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journal article State Constitutions in the Federal SystemThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science Vol. 496, State Constitutions in a Federal System (Mar., 1988) , pp. 12-22 (11 pages) Published By: Sage Publications, Inc. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1046314 Read and download Log in through your school or library Alternate access options For independent researchers Read Online Read 100 articles/month free Subscribe to JPASS Unlimited reading + 10 downloads Purchase article $41.50 - Download now and later Abstract State constitutionalism has undergone a certain revitalization in recent decades due to the efforts of state electorates and officials to reform and modernize state government, the willingness of many state high courts to redevelop state constitutional law as an independent body of law, and the expansion of federal constitutional law requiring adjustments in state constitutional law. State constitutions remain important as instruments of local self-government even though the field of state constitutional choice has been circumscribed by federal constitutional law. A basic distinguishing characteristic of state constitutions is their reliance on direct popular consent and control. This characteristic is a matter of conflict in state constitutional change because it produces long and detailed constitutions subject to easy popular amendment. Despite reform efforts to streamline state constitutions and limit majoritarian influences, most state electorates continue to prefer more consent and control of government under state constitutions than are available under the U. S. Constitution. Journal Information Each issue of the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, guest edited by scholars and experts in the field, presents more than 200 pages of timely, in-depth research on a significant topic of interest to its readership which includes academics, researchers, policymakers, and professionals. Publisher Information Sara Miller McCune founded SAGE Publishing in 1965 to support the dissemination of usable knowledge and educate a global community. SAGE is a leading international provider of innovative, high-quality content publishing more than 900 journals and over 800 new books each year, spanning a wide range of subject areas. A growing selection of library products includes archives, data, case studies and video. SAGE remains majority owned by our founder and after her lifetime will become owned by a charitable trust that secures the company’s continued independence. Principal offices are located in Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore, Washington DC and Melbourne. www.sagepublishing.com Rights & Usage This item is part of a JSTOR Collection. IntroductionEach state is governed by its own constitution. State constitutions vary in length and scope and, unlike the federal Constitution, they are generally broader in scope and are amended more frequently. State constitutional research is similar to federal constitutional research. As with the federal constitution, a variety of online and print resources provide access to the states' constitutional texts as well as notes of court decisions, commentary, and historical documents. Finding State Constitutional TextsMost states provide online access to its constitution on their state legislative body's website. See our Research Guides by Jurisdiction for more information on state law resources. In addition, the text of current and historical state constitutions can be found at the following resources:
Annotated Codes/Constitutions & CaselawAdditionally, state statutory codes often include its current state constitution. Annotated state codes and/or constitutions are available on Westlaw and Lexis:
Secondary Sources: Texts & TreatisesWhen researching an issue or area of law for the first time, we suggest you begin with a secondary source such as a legal encyclopedia, legal treatise, or ALR. Though not comprehensive, this section highlights some specific sources to consider.
Finding Additional Resources (Databases)The following resources are useful places to look for additional secondary sources on State Constitutional Law topics:
What are the similarities between the US Constitution and state constitutions?State governments operate independently from the federal government, and a state's constitution sets out the structure and functions of its government. Like the U.S. Constitution, all state constitutions create three branches of government: Executive, Judicial, and Legislative.
How are state and the United States constitutions similar and different?Introduction. Each state is governed by its own constitution. State constitutions vary in length and scope and, unlike the federal Constitution, they are generally broader in scope and are amended more frequently. State constitutional research is similar to federal constitutional research.
What are the major similarities between the two constitutions?Both contain a bill of rights that protects civil liberties from the government. Both establish a two-house legislature with a House of Representatives and a Senate. Both have a system of checks and balances and separation of powers between legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.
In what ways were the early state constitutions similar to the US Constitution?The early state constitutions were similar to the U.S. Constitution in that they both proclaimed the principles of popular sovereignty and limited government.
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