Amendments to the New York Constitution
Since 1777, the New York Constitution has been amended over 200 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.
1780
1790
1800
1810
1820
+61
1830
1840
+139
1850
1860
+19 1870
+18
1880
1890
+140
1900
1910
1920
+21
1930
+55
+163
1940
1950
1960
+2
1970
1980
1990
2000
+30
2010
2020
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 New York Constitution & Its Amendments
Since 1777, New York has held eight constitutional conventions. Five of these conventions proposed significant changes to the entire constitution, while others proposed discrete constitutional amendments. Between conventions, voters have also adopted hundreds of amendments proposed by the legislature. The state has also regularly convened constitutional commissions to consider further amendments or prepare for conventions and convention votes.
The New York Constitution can be amended in two ways. First, the state legislature can refer proposed amendments to voters by passing them in two successive terms. The state’s voters can then choose to enact the proposals by majority vote. Second, New Yorkers have an opportunity every 20 years to vote on whether to call a constitutional convention, and the legislature can place a convention question on the ballot at other times as well. If voters approve the convention call, and the convention then proposes amendments or an entirely new constitution, those proposals are put on the ballot for New Yorkers to accept or reject by majority vote.
* Scholarly and government sources frequently refer to New York as having adopted four, or five, constitutions. However, the post-1777 constitutions were never presented to voters as a new constitution; instead, these changes were proposed to voters as collections of amendments following constitutional conventions. At times, courts have referred to these post-convention changes as amendments; at other times, courts have described them as new constitutions. For more information, see 1821, 1846, 1846, 1894, and 1938.
New York State Capitol. Bluefill.
In 2025 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 2021 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 2018 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
2015
Under the original 1848 constitution, the legislature established by statute the process for selecting the chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Under its system, judicial candidates specifically ran and were elected to the position of chief justice. In 1889, the constitution was amended to assign the position to the most senior justice. This system remained in place until 2015, when the people ratified an amendment requiring the chief justice “be elected for a term of 2 years by a majority of the justices then serving on the court.” Proponents argued that this amendment would promote collegiality within the court, while opponents responded it would do just the opposite and merely aimed to remove Shirley Abrahamson from her position as chief justice. Shortly after the 2015 amendment was ratified, the court, dividing along ideological lines, elected Patience Roggensack as the new chief justice in place of Abrahamson.
Interior view of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Daderot.
In 2014 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
Article III. Legislature Section 4.
Readjustments and reapportionments; when federal census to control
Article III. Legislature Section 5.
Apportionment of assemblymen; creation of assembly districts
Article III. Legislature Section 5-b.
Independent redistricting commission
Article III. Legislature Section 14.
Manner of passing bills; message of necessity for immediate vote
In 2013 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 2009 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
2008
In 2008, voters once again amended the governor’s partial veto power of appropriations bills prevent the governor from rejecting parts of two or more sentences to create a new sentence.
For more information, see 1930.
In 2001 the Constitution was Changed 50 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 1.
Rights, privileges and franchise secured; power of legislature to dispense with primary elections in certain cases
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 3.
Freedom of worship; religious liberty
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 6.
Grand jury; waiver of indictment; right to counsel; informing accused; double jeopardy; self-incrimination; waiver of immunity by public officers; due process of law
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 8.
Freedom of speech and press; criminal prosecutions for libel
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 9.
Right to assemble and petition; judicial divorces; gambling, except pari-mutuel betting, prohibited
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 11.
Equal protection of laws; discrimination in civil rights prohibited
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 17.
Labor not a commodity; hours and wages in public work; right to organize and bargain collectively
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 18.
Workers’ compensation
Article II. Suffrage Section 3.
Persons excluded from the right of suffrage
Article II. Suffrage Section 4.
Certain occupations and conditions not to affect residence
Article II. Suffrage Section 6.
Permanent registration
Article II. Suffrage Section 9.
Presidential elections; special voting procedures authorized
Article III. Legislature Section 2.
Number and terms of senators and assemblymen
Article III. Legislature Section 6.
Compensation, allowances and traveling expenses of members
Article IV. Executive Section 1.
Executive power; election and terms of governor and lieutenant governor
Article IV. Executive Section 2.
Qualifications of governor and lieutenant-governor
Article IV. Executive Section 3.
Powers and duties of governor; compensation
Article IV. Executive Section 4.
Reprieves, commutations and pardons; powers and duties of governor relating to grants of
Article IV. Executive Section 5.
When lieutenant-governor to act as governor
Article IV. Executive Section 6.
Duties and compensation of lieutenant-governor; succession to the governorship
Article IV. Executive Section 7.
Action by governor on legislative bills; reconsideration after veto
Article V. Officers and Civil Departments Section 1.
Comptroller and attorney-general; payment of state moneys without audit void
Article VI. Judiciary Section 2.
Court of appeals; organization; designations; vacancies, how filled; commission on judicial nomination
Article VI. Judiciary Section 3.
Court of appeals; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 4.
Judicial departments; appellate divisions, how constituted; governor to designate justices; temporary assignments; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 20.
Judges and justices; qualifications; eligibility for other office or service; restrictions
Article VI. Judiciary Section 22.
Commission on judicial conduct; composition; organization and procedure; review by court of appeals; discipline of judges or justices
Article VI. Judiciary Section 23.
Removal of judges
Article VI. Judiciary Section 24.
Court for trial of impeachments; judgment
Article VI. Judiciary Section 25.
Judges and justices; compensation; retirement
Article VI. Judiciary Section 26.
Temporary assignments of judges and justices
Article VI. Judiciary Section 27.
Supreme court; extraordinary terms
Article VI. Judiciary Section 28.
Administrative supervision of court system
Article VI. Judiciary Section 35.
Certain courts abolished; transfer of judges, court personnel, and actions and proceedings to other courts
Article VII. State Finances Section 1.
Estimates by departments, the legislature and the judiciary of needed appropriations; hearings
Article VII. State Finances Section 2.
Executive budget
Article VII. State Finances Section 3.
Budget bills; appearances before legislature
Article VII. State Finances Section 4.
Action on budget bills by legislature; effect thereof
Article VII. State Finances Section 8.
Gift or loan of state credit or money prohibited; exceptions for enumerated purposes
Article VII. State Finances Section 15.
Sinking funds; how kept and invested; income therefrom and application thereof
Article IX. Local Governments Section 1.
Bill of rights for local governments
Article IX. Local Governments Section 2.
Powers and duties of legislature; home rule powers of local governments; statute of local governments
Article XIII. Public Officers Section 3.
Vacancies in office; how filled; boards of education
Article XIII. Public Officers Section 7.
Compensation of officers
Article XIII. Public Officers Section 13.
Law enforcement and other officers
Article XVI. Taxation Section 5.
Compensation of public officers and employees subject to taxation
Article XVI. Taxation Section 6.
Public improvements or services; contract of indebtedness; creation of public corporations
Article XVII. Social Welfare Section 4.
Care and treatment of persons suffering from mental disorder or defect; visitation of institutions for
Article XIX. Amendments to Constitution Section 1.
Amendments to constitution; how proposed, voted upon and ratified; failure of attorney-general to render opinion not to affect validity
Article XIX. Amendments to Constitution Section 2.
Future constitutional conventions; how called; election of delegates; compensation; quorum; submission of amendments; officers; employees; rules; vacancies
In 1995 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
Article II. Suffrage Section 1.
Qualifications of voters
Article II. Suffrage Section 5.
Registration and election laws to be passed
Article II. Suffrage Section 8.
Bi-partisan registration and election boards
Article VII. State Finances Section 9.
Short term state debts in anticipation of taxes, revenues and proceeds of sale of authorized bonds
In 1993 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article VII. State Finances Section 11.
State debts generally; manner of contracting; referendum
Article VII. State Finances Section 12.
State debts generally; how paid; contribution to sinking funds; restrictions on use of bond proceeds
Article VII. State Finances Section 13.
Refund of state debts
Article VII. State Finances Section 16.
Payment of state debts; when comptroller to pay without appropriation
Article VIII. Local Finances Section 2.
Restrictions on indebtedness of local subdivisions; contracting and payment of local indebtedness; exceptions
In 1991 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
Article X. Corporations Section 8.
Liability of state on bonds of a public corporation to finance new industrial or manufacturing plants in depressed areas
Article XV. Canals Section 1.
Disposition of canals and canal properties prohibited
Article XV. Canals Section 2.
Prohibition inapplicable to lands and properties no longer useful; disposition authorized
Article XV. Canals Section 3.
Contracts for work and materials; special revenue fund
1990
In 1990, voters amended the governor’s partial veto power of appropriations bills to prohibit the governor from forming new words by vetoing individual letters.
For more information, see 1930.
1986
The right to vote under Article III of the Wisconsin Constitution has, for the most part, become more inclusive over time. The original 1848 constitution limited suffrage to specified “classes” of “male person[s],” who were at least 21 and had resided in the state for one year—namely (1) “White citizens of the United States”: (2) “White persons of foreign birth who shall have declared their intention to become citizens conformably to the laws of the United States on the subject of naturalization”; (3) “Persons of Indian blood, who have once been declared by law of Congress to be citizens of the United States”; and (4) “Civilized persons of Indian descent, not members of any tribe.”
The original constitution also authorized the legislature to “extend by law the right of suffrage to persons not herein enumerated” after first submitting the proposed extension “to a vote of the people at a general election” for approval “by a majority of all the votes cast at such election.” Pursuant to this mechanism, Wisconsin voters in 1849 approved a measure extending the franchise to Black men. The validity of this measure was not settled until the state supreme court’s 1865 decision in Gillispie v. Palmer, which ruled in favor of Ezekiel Gillespie after he was turned away from the polls and sued to vindicate his right to vote.
The state has enacted four amendments to the elections Article over the years. The first, in 1882, made only technical corrections. The second was more significant: Whereas the original constitution allowed noncitizens to vote if they declared an intent to become citizens, the 1908 amendment eliminated this option effective in 1912, excluding noncitizens from the franchise. The 1934 women’s suffrage amendment recognized the expansion of suffrage already accomplished through the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Finally, the 1986 amendment repealed Article III entirely and replaced it with a new version. The new text no longer enumerates limited “classes” eligible to vote. Instead, it states that every resident of a state election district over the age of 18 is a qualified elector for state constitutional purposes. In addition, after this amendment, Article III, Section 2 no longer categorically prohibited individuals “under guardianship” or “convicted of treason or felony” “unless restored to civil rights” from voting. Rather, the legislature has the power to exclude these individuals, but it need not do so. The amendment also continues to allow the legislature to expand voting rights subject to approval through a statewide referendum.
Poll workers in Thereas Township, WI (1992). Wisconsin Historical Society.
In 1985 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1983 the Constitution was Changed 3 Times
1982
Wisconsin’s original constitution, like the Declaration of Independence, declared that “[a]ll men are born equally free and independent” and referred to governments being instituted “among men.” Wis. Const. art. I, § 1. In 1982, voters ratified an amendment that removed or replaced gendered words throughout the constitution and replaced other obsolete provisions. Article I, Section 1 now declares “[a]ll people are born equally free and independent” and omits the words “among men.” The 1982 amendment similarly struck masculine terms from the religious freedom protection in Article I, § 18; the reference to the state superintendent’s office as “his” office in Article X, Section 1; and the use of “her” when referring to the state’s public lands in Article X, Section 2.
Wisconsin State Capitol. Michael Barera
1977
Shortly after the Wisconsin Constitution’s 100-year anniversary then-Attorney General Thomas E. Fairchild, who would go on to become a justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, authored an article proposing several amendments to the constitution. Among other amendments, Judge Fairchild proposed replacing the ad hoc system of courts with varying jurisdiction with a unified judiciary having plenary jurisdiction. He believed this change to the state judiciary’s structure would promote more efficient and effective judicial administration.
Nearly 30 years later, some of Judge Fairchild’s suggested amendments were enacted as part of a general overhaul to Wisconsin’s judiciary. The court reorganization amendments rewrote most of Article VII, but changes were also made to parts of Articles I, IV, and XIV as they relate to the judiciary. Some of the notable changes include:
- Clarifying that the Wisconsin Supreme Court holds superintending and administrative authority over the entirety of the state’s judiciary.
- Creating a single court of appeals to serve as an intermediate court of appeal. This was part of a larger effort to unify the judicial system by eliminating a network of courts with different limited jurisdictions.
- Permitting the legislature to establish a uniform retirement age, not less than 70, for judges and justice, and the ability of retired judges to serve on a temporary basis.
In proposing the judicial overhaul, the 1973 Citizens Study Committee on Judicial Organization reported: “It has often been suggested that no court system can work with bad judges, and that good judges can make any system work. Without challenging this piece of ‘conventional wisdom,’ it must also be added that a good court structure will maximize the quality and quantity of judicial output, minimize administrative complexities and costs, and promote confidence in the judicial system.
The changes made by this amendment were ratified in 1977 but did not become effective until August 1,1978.
Aerial view of the Brown County Courthouse. Chris Rand.
In 1977 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article VI. Judiciary Section 7.
Supreme court; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 8.
Appellate terms; composition; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 29.
Expenses of courts
Article VI. Judiciary Section 30.
Legislative power over jurisdiction and proceedings; delegation of power to regulate practice and procedure
Article VI. Judiciary Section 36-a.
Effective date of certain amendments to articles VI and VII
1974
Removal of Judges
The 1848 constitution permitted the legislature, by a two-thirds vote in each house, to remove by address “[a]ny judge of the supreme court or, circuit court.” But the constitution was silent as to county and municipal court judges. To remedy this omission, Article VII, Section 13 was amended in 1974 to apply same removal procedure to “[a]ny judge of the supreme or, circuit, county or municipal court.” This language was further simplified only three years later as a part of the 1977 judicial overhaul. That amendment applied the removal procedure to “[a]ny justice or judge” rather than listing types of courts.
Agricultural Land Exception to Uniform Taxation
Like nearly all state constitutions, Wisconsin’s constitution contains a provision requiring that “taxation shall be uniform.” This requirement was meant to promote fair taxation and prevent preferential treatment for influential property owners. However, over time, there have been many amendments carving out exceptions to the rule of uniformity. These include the 1908 amendment to Article VIII, Section 1 permitting a progressive and graduated income tax, the 1927 amendment permitting non-uniform taxation of forests and embedded minerals meant to aid Wisconsin’s logging industry, the 1941 amendment permitting municipalities to collect property tax payments in installments, and the 1961 amendment permitting non-uniform taxation of merchants’ products and materials to phase out personal property taxation.
The most recent of these amendments in 1974 permitted non-uniform taxation of agricultural and undeveloped land. This amendment permitted the legislature to establish the farmland preservation tax credit, which was aimed at disincentivizing farmland owners from selling their farmland to developers. It also effectively overruled the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s significant decision in Knowlton v. Board of Supervisors, 9 Wis. 410 (1859), which held Janesville’s cap on agricultural property taxes unconstitutional under the Uniformity Clause.
Harvesting hay in Iowa County, WI. Bob Nichols, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
In 1973 the Constitution was Changed 3 Times
Article VI. Judiciary Section 13.
Family court; organization; jurisdiction
Article XIV. Conservation Section 3.
Forest and wild life conservation; use or disposition of certain lands authorized
Article XVII. Social Welfare Section 5.
Institutions for detention of criminals; probation; parole; state commission of correction
In 1969 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
Article III. Legislature Section 5-a.
Definition of inhabitants
Article XIV. Conservation Section 4.
Protection of natural resources; development of agricultural lands
Article XIV. Conservation Section 5.
Violations of article; how restrained
Article XVII. Social Welfare Section 7.
Loans for hospital construction
1968
The 1882 constitutional amendment that provided for biennial legislative elections also moved the legislature to a biennial session. Accordingly, post-1882 version of Article IV, Section 11 permitted the legislature to meet “once in two years, and no oftener.” The 1968 amendment removed this language, instead permitting the legislature to meet “at such time as shall be provided by law.” Proponents of the 1968 amendment argued hoped that it would permit the legislature to better structure its sessions to prevent backlog at the end of the single session, thus making the legislature more effective at enacting legislation and responsive to the electorate.
Interior of Senate Chamber in the Wisconsin State Capitol. Richard Hurd.
In 1965 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
Article VIII. Local Finances Section 1.
Gift or loan of property or credit of local subdivisions prohibited; exceptions for enumerated purposes
Article XIII. Public Officers Section 8.
Election and term of city and certain county officers
Article XVIII. Housing Section 1.
Housing and nursing home accommodations for persons of low income; slum clearance
Article XVIII. Housing Section 2.
Idem; powers of legislature in aid of
In 1964 the Constitution was Changed 3 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 7.
Just compensation for taking private property; private roads; drainage of agricultural lands
Article III. Legislature Section 17.
Cases in which private or local bills shall not be passed
Article III. Legislature Section 19.
Private claims not to be audited by legislature; claims barred by lapse of time
In 1963 the Constitution was Changed 7 Times
Article II. Suffrage Section 2.
Absentee voting
Article III. Legislature Section 9.
Powers of each house
Article III. Legislature Section 25.
Emergency governmental operations; legislature to provide for]
Article VIII. Local Finances Section 12.
Powers of local governments to be restricted; further limitations on contracting local indebtedness authorized
Article IX. Local Governments
Local Governments
Article IX. Local Governments Section 3.
Existing laws to remain applicable; construction; definitions
Article XIII. Public Officers Section 14.
Employees of, and contractors for, the state and local governments; wages, hours and other provisions to be regulated by legislature
In 1962 the Constitution was Changed 15 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 10.
Repealed
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 10.
Repealed
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 13.
Repealed
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 13.
Repealed
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 15.
Repealed
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 15.
Repealed
Article III. Legislature Section 3.
Senate districts
Article V. Officers and Civil Departments Section 5.
Repealed
Article V. Officers and Civil Departments Section 5.
Repealed
Article XII. Defense
Defense
Article XII. Defense Section 1.
Defense; militia
Article XIII. Public Officers Section 2.
Duration of term of office
Article XIII. Public Officers Section 4.
Political year and legislative term
Article XIII. Public Officers Section 5.
Removal from office for misconduct
Article XIII. Public Officers Section 6.
When office to be deemed vacant; legislature may declare
In 1961 the Constitution was Changed 22 Times
Article V. Officers and Civil Departments Section 2.
Civil departments in the state government
Article V. Officers and Civil Departments Section 3.
Assignment of functions
Article V. Officers and Civil Departments Section 4.
Department heads
Article VI. Judiciary
Judiciary
Article VI. Judiciary Section 1.
Unified court system; organization; process
Article VI. Judiciary Section 5.
Appeals from judgment or order; new trial
Article VI. Judiciary Section 6.
Judicial districts; how constituted; supreme court
Article VI. Judiciary Section 9.
Court of claims; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 10.
County courts; judges
Article VI. Judiciary Section 12.
Surrogate’s courts; judges; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 14.
Discharge of duties of more than one judicial office by same judicial officer
Article VI. Judiciary Section 17.
Town, village and city courts; jurisdiction; judges
Article VI. Judiciary Section 18.
Trial by jury; trial without jury; claims against state
Article VI. Judiciary Section 19.
Transfer of actions and proceedings
Article VI. Judiciary Section 21.
Vacancies; how filled
Article VI. Judiciary Section 31.
Inapplicability of article to certain courts
Article VI. Judiciary Section 32.
Custodians of children to be of same religious persuasion
Article VI. Judiciary Section 33.
Existing laws; duty of legislature to implement article
Article VI. Judiciary Section 34.
Pending appeals, actions and proceedings; preservation of existing terms of office of judges and justices
Article VI. Judiciary Section 36.
Pending civil and criminal cases
Article VI. Judiciary Section 37.
Effective date of article
Article X. Corporations Section 7.
Liability of state for obligations of the port of New York authority for railroad commuter cars; limitations
In 1959 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 1957 the Constitution was Changed 3 Times
Article VII. State Finances Section 19.
State debt for expansion of state university
Article XVIII. Housing Section 3.
Article VII to apply to state debts under this article, with certain exceptions; amortization of state debts; capital and periodic subsidies
Article XVIII. Housing Section 5.
Liability for certain loans made by the state to certain public corporations
In 1955 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1953 the Constitution was Changed 3 Times
In 1951 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 1949 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 1943 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
Article III. Legislature Section 7.
Qualifications of members; prohibitions on certain civil appointments; acceptance to vacate seat
Article VII. State Finances Section 17.
Authorizing the legislature to establish a fund or funds for tax revenue stabilization reserves; regulating payments thereto and withdrawals therefrom
In 1939 the Constitution was Changed 183 Times
Article I. Section 2.
Trial by jury
Article I. Section 4.
Habeas corpus
Article I. Section 6.
Bill of rights
Article I. Section 7.
Compensation for taking private property; private roads; drainage of agricultural lands
Article I. Section 11.
Escheats
Article I. Section 12.
Feudal tenures abolished
Article I. Section 14.
Leases of agricultural lands limited
Article I. Section 15.
Restraints on alienation prohibited
Article I. Section 11.
Equal protection of laws; discrimination in civil rights prohibited
Article I. Section 12.
Security against unreasonable searches, seizures and interceptions
Article I. Section 16.
Purchase of lands of indians
Article I. Section 17.
Common law and acts of the colonial and state legislatures
Article I. Section 18.
Grants of land made by the king of great britain since 1775; prior grants
Article I. Section 18.
Damages for injuries causing death
Article I. Section 17.
Labor not a commodity; hours and wages in public work; right to organize and bargain collectively
Article I. Section 19.
Workmen's compensation
Article Second. Article Second Section I.
Qualifications of voters
Article Second. Article Second Section 1a.
Absent voters
Article Second. Article Second Section II.
Persons excluded from the right of suffrage
Article Second. Article Second Section 3.
Certain occupations and conditions not to affect residence
Article Second. Article Second Section III.
Registration and election laws to be passed
Article Second. Article Second Section 6.
Permanent registration
Article Second. Article Second Section IV.
Manner of voting
Article Second. Article Second Section 6.
Registration and election boards to be bi-partisan, except at town and village elections
Article III. Section 6.
Compensation of members
Article III. Section 7.
Members not to receive certain civil appointments
Article III. Section 8.
Certain federal officers disqualified as members
Article III. Section 8.
Persons disqualified from being members
Article III. Section 7.
Members; qualifications; not to receive certain civil appointments; acceptance to vacate seat
Article III. Section 9.
Time of elections
Article III. Section 10.
Powers of each house
Article III. Section 11.
Journals; open sessions; adjournments
Article III. Section 12.
Members not to be questioned for speeches
Article III. Section 13.
Bills may originate in either house
Article III. Section 14.
Enacting clause of bills
Article III. Section 15.
Manner of passing bills
Article III. Section 16.
Private and local bills not to embrace more than one subject
Article III. Section 17.
Existing law made applicable to be inserted
Article III. Section 18.
Cases in which private and local bills shall not be passed; restrictions as to laws authorizing street railroads
Article III. Section 18.
Restrictions on the legislature respecting the making or use of profits by municipal corporations operating certain utility services
Article III. Section 19.
Private claims not to be audited by legislature
Article III. Section 23.
Certain sections not to apply to commission bills
Article III. Section 20.
Tax bills to state tax distinctly
Article III. Section 21.
When yeas and nays necessary; three-fifths to constitute quorum
Article III. Section 17.
Boards of supervisors may be vested with legislative powers
Article III. Section 29.
Prison labor; contract system abolished
Article Third. Article Third Section I.
Executive power
Article Third. Article Third Section IV.
Duties and powers of governor; compensation
Article Third. Article Third Section V.
Reprieves, commutations, and pardons to be granted by governor
Article Third. Article Third Section VI.
When lieutenant-governor to act as governor
Article Third. Article Third Section VII.
Qualifications and duties of lieutenant-governor; succession to the governorship
Article Third. Article Third Section 8.
Lieutenant governor's compensation
Article Third. Article Third Section 9.
Bills to be presented to governor; approval; passage of bill by legislature if not approved
Article Third. Article Third Section 8.
Departmental rules and regulations; filing; publication
Article IV-A.
Article Fourth. Article Fourth
Officers and civil departments
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 1.
Comptroller and attorney-general; election, terms
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 2.
Departments in state government
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 3.
Assignment of functions to departments provided
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 4.
Heads of departments
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 7.
Membership in retirement systems; benefits not to be diminished or impaired
Article VII.
State finances
Article VII. Section 1.
Estimates by departments, the legislature and the judiciary of needed appropriations; hearings
Article VII. Section 2.
Executive budget
Article VII. Section 3.
Budget bills; appearances before legislature
Article VII. Section 4.
Action on budget bills by legislature; effect thereof
Article VII. Section 5.
Restrictions on consideration of other appropriations
Article VII. Section 6.
Restrictions on content of appropriation bills
Article VII. Section 7.
Appropriation bills
Article VII. Section 9.
State credit not to be given
Article VII. Section 10.
State debts, power to contract
Article VII. Section 11.
State debts to repel invasions
Article VII. Section 12.
State debts generally; manner of contracting; referendum
Article VII. Section 12.
State debts generally; how paid; restrictions on use of land proceeds
Article VII. Section 13.
Refund of state debts
Article VII. Section 10.
Canal improvement, and cost thereof
Article VII. Section 14.
Creation of debts authorized
Article VII. Section 15.
Sinking fund, how kept and invested
Article VII. Section 16.
Payment of state debts
Article VIII.
Local finances
Article VIII. Section 5.
Specie payments not to be suspended
Article VIII. Section 6.
Registry of bills and notes
Article VIII. Section 8.
Preference of billholders
Article VIII. Section 9.
Incorporation of cities and villages
Article VIII. Section 10-a.
Debts of new york city for rapid transit railroads
Article VIII. Section 12.
Boards appointed by governor
Article VIII. Section 1.
Counties, cities and towns not to give or loan money or credit
Article VIII. Section 2.
Restrictions on indebtedness of local subdivisions; contracting and payment of local indebtedness; exceptions
Article VIII. Section 3.
Restrictions on creation and indebtedness of certain corporations
Article VIII. Section 4.
Limitations of local indebtedness
Article VIII. Section 5.
Ascertainment of debt-incurring power of counties, cities, towns and villages; certain indebtedness to be excluded
Article VIII. Section 6.
Debt incurring power of buffalo, rochester and syracuse; certain additional indebtedness to be excluded
Article VIII. Section 7.
Debt incurring power of new york city; certain additional indebtedness to be excluded
Article VIII. Section 7-a.
Debt incurring power of new york city; certain indebtedness for railroads and transit purposes to be excluded
Article VIII. Section 8.
Indebtedness not to be invalidated by operation of this article
Article VIII. Section 9.
When debt-incurring power of certain counties shall cease
Article VIII. Section 10.
Limitations on amount to be raised by real estate taxes for local purposes; exceptions
Article VIII. Section 11.
Taxes for certain capital expenditures to be excluded from tax limitation
Article VIII. Section 12.
Further limitations on contracting local indebtedness authorized
Article IX. Local governments
Local governments
Article IX. Local governments Section 1.
Counties; organization and government; restrictions on legislature with respect to laws affecting
Article IX. Local governments Section 2.
Counties; alternative forms of government for; effect of adoption thereof
Article IX. Local governments Section 3.
Existing laws to remain applicable
Article IX. Local governments Section 4.
Further powers of local legislation and administration for counties; county auditors
Article IX. Local governments Section 5.
Sheriffs, clerks of counties, district attorneys; registers; power of removal
Article IX. Local governments Section 6.
Removal of district attorney for failure to prosecute; expenses in prosecutions of bribery
Article IX. Local governments Section 7.
Appointment or election of county officers when not provided for by constitution
Article IX. Local governments Section 8.
Powers of the city of new york over certain county officers; restrictions on legislature; appointment or election of officers generally when not provided for by constitution
Article IX. Local governments Section 9.
Cities and villages; organization; powers to be restricted
Article IX. Local governments Section 10.
Extra compensation prohibited
Article IX. Local governments Section 11.
Passage of special city laws prohibited; exceptions
Article IX. Local governments Section 12.
Powers of cities to enact local laws relating to property, affairs or government
Article IX. Local governments Section 13.
Existing laws to remain applicable; reservation of power in legislature over certain matters
Article IX. Local governments Section 14.
Annexation of territory to cities
Article IX. Local governments Section 15.
Election of city officers and certain county officers to be held in odd-numbered years
Article IX. Local governments Section 16.
Villages of five thousand or more; home rule for; duty of and restrictions on legislature respecting
Article X. Corporations
Corporations
Article X. Corporations Section 1.
Corporations; formation of
Article X. Corporations Section 2.
Dues of corporations
Article X. Corporations Section 3.
Savings bank charters; restrictions on trusters; special charters not to be granted
Article X. Corporations Section 4.
Corporations; definition; right to sue and be sued
Article X. Corporations Section 5.
Public corporations; restrictions on creation and power; accounts; obligations of
Article IX.
Education
Article IX. Section 1.
Common schools
Article IX. Section 2.
Regents of the university
Article IX. Section 1.
Common school, literature and the united states deposit funds
Article IX. Section 4.
Use of public property or money in aid of denominational schools prohibited; transportation of children authorized
Article XI.
Military
Article XI. Section 1.
State militia
Article XI. Section 2.
Enlistment
Article XI. Section 3.
Organization of militia
Article XI. Section 3.
Governor to appoint adjutant-general and major-generals
Article XI. Section 5.
Appointment of other officers
Article XI. Section 5.
Commissioned officers; removal
Article XV.
Public officers
Article XV. Section 1.
Oath of office
Article XV. Section 6.
Duration of term
Article XV. Section 7.
Time of election
Article XV. Section 8.
Vacancies in office, how filled
Article XV. Section 9.
Political year
Article XV. Section 10.
Removal from office for misconduct, etc
Article XV. Section 11.
Office deemed vacant
Article XV. Section 12.
Compensation of officers
Article XIV. Conservation
Conservation
Article XIV. Conservation Section 1.
Forest preserve to be forever kept wild; certain highways authorized
Article XIV. Conservation Section 2.
Reservoirs
Article XIV. Conservation Section 3.
Wild life conservation and reforestation
Article XIV. Conservation Section 4.
Violations of article; how restrained
Article XV. Canals
Canals
Article XV. Canals Section 1.
Disposition of canals and canal properties prohibited
Article XV. Canals Section 2.
Prohibition inapplicable to lands and properties no longer useful; disposition authorized
Article XV. Canals Section 3.
No tolls to be imposed; contracts for work and materials; no extra compensation
Article XVI. Taxation
Taxation
Article XVI. Taxation Section 1.
Power of taxation; exemptions from taxation
Article XVI. Taxation Section 2.
Assessments for taxation purposes
Article XVI. Taxation Section 3.
Status of intangible personal property; taxation of
Article XVI. Taxation Section 4.
Certain corporations not to be discriminated against
Article XVI. Taxation Section 5.
Compensation of public officers and employees subject to taxation
Article XVII. Social welfare
Social welfare
Article XVII. Social welfare Section 1.
Public relief and care
Article XVII. Social welfare Section 2.
State board of social welfare; powers and duties
Article XVII. Social welfare Section 3.
Public health
Article XVII. Social welfare Section 4.
Care and treatment of persons suffering from mental disorder or defect; visitation of institutions for
Article XVII. Social welfare Section 5.
Institutions for detention of criminals; probation; parole; state commission of correction
Article XVII. Social welfare Section 6.
Visitation and inspection
Article XVIII. Housing
Housing
Article XVIII. Housing Section 1.
Housing for persons of low income; slum clearance
Article XVIII. Housing Section 2.
Idem; powers of legislature in aid of
Article XVIII. Housing Section 3.
Article VII to apply to state debts under this article, with certain exceptions; capital and periodic subsidies
Article XVIII. Housing Section 4.
Powers of cities, towns and villages to contract indebtedness in aid of low rent housing and slum clearance projects; restrictions thereon
Article XVIII. Housing Section 5.
Liability for certain loans made by the state to certain public corporations
Article XVIII. Housing Section 6.
Loans and subsidies; restrictions on and preference in occupancy of projects
Article XVIII. Housing Section 7.
Liability arising from guarantee to be deemed indebtedness; method of computing
Article XVIII. Housing Section 8.
Excess condemnation
Article XVIII. Housing Section 9.
Acquisition of property for purposes of article
Article XVIII. Housing Section 10.
Power of legislature; construction of article
Article XIV. Amendments and Conventions
Amendments to constitution
Article XIV. Amendments and Conventions Section 1.
Amendments to constitution; how proposed, voted upon and ratified
Article XIV. Amendments and Conventions Section 2.
Future constitutional conventions; how called; election of delegates; compensation; quorum; submission of amendments; officers; employees; rules; vacancies
Article XIV. Amendments and Conventions Section 3.
Amendments simultaneously submitted by convention and legislature
Article XV. When Constitution to Take Effect
When Constitution to Take Effect
Article XV. When Constitution to Take Effect Section 1.
Time of taking effect
Article XX. When to take effect
When to take effect
In 1938 the Constitution was Changed 75 Times
Constitution
1938
Preamble
Preamble
Article I. Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 2.
Trial by jury; how waived
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 4.
Habeas corpus
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 5.
Bail; fines; punishments; detention of witnesses
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 12.
Security against unreasonable searches, seizures and interceptions
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 14.
Common law and acts of the state legislatures
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 16.
Damages for injuries causing death
Article II. Suffrage
Suffrage
Article II. Suffrage Section 7.
Manner of voting; identification of voters
Article III. Legislature
Legislature
Article III. Legislature Section 1.
Legislative power
Article III. Legislature Section 8.
Time of elections of members
Article III. Legislature Section 10.
Journals; open sessions; adjournments
Article III. Legislature Section 11.
Members not to be questioned for speeches
Article III. Legislature Section 12.
Bills may originate in either house; may be amended by the other
Article III. Legislature Section 13.
Enacting clause of bills; no law to be enacted except by bill
Article III. Legislature Section 15.
Private or local bills to embrace only one subject, expressed in title
Article III. Legislature Section 16.
Existing law not to be made applicable by reference
Article III. Legislature Section 20.
Two-thirds bills
Article III. Legislature Section 21.
Certain sections not to apply to bills recommended by certain commissioners or public agencies
Article III. Legislature Section 23.
When yeas and nays necessary; three-fifths to constitute quorum
Article IV. Executive
Executive
Article IV. Executive Section 8.
Departmental rules and regulations; filing; publication
Article V. Officers and Civil Departments
Officers and Civil Departments
Article VII. State Finances
State Finances
Article VII. State Finances Section 5.
Restrictions on consideration of other appropriations
Article VII. State Finances Section 6.
Restrictions on content of appropriation bills
Article VII. State Finances Section 7.
Appropriation bills
Article VII. State Finances Section 10.
State debts on account of invasion, insurrection, war and forest fires
Article VIII. Local Finances
Local Finances
Article VIII. Local Finances Section 3.
Restrictions on creation and indebtedness of certain corporations
Article VIII. Local Finances Section 4.
Limitations on local indebtedness
Article VIII. Local Finances Section 6.
Debt-incurring power of Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse; certain additional indebtedness to be excluded
Article VIII. Local Finances Section 7-a.
Debt-incurring power of New York city; certain indebtedness for railroads and transit purposes to be excluded
Article VIII. Local Finances Section 8.
Indebtedness not to be invalidated by operation of this article
Article VIII. Local Finances Section 9.
When debt-incurring power of certain counties shall cease
Article X. Corporations
Corporations
Article X. Corporations Section 1.
Corporations; formation of
Article X. Corporations Section 2.
Dues of corporations
Article X. Corporations Section 4.
Corporations; definition; right to sue and be sued
Article X. Corporations Section 5.
Public corporations; restrictions on creation and powers; accounts; obligations of
Article XI. Education
Education
Article XI. Education Section 1.
Common schools
Article XI. Education Section 2.
Regents of the University
Article XI. Education Section 3.
Use of public property or money in aid of denominational schools prohibited; transportation of children authorized
Article XIII. Public Officers
Public Officers
Article XIII. Public Officers Section 1.
Oath of office; no other test for public office
Article XIV. Conservation
Conservation
Article XV. Canals
Canals
Article XVI. Taxation
Taxation
Article XVI. Taxation Section 1.
Power of taxation; exemptions from taxation
Article XVI. Taxation Section 2.
Assessments for taxation purposes
Article XVI. Taxation Section 3.
Situs of intangible personal property; taxation of
Article XVI. Taxation Section 4.
Certain corporations not to be discriminated against
Article XVII. Social Welfare
Social Welfare
Article XVII. Social Welfare Section 1.
Public relief and care
Article XVII. Social Welfare Section 2.
State board of social welfare; powers and duties
Article XVII. Social Welfare Section 3.
Public health
Article XVII. Social Welfare Section 6.
Visitation and inspection
Article XVIII. Housing
Housing
Article XVIII. Housing Section 6.
Loans and subsidies; restrictions on and preference in occupancy of projects
Article XVIII. Housing Section 7.
Liability arising from guarantees to be deemed indebtedness; method of computing
Article XVIII. Housing Section 8.
Excess condemnation
Article XVIII. Housing Section 9.
Acquisition of property for purposes of article
Article XVIII. Housing Section 10.
Power of legislature; construction of article
Article XIX. Amendments to Constitution
Amendments to Constitution
Article XIX. Amendments to Constitution Section 3.
Amendments simultaneously submitted by convention and legislature
Article XX. When to Take Effect
When to Take Effect
Article XX. When to Take Effect Section 1.
Time of taking effect
Article I. Section 2.
Trial by jury
Article III. Section 2.
Number and terms of senators and assemblymen
Article Third. Article Third Section I.
Executive power
Article X. Section 1.
Sheriffs, clerks of counties, district attorneys and registers; governor may remove
In 1936 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article I. Section 2.
Trial by jury
Article III. Section 22.
Boards of supervisors
Article VIII. Section 7.
Liability of stockholders
Article X. Section 1.
Sheriffs, clerks of counties, district attorneys and registers; governor may remove
Article X. Section 2.
Appointment or election of officers, not provided for by this constitution
1934
Wisconsin’s journey to women’s suffrage spanned decades. In 1912, Wisconsin voters rejected a hard-fought women’s suffrage amendment to the state constitution. Less than a decade later, however, Wisconsin was the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which made women’s suffrage the law of the land. In 1934, Wisconsin formally eliminated the male-only voting restriction in its constitution as an “obsolete provision.”
Members of the Oshkosh Equal Suffrage League on July 4, 1912. Wisconsin Historical Society.
In 1932 the Constitution was Changed 8 Times
Article Second. Article Second Section III.
Registration and election laws to be passed
Article III. Section 4.
Enumerations and reapportionments
Article III. Section 5.
Apportionment of assemblymen; creation of assembly districts
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 2.
Departments in state government
Article VII. Section 16.
Acquisition of land for reforestation
Article VIII. Section 11.
State board of charities; inspections
Article VIII. Section 14.
Maintenance and support of inmates of charitable institutions
Article VIII. Section 15.
Commissioners continued in office
1930
In 1911, the Wisconsin legislature ended its practice of passing individual appropriation bills and began enacting omnibus spending bills. This put the governor in the position of either vetoing the spending bill in its entirety or signing it into law notwithstanding any objections. The legislature sought to alleviate this problem by amending Article V, Section 10 to grant the governor a partial veto power, which the people ratified in 1930. That amendment gave the governor the ability to veto appropriations bills “in part.” The partial veto was amended in 1990 to prevent the governor from forming new words in bills by vetoing individual letters (a practice sometimes called the “Vanna White veto” after the game show “Wheel of Fortune”). Article V, Section 10 was again amended in 2008 to prohibit the governor from forming new sentences by vetoing portions of two or more separate sentences (a practice sometimes called the “Frankenstein veto”). For more information, see the Legislative Reference Bureau’s report detailing the history of the governor’s partial veto power.
People gathered outside the Wisconsin State Capitol as a part of the 2011 Wisconsin Budget Protests. Justin Ormont.
In 1930 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article Second. Article Second Section 1a.
Absent voters
Article III. Section 22.
Boards of supervisors
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 9.
Civil service appointments and promotions
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 17.
Justices of the peace; election, terms, number, and duties
Article VII. Section 11.
State debts to repel invasions
In 1928 the Constitution was Changed 15 Times
Article I. Section 7.
Compensation for taking private property; private roads; drainage of agricultural lands
Article III. Section 6.
Compensation of members
Article Third. Article Third Section IV.
Duties and powers of governor; compensation
Article Third. Article Third Section 8.
Salary of lieutenant-governor
Article IV-A.
Article IV-A. Section 1.
Submission of estimates by departments
Article IV-A. Section 2.
Submission of budget, etc., to legislature by governor
Article IV-A. Section 3.
Legislative hearings; powers of legislature
Article IV-A. Section 4.
Further appropriations
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 4.
Heads of departments
Article VII. Section 7.
Forest preserve
Article VII. Section 14.
Creation of debts authorized
Article VIII. Section 11.
Counties, cities and towns not to give or loan money or credit; limitation of indebtedness
Article VIII. Section 10-a.
Debts of new york city for rapid transit railroads
Article XII. Cities and Villages Section 8.
Annexation of territories to cities
In 1926 the Constitution was Changed 41 Times
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 1.
Comptroller and attorney-general; election, terms
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 3.
Canal commissioners
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 4.
State prison inspectors
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 5.
Commissioners of land office and canal fund
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 6.
Powers and duties of boards
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 7.
Suspension of treasurer
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 2.
Departments in state government
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 3.
Assignment of functions to departments provided
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 4.
Heads of departments
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 8.
Certain offices abolished
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 9.
Civil service appointments and promotions
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 1.
Supreme court; how constituted
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 2.
Judicial departments
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 3.
Appellate terms; establishment, how constituted, justices
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 4.
Supreme court justices; terms; vacancies, how filled
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 6.
Circuit courts and courts of oyer and terminer abolished
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 2.
Court of appeals; how constituted
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 3.
Court of appeals; vacancies, how filled
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 9.
Court of appeals; jurisdiction limited
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 8.
Powers of appellate courts generally
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 11.
Removal of judicial officers
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 13.
Trial of impeachment
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 14.
County courts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 12.
Special county judge or surrogate
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 14.
Surrogates' courts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 14.
Court of general sessions; new york county; jurisdiction, judges
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 15.
City court of new york city
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 16.
Vacancies in office of certain judges, how filled
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 15.
Special county judge and surrogate
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 17.
Justices of the peace; election, terms, number, and duties
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 19.
Inferior local courts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 19.
General provisions as to judges
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 20.
Testimony in equity cases, etc.
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 19.
Clerks of courts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 20.
Fees to judicial officers prohibited
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 22.
Publication of statutes, rules, judicial statistics and opinions
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 23.
Board or court of claims
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 26.
Special sessions
Article VII. Section 14.
Creation of debts authorized
Article VII. Section 15.
Article VIII. Section 11.
State board of charities; inspections
1925
On the heels of Wisconsin’s progressive movement, led by governor and U.S. Senator Robert La Follette at the turn of the twentieth century, Wisconsin voters in 1925 adopted a recall provision in Article XIII, Section 12 of the state constitution.
At the time of Wisconsin’s amendment states and municipalities across the country were instituting voter-initiated recalls as a way of giving the voters a greater and more direct voice in government affairs. The amendment permitted voters to petition for the recall of any elected official of the state, county, congress, judiciary, or legislature after the official’s first year of service. As Senator La Follette wrote in a campaign essay entitled “Shall the People Rule?,” the recall was part of “a movement to make the people’s representatives more responsive to the people’s welfare,” for “[u]nder such a law, the public official will no longer betray his constituency.”
The voters ratified the amendment by fewer than 5,000 votes. The recall process was amended in 1981 to create a primary election and prevent candidates from winning office with a plurality rather than a majority of the votes. In 2012, Wisconsin became the third state to initiate a recall election against the governor, and the first to have a governor survive the recall.
Recall rally in the state capitol. Peter Patau.
In 1924 the Constitution was Changed 8 Times
Article Second. Article Second Section 1a.
Absentee voting
Article VII. Section 13.
Bonuses for WWI veterans
Article XII. Cities and Villages Section 2.
Article XII. Cities and Villages Section 3.
Home rule powers of cities; statute of cities
Article XII. Cities and Villages Section 4.
Article XII. Cities and Villages Section 5.
Article XII. Cities and Villages Section 3.
Article XII. Cities and Villages Section 7.
In 1923 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1922 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article Second. Article Second Section I.
Qualifications of voters
Article III. Section 22.
Boards of supervisors
Article III. Section 17.
Local legislative powers
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 19.
Inferior local courts
Article VII. Section 8.
Canals, not to be sold; not applied to certain canals; disposition of funds
In 1921 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
In 1920 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 1919 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
In 1918 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 1914 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
1910
Until the early twentieth century, Article IV, Section III of the Wisconsin Constitution required the state to conduct a statewide census every 10 years on the years ending in “5” to provide an interim population count midway between each federal census. It also required lawmakers to establish new state legislative districts during their first session following both the federal census and the census—that is, every five years. Wisconsinites amended the Constitution in 1910 to eliminate the mid-decade state census and to require apportionment only after completion of the federal census.
Map of Wisconsin state senate districts in 1923. Wisconsin Blue Book (1923).
In 1910 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
Article III. Section 17.
Local legislative powers
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 12.
Compensation; age restriction; assignment by governor
Article VII. Section 12.
Limitation of legislative power to create debts
Article VIII. Section 11.
Counties, cities and towns not to give or loan money or credit; limitation of indebtedness
In 1908 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 1906 the Constitution was Changed 7 Times
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 1.
Supreme court; how constituted; judicial districts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 2.
Judicial departments; appellate division, how constituted; governor to designate justices; reporter; time and place of holding courts
Article VII. Section 12.
Limitation of legislative power to create debts
Article VII. Section 11.
Payment of state debts
Article VII. Section 12.
Improvement of highways
Article VIII. Section 11.
Counties, cities and towns not to give or loan money or credit; limitation of indebtedness
Article XII. Cities and Villages Section 1.
Organization; restriction of powers
In 1902 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1900 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
Article III. Section 22.
Boards of supervisors
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 2.
Judicial departments; appellate division, how constituted; governor to designate justices; reporter; time and place of holding courts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 2.
Court of appeals
Article VIII. Section 11.
Counties, cities and towns not to give or loan money or credit; limitation of indebtedness
In 1895 the Constitution was Changed 160 Times
Preamble
Preamble
Article I. Section 2.
Trial by jury
Article I. Section 6.
Bill of rights
Article I. Section 7.
Compensation for taking private property; private roads; drainage of agricultural lands
Article I. Section 8.
Freedom of speech and press; criminal prosecutions for libel
Article I. Section 9.
Two-thirds bills
Article I. Section 10.
Right to assemble and petition; divorces; lotteries, pool-selling and gambling, laws to prevent
Article I. Section 11.
Escheats
Article I. Section 12.
Feudal tenures abolished
Article I. Section 13.
Allodial tenures
Article I. Section 14.
Leases of agricultural lands
Article I. Section 15.
Fines and quarter-sales abolished
Article I. Section 16.
Purchase of lands of indians
Article I. Section 17.
Common law and acts of the colonial and state legislatures
Article I. Section 18.
Grants of land made by the king of Great Britain since 1775; prior grants
Article I. Section 18.
Damages for injuries causing death
Article Second. Article Second Section I.
Qualification of voters
Article Second. Article Second Section II.
Persons excluded from the right of suffrage
Article Second. Article Second Section 3.
Certain occupations and conditions not to affect residence
Article Second. Article Second Section III.
Registration and election laws to be passed
Article Second. Article Second Section IV.
Manner of voting
Article Second. Article Second Section 6.
Registration and election boards to be bi-partisan, except at town and village elections
Article III. Section 1.
Legislative powers
Article III. Section 2.
Number and terms of senators and assemblymen
Article III. Section 3.
Senate districts
Article III. Section 4.
Enumerations and reapportionments
Article III. Section 5.
Apportionment of assemblymen; creation of assembly districts
Article III. Section 6.
Compensation of members
Article III. Section 7.
Civil appointments of members void
Article III. Section 8.
Persons disqualified from being members
Article III. Section 9.
Time of elections
Article III. Section 10.
Powers of each house
Article III. Section 14.
Enacting clause of bills
Article III. Section 15.
Manner of passing bills
Article III. Section 18.
Cases in which private and local bills shall not be passed; restrictions as to laws authorizing street railroads
Article III. Section 20.
Two-thirds bills
Article III. Section 21.
Appropriation bills
Article III. Section 22.
Restrictions as to provisions in the appropriation or supply bills
Article III. Section 23.
Certain sections not to apply to commission bills
Article III. Section 20.
Tax bills to state tax distinctly
Article III. Section 21.
When yeas and nays necessary; three-fifths to constitute quorum
Article III. Section 22.
Boards of supervisors
Article III. Section 17.
Local legislative powers
Article III. Section 24.
Extra compensation prohibited
Article III. Section 29.
Prison labor; contract system abolished
Article Third. Article Third Section I.
Executive power
Article Third. Article Third Section II.
Qualifications of governor and lieutenant-governor
Article Third. Article Third Section III.
Election of governor and lieutenant-governor
Article Third. Article Third Section IV.
Duties and powers of governor; compensation
Article Third. Article Third Section V.
Reprieves, commutations, and pardons to be granted by governor
Article Third. Article Third Section VI.
When lieutenant-governor to act as governor
Article Third. Article Third Section VII.
Qualifications and duties of lieutenant-governor; succession to the governorship
Article Third. Article Third Section 8.
Salary of lieutenant-governor
Article Third. Article Third Section 9.
Bills to be presented to governor; approval; passage of bill by legislature if not approved
Article Fourth. Article Fourth
State Officers; Civil Service
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 1.
State officers
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 2.
First election of state officers
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 3.
Superintendent of public works; appointment; powers and duties of
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 4.
Superintendent of state prisons, appointment, powers and duties of
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 5.
Commissioners of the land office; of the canal fund; canal board
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 6.
Powers and duties of boards
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 7.
State treasurer, suspension by governor
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 8.
Certain offices abolished
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 9.
Civil service appointments and promotion
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 1.
Supreme court; how constituted; judicial districts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 2.
Judicial departments; appellate division, how constituted; governor to designate justices; reporter; time and place of holding courts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 3.
Judge or justice not to sit in review; testimony in equity cases
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 4.
Terms of office; vacancies, how filled
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 5.
City courts abolished; judges become justices of supreme court; salaries; jurisdiction vested in supreme court
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 6.
Circuit courts and courts of oyer and terminer abolished
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 2.
Court of appeals
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 3.
Vacancy in court of appeals, how filled
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 9.
Jurisdiction of court of appeals
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 10.
Judges not to hold any other office
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 11.
Removal of judges
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 12.
Compensation; age restriction; assignment by governor
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 13.
Trial of impeachments
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 14.
County courts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 14.
Surrogates' courts; surrogates, their powers and jurisdiction; vacancies
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 15.
Local judicial officers
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 17.
People may determine that judges shall be appointed
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 17.
Justices of the peace; district court justices
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 19.
Inferior local courts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 19.
Clerks of courts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 20.
No judicial officer, except justice of the peace, to receive fees; not to act as attorney or counselor
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 21.
Judgments of inferior courts may be removed to court of appeals
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 22.
Publication of statutes
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 25.
Terms of office of present justices of the peace and local judicial officers
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 26.
Courts of special sessions
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 28.
Commission of appeals
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 30.
Additional justices to the supreme court
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 30.
Additional justices to the supreme court
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 32.
Kings county court
Article VII. Section 1.
Canal sinking fund
Article VII. Section 2.
Canal appropriations; state debts
Article VII. Section 3.
Canal revenues
Article VII. Section 4.
Enforcement of state claims against corporations
Article VII. Section 5.
Appropriations for deficiency in canal revenues
Article VII. Section 7.
Salt springs not to be disposed of
Article VII. Section 8.
State moneys not to be expended without appropriation
Article VII. Section 9.
State credit not to be given
Article VII. Section 2.
State debts, power to contract
Article VII. Section 11.
State debts to repel invasions
Article VII. Section 12.
Limitation of legislative power to create debts
Article VII. Section 13.
Sinking fund, how kept and invested
Article VII. Section 14.
Claims barred by statute of limitations
Article VII. Section 7.
Forest preserve
Article VII. Section 8.
Canals, not to be sold; not applied to certain canals; disposition of funds
Article VII. Section 9.
No tolls to be imposed; contracts for work and materials no extra compensation
Article VII. Section 10.
Canal improvement, and cost thereof
Article VIII. Section 1.
Corporations, formation of
Article VIII. Section 3.
Corporation, definition of term
Article VIII. Section 4.
Savings bank charters; restrictions upon trustees; special charters not to be granted
Article VIII. Section 5.
Special payment
Article VIII. Section 7.
Liability of stockholders of banks
Article VIII. Section 8.
Billholders of insolvent bank, preferred creditors
Article VIII. Section 9.
Credit or money of the state not to be given
Article VIII. Section 11.
Counties, cities and towns not to give or loan money or credit; limitation of indebtedness
Article VIII. Section 11.
State board of charities; state commission in lunacy; state commission of prisons
Article VIII. Section 12.
Boards appointed by governor
Article VIII. Section 13.
Existing laws to remain in force
Article VIII. Section 14.
Maintenance and support of inmates of charitable institutions
Article VIII. Section 15.
Commissioners continued in office
Article IX. Section 1.
Common schools
Article IX. Section 2.
Regents of the University
Article IX. Section 1.
Common school, literature and the united states deposit funds
Article IX. Section 4.
No aid to denominational schools
Article X. Section 1.
Sheriffs, clerks of counties, district attorneys and registers; governor may remove
Article X. Section 2.
Appointment or election of officers, not provided for by this constitution
Article X. Section 3.
Duration of term
Article X. Section 6.
Political year
Article X. Section 7.
Removal from office for misconduct, etc.
Article X. Section 8.
Office deemed vacant
Article X. Section 9.
Compensation of officers
Article XI. Section 1.
Militia
Article XI. Section 2.
Militia officers, how chosen
Article XI. Section 1.
State militia
Article XI. Section 2.
Enlistment
Article XI. Section 3.
Organization of milita
Article XI. Section 3.
Appointment of military officers by the governor
Article XI. Section 5.
Manner of election of military officers prescribed by legislature
Article XI. Section 5.
Commissioned officers; their removal
Article XII. Cities and Villages
Cities and Villages
Article XII. Cities and Villages Section 1.
Organization; restriction of powers
Article XII. Cities and Villages Section 2.
Classification of cities; general and special city laws; special city laws; how passed by legislature and acceptance by cities
Article XII. Cities and Villages Section 3.
Election of city officers, when to be held; extension and abridgment of term
Article XIV.
Article XV.
Official Oath; Bribery; Passes
Article XV. Section 1.
Oath of office
Article XV. Section 1.
Official bribery and corruption
Article XV. Section 2.
Offer or promise to bribe
Article XV. Section 3.
Person bribed or offering a bribe may be a witness
Article XV. Section 5.
Free passes, franking privileges, etc., not to be received by public officers; penalty
Article XV. Section 4.
Removal of district attorney for failure to prosecute; expenses of prosecutions for bribery
Article XIV. Amendments and Conventions
Amendments and Conventions
Article XIV. Amendments and Conventions Section 1.
Amendments to constitution, how proposed, voted upon and ratified
Article XIV. Amendments and Conventions Section 2.
Future constitutional conventions; how called; election of delegates; compensation; quorum; submission of amendments; officers; rules; vacancies; taking effect
Article XIV. Amendments and Conventions Section 3.
Amendments of convention and legislature submitted coincidently
Article XV. When Constitution to Take Effect
When Constitution to Take Effect
Article XV. When Constitution to Take Effect Section 1.
Time of taking effect
In 1889 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1885 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
1882
Under the original constitution of 1848, the legislature was elected on an annual basis, with members of the assembly elected once each year and senators elected every two years. A set of amendments adopted in 1882 shifted the legislature to biennial elections, such that elections would be held every two years and coincide with federal congressional elections, with assembly members now serving two-year terms and senators serving four-year terms. This shift was billed as a cost saving measure, as it eliminated the need to hold annual elections. Some also made a good governance argument for the shift, predicting that less frequent elections would discourage sudden and rapid changes in the laws. These amendments also replaced the per diem compensation scheme for legislators with an annual salary.
Entrance to the Assembly Chamber in the Wisconsin State Capitol. Richard Hurd.
In 1881 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 1880 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1877 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 1874 the Constitution was Changed 38 Times
Article Second. Article Second Section I.
Qualifications of voters
Article Second. Article Second Section II.
Bribery at elections
Article III. Section 5.
Assembly reapportionment
Article III. Section 6.
Compensation of members of legislature
Article III. Section 7.
Member of legislature not eligible to certain appointments
Article III. Section 8.
Certain federal and city officers disqualified as members
Article III. Section 17.
Existing laws not applicable by reference
Article III. Section 18.
Private and local bills limited; street railroads
Article III. Section 19.
Private claims not to be audited by legislature
Article III. Section 20.
Tax law to state amount and object of tax
Article III. Section 21.
Three-fifths bills
Article III. Section 22.
Boards of supervisors
Article III. Section 17.
Powers of boards of supervisors
Article III. Section 24.
Extra compensation prohibited
Article III. Section 25.
Statutory revision commission bills exempted from §§ 17 and 18
Article Third. Article Third Section I.
Governor and lieutenant governor
Article Third. Article Third Section II.
Qualifications of governor and lieutenant governor
Article Third. Article Third Section IV.
Governor's general powers; compensation
Article Third. Article Third Section 8.
Lieutenant governor's compensation
Article Third. Article Third Section 9.
Executive consideration of bills; subsequent legislative action
Article VII. Section 3.
Canal revenues
Article VII. Section 6.
Canals not to be disposed of; expenditures and revenues
Article VII. Section 13.
Tax law to state amount and object of tax
Article VII. Section 13.
State sinking funds to be kept separate
Article VII. Section 14.
Three-fifths bills
Article VII. Section 14.
Restriction on allowance of claims against state
Article VIII. Section 4.
Savings banks
Article VIII. Section 10.
No state aid to individuals or corporations
Article VIII. Section 11.
Municipal aid prohibited, except for public purposes
Article X. Section 9.
Constitutional officers not to receive extra compensation
Article XII. Section 1.
Oath of office
Article XV.
Article XV. Section 1.
Bribery of public officers
Article XV. Section 2.
Bribery, how punished
Article XV. Section 3.
Accused a competent witness in his own behalf
Article XV. Section 4.
Delinquent district attorney may be removed from office
Article XVI.
Article XVI. Section 1.
When amendments to take effect
In 1872 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1870 the Constitution was Changed 39 Times
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 1.
Assembly may impeach civil officers
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 2.
Court of appeals
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 3.
Supreme court
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 3.
Vacancies, how filled
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 4.
Judicial districts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 4.
Transfer of causes; commission of appeals
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 5.
Legislature may alter jurisdiction and proceedings in law and equity
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 5.
Vacancies in commission
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 6.
General and special term; circuits; oyer and terminer
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 6.
Supreme court
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 7.
Compensation of judges
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 7.
General and special terms; circuits; oyer and terminer
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section VII.
Chancellor and supreme court judges to hold no other office
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 8.
Judge not to sit in review of his own decisions; proceedings in law and equity
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 9.
Legislature to classify judges and fix terms of court
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 9.
Vacancies in supreme court
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 10.
Judges not to hold any other office
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 11.
Removal of judges
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 12.
Certain local courts continued
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 12.
Judges, how chosen; term of office
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 13.
Vacancies, how filled
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 14.
Compensation of judges
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 14.
County courts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 15.
Special county judge and surrogate
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 16.
Reorganization of judicial districts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 17.
People may determine that judges shall be appointed
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 17.
Justices of the peace
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 18.
Local judicial officers
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 19.
Inferior local courts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 19.
Clerks of supreme court; clerk of court of appeals
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 20.
Judges not to receive fees or practice as attorneys
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 21.
Judgements of inferior courts may be removed to court of appeals for review
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 22.
Publication of statutes; supreme court reporters
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 23.
Tribunals of concilliation
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 24.
Commissioners to revise procedure
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 24.
First election of judges
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 25.
Certain officers to continue until expiration of term
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 26.
Special sessions
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 27.
Relief of surrogates' courts
In 1864 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1854 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
1848
In 1848, Wisconsin voters ratified the state constitution.