NORTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION

POWER OF THE PEOPLE The North Carolina Constitution is similar to the United States Constitution It begins “We the People…” The Preamble (introduction of the document) is different from the United States Constitution It refers to some principle of divine (or godly ) guidance Article I, Declaration of Rights Spells out the civil liberties and rights of its citizens Similar to the Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments to the US Constitution) In fact, many states had these rights listed in their state constitutions and it is how they were established for the US Constitution

PRINCIPLES OF THE NC CONSTITUTION Many principles found in the US Constitution are found in the North Carolina Constitution Popular sovereignty: people have the right to rule Limited government: no one is above the law (rule of law) Separation of power: 3 branches of government Checks and balances: each branch of government checks the power of the other Flexibility: the constitution can be amended (changed) Article XVIII (18) provides a way to amend the Constitution

NORTH CAROLINA’S MANY CONSTITUTIONS The first constitution was adopted December 18, 1776 It was established because a framework of government was necessary since the states had declared their independence back in July Constitution of 1853 Voters gained the power to elect the governor Voters gained the power to approve or reject constitutional amendments Voting rights were TAKEN away from free men of African descent and Native Americans

Constitution of 1868 States were required by Congress to re-write their state constitution to exclude SLAVERY Opened up participation in government Abolished slavery all men 21 or older could now vote, regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude Constitution of 1971 Few additions and changes in text (wording) i.e. “all elections ought to be free” changed to “all elections shall be free” Added guarantees of freedom of speech and equal protection of the laws

Amendments since : reduced the voting age from 21 to : permitted the governor to serve 2 consecutive 4 year terms 1996: gave the governor the power to veto legislation

STATE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

STATE LAWMAKERS NC’s state legislature is called the General Assembly, located in Raleigh (state capitol) Enact statutes : laws that apply statewide Also local or specific laws that apply to certain counties or cities Legislative oversight: learn how well current laws are working and whether they need changed

RESPONSIBILITIES They elect members of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors and state community college system Impeach and try judges and members of the Council of State

STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION Bicameral legislature House of Representatives has 120 members Senate has 50 members Districts are drawn with relatively equal populations Redrawn after each national census (population count) 1 term = 2 years for Representatives AND Senators Can serve unlimited times

QUALIFICATIONS House of Representatives At least 21 years old Live in district for one year before election Senate At least 25 years old Live in North Carolina at least 2 years Live in district for one year before election

GENERAL ASSEMBLY LEADERSHIP House of Representatives The house elects a Speaker who presides over the house and makes key appointments Senate Lieutenant governor is the president of the Senate, but only votes to break a tie The Senate elects a president pro tempore who is the leader and makes key appointments

WORKING SESSION Long Session Odd -numbered years meets January to June Short Session Even -numbered years begins in late May and lasts for at least 6 weeks