York

by Francis J. Gavin

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1653 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	190 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE