Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1871-06-16
rhe convention Question.


Asmost of the writer's and papers OF
posed to the call of a Convention go 30
far in their denunciations of the lIiegahty
of the plan adopted by our Legislature.
and are 80 eloquent over the dangers with
which it is fraught to good government,
and to the sacred rights of minorities'
it may be we'll to look into the Constltu-
lions of other States TO see the MODE per
sued by them of altering their Constltu-
tons.
The argument upon which the const1tu-
tionaiity of the mode adopted in this State
rests is the inh erent, sole and exclusive
right of the people of altering and abolish
ing their Constitution and form Of govern
nent. whenever it may be necessary to
their safe ty and happiness. And in order
that this right may be exercised in pursu
Rnce of law, 1t is in the power OF the
General Assembly to provide means where
by the people may make known their wish
whether they want a Convention. This
identical power is expressly declared to
exist in most of the Constitutions of the
States of the Union, as the proper means
Of consulting the popular will.
The Raleigh Sentinel has collated ex-
tracts from the Constitutions and history
of a number of States, which we give
l. VsyqinSG never had any specific mode but
the legislature by a mere majority submits the
question to the voters, and the question is de-
termined By majority OF the voters.
q. by the constitution CT West Virginia amend
rnents may be proposed and submitted TO the
ale q
house, and if adopted by a majority OF the
Tentions may assemble under any law passed by
q majority Of the members OF each house.-Con-
shi.utO1 1868. Art. II.
OF all the members elected to each house of the
general assembly, in their discretion, may pass
. law for taking the sense OF the people as to
calling convention. All subsequent procee d.
ings thereafter controlled by simple MAORI
ties Of the legislature and people, Constitution
of 1880, Art IL.
4. Msssouri-A majority of tho members OF
each house may propose sucn amendments as
they shall deem expedient the amendments
proposed shall be published and submitted to
vote OF the people. If majority of the voters
shall vote for the amendment, it shall become a
part of the constitution. ''The general assembly
may at any TINA authorize by law, vote of the
people TO be taken upon the question, whether q
convention shall be held for the purpose OF
amending the constitution" and a majority OF
votes shall determine the question.
5, Nelo YOrE-Ihe mode of am ending its cen
stitution ana calling convention is the
that of Mise Constitution of1846, Article Is.
g. Nebraska. IA majority of the senate and
House Of Representatives,, may, at any tine, |
call convention for revision changing the |
constitution; the question may be submitted to
the electors, al they determine 1T by majority
VOTE Constitution of 1867.
z. OreqOn.-AmeI dments may bo submitted
by the Legislative assembly" to tho electors. |
and, il adopted by majority Of voters, shall be
1857, AT IL
Observation-Disclosures may be pro-
posed by majority Of the members elected to
nonhH limit rnA RI 70 nnTNln oVN6
maj ority of the voters Of the people shall deter
mine whether the amendment shall becom a
part of tho contitution.--C Constitution Of 1888, |
9. Wasconsin.-Any amendment may be pro-
posed by majority of the members of each
House and submitted to the people for their
adoption. majority of voters determine the
question; = Constitution Of 194S, Art. IL.
10. CaE8ornta.-The Constitution is am Dded |
In the same way that of Wisconsin.-COn |
18-Art 10.
IL Ald6amG.-A convention may be called at
any time by submitting the question of calling it |
to the qualified electors. The vote of the ms |
jority determines the question,-CO Con. Of 1865.
II. DelaDdre.- discretion of calling con- |
vention whensver it may suit the people rests |
wholly with the mai ority. This discretion may |
be exercised as often may suit their WILL
Con. of 1822-ATt. 6.
49, I1diana-The General Assembly, at any
time, by O vote of the msjority Of the members
Of each hoase, may propose amendments to be
jority Of them the amendments become part OF
che coostitution.-Con. Of 1851-Art. Is.
Ii 1oDd.-COnstltutIon AMENDED IN the same
way % that Of Indiana.
NOTE The General Assembly shall provide, |
at stated times certainly. and at any other time
in their discr stion may provide, for submitting |
to the people the question "shsil there be q con-
vantiCn to revise the constitution and amand the
ca o - Don. of 1857. art. 10
10 LOuistGRa.-Mud de of amending the consti-
tu'ion of this State substantially the same as
that OF 1owa.-Cons. of 1864. art. ~,
IT, Mac1tgan.-Ihe Legislature. at any time
Ia its discretion. may by law submit the question
of revising the Constitution to the electors OF
the state, and if maj ority desire it, Conven.
lion shall assemble.-Oons. of 1850, art. 90.
NeuGdG.-A majority of the members of each
house may, at any time, submit any proposed
OF the Don institution to the vote OF
he electors, and a majority of them shall deter
mine the question OF adoption Cons. of 1860,
aRt. 16.
NoTE.-In several OF the State Constitutions
where provision is made for particular mode
Ter submitting single item of amendment mol
provision is made for the assem- oIng of a Con-
ventlon. Is it possible that there is no power in
the State to call Convention?