Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-08-03
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

This is the season for advertising proposed constitu-
tional amendments, and the secretary of state is publish
ing a list of measures which it is proposed to incorporate
in the fundamental law of the state. .
At the legislative session of 1917 four resolutions
were passed referring as many proposed amendments to
the legislature of 1919, these, if approved by that body.
to be voted on by the people at the succeeding general
election. These are the measures:
Extending the elective franchise to women;
Changing the name of the State Reform School at
Mandan to the State Training School; Mr
Permitting the legislature to exempt farm improve
ments from taxation; and u
Onitting bonds of other states from the list of Sc
curities in which school funds may be invested. and per-
hitting the loaning of these funds on farm mortgages up
to one-half Of the value of the property instead of one
third, as at present.
These will require no action by tho people at this
election except such action as they may choose to take in
their senators. and representatives as to their
desire to have the amendments adopted or otherwise.
A brief consideration of the procedure, which is that
provided under the state constitution as originally draft
ed, reveals very clearly the purpose which was sought to
be accomplished by the adoption OF. that metnod of
amending the constitution. The conception Of the con-
stitution was that of a basic law, establishing principles
or policies on a relatively permanent basis. 1t was OK
pected that the constitution would be subjected to less
frequent changes than the statutory law, hence special
provision was made to- facilitate full and careful consid-
Grafton by the people Of every proposed constitutions
change before attion on it was taken.
Under this plan changes are initiated by the 1eg1sla.
ture. The legislature that proposes the amendment does
not submit it to the people for their direct vote. Instead
it refers 1T to the next legislature. and in addition to the
general knowledge by the people that such amendment
has been proposed. full publicity is given to the proposal
by published notices well in advance Of the election al
which members Of the next Legislature. are to be chosen
If the voter is interested in the proposed amendment
therefore, he can communicate his wishes to the candi:
dates for the legislature from his district. If they be.
lieve it necessary, he, and those believing as he does. car
cause to be placed. in the field legislative candidates rep.
resenting their views on this subject. Then. when Thu
legislature meets, its members, coming fresh from theil
constituents, being informed, of the wishes of those con.
stituents, and representing their opinions, can act in
truly representative manner on these questions.
II, after full consideration by a body o constituted
and so informed, the proposed amendment is thought tt
have merit. 1t is submitted to the entire body Of thsToter
OF the state for their final approval or rejection.
The plan is calculated to~give effect to the consid
cred judgment Of the people. first through their chosen
representatives. and finally through their own5a action.