1-3 Development of Wisconsin Government

1. DEVELOPMENT OF WISCONSIN GOVERNMENT

2. Development of Wisconsin Government In addition to a changing population and economy, other factors contributed to the development of the Wisconsin government you see today. These factors include the timing of Wisconsin statehood, ideas about government that Wisconsin settlers brought with them, and the Progressive Era. Of course, Wisconsin’s first government was tribal. Today, tribes remain “sovereign nations.” Each of our tribes has its own government with a constitution, laws, and leaders. Sovereignty means that on tribal lands, Native Americans rule themselves, separate from Wisconsin’s state and local governments. However, these governments work with tribal governments regularly on issues that concern both.

3. The Timing of Wisconsin Statehood The path to statehood began with European settlement by the French (1634), then a transfer to Britain (Treaty of Paris, 1763), and then to Quebec (1794) [Clarify this?]. But the Northwest Ordinances of 1784, 1785, and 1787 established procedures for settlement of the Northwest Territory [See map next slide]. Congress passed the Ordinance of 1787, which provided a framework for creation of the territories and a predictable path to statehood. Ohio was the first state created, in 1803, followed by Indiana (1816), Illinois (1818), Michigan (1837), and Wisconsin (1848

4. The Timing of Wisconsin Statehood Source: http://www.mikalac.com/map/map2.html

5. The Timing of Wisconsin Statehood The structure of Wisconsin government was outlined in the state constitution. But the process of writing and adopting Wisconsin’s constitution was anything but easy. In fact, Wisconsin’s first constitution failed at the ballot box. In April 1846, Wisconsin voters approved a statehood referendum by a six-to-one margin. In August of that year, President James K. Polk signed a federal law authorizing statehood and permitting Wisconsin to draft a state constitution.

6. The Timing of Wisconsin Statehood The 124 constitutional delegates that convened on October 5, 1846, were a talented group. Mostly from New York and New England, their numbers included past and future judges, governors, and lawmakers. Partisan control was clear, with Democrats holding 103 (83%) of the seats. The 1846 convention began with great promise but ended in disaster. Democratic divisions and personality clashes plagued the convention. It was also too large, lacked adequate procedures, and had too many committees (22).

7. The Timing of Wisconsin Statehood On December 16, 1846, the convention finished its work, and a hard-fought campaign to adopt the constitution began. Opponents attacked the exemption of homestead property from seizure for debts, as well as a provision granting a woman’s right to own property in her own name. There was also debate over the selection of judges and over suffrage. The convention approved suffrage for white males only, although the question of “Negro suffrage” was submitted to voters separately. The 1846 constitution’s financial provisions probably guaranteed its failure. Democratic delegates prohibited banks and limited paper money. Farmers and business interests (particularly along Lake Michigan) saw bank credit and paper money as vital to economic development. In April 1847, voters rejected the constitution, 20,321 (59%) to 14,116. “Negro suffrage” was defeated by a similar margin.

8. The Timing of Wisconsin Statehood With support for statehood still high, a new convention convened on December 15, 1847. Clearly, the new delegates had learned from the first convention. Though the delegates were still largely rooted in the northeast U.S., the second convention was smaller (69 delegates), was more politically balanced (62% Democrat), had fewer committees (six), and was more disciplined. Participants were also more discreet in handling the controversial issues that doomed the first constitution. The new constitution allowed the legislature to charter banks, subject to voter approval. Property rights for married women and voting rights for black people were omitted, but the legislature was authorized to extend suffrage. The 1848 delegates also bowed to public will, opting for elected rather than appointed judges.

9. Jacksonian Democracy Jacksonian Democracy influenced the framers of the Wisconsin constitution. These ideas – named after President Andrew Jackson, a Democrat – dominated American politics during the first half of the 19th century. Because Democrats held a majority of the delegates to both constitutional conventions, Jacksonian principles became an important part of the Wisconsin Constitution. These principles – the equality of men, apportionment by population, majority rule, and rotation of office – are still a part of our political tradition. [Bullet these?]

10. Jacksonian Democracy For instance, almost all adults have the right to vote. Majority rule is still generally followed in the legislative process, and representation is based on population. We also continue to believe that the majority should have the opportunity to elect most public officers to short terms of office. Also in the Jacksonian Era, the “common man” gained the right to vote and hold office. Movements for free public schools and for women’s rights began.

11. Jacksonian Democracy Yankees were a well-represented and influential group at both constitutional conventions. In fact, the average delegate was a relatively young Yankee farmer or lawyer who generally supported Jacksonian principles. They used New York’s constitution, which was revised in 1846, as a model for Wisconsin’s. Yankee influence is still evident in Wisconsin’s constitution today. Yankees left their mark on Wisconsin government to such a degree that, even when they were overwhelmed in numbers by northern European immigrants, historian Robert Nesbit found that “Wisconsin was a Yankee state.” Part of the reason was that so-called Yankee values (hard work, self-government, universal literacy, and active involvement in church and community) were also important to many Germans, Scandinavians, and Swiss.