State Constitutions
I. Basic Purposes
A. Establish Governmental Framework
B. Set Forth Basic Political Principles
C. Distribute Powers Among Governments
D. Limit Government Power
E. Protect Individual Rights
II. Common Features
A. Preamble
B. Bill of Rights
C. Establishes and Empowers Three Government Branches
D. Corporation Section
E. Local Government Provisions
F. Miscellaneous Subjects (education, mining, canals, boundaries, agriculture, water, environment, etc.)
II. Six Historical Patterns
A. Commonwealth
B. Commercial
C. Southern Contractual
D. Frame of Government
E. Civil Code
F. Managerial
III. Common Weaknesses
A. Excessive Length and Detail
B. Long Ballot
C. Excessive Restrictions on Local Government Powers and Forms
D. Confusing Legalese
E. Reforms -- Model State Constitution; Alabama Constitutional Reform
A. Informal Changes
1. Custom and Usage
2. Judicial Review
B. Formal Change
1. Initiation of Change
a. Legislative Proposal
b. Popular Initiative -- direct and indirect
c. Constitutional Convention
d. Constitutional Commission
2. Voter Approval
Key Web Sites
State Constitutions, Statutes and Codes