Amending State Constitutions

Authors

J B. Whitfield, Tallahassee, Florida

Abstract

In the dual system of Federal and State government as it exists in the United States of America, the constitution is the solemnly formulated chart by which the people of a State in their sovereign capacity prescribe the limits within which the natural rights of persons may be regulated by law for the public welfare, and define and limit the authority, powers and duties of those who are charged with the administration of the government of the State. The existing constitution of a State is the last and paramount word of authority and control from the sovereign people; and its mandates are subject only to the provisions and principles of the Federal constitution. By the latter instrument the people of the States, in order to conserve the general welfare, granted to the United States certain specified governmental functions and powers, to be exercised within the stated limits as the supreme law of the land, to which all State authority should yield.

Recommended Citation

J B. Whitfield, Amending State Constitutions, 11 Mich. L. Rev. 302 (1913).
Available at: https://repository.law.umich.edu/mlr/vol11/iss4/4