The Evolving American State Constitutions

Abstract This chapter explores the evolution of state constitutions following ratification of the United States Constitution. The chapter addresses the extent to which the federal experience influenced state constitution making. It includes discussion of issues like statehood and state constitutions, as well as the general and recurring concerns of state constitutional evolution over time. The chapter addresses the extent to which states relied upon other state constitutions as models for their own charters, as well as the development of state constitution-making processes. Finally, the chapter considers post-Reconstruction state constitutions and concludes with an examination of continuing state constitutional issues and the phenomenon of state constitutional epics.