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History of North Carolina’s Constitution Linsey/Patton 4 th Grade Social Studies. 4.C&G. 1.1: Summarize the key principles and revisions of the North Carolina Constitution. Info from: http:// ncpedia.org /government/ nc -constitution-history. What is a constitution ?.
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History of North Carolina’s ConstitutionLinsey/Patton 4th Grade Social Studies 4.C&G. 1.1: Summarize the key principles and revisions of the North Carolina Constitution. Info from: http://ncpedia.org/government/nc-constitution-history
What is a constitution? It is a written statement outlining the basic laws or principles by which a country or organization is governed. Carolina Charter of 1663
What is the purpose of a constitution? • A constitution sets the direction and rules for a government to follow. • Examples: • Rights of citizens • Three branches of government: • Executive (Governor) • Legislative (General Assembly) • Judicial (Courts)
What are the key principles of the North Carolina Constitution? • Definition of principle: • Important underlying laws or beliefs • Key principles are stated in Article I, the Declaration of Rights • There are 37 sections in Article I that state the rights of citizens of North Carolina.
Article I – Declaration of Rights • Section 1: The equality and rights of persons • All people are created equal with inalienable* rights of life, liberty, the enjoyment of the fruits of their own labor and the pursuit of happiness. • *inalienable rights means a person’s rights cannot be legally given or taken away • In your groups, discuss what the Declaration of Rights means. Write an example of one of these rights.
1776 Constitution: The First NC Constitution • Based on the U.S. Constitution: • Governor serves only one year term. • The General Assembly had the most power. • Three branches of government: • Executive (Governor) • Legislative (General Assembly: State House of Representatives, State Senate) • Judicial (State Supreme Court, Court of Appeals)
The Constitution of 1868:The Second Constitution of NC • Had to make changes because of the Civil War. • Slavery was abolished (ended). • Male citizens did not have to own property to vote. • Governor went from a one-yearterm to a four-year term. • Public school system
The Constitution of 1971Why? • There were so many amendments (changes) made to the NC Constitution between 1869 and 1968 that people wanted to review and revise the NC Constitution. • Close to 70 amendments. • One amendment in 1900, required a “literacy test” and a “poll tax” which prevented many African-Americans, Native Americans and others to exercise their right to vote.
What were some of the changes? • The 1971 Constitution reviewed, revised or dropped sections that were in conflict with the U.S. Constitution. • Reduced 300 government departments to 25. • General Assembly could call extra sessions with approval by three-fifths (3/5) of its members, instead of by the governor alone. • More attention to the needs of public education