Missouri Constitution Unit

Outline of the Missouri Constitution• Article 1 – Bill of Rights (34 sections)• Article 2 – Distribution of Power• Article 3 – Legislative Branch• Article 4 – Executive Branch• Article 5 – Judicial Branch• Article 6 – Local Government• Article 7 – Public Officers• Article 8 – Suffrage & Elections• Article 9 – Education• Article 10 – Taxation• Article 11 – Corporations, Railroads and Banks• Article 12 – Amending the Constitution• Article 13 – Public Employees

* Areas of Focus

Three Branches of Government

Preamble to the Missouri Constitution

• We the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness, do establish this constitution for the better government of the state.

Number of Constitutions

• 1st – 1820 (Statehood)• 2nd – 1865 (End of the Civil War)• 3rd – 1875 (End of Reconstruction)• 4th – 1945 (Reform of Government)

*Current Constitution in Red

MO Branches of Government

• Legislative Branch – Make Laws• Executive Branch – Enforce Laws• Judicial Branch – Interpret Laws

Capitol of Missouri

• Jefferson City, Missouri

Missouri Constitution Test

Constitution – Basic

#1 priority of the General Assembly – Education

• The MO Constitution is published by the Secretary of State.

• Missouri’s electoral votes – 10 – based on population. 8 Reps + 2 Senators = 10 Electors

Missouri Constitution Test

Constitution – Definitionso Lobbyists – Group of people who try to

persuade legislators and state officials to pass legislation they support.

o Initiative – You or a group of people can petition legislators to make a law or add an amendment to the MO Con.

o Nepotism – Hiring relatives to state jobs (illegal favoritism).

o Treason – making war against the state or helping its enemies. Number of witnesses to be convicted of treason in the state of MO – 2 or on a confession in court.