The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 was principally written by james cannon, george bryan, and benjamin franklin. 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. Suspension, removal, discipline and other sanctions. Constitution of the united states legislative reference bureau includes the text of and index to the 1968, 1874, 1838, 1790, and 1776 pennsylvania constitutions. Printable constitution of pennsylvania 1776 transcription. C onstitution of pennsylvania 1776 state constitutions. Revisions of the pennsylvania declaration of rights. 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. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first constitution following the declaration of independence, and has been described as. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 a constitution that granted all taxpaying men the right to vote and hold office and created a unicameral onehouse legislature with complete power with no governor to exersize a veto.
View test prep legal history pennsylvania constitution 1776. The long and fierce struggle of the socalled constitu tional and republican parties in pennsylvania over the state constitution framed in i 776 was greatly. The constitution of pennsylvania is the supreme law within the commonwealth of pennsylvania. While the colony was to be an asylum for the persecuted quakers of england, so. 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. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first constitution following their declaration of independence and has been. The methodology used in this historical examination of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776, its overturn and subsequent.
Four versions followed, one in 1790, 1838, 1874, and the latest in 1968. Wikidata item the constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776 was the supreme law of the commonwealth of pennsylvania. After that date, all the colonies referred to themselves as states of the. 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. 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 unanimous declaration of the thirteen united states of america, when in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the. Pennsylvania officially becomes a state on december 12. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 people, american. Although the extralegal convention that framed the document exercised full powers of government and remained in session as the legislature, the constitution was. In 1776 pennsylvania enacted its first state constitution in direct response to the declaration of independence and the instructions of the second continental. Thomas young, george bryan, james cannon, and benjamin franklin. The adoption of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 is an article from political science quarterly, volume 10 view more articles from political science quarterly.
Jersey four, pennsylvania eight, delaware one, maryland six, virginia ten, north carolina fi ve, south carolina fi ve, and georgia three. When british troops occupy philadelphia, the assembly meets in lancaster. This document is considered by some historians to be the most democratic legislation to emerge from revolutionary america. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 phmc our documentary. The unanimous declaration of the thirteen united states of america, when in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to. Thomas paines pamphlet common sense was published the same year the pennsylvania.
This edition is taken from the pennsylvania state archives related documents. Avalon project colonial charters, grants and related. The pennsylvania constitution included a declaration of rights that coincides with the virginia declaration of rights in 1776. The constitution of pennsylvania pa general assembly. The current constitution entered into force in 1968, and has been amended numerous times the constitution may only be amended if a. All men are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent and indefeasible rights, among which are those of enjoying and. Download this resource for free constitution of pennsylvania august 16, 1776. It was drafted by robert whitehill, timothy matlack, dr. It was passed by constitutional convention of the 28th day of september, 1776. 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.
The influences of pennsylvanias 1776 constitution on. Since 1776, pennsylvania s constitution has undergone five versions. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776. Constitution of pennsylvania september 28, 1776 page 1. How the charter of 1701 in colonial pennsylvania laid the basis for the development of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. Report of the administrative office of pennsylvania. By the end of the war for independence the parties. The constitution of the united states preamble 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.
For information on visiting the capitol complex, please visit. Professor john fea talked about the people and ideas that shaped the pennsylvania constitution, written in 1776. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 legal definition of. The last of the general assembly under the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 is an article from the pennsylvania magazine of history and biography, volume 25 view more articles from the pennsylvania magazine of history and biography. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 lasted only until 1790. 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. Dedicated to the idea of placing authority in the hands of the people, and specifying a broad range of. Pennsylvania state constitution of 1776 tax history. Pennsylvanias shortlived first constitution, superseded in 1790, is notable because it was the most unorthodox and democratic of the. 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. The current constitution entered into force in 1968, and has been amended numerous. Pennsylvania s first constitution of its statehood was ratified in 1776. Photo, print, drawing passage, in russian, from a journey from st. Apr 18, 2011 the constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776 was the supreme law of the commonwealth of pennsylvania.
The court system in pennsylvania did not change again until the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. The adoption of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. In 1776, pennsylvania adopted a new constitution that has been described as the most democratic in america. Since 1776, pennsylvanias constitution has undergone five versions. This constitution was framed by a convention which met at annapolis august 14, 1776, and completed its labors november 11, 1776.
Whereas all government ought to be instituted and supported for the security and protection of the. Pennsylvanias capitol is, first and foremost, a public. The 1968 version was heavily based on the previous constitution and is sometimes considered as a revision of the 1874 constitution. That all men have a natural and unalienable right to worship almighty god according to the dictates of their own consciences and understanding. 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 establish this constitution for the united states of america. The last of the general assembly under the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 is an article from the pennsylvania magazine of history and biography, volume 25. 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. View more articles from the pennsylvania magazine of history and biography. The federal and state constitutions colonial charters, and other organic laws of the states, territories, and colonies now or heretofore forming the united states of america. This constitution was the heart of a popular revolt against the existing government, one that had been brewing for months.
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. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 a constitution that granted all taxpaying men the right to vote and hold office and created a unicameral onehouse legislature. View more articles from political science quarterly. Jersey four, pennsylvania eight, delaware one, maryland six, virginia ten, north. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1874. 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. Print the following form or supply the same information by hand to send with your payment be sure to scroll down on the form or click on full screen mode to view. Additionally, the constitution was the template from which vermonts 1777 constitution, which gave birth to the state but the area then was claimed by new york and new hampshire, was drawn. Register to vote the constitution party of pennsylvania. Dedicated to the idea of placing authority in the hands of the people, and specifying a broad range of rights, the constitution proved to. Records of the department of state, basic documents. Radischev cites excerpts from the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 which guarantee freedom of the press.
Pennsylvanias innovative and highly democratic government structure. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 book description. 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. 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. 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. This edition is taken from the pennsylvania state archives. Home statutes of pennsylvania consolidated statutes the constitution of pennsylvania the constitution of pennsylvania text size. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 august 16, 1776 encyclopedia. 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 america. Pennsylvania declaration of rights 1776 lonang institute. Example pennsylvania state constitution of 1776 2008. All acts of the general assembly, the governor, and each governmental agency are subordinate to it. Causes and effects of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. This quiz and corresponding worksheet gauge your understanding of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776.
Pennsylvania constitution of 1776, declaration of rights. The adoption of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 jstor. It is a snapshot of the website with minor modifications as it appeared on august 26, 2015. By establishing the courts of sessions, courts of common pleas and orphans courts in each county, the constitution allowed pennsylvania to see the beginning of a statewide framework for the development of its judicial system. Ms emendations of a broadside text, an essay of a declaration of rights, brought in by the committee appointed for that purpose, and now under the consideration of the convention of the state of pennsylvania philadelphia, 1776. The declaration of independence is signed in the hall by the second continental congress. You can go here to apply online or you can download the form below and mail in the form to your county voter registration office or you can hand deliver it. Declaration of independence in congress, july 4, 1776.
View this articles jstor metadata you may also retrieve all of this items metadata in json at the following url. Widely considered the most democratic constitution of its time, it granted all. Topics youll need to know to pass the quiz include the documents writers and how it. The point of this article is not to list all of the narrowly defeated proposals that one or another editor might find noteworthy, the point of the article is to give the background for and text of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. Constitution of pennsylvania september 28, 1776 avalon project. The adoption of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 is an article from political science quarterly, volume 10. This is a static, archived version of the phmc our documentary heritage website which will not be updated. Pennsylvania constitution pennsylvania law us law justia. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 flashcards quizlet. When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, the executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fi ll such vacancies. The supreme legislative power shall be vested in a house of representatives of the freemen of the commonwealth or state of pennsylvania. Congress of the united states, which shall consist of a sen ate and house of. 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.
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