How did Massachusetts come up with its constitution?

Massachusetts Invents the Constitutional Convention In 1777, the Massachusetts legislature announced that the next legislature would draft a new constitution which it would then submit to the voters for approval. The legislature’s proposed constitution was submitted to, and rejected by, the voters in 1778.

What was important about the Massachusetts Constitution?

It was also the first constitution anywhere to be created by a convention called for that purpose rather than by a legislative body. The Massachusetts Constitution was written last of the original states’ first constitutions.

What does the MA constitution say about freedom of speech and of the press?

Article XXI. The freedom of deliberation, speech and debate, in either house of the legislature, is so essential to the rights of the people, that it cannot be the foundation of any accusation or prosecution, action or complaint, in any other court or place whatsoever. [See Amendments, Art.

Who signed the constitution for Massachusetts?

Not all of the delegates agreed with the final product. Some expressed reservations but signed the Constitution, anticipating vigorous debates within their states. Three delegates, Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts, George Mason of Virginia, and Randolph, did not sign it at all.

What makes the Massachusetts Constitution unique?

“It’s really the first state constitution to clearly delineate a separation of powers: legislative, executive and judicial,” Thompson said. Later in the decade, both the process of a constitutional convention and the three-branch system would be critical in the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

What was unique about the Constitution drawn up by Massachusetts?

What was unique about the constitution drawn up Massachusetts? The first was writing constitution up. They created a constitutional convention, for the purpose of writing the document, this same group would never meet again to ensure against corruption.

Who signed the constitution in order?

Who Signed the U.S. Constitution?

• Connecticut: William Samuel Johnson, Roger Sherman.
• Delaware: George Read, Gunning Bedford Jr., John Dickinson, Richard Bassett, Jacob Broom.
• Georgia: William Few, Abraham Baldwin.
• Maryland: James McHenry, Daniel of St.
• Massachusetts: Nathaniel Gorham, Rufus King.

How old is the Massachusetts Constitution?

Background. The current (and first) Massachusetts Constitution was adopted on October 25, 1780. The current constitution has been amended 119 times. The most recent amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution, Question 1 and Question 2, were approved by voters in 2000.

What was the purpose of the Massachusetts Article 97?

In 1972 Massachusetts voters approved Article 97, granting people the right to a clean environment and authorizing the Commonwealth to acquire conservation easements. Article 97 was intended to be a legislative ‘check’ to ensure that lands acquired for conservation purposes were not converted to other inconsistent uses.

When was the amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution made?

Naturally, many amendments have been made to the Massachusetts Constitution in order to meet the needs of an ever-changing and advancing society: these changes are referred to as the Articles of Amendment . In fact, Article XLVIII, which was adopted in 1918, now governs the amending process.

How is land protected under the Massachusetts Constitution?

All land acquired by EEA agencies (either in fee simple or by CR) is protected under Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution. Land protected by Article 97 requires a 2/3 vote of the Legislature before it can be disposed of. EEA has a “no net loss” policy with regards to the disposition of any Article 97 protected open space.

What happens to land protected by Article 97?

Land protected by Article 97 requires a 2/3 vote of the Legislature before it can be disposed of. EEA has a “no net loss” policy with regards to the disposition of any Article 97 protected open space.