Amendments to the Minnesota Constitution
Since 1857, the Minnesota state constitution has been amended 121 times. Some amendments affected more than one section of the constitution. Each square below represents when a section was changed by an amendment.
Scroll through the timeline to view amendments to the constitution by year and historical context for significant amendments.
Each block on this histogram represents a change—e.g., a substantive change, repeal & replace, or renumbering—to an individual section rather than an amendment. Some amendments result in multiple changes, resulting in multiple blocks being attributed to one amendment. Likewise, a section may be amended more than once in an year, but these amendments will only appear as one block on the histogram. When a block or blocks are marked red in a specific year, that means that a new constitution went into effect that year.
The Minnesota Constitution & Its Amendments
Minnesotans voted to approve the state constitution on October 13, 1857. The constitution was the result of a tumultuous, politically divided convention that spanned seven weeks. This bitter political conflict continued even after delegates reached a compromise on the constitutional language. Delegates refused to sign a document bearing the signatures of delegates from the other political party, necessitating the creation of two copies of the constitution to gather signatures. Although these two copies of the constitution were meant to be identical, the copies were created overnight by lamplight, a process that resulted in over 300 differences between the two copies of the constitution approved by the delegates. Both copies were before Congress when Minnesota was admitted into the Union. As there has been no legal challenge based on a difference between the two versions, there has been no determination as to which copy serves as the definitive version of the original Minnesota Constitution. Consequently, it can be said that Minnesota is “the only state with two official [original] constitutions.” Subsequent amendments and a 1974 reworking of the Minnesota Constitution mean that there is now a single, definitive text.
The power to amend the state’s constitution rests in both the legislature and the people. First, each house of the legislature must vote and approve, by a simple majority, proposed individual amendments to the constitution. The proposed amendment must then be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election. Prior to 1898, an amendment needed only to receive a simple majority of those voting on the question to be approved. However, in 1898 the ratification process was changed to require a majority of all votes cast in the election—including those who abstained from voting on the amendment question. Therefore, not voting on an amendment is counted the same as a “no” vote, making it more difficult for an amendment to be ratified. Since statehood, the Minnesota Legislature has submitted a total of 216 constitutional amendment proposals to the people for their ratification or rejection. Of these proposals, 121 were approved and 95 were rejected.
Because the Constitution requires that multiple amendments submitted to the electorate at the same election must be voted upon separately, legislators can opt instead to deploy the procedures under Article IX, § 2 for the calling of a constitutional convention, which allows substantial revisions or wholesale rewrites of the constitution to be packaged as a single proposal put forth to voters. The constitutional convention procedure has never been formally invoked in Minnesota’s history.
For more information about constitutional conventions, see 1974.
Minnesota State Capitol. Mike Hicks.
In 2024 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 2016 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 2008 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 2006 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 2003 the Constitution was Changed 6 Times
Article V. Executive Department Section 1.
Executive Officers
Article V. Executive Department Section 3.
Powers and Duties of Governor
Article V. Executive Department Section 4.
Terms and Salaries of Executive Officers
Article VIII. Impeachment and Removal From Office Section 2.
Officers Subject to Impeachment; Grounds; Judgment
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances Section 7.
Bonds
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances Section 8.
Permanent School Fund; Source; Investment; Board of Investment
1998
State Treasurer
In 1998, Minnesota abolished the elective office of the Treasurer. Proponents argued that the position was unnecessarily duplicative and that its functions could be carried out by other executive branch agencies at a lower cost. They contended that “accountability and efficiency would be strengthened by centralizing responsibility in an executive office that reports to the Governor.” Opponents felt the position provided for the “most independent system of checks and balances and provides the highest degree of accountability to the people.”
This concluded a two-and-a-half decades long disempowerment of the Treasurer’s office. Starting in 1972, the legislature began transferring the Treasurer’s duties to the Department of Finance and the Department of Commerce. The 1998 amendment abolishing the office of the Treasurer was accompanied by legislation transferring all of the Treasurer’s remaining powers to the Department of Finance, which is now the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget.
Although this amendment passed in 1998, it did not become effective until 2003.
Centennial Office Building, home of the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget. Myotus.
In 1998 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
1996
Recall
In 1914, Minnesota voters rejected a proposed amendment that would have allowed for the recall of all appointed and elected officials. This attempt at increasing accountability in public office was largely forgotten as sentiments shifted. However, in 1996, a renewed interest in the recall power led to the legislature proposing an amendment that allowed for the recall of elected state and county officials. This time, voters overwhelmingly supported the provision, with 86% of voters approving the amendment. Still, Minnesota’s recall requirements are comparatively stringent. For example, Minnesota is one of only eight states that requires petitioners to allege specific grounds for recall. Of these eight states, only Minnesota requires a showing of “serious” malfeasance or nonfeasance, or conviction of a “serious” crime while holding office. In addition, there is an extensive review process to determine the sufficiency of alleged recall grounds, involving the secretary of state, the chief justice of the supreme court, and a special master appointed by the chief justice.
Volunteers gather petition signatures for the recall effort of Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman. Fibonacci Blue.
In 1996 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 1990 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1988 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
1982
The Minnesota Court of Appeals
Prior to 1982, the judicial article contained a provision stating that the district court “shall have such appellate jurisdiction as may be prescribed by law.” This, however, did not authorize appellate review of decisions made by the district court itself and, instead, only applied to appeals from inferior courts and other bodies that perform adjudicative functions. The lack of an appellate division or intermediate appellate court mean that the Minnesota Supreme Court heard a great number of cases that “serve[d] little purpose as precedents.”
Recognizing the increasing burden on the Minnesota Supreme Court, the 1982 amendment to the judicial article gave the legislature the authority to establish an intermediate appellate court. The Minnesota Court of Appeals was established on November 1, 1983. According to their website, the Court of Appeals hears 2,000-2,4000 appeals every year, and its decisions serve as the final ruling in about 95% of those cases. Despite the creation of the Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court has retained jurisdiction over first-degree murder cases, which are typically appealed directly to the Supreme Court.
For more information about amendments to the judicial article, see 1930 and 1956.
Minnesota Judicial Center. Tony Webster.
In 1982 the Constitution was Changed 8 Times
Article VI. Judiciary Section 1.
Judicial Power
Article VI. Judiciary Section 2.
Supreme Court
Article VI. Judiciary Section 5.
Qualifications; Compensation
Article VI. Judiciary Section 6.
Holding Other Office
Article VIII. Impeachment and Removal From Office Section 2.
Officers Subject to Impeachment; Grounds; Judgment
Article X. Taxation Section 8.
Parimutuel Betting
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances Section 5.
Public Debt and Works of Internal Improvement; Purposes
Article XIV. Public Highway System Section 11.
Highway Bonds
In 1981 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1975 the Constitution was Changed 165 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 1.
Object of Government
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 2.
Rights and Privileges
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 4.
Trial by Jury
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 5.
No Excessive Bail or Unusual Punishments
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 6.
Rights of Accused in Criminal Prosecutions
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 7.
Due Process; Prosecutions; Double Jeopardy; Self-Incrimination; Bail; Habeas Corpus
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 8.
Redress of Injuries or Wrongs
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 9.
Treason Defined
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 10.
Unreasonable Searches and Seizures Prohibited
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 11.
Attainders; Ex Post Facto Laws and Laws Impairing Contracts Prohibited
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 12.
Imprisonment for Debt; Property Exemption
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 14.
Military Power Subordinate
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 15.
Lands Allodial; Void Agricultural Leases
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 16.
Freedom of Conscience; No Preference to be Given to Any Religious Establishment or Mode of Worship
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 17.
Religious Tests and Property Qualifications Prohibited
Article II. Name and Boundaries Section 1.
Name and Boundaries; Acceptance of Organic Act
Article II. Name and Boundaries Section 2.
Jurisdiction on Boundary Waters
Article II. Name and Boundaries Section 3.
Acceptance of Propositions in Enabling Act
Article III. Distribution of the Powers of Government Section 1.
Division of Powers
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 1.
Composition of Legislature
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 2.
Apportionment of Members
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 3.
Census Enumeration Apportionment; Congressional and Legislative District Boundaries; Senate Districts
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 4.
Terms of Office of Senators and Representatives; Vacancies
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 5.
Restriction on Holding Office
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 6.
Qualifications of Legislators; Judging Election Returns and Eligibility
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 7.
Rules of Government
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 8.
Oath of Office
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 9.
Compensation
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 10.
Privilege From Arrest
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 11.
Protest and Dissent of Members
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 12.
Biennial Meetings; Length of Session; Special Sessions; Length of Adjournments
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 13.
Quorum
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 14.
Open Sessions
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 15.
Exclusion From Civil Rights
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 15.
Officers; Journals
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 16.
Elections Viva Voce
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 17.
Laws to Embrace Only One Subject
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 18.
Revenue Bills to Originate in House
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 19.
Reporting of Bills
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 20.
Enrollment of Bills
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 21.
Passage of Bills on Last Day of Session Prohibited
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 22.
Majority Vote of All Members to Pass a Law
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 23.
Approval of Bills by Governor; Action on Veto
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 24.
Presentation of Orders, Resolutions, and Votes to Governor
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 25.
Disorderly Conduct
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 26.
Banking Laws; Two-Thirds Votes
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 28.
Divorces
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 32b.
Internal Improvement Lands -- Investment of Proceeds in Bonds
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 34.
Refers to Amendment of 1881, Superseded as Above
Article V. Executive Department Section 1.
Executive Officers
Article V. Executive Department Section 2.
Term of Governor and Lieutenant Governor; Qualifications
Article V. Executive Department Section 3.
Powers and Duties of Governor
Article V. Executive Department Section 4.
Terms and Salaries of Executive Officers
Article V. Executive Department Section 5.
Succession to Offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Article V. Executive Department Section 6.
Oath of Office of State Officers
Article V. Executive Department Section 7.
Official Terms of First State Officers
Article V. Executive Department Section 7.
Board of Pardons
Article VI. Judiciary Section 1.
Judicial Power
Article VI. Judiciary Section 2.
Supreme Court
Article VI. Judiciary Section 3.
Jurisdiction of District Court
Article VI. Judiciary Section 4.
Judicial Districts; District Judges
Article VI. Judiciary Section 5.
Qualifications; Compensation
Article VI. Judiciary Section 6.
Holding Other Office
Article VI. Judiciary Section 7.
Term of Office; Election
Article VI. Judiciary Section 8.
Vacancy
Article VI. Judiciary Section 9.
Retirement, Removal and Discipline
Article VI. Judiciary Section 10.
Retired Judges
Article VI. Judiciary Section 11.
Probate Jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 12.
Abolition of Probate Court; Status of Judges
Article VI. Judiciary Section 13.
District Court Clerks
Article VI. Judiciary
Schedule
Article VII. Elective Franchise Section 1.
Eligibility; Place of Voting; Ineligible Persons
Article VII. Elective Franchise Section 2.
Residence
Article VII. Elective Franchise Section 3.
Uniform Oath at Elections
Article VII. Elective Franchise Section 4.
Civil Process Suspended on Election Day
Article VII. Elective Franchise Section 5.
Elections by Ballot
Article VII. Elective Franchise Section 6.
Eligibility to Hold Office
Article VII. Elective Franchise Section 7.
Official Year of the State
Article VII. Elective Franchise Section 8.
Election Returns to Secretary of State; Board of Canvassers
Article VIII. Impeachment and Removal From Office
Impeachment and Removal From Office
Article VIII. Impeachment and Removal From Office Section 1.
Impeachment Powers
Article VIII. Impeachment and Removal From Office Section 2.
Officers Subject to Impeachment; Grounds; Judgment
Article VIII. Impeachment and Removal From Office Section 3.
Suspension
Article VIII. Impeachment and Removal From Office Section 4.
Service of Impeachment Papers
Article VIII. Impeachment and Removal From Office Section 5.
Removal of Inferior Officers
Article IX. Finances of the State and Banks and Banking Section 8.
Disposition of Funds Received for Bonds
Article IX. Finances of the State and Banks and Banking Section 11.
Publication of Receipts and Expenditures by Treasurer
Article IX. Finances of the State and Banks and Banking Section 13.
General Banking Law -- Provisions and Restrictions
Article IX. Amendments to the Constitution
Amendments to the Constitution
Article IX. Amendments to the Constitution Section 1.
Amendments; Ratification
Article IX. Amendments to the Constitution Section 2.
Constitutional Convention
Article IX. Amendments to the Constitution Section 3.
Submission to People of Constitution Drafted at Convention
Article X. Of Corporations Having No Banking Privileges
Of Corporations Having No Banking Privileges
Article X. Of Corporations Having No Banking Privileges Section 1.
Corporations for General Purposes
Article X. Of Corporations Having No Banking Privileges Section 2.
Not to be Created by Special Act
Article X. Of Corporations Having No Banking Privileges Section 3.
Liability of Stockholders
Article X. Taxation
Taxation
Article X. Taxation Section 1.
Power of Taxation; Exemptions; Legislative Powers
Article X. Taxation Section 2.
Forestation
Article X. Taxation Section 3.
Occupation Tax; Ores
Article X. Taxation Section 4.
Motor Fuel Taxation
Article X. Taxation Section 5.
Aircraft
Article X. Taxation Section 6.
Taconite Taxation
Article X. Taxation Section 7.
Article X. Taxation Section 7.
Article XI. Local Government Section 5.
Existing Laws and Charters
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances
Appropriations and Finances
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances Section 1.
Money Paid From State Treasury
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances Section 2.
Credit of the State Limited
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances Section 3.
Internal Improvement Prohibited; Exceptions
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances Section 4.
Power to Contract Public Debt; Public Debt Defined
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances Section 5.
Public Debt and Works of Internal Improvement; Purposes
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances Section 6.
Certificates of Indebtedness
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances Section 7.
Bonds
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances Section 8.
Permanent School Fund; Source; Investment; Board of Investment
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances Section 9.
Investment of Permanent University Fund; Restrictions
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances Section 10.
Exchange of Public Lands; Reservation of Rights
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances Section 11.
Timber Lands Set Apart as State Forests; Disposition of Revenue
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances Section 12.
County, Township or Municipal Aid to Railroads Limited
Article XI. Appropriations and Finances Section 13.
Safekeeping State Funds; Security; Deposit of Funds; Embezzlement
Article XII. Special Legislation; Local Government
Special Legislation; Local Government
Article XII. Special Legislation; Local Government Section 1.
Prohibition of Special Legislation; Particular Subjects
Article XII. Special Legislation; Local Government Section 2.
Special Laws; Local Government
Article XII. Special Legislation; Local Government Section 3.
Local Government; Legislation Affecting
Article XII. Special Legislation; Local Government Section 4.
Home Rule Charter
Article XII. Special Legislation; Local Government Section 5.
Charter Commissions
Article XIII. Impeachment and Removal from Office Section 4.
Article XIII. Miscellaneous Subjects
Miscellaneous Subjects
Article XIII. Miscellaneous Subjects Section 1.
Uniform System of Public Schools
Article XIII. Miscellaneous Subjects Section 2.
Prohibition as to Aiding Sectarian School
Article XIII. Miscellaneous Subjects Section 3.
University of Minnesota
Article XIII. Miscellaneous Subjects Section 4.
Lands Taken for Public Way or Use; Compensation; Common Carriers
Article XIII. Miscellaneous Subjects Section 5.
Prohibition of Lotteries
Article XIII. Miscellaneous Subjects Section 6.
Prohibition of Combinations to Affect Markets
Article XIII. Miscellaneous Subjects Section 7.
No License Required to Peddle
Article XIII. Miscellaneous Subjects Section 8.
Veterans' Bonus
Article XIII. Miscellaneous Subjects Section 9.
Militia Organization
Article XIII. Miscellaneous Subjects Section 10.
Seat of Government
Article XIII. Miscellaneous Subjects Section 11.
State Seal
Article XIV. Public Highway System
Public Highway System
Article XIV. Public Highway System Section 1.
Authority of State; Participation of Political Subdivisions
Article XIV. Public Highway System Section 2.
Trunk Highway System
Article XIV. Public Highway System Section 3.
County State-Aid Highway System
Article XIV. Public Highway System Section 4.
Municipal State-Aid Street System
Article XIV. Public Highway System Section 5.
Highway User Tax Distribution Fund
Article XIV. Public Highway System Section 6.
Trunk Highway Fund
Article XIV. Public Highway System Section 7.
County State-Aid Highway Fund
Article XIV. Public Highway System Section 8.
Municipal State-Aid Street Fund
Article XIV. Public Highway System Section 9.
Taxation of Motor Vehicles
Article XIV. Public Highway System Section 10.
Taxation of Motor Fuel
Article XIV. Public Highway System Section 11.
Highway Bonds
Article XV. Miscellaneous Subjects Section 2.
Residents on Indian Lands
Article XV. Miscellaneous Subjects Section 5.
State Prison Location
Article XVI. Public Highway System Section 13.
Supersedure; Repeal of Inconsistent Provisions
Article XVI. Public Highway System Section 14.
Effective Date
Article XVII. Forest Fires; Prevention, Abatement
Forest Fires; Prevention, Abatement
Article XVII. Forest Fires; Prevention, Abatement Section 1.
Article XVII. Forest Fires; Prevention, Abatement Section 2.
Article XVIII. Forestation and Reforestation
Forestation and Reforestation
Article XVIII. Forestation and Reforestation Section 2.
Article XIX. Aeronautics
Aeronautics
Article XIX. Aeronautics Section 2.
Article XX. Veterans Bonus
Veterans Bonus
Article XX. Veterans Bonus Section 2.
Article XXI. Taconite Taxation
Taconite Taxation
1974
The Structure and Form Amendment
In 1971, at the suggestion of Governor Wendell Anderson, the legislature established the Minnesota Constitutional Study Commission to undertake an intensive study of the state’s constitution for the purpose of making “recommendations in preparation for a constitutional convention, or as a basis for making further individual amendments.” The Commission was the second of its kind in Minnesota, the first having concluded its report in 1948. The second Commission was comprised of six members of the Senate, six of the House, a Supreme Court justice, and eight gubernatorial appointees, with Governor Anderson serving as chairman.
After three years of deliberations, the Commission’s final report included several noteworthy proposals that were taken up by the legislature: First, the Commission recommended what would seem to amount to a complete revision of the Constitution by reorganizing the sections, adding clarifying language, and deleting obsolete provisions. Second, the Commission recommended making the Constitution easier to amend through various means, such as lowering the vote threshold for ratification. Both recommendations were put before voters in 1974, but voters only approved the reorganization measure.
Because the “revision” was not intended to make any substantive changes to the contents of the Constitution, and was characterized as “simply a restatement” or “simplification” of the text, legislators were able to avoid the more burdensome task of calling a constitutional convention, and instead put the proposal to a vote of the electorate as a single, comprehensive amendment proposal (“The Structure and Form Amendment”). Since the ‘revised’ constitution does not amount to a new constitution, interpretations of the prior constitutional language retain their precedential power when courts consider the analogous provisions in the revised constitution.
To accompany the 1974 Structure and Form Amendment and facilitate comparison between the revised and original constitutions, the legislature published a guide, which traces provisions from the original constitution to their newly enacted counterparts.
In 1972 the Constitution was Changed 13 Times
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 1.
Length of Session; Limit on Introduction of New Bills
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 5.
Officers; Journal of Proceedings
Article V. Executive Department Section 1.
Officers in Executive Department
Article V. Executive Department Section 6.
Duties of Lieutenant Governor -- Emergency Continuity
Article VI. Judiciary Section 1.
Judicial Power
Article VI. Judiciary Section 2.
Supreme Court
Article VI. Judiciary Section 4.
District Court Clerks
Article VI. Judiciary Section 6.
Administration of Estates
Article VI. Judiciary Section 7.
Qualifications; Compensation
Article VI. Judiciary Section 10.
Retirement
Article VI. Judiciary Section 13.
Probate Court Abolished
Article VI. Judiciary
Schedule
Article XX. Veterans Bonus Section 1.
1968
Permitting Legislators to Assume Another Elective or Appointive Office
Article 4, Section 9’s original language contained a restriction prohibiting certain forms of dual office-holding. Specifically, it precluded any legislator from assuming state, county, or municipal office if, during the legislator’s tenure, legislation was passed to create the other office or increase its salary. In addition, in those circumstances, legislators were required to wait one year after the expiration of their legislative term before pursuing the other positions. This language, like similar provisions in other state constitutions, aimed to avoid self-dealing or conflicts of interest by legislators.
In 1968, Minnesotans approved an amendment that eliminated the one-year restriction and allowed legislators to assume state, county, or municipal positions upon resignation from legislative office. Those in favor of the amendment argued it “would allow the voters and the governor to choose the ‘best man’ for the job.”
Timing of Presentment and Gubernatorial Action on Legislation
Under the original constitution, the governor was given three days to review and sign any legislative act passed during the final three days of the session. However, the volume of bills being passed by the legislature, and the tendency of these bills to be passed in the final days of the legislative session, made it difficult for the governor to adequately review each act within the three-day time limit. The constitution was amended to give the governor 14 days to sign or veto a bill and to allow the legislature to submit bills to the governor within the three days following the end of a session.
Minnesota State Senate chambers. Matt Lewis.
In 1964 the Constitution was Changed 9 Times
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 2.
Apportionment of Members
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 7.
Compensation
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 23.
Census Enumeration; Apportionment
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 26.
Senators to Congress
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 32b.
Internal Improvement Lands; Investment of Proceeds in Bonds
Article V. Executive Department Section 4.
Powers and Duties of Governor
Article VII. Elective Franchise Section 8.
Women May Vote and be Eligible
Article VII. Elective Franchise Section 9.
Official Year of the State
Article XXI. Taconite Taxation Section 1.
In 1962 the Constitution was Changed 12 Times
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 1.
Length of Session; Limit on Introduction of New Bills
Article VIII. School Funds Education and Science Section 3.
Public Schools in Each Township to be Established
Article VIII. School Funds Education and Science Section 4.
University of Minnesota -- Location Confirmed
Article VIII. School Funds Education and Science Section 4.
Investment of Permanent School and Swamp Land Funds
Article VIII. School Funds Education and Science Section 5.
Investment of University Funds; Approval; Bonded Indebtedness Not to Exceed 15 Percent, Draw Not Less Than Two Percent, Run Not Less Than One Year Nor More Than 30 Years
Article VIII. School Funds Education and Science Section 6.
Article VIII. School Funds Education and Science Section 7.
Article VIII. School Funds Education and Science Section 8.
Article IX. Finances of the State and Banks and Banking Section 5.
Authority to Levy, and Distribution of Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax
Article IX. Finances of the State and Banks and Banking Section 6.
State Debt; How Contracted
Article IX. Finances of the State and Banks and Banking Section 7.
Limitation as to When Debt May Be Contracted; Definition of Public Debt
Article IX. Finances of the State and Banks and Banking Section 14.
Special Provision for a Loan for Hospital Building for Insane
1960
Removal of Obsolete Language
In 1960, 40 years after the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Minnesotans approved an amendment to the state constitution removing the obsolete language restricting the general franchise to male voters only.
For more information about women’s suffrage in Minnesota, see 1875 and 1897.
In 1960 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 1958 the Constitution was Changed 9 Times
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 33.
Special Legislation
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 36.
City or Village May Frame its Own Charter -- Charter to be Submitted to Voters
Article V. Executive Department Section 3.
Official Term of Governor and Lieutenant Governor -- Qualifications
Article V. Executive Department Section 5.
Official Term of Other Executive Officers
Article XI. Local Government Section 1.
Local Government, Legislation Affecting
Article XI. Local Government Section 2.
Special Laws
Article XI. Local Government Section 3.
Home Rule Charter
Article XI. Local Government Section 4.
Charter Commissions
Article XI. Local Government Section 5.
Existing Laws and Charters
In 1957 the Constitution was Changed 15 Times
Article IX. Finances of the State and Banks and Banking Section 16.
State Road and Bridge Fund
Article XVI. Public Highway System Section 1.
Authority of State
Article XVI. Public Highway System Section 2.
Trunk Highway System
Article XVI. Public Highway System Section 3.
County State-Aid Highway System
Article XVI. Public Highway System Section 4.
Municipal State-Aid Street System
Article XVI. Public Highway System Section 5.
Highway User Tax Distribution Fund
Article XVI. Public Highway System Section 6.
Trunk Highway Fund
Article XVI. Public Highway System Section 7.
County State-Aid Highway Fund
Article XVI. Public Highway System Section 8.
Municipal State-Aid Street Fund
Article XVI. Public Highway System Section 9.
Taxation of Motor Vehicles
Article XVI. Public Highway System Section 10.
Taxation of Motor Fuel
Article XVI. Public Highway System Section 11.
Participation of Political Subdivisions in Trunk Highway Work
Article XVI. Public Highway System Section 12.
Bonds
Article XVI. Public Highway System Section 13.
Supersedure; Repeal of Inconsistent Provisions
Article XVI. Public Highway System Section 14.
Effective Date
1956
Reorganization of Judicial Authority
Even though voters approved the amendment to add more supreme court justices, it soon became clear that this was insufficient to meet the demands on the state judiciary. The movement to amend the judicial article prompted a 1942 report drafted by the Committee on the Unification of the Courts, which comprised 20 practicing lawyers and judges. The Committee concluded that the current judicial system was inadequate, a result of the present judicial system being “adopted to meet the needs of an earlier day having a simpler civilization and very different economic and social conditions.” The Committee highlighted deficiencies in court administration and rulemaking power and the ever-increasing demands on the judiciary. It was insufficient, in the view of the Committee, that the needs of the judicial system be handled through “piecemeal additions of new tribunals and more judges.”
Despite the public’s “cold, if not hostile” reception of the Committee’s report, which was submitted in 1942 without prompting further legislative action, many of its features would go on to form the basis of future proposals for amending the judiciary article. This included a later amendment formulated by a committee of the Minnesota State Bar Association. It is the proposal of this committee, approved by the State Bar Association, which the legislature adopted at its 1955 session and which voters would ratify at the 1956 election.
Some of the more notable changes effectuated by the amendment include:
• Authorizing no less than six and no more than eight associate justices of the Minnesota Supreme Court
• Permitting district court judges to be temporarily assigned to the Supreme Court
• Granting the Supreme Court the authority to appoint the reporter, its clerk, and the state law librarian
• Providing for multi-judge districts
• Granting greater freedom to alter the size and boundaries of judicial districts
• Eliminating justices of the peace
For more information about the development of the Minnesota appellate system, see 1930 and 1982.
Lake County Courthouse. Tony Webster.
In 1956 the Constitution was Changed 16 Times
Article VI. Judicial Section 8.
Justices of the Peace to be Elected -- Jurisdiction
Article VI. Judicial Section 14.
Legal Pleadings
Article VI. Judiciary Section 1.
Judicial Power
Article VI. Judiciary Section 2.
Supreme Court
Article VI. Judiciary Section 3.
Judicial Districts; District Judges
Article VI. Judiciary Section 4.
District Court Clerks
Article VI. Judiciary Section 5.
Jurisdiction of District Court
Article VI. Judiciary Section 6.
Jurisdiction of Probate Court
Article VI. Judiciary Section 7.
Qualifications; Compensation
Article VI. Judiciary Section 8.
Terms of Office; Election; Vacancies; Reelection
Article VI. Judiciary Section 9.
Holding Other Office
Article VI. Judiciary Section 10.
Retirement
Article VI. Judiciary Section 11.
Appointment
Article VI. Judiciary Section 12.
Retired Judges
Article VI. Judiciary
Schedule
Article IX. Finances of the State and Banks and Banking Section 1a.
Occupation Tax
1954
Calling Constitutional Conventions
Because the Constitution requires that multiple amendments submitted to the electorate at the same election must be voted upon separately, legislators can opt instead to call a constitutional convention under Article IX, §2, which allows for substantial revisions or wholesale rewrites of the constitution to be ‘packaged’ as a single proposal put forth to voters. The process for initiating a revision of the constitution via the convention method is more onerous than the process used for making a single amendment. It requires a two-thirds vote of each house and a majority of all voters voting in the general election to ratify a proposal for a convention, after which the legislature is required to enact a formal law to call the convention into session.
The original constitutional provision governing constitutional conventions only laid out the procedure for calling a convention; it failed to designate procedures for adopting or rejecting proposals submitted by the convention. In 1953, the legislature proposed an amendment to address this gap. Approved by voters in 1954, the amendment specified that, following a constitutional convention, voters will have the opportunity to approve or reject the revision within 90 days of the convention finalizing the revision and that the revision must be approved by a three-fifths majority of voters.
The constitutional convention procedure has never been formally invoked in Minnesota’s history, even when the document was substantially altered with the adoption of the Structure and Form Amendment in 1974.
For more information about the Structure and Form amendment, see 1974.
Minnesota State Office Building, c. 1956. LakesnWoods.
In 1954 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
Article V. Executive Department Section 4.
Powers and Duties of Governor
Article VI. Judicial Section 7.
Probate Court -- Judges to be Elected -- Jurisdiction
Article X. Of Corporations Having No Banking Privileges Section 3.
Liability of Stockholders
Article XIV. Amendments to the Constitution Section 3.
Submission to People of Revised Constitution Drafted at Convention
In 1950 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1948 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 1944 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
In 1938 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1934 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1932 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
1930
Development of the Judiciary
Under the original constitution, the Supreme Court was to be comprised of a chief justice and two associate justices. In anticipation of the need for a larger court, the provision organizing the state Supreme Court authorized the legislature to add up to two additional associate justices by a two-thirds vote. In 1881, in response to an increasing caseload, the legislature voted to exercise that authority and added two associate justices to the bench.
In the years that followed, the court’s docket continued to grow. By 1913 it became clear that further change would be needed. However, the legislature’s hands were tied, having already increased the number of associate justices up to the constitutional limit. Other states had previously addressed this issue by creating a statutory commission to assist the supreme court until the constitution could be amended to authorize additional justices. The Minnesota Legislature followed suit, creating the Office of the Commissioner of the Supreme Court, which was comprised of two commissioners who performed all the same duties as justices of the Minnesota Supreme Court except for voting on the outcome of a case. The commission was designed to be abolished upon the addition of two seats to the Court.
Although the legislature proposed an amendment to add seats to the Court in 1913, 1915, and 1926 it wasn’t until 1930 that voters approved an amendment to expand the Court. The 1930 amendment increased the number of justices on the court from five to seven.
For more information about the development of the Minnesota appellate system, see 1956 and 1982.
Minnesota Supreme Court chambers. Jonathunder.
In 1928 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1926 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 1922 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 1920 the Constitution was Changed 6 Times
Article VI. Judicial Section 7.
Probate Court -- Judges to be Elected -- Jurisdiction
Article XVI. Trunk Highway System Section 1.
Article XVI. Trunk Highway System Section 2.
Article XVI. Trunk Highway System Section 3.
Article XVI. Trunk Highway System Section 4.
Article XVI. Trunk Highway System Section 5.
In 1916 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
Article VIII. School Funds Education and Science Section 2.
Proceeds of School Lands to be a Perpetual Fund
Article VIII. School Funds Education and Science Section 6.
Investment of Permanent School and University Funds -- Approval -- Bonded Indebtedness Not to Exceed 15 Per Cent, Draw Not Less Than 3 Per Cent, Run Not Less Than 5 Nor More Than 20 Years
In 1914 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1912 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1910 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1906 the Constitution was Changed 3 Times
In 1904 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 7.
Further Rights of Accused -- When Bailable
Article VIII. School Funds Education and Science Section 6.
Investment of Permanent School and University Funds -- Approval -- Bonded Indebtedness Not to Exceed 15 Per Cent, Draw Not Less Than 3 Per Cent, Run Not Less Than 5 Nor More Than 20 Years
1898
Constitutional Amendment Process
During the state’s constitutional convention, Republican and Democratic delegates were sharply divided over the issue of whether to submit the question of Black suffrage to voters. On one occasion, these debates boiled over into physical conflict when the former territorial governor, Democrat Willis Gorman, attacked Republican delegate Thomas Wilson with a cane. The deadlock was resolved only when Republican delegates agreed to a compromise: They would accept nearly every provision of the Democrat constitution, including a prohibition on Black suffrage, and, in return, the constitutional amendment procedure would be the easiest process adopted by any state to date. The amendment process adopted by the convention required only a simple majority of both houses at one session and ratification by a simple majority of voters at the next election. Republicans hoped that soon after entering the Union, they would carry the state at an early election, at which point they would submit the question of Black suffrage to the people.
Under this procedure, between 1858 and 1894, Minnesotans adopted nearly 40 amendments. Concerned by the frequency with which the constitution was being amended, the legislature attempted to call a constitutional convention in 1896. This attempt failed, so, instead the legislature proposed a constitutional amendment to make future amendments more difficult. Rather than requiring a majority of votes cast on the amendment question itself, the new provision required that the votes to approve an amendment make up a majority of all votes cast in the election. (Some historians have suggested that the effort to alter the amendment process was spearheaded by liquor interests who were attempting to prevent the adoption of a prohibition amendment, such that the 1898 amendment was dubbed “the brewers’ amendment.”) The amendment was adopted—though, perhaps ironically, it would not have passed under the requirements imposed by the amendment itself. In fact, of the 48 amendments approved by 1898, only 19 would have passed under the new majority required by this amendment.
The effect of this heightened bar was dramatic: In the next half century, the acceptance rate for proposed amendments plummeted from over 70% to less than one-third (32.5%).
Rally protesting amendment to prohibit same sex marriage. Fibonacci Blue.
In 1898 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 36.
City or Village May Frame its Own Charter -- Charter to be Submitted to Voters
Article VII. Elective Franchise Section 8.
Women May Vote and be Eligible
Article IX. Finances of the State and Banks and Banking Section 16.
State Road and Bridge Fund
Article IX. Finances of the State and Banks and Banking Section 17.
Article XIV. Amendments to the Constitution Section 1.
Amendments to Constitution -- Majority Vote of Electors Voting Makes Amendment Valid
1897
Expanding Women’s Suffrage in Local Elections
Following the 1875 amendment allowing women to participate in school elections and school-related office, the legislature proposed, and voters ratified, an amendment expanding women’s right to vote in two ways: First, the amendment allowed women to vote for members of library boards and on measures related to libraries. Second, the amendment removed the requirement that the legislature statutorily authorize women to vote in school-related elections. Instead, the right of women to vote in these elections was placed directly in the Constitution.
Although women’s suffrage organizations and advocates continued to push for full enfranchisement of women voters, it was only with the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920 that women obtained complete suffrage in Minnesota. Even after women were able to participate fully in elections, language restricting the right to vote to men remained in the Minnesota Constitution until 1960 when an amendment removing the obsolete language was approved.
For more information about women’s suffrage, see 1875 and 1960.
Ratification day at the Minnesota Woman Suffrage Association, Sept. 8, 1919. The Woman Citizen (September 27, 1919).
1896
Non-Citizen Voting
Under the original Minnesota Constitution, non-U.S. citizens residing in the state could vote, under the same terms as citizens, so long as they had declared their intention to become a citizen. This section was criticized by Congress when it was considering Minnesota’s admission to the Union. In 1896, the Minnesota legislature proposed an amendment to forbid non-citizens from voting.
Of the six constitutional amendments submitted at the 1896 election, this amendment attracted the least popular attention and received the smallest vote. Less than half of the voters who cast a ballot in the election voted upon the question, and less than thirty percent of the total vote favored its adoption. However, because the old provision for amending the constitution only required a majority of voters voting on the amendment question itself, the measure was approved with 97,980 “yes” votes and 52,454 “no” votes.
Municipal Home-Rule
Successful efforts to rein in the legislature’s power to pass legislation created a new set of difficulties in Minnesota, particularly for cities. The legislature could no longer respond to more localized problems and local governments could not rely on the legislature to address local issues for them. In 1896, voters approved an amendment to authorize cities to adopt and change their own charters. The home-rule provision was later amended in 1897 to prescribe a maximum term of office for charter commissioners, authorize voters to submit amendments to home-rule charters by petition, and reclassify cities into four instead of three population groups.
For more information about prohibitions against special legislation and its effects, see 1881 and 1892.
The City of Mankato, Minnesota in 1890. Unknown.
In 1896 the Constitution was Changed 6 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 13.
Private Property for Public Use
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 36.
City or Village May Frame its Own Charter -- Charter to be Submitted to Voters
Article V. Executive Department Section 4.
Powers and Duties of Governor
Article VII. Elective Franchise Section 1.
Elective Franchise
Article VIII. School Funds Education and Science Section 6.
Article IX. Finances of the State and Banks and Banking Section 16.
In 1894 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
1892
Prohibition on Special Legislation
By 1891, it was becoming clear that the legislature’s initial attempt at curbing the influx of special legislation was inadequate. Although the 1881 provision seemed sweeping, it was not comprehensive. Under the 1881 amendment, the legislature could still pass special legislation for cities and amend, modify, and extend any of the previous special legislation it had passed. In 1883, despite constitutional limits to special legislation, special laws were so voluminous that they required publication in a separate volume from general statutes. This continued until 1891 when the legislature once again proposed an amendment further limiting the legislature’s authority to pass special legislation. Approved in 1893, the amendment limited the legislature’s authority to repealing existing special legislation.
For more information about prohibitions against special legislation and its effects, see 1881 and 1896.
In 1892 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1890 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1888 the Constitution was Changed 3 Times
In 1887 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1884 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article V. Executive Department Section 5.
Official Term of Other Executive Officers
Article VI. Judicial Section 2.
Supreme Court -- Jurisdiction and Powers -- Reporter of Decisions -- Clerk of Supreme Court
Article VI. Judicial Section 3.
Election and Term of Office for Judges
Article VI. Judicial Section 4.
Judicial Districts for District Courts -- Election of Judges -- Term of Office and Residence
Article VII. Elective Franchise Section 9.
Official Year of the State
In 1882 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 33.
Against Special Legislation
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 34.
Refers to Amendment of 1881, Superseded as Above
Article VIII. School Funds Education and Science Section 2.
Proceeds of School Lands to be a Perpetual Fund
Article IX. Finances of the State and Banks and Banking Section 1.
1881
Reducing Special Legislation
In 1881, voters approved an amendment aimed at stemming the tide of special legislation regulating the local affairs of cities, counties, towns and villages. Because the original Minnesota constitution failed to contain any such prohibition, it became common practice to manage the business of the various localities with numerous special legislative enactments each session. Indeed, the legislature tended to pass more special legislation than general statutes. In 1881, the special laws passed at the regular session occupied nearly a thousand pages. At a special session in the fall of that year, 252 more pages of laws were added.
In addition to crowding the books, these enactments were viewed as problematic because the governments of the various municipalities were altered year by year without the express consent of the people affected. The legislature itself became disillusioned with the system and proposed an amendment to curtail its own power to pass local and special legislation by prohibiting eleven classes of special laws.
For more information about prohibitions against special legislation, see 1892 and 1896.
In 1879 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1878 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 1.
Legislature Meets Bienially -- Length of Session
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 24.
Senatorial Districts -- Term of Office of Senators and Representatives
Article V. Executive Department Section 2.
Election Returns to be Sent to Secretary of State
Article VIII. School Funds Education and Science Section 3.
Public Schools in Each Township to be Established
In 1877 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
1876
Line-Item Veto Power
In 1876, the Constitution was amended to give the governor line-item veto power over appropriations bills. Under this provision, the governor has the power to strike items from an appropriations bill without vetoing the entire bill. In 1915, the legislature proposed an amendment that would enlarge this power and give the governor the authority to veto items in appropriation bills in part, which would have allowed the governor to cut down or alter appropriations items rather than striking them altogether. This amendment did not receive the required legislative majority and was never put before voters.
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signing budget bills in 2011. Mark Dayton.
In 1876 the Constitution was Changed 3 Times
Article VI. Judicial Section 4.
Judicial Districts for District Courts -- Election of Judges -- Term of Office and Residence
Article VII. Elective Franchise Section 8.
Women May Vote and be Eligible
Article VIII. School Funds Education and Science Section 2.
Proceeds of School Lands to be a Perpetual Fund
1875
Women’s Suffrage in School Elections
In 1870, the state legislature passed a proposed amendment that would extend the franchise to women, immigrants, and Native Americans. The bill specified that all people otherwise qualified to vote, including women, would be able to vote on the amendment’s passage. However, contrary to the process outlined in the Constitution, Governor Horace Austin—known to be a supporter of women’s suffrage—vetoed the bill, citing the illegality of allowing women to vote on the measure. Although legislators protested that the governor could not legally veto a proposed constitutional amendment (Art. IX makes no mention of the governor’s involvement in the amendment process), the provision never went to a public vote.
It was not until five years later in 1875 that the Constitution was successfully amended to allow for partial women’s suffrage. Even then, the amendment did not directly grant women the ability to participate in elections—instead, it authorized the legislature to pass legislation allowing women to participate in elections related to schools and hold office pertaining solely to the management of schools. It would take another took year before the legislature would actually pass such legislation, thereby permitting women to exercise the limited rights granted by this constitutional provision.
For more information about women’s suffrage, see 1897 and 1960.
Women waiting in line to vote at a downtown Minneapolis precinct, c. 1908. Minnesota Historical Society.
In 1874 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1873 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
Article IV. Legislative Department Section 32b.
Internal Improvement Lands -- Investment of Proceeds in Bonds
Article IX. Finances of the State and Banks and Banking Section 14a.
Special Provision for a Loan for Hospital Building for Insane
Article IX. Finances of the State and Banks and Banking Section 14b.
Superseded by Section 15 But Not Repealed in Express Terms
Article X. Of Corporations Having No Banking Privileges Section 3.
Liability of Stockholders
In 1872 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1870 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 1869 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
1868
African American Suffrage
Upon its creation by Congress in 1849, the newly formed Minnesota Territory decided it would adhere to the federal practice of denying African Americans and other non-whites the right to vote and run for election. These rights were restricted to free white males over twenty-one years old. When delegates met to draft the Minnesota Constitution, they were again confronted with the issue of Black suffrage. Intense debate on this issue formed one of the main points of conflict between the Republicans and Democrats. Ultimately, the two parties compromised when Republican delegates accepted “almost every article of the Democratic document,” including a prohibition on Black suffrage, in exchange for a constitution that would be easy to amend.
It wasn’t until after the Civil War that the issue was brought to the forefront of state politics. Republicans introduced amendments in 1865, 1867, and 1868 to remove the word “white” from the voting qualifications. In 1868, the amendment passed, making Minnesota just the second state to approve amendments enfranchising African American male voters after the Civil War.
Proceedings of the Convention of Colored Citizens of the State of Minnesota program, 1869. This program was presented at the first political convention black Minnesotans held after gaining the right to vote. Minnesota Historical Society.
1858
Minnesota’s First Two Amendments
In December 1857, five months before Minnesota would be admitted to the Union, the first state legislature convened under the erroneous assumption that statehood began following voter ratification of the state constitution. This legislature passed two proposed amendments to the constitution—one setting the terms of office for the first state officers and the other authorizing the state to make loans to railroad companies—both of which were then approved by voters in April 1858. This all occurred before Congress ratified the state’s constitution, thus, these amendments were technically illegitimate. Nonetheless, the amendments went unchallenged and were allowed to go into effect.
First Minnesota State Capitol, 1853–1872. Minnesota Historical Society.