The Massachusetts Constitution is the fundamental governing document of the state of Massachusetts.
Features
The Massachusetts Constitution is often referred to as the oldest state constitution in continuous effect.
The Massachusetts Constitution contains four parts: a preamble, a declaration of rights, a description of the framework of government in six chapters and articles of amendment.
As a result of the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention of 1917 – 1919, it was re-codified through the incorporation of 66 previously approved amendments.
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.
Massachusetts features a process for indirect initiated constitutional amendments. This process requires a signature petition and then approval by 25 percent of the state’s legislature in two different joint legislative sessions. Constitutional amendments can also be put on the ballot in Massachusetts through LRCAs or a constitutional convention.
