The North Carolina Constitution is the fundamental governing document of the state of North Carolina.
Features
The constitution is the highest legal document for North Carolina, and subjugates North Carolina law. It is subject to federal judicial review. Any aspect of the constitution can be nullified if it does not align with federal law and the United States Constitution.
The North Carolina constitution contains 14 articles, each made up of different sections. Unlike the United States Constitution, which only appends amendments, North Carolina incorporates amendments into the document.
Background
The current (and fourth) North Carolina Constitution was adopted in 1971.
The current constitution has been amended 42 times.
The most recent amendments to the North Carolina Constitution, of which there were four, were approved by voters in 2018.
North Carolina does not feature a process for initiated constitutional amendments. Thus, amendments in North Carolina can be put on the ballot through referral by the legislature or by a constitutional convention.
