Pennsylvania has had several constitutions since independence, and each version reflects shifts in how Pennsylvanians thought about democracy, power, and rights. Here’s a clear walk-through of the major constitutions and the changes they introduced:
1776 Constitution
- Radical democracy: Written right after independence, it was one of the most democratic constitutions of the era.
- Unicameral legislature: Only one house (no Senate), chosen annually by the people.
- Weak executive: No governor — instead, an executive council of 12 members. The president was chosen by the council, not the people.
- Expansive voting rights: Any taxpaying free male could vote (broader than many other states at the time).
- Declaration of Rights: Very strong, emphasizing freedom of speech, conscience, and press.
- Council of Censors: A unique body elected every 7 years to check whether the constitution was being obeyed.
👉 Over time, critics thought it was too democratic and chaotic, giving the legislature too much unchecked power.
1790 Constitution
- More balanced government: Replaced the unicameral legislature with a bicameral legislature (House and Senate).
- Governor created: A strong, independently elected governor with veto power.
- Separation of powers: Clearer division between legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- Voting rights narrowed: Restricted to taxpayers, but with more property-related requirements than 1776.
👉 This constitution lasted for 45 years and brought Pennsylvania closer to the U.S. model.
1838 Constitution
- Response to Jacksonian Democracy: More popular participation but also restrictions.
- Voting rights: Limited to white male citizens age 21 or older — this explicitly excluded Black men (who had been able to vote previously).
- Elections expanded: More state and local officials chosen by popular vote instead of appointment.
- Legislative rules tightened: For example, restrictions on passing private bills.
👉 This constitution mirrored racial attitudes of the time and fueled debates about equality.
1874 Constitution
- Post–Civil War reforms: Adopted after the Civil War and amid political corruption scandals.
- Curbing corporate power: Railroads and big businesses were limited in their ability to influence politics.
- Judiciary reforms: Judges’ terms extended, and the court system reorganized.
- Stronger limits on legislature: New rules against special legislation and for greater transparency.
👉 It was meant to clean up corruption and modernize state government.
1968 Constitution (current)
- Modernization: The constitution was thoroughly rewritten, but much of 1874’s structure carried over.
- Bill of Rights reaffirmed: Still strong on individual rights.
- Home rule for cities: Local governments gained more self-governing authority.
- Judicial system restructured: Unified system under the state Supreme Court.
- Voting rights modernized: Race and property restrictions long gone; aligns with federal standards.
👉 This remains the constitution today, though it has been amended many times since.
✅ In summary:
- 1776: Radical democracy, weak executive.
- 1790: Checks and balances, governor created.
- 1838: Expanded elections, but racist voting restriction added.
- 1874: Anti-corruption and business reform.
- 1968: Modernized, streamlined, and still in force.
