Learning Objectives

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