Michigan's constitution has a provision that calls for a vote by the people every 16 years as to whether they want to call a Constitutional Convention to review and re write the constitution.
Each time it has been before the electorate (1974 and 1994) it has been overwhelmingly defeated.
In November 2010 the people will get another chance to vote if they want to amend their constitution via a Constitutional Convention.
If the people approve the ballot proposal (Proposal 10-1) then there will be an election in 2011 to elect delegates to the convention (February primary and May general election). Each current House district will elect one delegate and each Senate District will elect one delegate. it is a partisan election. If a district does not have a delegate elected (none runs) then the Governor gets to fill that slot or if a vacancy occurs the Governor appoints the replacement (must be of same political party as vacating delegate).
The Convention will be reaquired to meet in the Fall of 2011 and continue meeting until they adjourn permanently the Convention.
The Convention delegates will organize themselves similar to the legislature: officers, Convention rules, etc..
Some observers say that the election of delegates (primary and general) could cost more than $50 million and that the cost of operating the Convention, paying the delegates, expenses, etc., could exceed $30 million.
One of the great fears in having a Constitutional Convention is that one ideological group or sector will control the election process and thereby control the output of the convention (conservatives versus liberal and/or Republican Party versus the Democratic Party). Others fear that the convention will be overrun by pro gun, anti abortion, pro choice or some other pro/con group--single issue politics will control and not what is best overall for Michigan.
What issues might come before this 2011 Michigan Constitutional Convention? Hmmmm.
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I think that we don't have anything to worry about. The citizens of the U.S. are quite pleased with the way our Constitutions are written. For the most part, people favor tradition and do not like to even think about the Constitution being altered in any way. That is why over the history of our country, there have been only a few admendments passed. While there could be huge consequence if such people are elected to the convention, I truly believe that the citizens will vote against Proposal 10-1, as they have done before.
ReplyDeleteThe cost of the election is a good example of why we should eliminate the provision in Michigans constitution to vote on whether or not the constitution should be amended. Taking in mind that there have been very few amendments passed simply isn't worth the cost to tax payers.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a perfect time to evaluate the Michigan constitution. Hell, let’s look at the federal constitution while we are at it. We live in a different time than when our state constitution was written. I am not saying to abolish the constitution; I just think that all states are probably to the point where they all need to evaluate the way we are governed.
ReplyDeleteOne way we could limit the fears of the citizens, is to allow the citizens to participate in the convention. ARTICLE I: Political Power: “All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their equal benefit, security and protection.”
We should let men and women from all walks of life participate in a convention, along with several key lawmakers. Then the people would be responsible for rewriting and adopting a new State Constitution.
Our state constitution is working perfectly fine for us. Why would we spend millions of dollars to alter it when it doesn't need to be? Very few changes have been made to our Nations constitution, with this in mind why would we need to change ours? There is nothing wrong with it and it's well written. With the way Michigan's economy is right now, why would we make tax payers pay more for something that simply doesn't need to be done?
ReplyDeleteI like how the people have the options of changing the constitution. However, I do not think people will be interested in updating the Michigan constitution next year. First off, I have not heard any negative comments about our constitution lately; I think overall, people are satisfied. Second, Michiganders, have bigger problems to deal with, including our failing economy and the increasing unemployment rate. People will be more worried about fixing these problems before fixing the constitution.
ReplyDeleteI was completely unaware that every 16 years we vote for a constitutional convention for out state. This is very neat, however, is it very necessary is the question. I understand that culture shapes politics and changes should be made as our culture changes. But I also understand that Michigan is hurting very bad financially. But possibly spending 80 million to hold a convention does not seem worth it and would only be funded by taxpayers. If we can make adjustments as usual (passing bills), then i think we should hold off on the convention and save some money.
ReplyDeleteI'm open to the idea of a constitutional convention and ideas like the establishment of a progressive state income tax and changes in term limits for legislators. This a chance for Michigan to truly hammer out some of the problems in it's government.
ReplyDeleteThe thing I fear was suggested by our professor. One interst group will dominate the delegate elections; something awful will occur such as some pro lifers will take over and move the state another step towards conservtism. In my opinion Michigan needs to become more liberal. If I felt like liberal interest groups could make an impact (by doing more research) I would vote to have a Constitutional Convention in 2010. However, the whole idea of a convetion seems to be quite costly. I would hate to see more budget cuts from education and community health programs. I think if it came down to voting and I had to do it tomorrow, I would vote against a COnstitutional convention. The negative risks are too great.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that we, if unhappy with the current Constitution can amend every 16 years. This is a powerful tool in the hand of the citizens. With this tool we can help and protect ourselves in this ever changing world.
ReplyDeleteAt this time I don't foresee us changing anything, maybe the gay marriage issue will come up. Other than that I think the document is fairly well balanced and no civil rights are being violated as far as I know.
Several state laws are all that bother me right now and our current policy on prison inmates.
In response to FentonS
ReplyDeleteI agree that the cost to election is great, but I think we as citizens have the right to at least vote on a Constitutional Convention. We can always vote “no”, but I don’t think we should eliminate the privilege altogether.
i dont think that people will want change in 2010. but then there are proposals that have been voted on for this past election that people might want to adress. for the most part though i think that people fear change and they will see it as the MI constitution has been working fine so why change it.
ReplyDeleteI think that the provision for a change in our constitution is a very good thing. It allows our government to "evolve" to suit the times and opinions of the citizens. Without the ability for our government to do that I think that a "coup" would have occured many years ago. This would not be beneficial to us or the government. As far as holding a constitutional convention in 2010, I think that would be a mistake. Honestly I think our society has a pretty harmonious relationship with the government. Although it might not be a bad idea....maybe we could push for the U.P. as it's own seperate state. Ha Ha.
ReplyDeleteThe option of changing the constitution is very important in a lot of different ways, and important to many citizens to be able to have that option. Updating the Michigan constitution next year would be on some peoples list but I think that it would be more essential if we focused on michigans failing economy and the increasing unemployment rate. I think that this will come before trying to fix the constitution.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is interesting that the state constitution can be amended every 16 years. I did not know this. I do not think that the people will vote for it to be amended in 2010 though, especially if they know how much it costs. Everyone knows how bad Michigan's economy is right now, we can not afford to pay millions of dollars to amended the constitution. I think that it is working pretty well as is and I think that others would agree with me.
ReplyDeleteOn oxoluckyyewoxo's note, I agree totally with her. I do believe that people are still interested in changing what they can about the constitution. Even though yes I believe that they should be focused more on the economy situation a little more. We just need to know where we stand finantially and do what we can with it.
ReplyDeleteI believe the whole process seems to dragged out. It seems as though nothing can be done in the government without spending at least $50 million. I think that's what should be addressed about our constitution, the complexity to ammend. Simplfy it. Budgeting throught the entire state would benfit this as would stricter limits on spending. No more mayors buying $24,000 Cadi's for their wife.
ReplyDeleteI believe the state should amend the constitution and make necessary changes that are more representative to today's society.
ReplyDeleteit just concerns me that if radiculs were to get on the board to change our states constitution then the effects would last for 16 years and we could do nothing about it if they managed to slip somthing in sneakily it could cause massive damage to any part of the state
ReplyDeleteThis post was very interesting but could prove to be completely unnecessary. If the constitutional convention does not take place then there is no need to worry and since that is what has been happening for the last several decades one thinks it is likely to happen again. However, if the convention does pass and is made to take place it will cause more problems than it is worth. The state of Michigan already has a large defecit and troubled economy. the last thing it needs is to have to deal with more money issues. And from the numbers givin in this article it seems that quite a lot of money would be unnesecarily spent.
ReplyDeleteI really don't know if a change to our constitution is necessary at this time. The Michigan state constitution has been around for a long time and there haven't been any serious issues to arise from it. Even if changes were needed at this point in time, I don't think anybody would actually vote to make it happen seeing as it would cost so much money to do. Money is everything right now. Michigan doesn't have any and we seem to be losing more by the day. This is just an unnecessary expense and we should treat it that way.
ReplyDelete