1776 constitution of pennsylvania pdf

Pennsylvania declaration of rights 1776 lonang institute. 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. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 book description. 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. 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. Constitution as adopted by referendum of december 16, 1873, but were either added by various constitutional amendments or promulgated on june 11, 1974, p. Thomas paines pamphlet common sense was published the same year the pennsylvania. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1968. Pennsylvania was one of the original thirteen colonies, and was admitted as a state on december 12, 1787. Pennsylvania s constitution of 1776 study guide by gordode20 includes 5 questions covering vocabulary, terms and more.

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. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 phmc our documentary. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 american constitutional and legal history series. 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. 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. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 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.

On 2 july 1776, new jersey became the fourth american colony to adopt a constitution declaring independence from great britain. For information on visiting the capitol complex, please visit. All acts of the general assembly, the governor, and each governmental agency are subordinate to it. The supreme legislative power shall be vested in a house of representatives of the freemen of the commonwealth or state of pennsylvania. This was the first constitution framed by an american commonwealth. Pennsylvania state constitution of 1776 tax history. 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. Every citizen of this state owes paramount allegiance to the constitution and government of the united states, and no law or ordinance of the state in contravention or subversion thereof can have any binding force. 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. Quizlet flashcards, activities and games help you improve your grades. 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. 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. The parliament of great britain, by a declaratory act, having assumed a right to make laws to.

It was passed by constitutional convention of the 28th day of september, 1776. Although the extralegal convention that framed the document exercised full powers of government and remained in session as the legislature, the. The constitution was ratified at a special election held december 16, 1873, and went into effect january 1, 1874. Delphia the 15th day of july, 1776, and con tinued by adjournments to the 28th september following. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 american constitutional and legal history series selsam, j. The president was chosen annually by the council, though with no specific term dates. This edition is taken from the pennsylvania state archives. Constitutional convention 1776 the proceedings relative to calling the conventions of 1776 and 1790, the minutes of the convention that forms the present constitution of. 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. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 flashcards quizlet. 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. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 legal definition of. The constitution of pennsylvania pa general assembly.

The pennsylvania constitution had two parts, a bill or declaration of rights and what became known as the frame of government. 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. This constitution was framed by a convention called in accordance with the expressed wish of the continental congress which assembled at philadelphia july 15, 1776, and completed its labors september 28, 1776. 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. And that no man ought or of right can be compelled to attend any religious worship, or erect or support any. This constitution was amended in 1901, 1909, 1911, 19, 1915, 1918. Dedicated to the idea of placing authority in the hands of the people, and specifying a broad range of. Pennsylvanias constitution of 1776 study guide by gordode20 includes 5 questions covering vocabulary, terms and more. Revisions of the pennsylvania declaration of rights, between. 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 methodology used in this historical examination of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776, its overturn and.

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. Prior to declaring its independence, pennsylvania was a colony of the kingdom of great britain. Widely considered the most democratic constitution of its time, it granted all. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 lasted only until 1790. Topics youll need to know to pass the quiz include the documents writers and how it. Pennsylvanias constitution of 1776 flashcards quizlet. Constitution of pennsylvania september 28, 1776 page 1.

View test prep legal history pennsylvania constitution 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. 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. To the north of maryland, in pennsylvania, a new state constitution was also adopted in 1776. In 1776, pennsylvania adopted a new constitution that has been described as the most democratic in america. Apr 18, 2011 the constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776 was the supreme law of the commonwealth of pennsylvania. The influences of pennsylvanias 1776 constitution on. This constitution was framed by the convention which issued the preceding declaration of rights, and was adopted june 29, 1776. On july 18 the convention appointed a drafting committee, which reported a week later. Since 1776, pennsylvania s constitution has undergone five versions. In december 1699, the proprietor again visited pennsylvania and, just before his return to england in 1701, agreed with the assembly on a revised constitution, the charter of privileges, which remained in effect until 1776. Causes and effects of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776.

Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 people, american. Since 1776, pennsylvanias constitution has undergone five versions. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania article. Email webmaster contact senator contact representative. Marylanders who were unhappy about their undemocratic new state constitution had a clear example of a democratic state government in the constitution of neighboring pennsylvania. Download this resource for free constitution of pennsylvania august 16, 1776. The current constitution entered into force in 1968, and has been amended numerous. It was composed in five days and although the delegates considered it a temporary charter, it remained new jersey s state constitution for sixtyeight years. C onstitution of pennsylvania 1776 state constitutions. Constitutional convention 1776 the proceedings relative to calling the conventions of 1776 and 1790, the minutes of the convention that forms the present constitution of pennsylvania the proceedings. The constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776 was the supreme law of the commonwealth of pennsylvania.

The legislative, executive, and supreme judicial powers of the state government shall be. How the charter of 1701 in colonial pennsylvania laid the basis for the development of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. At a meeting of the conveation for the state of pennsylvania, held in the city of plliladelphia, on the 15th day of july, in the year one tihousand seven hundred and seventysix. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. In 1776, pennsylvania adopted its first constitution which has been described as the most democratic in america. That all men have a natural and unalienable right to worship almighty god according to the dictates of their own consciences and understanding. This quiz and corresponding worksheet gauge your understanding of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776.

On july 18 the convention appointed a drafting committee. Declaration of independence in congress, july 4, 1776. This constitution was framed by a convention, or congress, which assembled at exeter, december 21, 1775, in accordance with a recommendation from the continental congress, and completed its labors january 5, 1776. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776, declaration of rights. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 was principally written by james cannon, george bryan, and benjamin franklin. Records of the department of state, basic documents.

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 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 rights, the constitution. The question that is explored in this thesis is the formation of democratic government in colonial pennsylvania and postcolonial pennsylvania. The constitution of pennsylvania is the supreme law within the commonwealth of pennsylvania. The current constitution entered into force in 1968, and has been amended numerous times the. Professor john fea talked about the people and ideas that shaped the pennsylvania constitution, written in 1776. Dedicated to the idea of placing authority in the hands of the people, and specifying a broad range of rights, the constitution proved to. 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. 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. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776 available via the duquesne university school of law pa constitution site. Revisions of the pennsylvania declaration of rights. Constitution of the united states legislative reference bureau includes the text of and index to the 1968, 1874, 1838, 1790, and 1776 pennsylvania constitutions. 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.