Pennsylvanias capitol is, first and foremost, a public. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 lasted only until 1790. 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. Declaration of independence in congress, july 4, 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. Photo, print, drawing passage, in russian, from a journey from st. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776 available via the duquesne university school of law pa constitution site. When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, the executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fi ll such vacancies. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first. 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. 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. Printable constitution of pennsylvania 1776 transcription. View test prep legal history pennsylvania constitution 1776. Constitution of pennsylvania september 28, 1776 avalon project. 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. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania, as established by the general convention elected for that purpose, and held at philadelphia, july 15th, 1776, and continued by adjournment to september 28th, 1776 whereas all government ought to. 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. Although the extralegal convention that framed the document exercised full powers of government and remained in session as the legislature, the constitution was. 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. Pennsylvania state constitution of 1776 tax history. 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. Constitution of pennsylvania september 28, 1776 page 1 study resources. Thomas paines pamphlet common sense was published the same year the pennsylvania. Thomas jeffersons first draft of the declaration of independence 1776 in congress, july 4, 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.
This is a static, archived version of the phmc our documentary heritage website which will not be updated. Colonial charters page avalon home document collections ancient. 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. The declaration of independence is signed in the hall by the second continental congress. 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. Constitution of pennsylvania september 28, 1776 page 1. Example pennsylvania state constitution of 1776 2008. C onstitution of pennsylvania 1776 state constitutions. The methodology used in this historical examination of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776, its overturn and subsequent. Dedicated to the idea of placing authority in the hands of the people, and specifying a broad range of.
All was not tranquil in pennsylvania itself when the shot. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 flashcards quizlet. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776. This edition is taken from the pennsylvania state archives related documents. 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. For information on visiting the capitol complex, please visit. Amendments proposed by pennsylvania minority, 1787 december 12. Since 1776, pennsylvanias constitution has undergone five versions. 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. The question that is explored in this thesis is the formation of democratic government in colonial pennsylvania and postcolonial pennsylvania. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 people, american. In 1776, pennsylvania adopted a new constitution that has been described as the most democratic in america. In 1776, pennsylvania adopted its first constitution which has been described as the most democratic in america.
Professor john fea talked about the people and ideas that shaped the pennsylvania constitution, written in 1776. It was passed by constitutional convention of the 28th day of september, 1776. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. All acts of the general assembly, the governor, and each governmental agency are subordinate to it. When british troops occupy philadelphia, the assembly meets in lancaster. How the charter of 1701 in colonial pennsylvania laid the basis for the development of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. 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. Constitution of the united states legislative reference bureau includes the text of and index to the 1968, 1874, 1838, 1790, and 1776 pennsylvania constitutions. It was drafted by robert whitehill, timothy matlack, dr. Pennsylvanias innovative and highly democratic government structure. 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. Jersey four, pennsylvania eight, delaware one, maryland six, virginia ten, north carolina five, south carolina five, and georgia three.
Debates in the convention of the state of pennsylvania on the adoption of the federal constitution, 1787 nov. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 a constitution that granted all taxpaying men the right to vote and hold office and created a unicameral onehouse legislature. This constitution was framed by a convention which met at annapolis august 14, 1776, and completed its labors november 11, 1776. 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. 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. Causes and effects of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776.
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 adoption of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 jstor. 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. Pennsylvania declaration of rights 1776 lonang institute. While the assembly had been framing this document, richard. 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 pennsylvania constitution of 1776 book description.
The adoption of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. The constitution of pennsylvania pa general assembly. 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 constitution of pennsylvania is the supreme law within the commonwealth of pennsylvania. View this articles jstor metadata you may also retrieve all of this items metadata in json at the following url. Declaration of independence and constitution of the united. 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. 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. Action of second continental congress, july 4, 1776. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 phmc our documentary. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776, declaration of rights. The last of the general assembly under the pennsylvania.
The supreme legislative power shall be vested in a house of representatives of the freemen of the commonwealth or state of pennsylvania. Radischev cites excerpts from the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 which guarantee freedom of the press. Email webmaster contact senator contact representative. It is a snapshot of the website with minor modifications as it appeared on august 26, 2015. Pennsylvania officially becomes a state on december 12. The adoption of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 is an article from political science quarterly, volume 10. Constitutional documents, pennyslvania sister projects. The constitution was ratified at a special election held december 16, 1873, and went into effect january 1, 1874. Although the extralegal convention that framed the document exercised full powers of government and remained in session as the legislature. What links here related changes upload file special pages permanent link page. 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.
Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 legal definition of. Amendments proposed by massachusetts ratifying convention, 1788 february 6. Download this resource for free constitution of pennsylvania august 16, 1776. Thomas young, george bryan, james cannon, and benjamin franklin. Thomas jeffersons first draft of the declaration of. Records of the department of state, basic documents. The influences of pennsylvanias 1776 constitution on. This document is considered by some historians to be the most democratic legislation to emerge from revolutionary america. The supreme legislative power shall be vested in a house of representatives of the freemen of. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 was a radical document and is largely considered the most democratic of the early state or commonwealth constitutions. The current constitution entered into force in 1968, and has been amended numerous times the constitution may only be amended if a.
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