After reading this chapter, you will be able to

• Describe the role of state constitutions,
• Explain how state constitutions evolved in early American history,
• Discuss the role of bicameral legislatures in the first generation of state constitutions,
• Identify the ways state constitutions can be formally changed,
• Identify informal means of changing constitutions,
• Discuss why constitutions vary from state to state,
• Explain how state constitutions differ, and
• Relate the ways local governments may be subject to governing documents such as constitutions.