Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 in 1776 pennsylvania enacted its first state constitution in direct response to the declaration of independence and the instructions of the second continental congress to the colonies to reject british rule. Apr 18, 2011 the constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776 was the supreme law of the commonwealth of pennsylvania. Topics youll need to know to pass the quiz include the documents writers and how it. Lets start at the beginning the us declared it independent from england by creating the declaration of independence on july 4, 1776. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 august 16, 1776pennsylvanias shortlived first constitution, superseded in 1790, is notable because it was the most unorthodox and democratic of the constitutions of the original states.
Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Download this resource for free constitution of pennsylvania august 16, 1776. Printable constitution of pennsylvania 1776 transcription the representatives of the free men of the same, and a president and council, in manner and form followingsect. Constitution of pennsylvania september 28, 1776 page 1. This declaration of rights was framed by a convention, composed of fortyfive members of the colonial house of burgesses, which met at williamsburgh may 6, 1776, and adopted this declaration june 12, 1776. We, the people of the commonwealth of pennsylvania, grateful to almighty god for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking his guidance, do ordain and establish this constitution. That all men have a natural and unalienable right to worship almighty god according to the dictates of their own consciences and understanding. Since 1776, pennsylvanias constitution has undergone five versions. This declaration of rights was assented to, and passed, in convention of the delegates of the freemen of maryland, begun and held at annapolis, the 14th day of august, a.
Printable constitution of pennsylvania 1776 transcription. On july 18 the convention appointed a drafting committee. The pennsylvania constitution, written by benjamin franklin, was the heart of a popular revolt against the existing government, one that had been brewing for months. The adoption of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 jstor. The current constitution entered into force in 1968, and has been amended numerous. The 1968 version was heavily based on the previous constitution and is sometimes considered as a revision of the 1874 constitution. Avalon project colonial charters, grants and related documents. Jersey four, pennsylvania eight, delaware one, maryland six, virginia ten, north carolina five, south carolina five, and georgia three. Revisions of the pennsylvania declaration of rights, between. Dedicated to the idea of placing authority in the hands of the people, and specifying a broad range of. The constitution of 1874 was adopted november 3, 1873, by a constitutional convention which was called pursuant to the act of april 11, 1872 p.
Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 flashcards quizlet. In 1776, pennsylvania adopted a new constitution that has been described as the most democratic in america. Pennsylvanias constitution of 1776 study guide by gordode20 includes 5 questions covering vocabulary, terms and more. Since 1776, pennsylvania s constitution has undergone five versions. The influences of pennsylvanias 1776 constitution on. Pennsylvania s constitution of 1776 study guide by gordode20 includes 5 questions covering vocabulary, terms and more. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1874. The constitution of pennsylvania is the supreme law within the commonwealth of pennsylvania. Constitution of pennsylvania september 28, 1776 avalon project. The first pennsylvania constitution in 1776 created the supreme executive council as the states executive branch, with the president of the commonwealth of pennsylvania as its head.
After that date, all the colonies referred to themselves as states of the. Pennsylvania created its first constitution on september 28, 1776. As the focal point of controversy over the proper structure of the new state government, and as a reflection of a significant internal shift in power during the revolution,6 it mirrored a broader debate on the. The next important document created was not our current us constitution but articles of confederation which went into effect on march 1, 1781. Whereas all government ought to be instituted and supported for the security and protection of the. The constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776 was the supreme law of the commonwealth of pennsylvania. In 1776 pennsylvania enacted its first state constitution in direct response to the declaration of independence and the instructions of the second continental congress to the colonies to reject british rule. The parliament of great britain, by a declaratory act, having assumed a right to make laws to. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first. The constitutional convention of 1776 was the outgrowth of the dissension between the conservative and reactionary parties in pennsylvania politics, which. In 1776, pennsylvania adopted its first constitution which has been described as the most democratic in america.
Thomas paines pamphlet common sense was published the same year the pennsylvania. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first constitution following their declaration of independence and has been described as the most democratic in america. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 book description. Revisions of the pennsylvania declaration of rights. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776 available via the duquesne university school of law pa constitution site.
Constitution of the united states legislative reference bureau includes the text of and index to the 1968, 1874, 1838, 1790, and 1776 pennsylvania constitutions. This constitution was amended in 1901, 1909, 1911, 19, 1915, 1918. This constitution was framed by the convention which issued the preceding declaration of rights, and was adopted june 29, 1776. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776. Section headings were not contained in the constitution as adopted by referendum of december 16, 1873, but were either added by various constitutional. The question that is explored in this thesis is the formation of democratic government in colonial pennsylvania and postcolonial pennsylvania. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania article.
Pennsylvania constitution pennsylvania law us law justia. That all men are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and inalienable rights, amongst which are, the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety. Constitution of the united states of america1787 page ii 4this clause has been affected by clause 2 of amendment xviii. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776, declaration of rights. Dedicated to the idea of placing authority in the hands of the people, and specifying a broad range of rights, the constitution proved to be controversial. Quizlet flashcards, activities and games help you improve your grades. The commonwealth or state of pennsylvania shall be governed hereafter by an assembly of the representatives of the freemen of the same, and a president and council, in manner and form following sect. And that no man ought or of right can be compelled to attend any religious worship, or erect or support any place of worship, or. Constitution of maryland november 11, 1776 a declaration of rights, and the constitution and form of government agreed to by the delegates of maryland, in free and full convention assembled. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 people, american. This quiz and corresponding worksheet gauge your understanding of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. Whereas all government ought to be instituted and supported for the security and protection of the community as such, and to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and the other blessings which the author of existence has bestowed upon man. View test prep legal history pennsylvania constitution 1776.
Pennsylvania state constitution of 1776 tax history. This site is meant to be a primary source of information about the. Causes and effects of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. Although the extralegal convention that framed the document exercised full powers of government and remained in session as the legislature, the constitution was. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 people, council, american. All men are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent and indefeasible rights, among which are those of enjoying and. The president was chosen annually by the council, though with no specific term dates.
The constitution of pennsylvania pa general assembly. C onstitution of pennsylvania 1776 state constitutions. Pennsylvania s first constitution of its statehood was ratified in 1776. How the charter of 1701 in colonial pennsylvania laid the basis for the development of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1968 pa. Email webmaster contact senator contact representative. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 legal definition of. Prior to declaring its independence, pennsylvania was a colony of the kingdom of great britain. Dedicated to the idea of placing authority in the hands of the people, and specifying a broad range of rights, the constitution proved to. All acts of the general assembly, the governor, and each governmental agency are subordinate to it.
State constitutions as national constitutions mark a. The supreme legislative power shall be vested in a house of representatives of the freemen of the commonwealth or state of pennsylvania. June 29, 1776 any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal. Lawyers, journalists, and members of the public are welcome to start here when beginning research about the pennsylvania constitution, pennsylvania constitutional law cases pending in various courts, and current public policy debates concerning the state constitution. For information on visiting the capitol complex, please visit. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 lasted only until 1790. That all men are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and inalienable rights, amongst which are, the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting. In 1776 pennsylvania enacted its first state constitution in direct response to the declaration of independence and the instructions of the second continental.
The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first constitution following the declaration of independence, and has been described as. The governor at once realized his mistake in giving popular. It was passed by constitutional convention of the 28th day of september, 1776. Constitution of the united states of america17871 we the people of the united states, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and estab. Pennsylvania was one of the original thirteen colonies, and was admitted as a state on december 12, 1787. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 was principally written by james cannon, george bryan, and benjamin franklin. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 phmc our documentary. Widely considered the most democratic constitution of its time, it granted all. November 11, 1776 a declaration of rights, and the constitution and form of government agreed to by the delegates of maryland, in free and full convention assembled. Avalon project colonial charters, grants and related. Four versions followed, one in 1790, 1838, 1874, and the latest in 1968. Provides an account of the rebellion of the unprotected frontiersmen and the unfranchised artisans, who constituted twothirds of the population in pennsylvania, against the quaker property owners in their attempt to achieve a voice in the government and establish a liberal constitution in. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 beer and trembling.
The pennsylvania constitution had two parts, a bill or declaration of rights and what became known as the frame of government. Jan 16, 2016 the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first constitution following the declaration of independence, and has been described as the most democratic in. This edition is taken from the pennsylvania state archives. Pennsylvanias first constitution 429 a provincial conference in philadelphia, july i 5. The methodology used in this historical examination of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776, its overturn and subsequent. The first pennsylvania constitution in 1776 created the supreme executive. Pennsylvania declaration of rights 1776 lonang institute.