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
+164
1940
1950
1960
+25
+2
+12
1970
1980
1990
2000
+33
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, depending on whether the result of the 1938 Convention is considered a new constitution. However, these 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, 1894, and 1938.
New York State Capitol. Bluefill.
In 2026 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 2025 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 2022 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 2018 the Constitution was Changed 3 Times
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 7.
Membership in retirement systems; benefits not to be diminished nor impaired
Article XIV. Conservation Section 1.
Forest preserve to be forever kept wild; certain highways authorized
Article XIV. Conservation Section 6.
Public utility lines and bicycle paths in forest preserves
In 2015 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 15.
Manner of passing bills; message of necessity for immediate vote
In 2014 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 10.
Right to assemble and petition; divorce; lotteries; pool-selling and gambling; laws to prevent; pari-mutuel betting on horse races permitted; games of chance, bingo or lotto authorized under certain restrictions
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 6.
Civil service appointments and promotions; veterans’ credits
Article VIII. Section 5.
Ascertainment of debt-incurring power of counties, cities, towns and villages; certain indebtedness to be excluded
Article XIV. Conservation Section 1.
Forest preserve to be forever kept wild; certain highways authorized
In 2010 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 2009 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 2008 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 2004 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 2002 the Constitution was Changed 53 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; protection of certain enumerated rights; duty of public officers to sign waiver of immunity and give testimony; penalty for refusal
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 8.
Freedom of speech and press; criminal prosecutions for libel
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 10.
Right to assembly and petition; divorces; lotteries, pool-selling and gambling, laws to prevent
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 19.
Workers' compensation
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 6.
Permanent registration
Article Second. Article Second 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 III. Legislature Section 15.
Manner of passing bills
Article III. Legislature Section 29.
Prison labor; contract system abolished
Article Third. Article Third Section II.
Qualifications of governor and lieutenant-governor
Article Third. Article Third Section IV.
Powers and duties of governor; compensation
Article Third. Article Third Section V.
Reprieves, commutations and pardons; powers and duties of governor relating to grants of
Article Third. Article Third Section VI.
When lieutenant-governor to act as governor
Article Third. Article Third Section VII.
Duties and compensation of lieutenant-governor; succession to the governorship
Article Third. Article Third Section 9.
Action by governor on legislative bills; reconsideration after veto
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 1.
Comptroller and attorney-general; payment of state moneys without audit void
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 6.
Civil service appointments and promotions
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 30.
Legislative power over jurisdiction and proceedings; delegation of power to regulate practice and procedure
Article VI. Judiciary Section 35.
Certain courts abolished; transfer of judges, court personnel, and actions and proceedings to other courts
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 9.
Gift or loan of state credit or money prohibited; exceptions for enumerated purposes
Article VII. 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 XV. Section 8.
Vacancies in office; how filled; boards of education
Article XV. Section 12.
Compensation of officers
Article XV. 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 XIV. Amendments and Conventions Section 1.
Amendments to constitution; how proposed, voted upon and ratified; failure of attorney-general to render opinion not to affect validity
Article XIV. Amendments and Conventions Section 2.
Future constitutional conventions; how called; election of delegates; compensation; quorum; submission of amendments; officers; employees; rules; vacancies
In 2000 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1998 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1996 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article Second. Article Second Section I.
Qualifications of voters
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 6.
Bi-partisan registration and election boards
Article XIV. Conservation Section 1.
Forest preserve to be forever kept wild; certain highways authorized
In 1994 the Constitution was Changed 6 Times
Article VII. Section 12.
State debts generally; manner of contracting; referendum
Article VII. Section 12.
State debts generally; how paid; contribution to sinking funds; restrictions on use of bond proceeds
Article VII. Section 13.
Refund of state debts
Article VII. Section 16.
Payment of state debts; when comptroller to pay without appropriation
Article VIII. Section 2.
Restrictions on indebtedness of local subdivisions; contracting and payment of local indebtedness; exceptions
Article VIII. Section 5.
Ascertainment of debt-incurring power of counties, cities, towns and villages; certain indebtedness to be excluded
In 1992 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article X. Corporations Section 7.
Liability of state on bonds of a public corporation to finance new industrial or manufacturing plants in depressed areas
Article XIV. Conservation Section 1.
Forest preserve to be forever kept wild; certain highways authorized
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
In 1990 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1986 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article VI. Judiciary Section 3.
Court of appeals; jurisdiction
Article VII. Section 9.
State credit not to be given
Article VIII. Section 2.
Restrictions on indebtedness of local subdivisions; contracting and payment of local indebtedness; exceptions
Article VIII. Section 10.
Limitations on amount to be raised by real estate taxes for local purposes; exceptions
Article X. Corporations Section 7.
Liability of state on bonds of a public corporation to finance new industrial or manufacturing plants in depressed areas
In 1984 the Constitution was Changed 7 Times
Article VI. Judiciary Section 11.
County court; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 15.
New york city; city-wide courts; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 16.
District courts; jurisdiction; judges
Article VI. Judiciary Section 26.
Temporary assignments of judges and justices
Article X. Corporations Section 3.
Savings bank charters; savings and loan association charters; special charters not to be granted
Article XIV. Conservation Section 1.
Forest preserve to be forever kept wild; certain highways authorized
Article XVI. Taxation Section 6.
Public improvements or services; contract of indebtedness; creation of public corporations
In 1982 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 1980 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1978 the Constitution was Changed 18 Times
Article VI. Judiciary Section 1.
Unified court system; organization; process
Article VI. Judiciary Section 2.
Court of appeals; organization; designations; vacancies, how filled; commission on judicial nomination
Article VI. Judiciary Section 7.
Supreme court; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 8.
Appellate terms; composition; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 11.
County court; 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 22.
Commission on judicial conduct; composition; organization and procedure; review by court of appeals; discipline of judges or justices
Article VI. Judiciary Section 26.
Temporary assignment of judges and justices
Article VI. Judiciary Section 28.
Administrative supervision of court system
Article VI. Judiciary Section 28.
Administrative supervision of court system
Article VI. Judiciary Section 29.
Expenses of court
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
Article VII. Section 1.
Estimates by departments, the legislature and the judiciary of needed appropriations; hearings
Article VII. Section 9.
State credit not to be given
Article VII. Section 9.
State credit not to be given
Article XV. Section 8.
Vacancies in office, how filled
In 1976 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 10.
Right to assembly and petition; divorces; lotteries, pool-selling and gambling, laws to prevent
Article III. Legislature Section 18.
Extraordinary sessions of the legislature; power to convene on legislative initiative
Article Third. Article Third Section IV.
Duties and powers of governor; compensation
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 36-c.
Effective date of certain amendments to article VI, section 22
In 1974 the Constitution was Changed 6 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 6.
Bill of rights
Article VI. Judiciary Section 13.
Family court; organization; jurisdiction
Article VII. Section 9.
State credit not to be given
Article VIII. Section 5.
Ascertainment of debt-incurring power of counties, cities, towns and villages; certain indebtedness to be excluded
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 1973 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1970 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article III. Legislature Section 5-a.
Definition of inhabitants
Article X. Corporations Section 7.
Liability of state on bonds of a public corporation to finance new industrial or manufacturing plants in depressed areas
Article XIV. Conservation Section 4.
Protection of natural resources; development of agricultural lands
Article XIV. Conservation Section 4.
Violations of article; how restrained
Article XVII. Social Welfare Section 7.
Loans for hospital construction
In 1967 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 10.
Right to assembly and petition; divorces; lotteries, pool-selling and gambling, laws to prevent
Article Second. Article Second Section I.
Qualification of voters
Article Second. Article Second Section III.
Registration and election laws to be passed
Article VI. Judiciary Section 25.
Judges and justices; compensation; retirement
Article VII. Section 9.
State credit not to be given
In 1966 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article VIII. Section 1.
Gift or loan of property or credit of local subdivisions prohibited; exceptions for enumerated purposes
Article XV. Section 8.
Election and term of city and certain county officers
Article XIV. Conservation Section 1.
Forest preserve to be forever kept wild; certain highways authorized
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 1965 the Constitution was Changed 6 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 7.
Compensation for taking private property; private roads; drainage of agricultural lands
Article III. Legislature Section 6.
Compensation of members
Article III. Legislature Section 18.
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
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 6.
Civil service appointments and promotions
Article VII. Section 2.
Executive budget
In 1964 the Constitution was Changed 32 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 7.
Compensation for taking private property; private roads; drainage of agricultural lands
Article Second. Article Second Section 1a.
Absentee voting
Article Second. Article Second Section 9.
Presidential elections; special voting procedures authorized
Article III. Legislature Section 10.
Powers of each house
Article III. Legislature Section 18.
Restrictions on the legislature respecting the making or use of profits by municipal corporations operating certain utility services
Article III. Legislature Section 25.
Emergency governmental operations; legislature to provide for
Article Third. Article Third Section IV.
Duties and powers of governor; compensation
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 VIII. Section 1.
Counties, cities and towns not to give or loan money or credit
Article VIII. Section 5.
Ascertainment of debt-incurring power of counties, cities, towns and villages; certain indebtedness to be excluded
Article VIII. Section 12.
Powers of local governments to be restricted; further limitations on contracting local indebtedness authorized
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 7.
Appointment or election of county officers 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 IX. Local Governments Section 1.
Bill of rights for local governments
Article IX. Local Governments Section 2.
Powers and duties of the legislature; home rule powers of local governments; statute of local governments
Article IX. Local Governments Section 3.
Existing laws to remain applicable; construction; definitions
Article XV. Section 12.
Compensation of officers
Article XV. Section 13.
Law enforcement and other officers
Article XV. Section 14.
Employees of, and contractors for, the state and local governments; wages, hours and other provisions to be regulated by legislature
Article XIV. Conservation Section 1.
Forest preserve to be forever kept wild; certain highways authorized
In 1963 the Constitution was Changed 22 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 11.
Sovereignty in real property; escheats
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 16.
Indian lands
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 18.
Royal grants and charters preserved
Article III. Legislature Section 3.
Senate districts
Article III. Legislature Section 3.
Senate districts
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 8.
Certain offices abolished
Article IX. Section 1.
Education funds preserved; how applied
Article IX. Section 4.
Use of public property or money in aid of denominational schools prohibited; transportation of children authorized
Article XI.
Article XII. Defense
Defense
Article XII. Defense Section 1.
Defense; militia
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 5.
Free passes, franking privileges, etc., not to be received by public officers; penalty
Article XV. Section 6.
Duration of term of office
Article XV. Section 7.
Time of election
Article XV. Section 8.
Vacancies in office, how filled
Article XV. Section 9.
Political year and legislative term
Article XV. Section 10.
Removal from office for misconduct
Article XV. Section 11.
When office to be deemed vacant; legislature may declare
Article XV. Section 12.
Compensation of officers
In 1962 the Constitution was Changed 45 Times
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 2.
Civil departments in the state government
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 3.
Assignment of functions
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 4.
Departments heads
Article Fifth. Article Fifth
Article Fifth
Article VI. Judiciary
Judiciary
Article VI. Judiciary Section 1.
Unified court system; organization; process
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 5.
Appeals from judgment or order; new trial
Article VI. Judiciary Section 6.
Judicial districts; how constituted; supreme court
Article VI. Judiciary Section 7.
Supreme court; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 8.
Appellate terms; composition; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 9.
Court of claims; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 10.
County courts; judges
Article VI. Judiciary Section 11.
County court; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 12.
Surrogate's courts; judges; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 13.
Family court; organization; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 14.
Discharge of duties of more than one judicial office by same judicial officer
Article VI. Judiciary Section 15.
New york city; city-wide courts; jurisdiction
Article VI. Judiciary Section 16.
District courts; jurisdiction; judges
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 20.
Judges and justices; qualifications; eligibility for other office or service; restrictions
Article VI. Judiciary Section 21.
Vacancies; how filled
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 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 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 35.
Certain courts abolished; transfer of judges, court personnel, and actions and proceedings to other courts
Article VI. Judiciary Section 36.
Pending civil and criminal cases
Article VI. Judiciary Section 37.
Effective date of article
Article VII. Section 9.
State credit not to be given
Article X. Corporations Section 7.
Liability of state for obligations of the port of New York authority for railroad commuter cars; limitations
Article X. Corporations Section 7.
Liability of state for obligations of the port of new york authority for railroad commuter cars; limitations
In 1960 the Constitution was Changed 8 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 1.
Persons not to be disfranchised
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 6.
Bill of rights
Article III. Legislature Section 20.
Tax laws to state tax and object distinctly; definition of income for income tax purposes by reference to federal laws authorized
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 2.
Departments in state government
Article VIII. Section 1.
Counties, cities and towns not to give or loan money or credit
Article VIII. Section 1.
Counties, cities and towns not to give or loan money or credit
Article XIV. Conservation Section 1.
Forest preserve to be forever kept wild; certain highways authorized
Article XV. Canals Section 4.
Lease or transfer to federal government of barge canal system authorized
In 1959 the Constitution was Changed 9 Times
Article VII. Section 10.
Short term state debts in anticipation of taxes, revenues and proceeds of sale of authorized bonds
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 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 13.
Existing laws to remain applicable; reservation of power in legislature over certain matters
In 1958 the Constitution was Changed 6 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 10.
Right to assembly and petition; divorces; lotteries, pool-selling and gambling, laws to prevent
Article VII. Section 19.
State debt for expansion of state university
Article XIV. Conservation Section 1.
Forest preserve to be forever kept wild; certain highways authorized
Article XIV. Conservation Section 3.
Wild life conservation and reforestation
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 1956 the Constitution was Changed 6 Times
Article Second. Article Second Section 1a.
Absent voters
Article Second. Article Second Section III.
Registration and election laws to be passed
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 1.
Comptroller and attorney-general; election, terms
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 19.
General provisions as to judges
Article VIII. Section 2-a.
Local indebtedness for water supply, sewage and drainage facilities and purposes; allocations and exclusions of indebtedness
Article XVIII. Housing Section 3.
Article VII to apply to state debts under this article, with certain exceptions; capital and periodic subsidies
In 1954 the Constitution was Changed 17 Times
Article Third. Article Third Section I.
Executive power; election and terms of governor and lieutenant-governor
Article Third. Article Third Section IV.
Duties and powers of governor; compensation
Article Third. Article Third Section VII.
Qualifications and duties of lieutenant-governor; succession to the governorship
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 1.
Comptroller and attorney-general; election, terms
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 1.
Supreme court; how constituted
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 2.
Judicial departments
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 14.
County courts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 14a.
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 15a.
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 16.
Vacancies in office of certain judges, how filled
Article VIII. Section 2.
Restrictions on indebtedness of local subdivisions; contracting and payment of local indebtedness; exceptions
Article VIII. Section 5.
Ascertainment of debt-incurring power of counties, cities, towns and villages; certain indebtedness to be excluded
Article VIII. Section 7.
Debt incurring power of New York city; certain additional indebtedness to be excluded
Article VIII. Section 10.
Limitations on amount to be raised by real estate taxes for local purposes; exceptions
Article VIII. Section 10.
Limitations on amount to be raised by real estate taxes for local purposes; exceptions
Article VIII. Section 10a.
Application and use of revenues: certain public improvements
Article XIV. Conservation Section 2.
Reservoirs
In 1952 the Constitution was Changed 11 Times
Article Second. Article Second Section I.
Qualifications of voters
Article Second. Article Second Section III.
Registration and election laws to be passed
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 9.
Court of appeals; jurisdiction limited
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 15.
City court of new york city
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 19.
General provisions as to judges
Article VII. Section 9.
State credit not to be given
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 7.
Debt incurring power of new york city; certain additional indebtedness to be excluded
Article VIII. Section 11.
Taxes for certain capital expenditures to be excluded from tax limitation
Article X. Corporations Section 6.
Liability of state for payment of bonds of public corporation to construct state thruways; use of state canal lands and properties
In 1950 the Constitution was Changed 13 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 6.
Bill of rights
Article Third. Article Third Section VI.
When lieutenant-governor to act as governor
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 9.
Civil service appointments and promotion
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 6.
Civil service appointments and promotions
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 23.
Board or court of claims
Article VII. Section 18.
Bonus on account of service of certain veterans in World War II
Article VIII. Section 2.
Restrictions on indebtedness of local subdivisions; contracting and payment of local indebtedness; exceptions
Article VIII. Section 5.
Ascertainment of debt-incurring power of counties, cities, towns and villages; certain indebtedness to be excluded
Article VIII. Section 7.
Debt incurring power of new york city; certain additional indebtedness to be excluded
Article VIII. Section 10.
Limitations on amount to be raised by real estate taxes for local purposes; exceptions
Article VIII. Section 10a.
Application and use of revenues: certain public improvements
Article VIII. Section 11.
Taxes for certain capital expenditures to be excluded from tax limitation
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
In 1948 the Constitution was Changed 6 Times
Article Second. Article Second Section 1a.
Absent voters
Article III. Legislature Section 6.
Compensation of members
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 1.
Supreme court; how constituted
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 9a.
Article VII. Section 18.
Bonus on account of service of certain veterans in World War II
Article XIV. Conservation Section 1.
Forest preserve to be forever kept wild; certain highways authorized
In 1946 the Constitution was Changed 6 Times
Article Second. Article Second Section I.
Qualification of voters
Article III. Legislature Section 4.
Enumerations and reapportionments
Article III. Legislature Section 5.
Apportionment of assemblymen; creation of assembly districts
Article Third. Article Third Section VII.
Qualifications and duties of lieutenant-governor; succession to the governorship
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 9.
Civil service appointments and promotions
Article IX. Local Governments Section 1.
Counties; organization and government; restrictions on legislature with respect to laws affecting
In 1944 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article Second. Article Second Section I.
Qualification of voters
Article III. Legislature Section 7.
Qualifications of members; prohibitions on certain civil appointments; acceptance to vacate seat
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 2.
Departments in state government
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 9.
Court of appeals; jurisdiction limited
Article VII. Section 17.
Authorizing the legislature to establish a fund or funds for tax revenue stabilization reserves; regulating payments thereto and withdrawals therefrom
In 1942 the Constitution was Changed 3 Times
Article VII. Section 14.
State debt for elimination of railroad crossings at grade; expenses; how borne; construction and reconstruction of state highways and parkways
Article XIV. Conservation Section 1.
Forest preserve to be forever kept wild; certain highways authorized
Article XIV. Amendments and Conventions Section 1.
Amendments to constitution; how proposed, voted upon and ratified
In 1940 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1939 the Constitution was Changed 184 Times
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 6.
Bill of rights
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 7.
Compensation for taking private property; private roads; drainage of agricultural lands
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 11.
Escheats
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 12.
Feudal tenures abolished
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 14.
Leases of agricultural lands limited
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 15.
Restraints on alienation prohibited
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 11.
Equal protection of laws; discrimination in civil rights prohibited
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 12.
Security against unreasonable searches, seizures and interceptions
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 16.
Purchase of lands of indians
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 17.
Common law and acts of the colonial and state legislatures
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 18.
Grants of land made by the king of great britain since 1775; prior grants
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 18.
Damages for injuries causing death
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 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; identification of voters
Article Second. Article Second Section 6.
Registration and election boards to be bi-partisan, except at town and village elections
Article III. Legislature Section 6.
Compensation of members
Article III. Legislature Section 7.
Members not to receive certain civil appointments
Article III. Legislature Section 8.
Certain federal officers disqualified as members
Article III. Legislature Section 8.
Persons disqualified from being members
Article III. Legislature Section 7.
Members; qualifications; not to receive certain civil appointments; acceptance to vacate seat
Article III. Legislature Section 9.
Time of elections of members
Article III. Legislature Section 10.
Powers of each house
Article III. Legislature Section 11.
Journals; open sessions; adjournments
Article III. Legislature Section 12.
Members not to be questioned for speeches
Article III. Legislature Section 13.
Bills may originate in either house; may be amended by the other
Article III. Legislature Section 14.
Enacting clause of bills; no law to be enacted except by bill
Article III. Legislature Section 15.
Manner of passing bills
Article III. Legislature Section 16.
Private or local bills to embrace only one subject, expressed in title
Article III. Legislature Section 17.
Existing law not to be made applicable by reference
Article III. Legislature Section 18.
Cases in which private and local bills shall not be passed; restrictions as to laws authorizing street railroads
Article III. Legislature Section 18.
Restrictions on the legislature respecting the making or use of profits by municipal corporations operating certain utility services
Article III. Legislature Section 19.
Private claims not to be audited by legislature
Article III. Legislature Section 23.
Certain sections not to apply to bills recommended by certain commissioners or public agencies
Article III. Legislature Section 20.
Tax bills to state tax distinctly
Article III. Legislature Section 21.
When yeas and nays necessary; three-fifths to constitute quorum
Article III. Legislature Section 17.
Boards of supervisors may be vested with legislative powers
Article III. Legislature 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 on account of invasion, insurrection, war and forest fires
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 powers; 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; no other test for public 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 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 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
Article XX. When to take effect Section 1.
Time of taking effect
In 1938 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
In 1936 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 2.
Trial by jury
Article III. Legislature 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
In 1932 the Constitution was Changed 8 Times
Article Second. Article Second Section III.
Registration and election laws to be passed
Article III. Legislature Section 4.
Enumerations and reapportionments
Article III. Legislature 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
In 1930 the Constitution was Changed 5 Times
Article Second. Article Second Section 1a.
Absent voters
Article III. Legislature 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. Bill of Rights Section 7.
Compensation for taking private property; private roads; drainage of agricultural lands
Article III. Legislature 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
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. Legislature Section 22.
Boards of supervisors
Article III. Legislature 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
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 7.
Compensation for taking private property; private roads; drainage of agricultural lands
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 19.
Protections of employees; compensation for injury or death
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 14.
County courts
Article VII. Section 7.
Forest preserve
In 1910 the Constitution was Changed 4 Times
Article III. Legislature 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. Legislature 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. Bill of Rights Section 2.
Trial by jury
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 6.
Bill of rights
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 7.
Compensation for taking private property; private roads; drainage of agricultural lands
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 8.
Freedom of speech and press; criminal prosecutions for libel
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 9.
Two-thirds bills
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 10.
Right to assemble and petition; divorces; lotteries, pool-selling and gambling, laws to prevent
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 11.
Escheats
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 12.
Feudal tenures abolished
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 13.
Allodial tenures
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 14.
Leases of agricultural lands
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 15.
Fines and quarter-sales abolished
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 16.
Purchase of lands of indians
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 17.
Common law and acts of the colonial and state legislatures
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 18.
Grants of land made by the king of Great Britain since 1775; prior grants
Article I. Bill of Rights 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. Legislature Section 1.
Legislative power
Article III. Legislature Section 2.
Number and terms of senators and assemblymen
Article III. Legislature Section 3.
Senate districts
Article III. Legislature Section 4.
Enumerations and reapportionments
Article III. Legislature Section 5.
Apportionment of assemblymen; creation of assembly districts
Article III. Legislature Section 6.
Compensation of members
Article III. Legislature Section 7.
Civil appointments of members void
Article III. Legislature Section 8.
Persons disqualified from being members
Article III. Legislature Section 9.
Time of elections
Article III. Legislature Section 10.
Powers of each house
Article III. Legislature Section 14.
Enacting clause of bills
Article III. Legislature Section 15.
Manner of passing bills
Article III. Legislature Section 18.
Cases in which private and local bills shall not be passed; restrictions as to laws authorizing street railroads
Article III. Legislature Section 20.
Two-thirds bills
Article III. Legislature Section 21.
Appropriation bills
Article III. Legislature Section 22.
Restrictions as to provisions in the appropriation or supply bills
Article III. Legislature Section 23.
Certain sections not to apply to commission bills
Article III. Legislature Section 20.
Tax bills to state tax distinctly
Article III. Legislature Section 21.
When yeas and nays necessary; three-fifths to constitute quorum
Article III. Legislature Section 22.
Boards of supervisors
Article III. Legislature Section 17.
Local legislative powers
Article III. Legislature Section 24.
Extra compensation prohibited
Article III. Legislature 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
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. Legislature Section 5.
Assembly reapportionment
Article III. Legislature Section 6.
Compensation of members of legislature
Article III. Legislature Section 7.
Member of legislature not eligible to certain appointments
Article III. Legislature Section 8.
Certain federal and city officers disqualified as members
Article III. Legislature Section 17.
Existing laws not applicable by reference
Article III. Legislature Section 18.
Private and local bills limited; street railroads
Article III. Legislature Section 19.
Private claims not to be audited by legislature
Article III. Legislature Section 20.
Tax law to state amount and object of tax
Article III. Legislature Section 21.
Three-fifths bills
Article III. Legislature Section 22.
Boards of supervisors
Article III. Legislature Section 17.
Powers of boards of supervisors
Article III. Legislature Section 24.
Extra compensation prohibited
Article III. Legislature 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
In 1847 the Constitution was Changed 159 Times
Preamble
Preamble
Article First. Article First
Article First
Article First. Article First Section XVI.
Commencement of official term after first election
Article I. Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 1.
Rights of citizens
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 2.
Trial by jury preserved
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 3.
Religious liberty
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 4.
When writ of habeas corpus not to be suspended
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 5.
Bail; fines; punishments; detention of witnesses
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 6.
Rights of accused in criminal cases; taking private property for public use
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 7.
Compensation for private property, how ascertained; private roads
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 8.
Freedom of speech and press; evidence in libel cases
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 9.
Two-thirds bills
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 10.
Right to assemble and petition; divorces; lotteries prohibited
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 11.
Sovereignty in real property; escheats
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 12.
Feudal tenures abolished
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 13.
Absolute ownership of estates
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 14.
Leases of agricultural lands limited
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 15.
Restraints on alienation prohibited
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 16.
Indian lands
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 17.
Common law continued
Article I. Bill of Rights Section 18.
Royal grants and charters preserved
Article Second. Article Second
Suffrage
Article Second. Article Second Section I.
Qualifications of voters
Article Second. Article Second Section II.
Exclusion from right of suffrage
Article Second. Article Second Section 3.
Right of suffrage not affected by certain occupations and conditions
Article Second. Article Second Section III.
Registration of voters
Article Second. Article Second Section IV.
Elections to be by ballot
Article III. Legislature
Legislature
Article III. Legislature Section 1.
Legislative power
Article III. Legislature Section 2.
Senate and assembly, how constituted
Article III. Legislature Section 3.
Senate districts
Article III. Legislature Section 4.
Census; reapportionment of senators
Article III. Legislature Section 5.
Apportionment of assembly
Article III. Legislature Section 6.
Compensation of members
Article III. Legislature Section 7.
Members not to receive certain civil appointments
Article III. Legislature Section 8.
Certain federal officers disqualified as members
Article III. Legislature Section 9.
Time of elections
Article III. Legislature Section 10.
Quorum; special powers of each house
Article III. Legislature Section 11.
Journals; public sessions; adjournments
Article III. Legislature Section 12.
Privileges of members
Article III. Legislature Section 13.
Bills may originate in either house
Article III. Legislature Section 14.
Enacting clause
Article III. Legislature Section 15.
Manner of passing bills
Article III. Legislature Section 16.
Private and local bills limited to one subject
Article III. Legislature Section 17.
Boards of supervisors may be vested with legislative powers
Article Third. Article Third
Executive
Article Third. Article Third Section I.
Governor and lieutenant governor; term of office
Article Third. Article Third Section II.
Qualifications of governor
Article Third. Article Third Section III.
Elections of governor and lieutenant governor
Article Third. Article Third Section IV.
Governor's general powers
Article Third. Article Third Section V.
Governor may grant pardons and reprieves
Article Third. Article Third Section VI.
When lieutenant governor to act as governor
Article Third. Article Third Section VII.
Qualifications of lieutenant governor; when president pro tem. to act as governor
Article Third. Article Third Section 8.
Lieutenant governor's compensation
Article Third. Article Third Section 9.
Legislature to present bills to governor for his action
Article Fourth. Article Fourth
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section I.
Militia officers, how chosen
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section IX.
District attorneys and clerks of courts; appointment and removal
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section X.
Mayors, how appointed
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 1.
State officers; election and compensation
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section 2.
State engineer and surveyor
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 8.
Certain offices abolished
Article Fifth. Article Fifth
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 4.
Judicial districts
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 5.
Legislature may alter jurisdiction and proceedings in law and equity
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 6.
General and special term; circuits; oyer and terminer
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 7.
Compensation of judges
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section VII.
Judges to hold no other office
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 9.
Legislature to classify judges and fix terms of court
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 10.
Testimony in equity cases
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 11.
Removal of judges
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 12.
Election of judges
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 13.
Vacancies, how filled
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 14.
County judges and surrogates
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.
Justices of the peace
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 18.
Local judicial officers
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 19.
Clerk of court of appeals; clerks of supreme court
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 20.
Fees to judicial officers prohibited
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 and decisions
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 23.
Tribunals of concilliation
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 24.
Commissioners to revise procedure
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section 25.
Legislature to organize court of appeals; transfer of business of other courts
Article Sixth. Article Sixth
Article Sixth
Article Seventh. Article Seventh
Article Seventh
Article Seventh. Article Seventh Section IV.
Clergymen not eligible to office
Article VII.
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 6.
Canals not to be disposed of
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.
No state aid to individuals or corporations
Article VII. Section 10.
When state may contract debt
Article VII. Section 11.
Debts for state defense
Article VII. Section 12.
How other debts authorized
Article VII. Section 13.
Tax law to state amount and object of tax
Article VII. Section 14.
Three-fifths bills
Article VIII.
Article VIII. Section 1.
Corporations, how formed
Article VIII. Section 2.
Dues from corporations, how secured
Article VIII. Section 3.
Corporation defined
Article VIII. Section 4.
Banking corporations
Article VIII. Section 5.
Specie payments not to be suspended
Article VIII. Section 6.
Registry of bills and notes
Article VIII. Section 7.
Liability of stockholders
Article VIII. Section 8.
Preference of billholders
Article VIII. Section 9.
Incorporation of cities and villages
Article IX.
Article IX. Section 1.
Education funds preserved; how applied
Article X.
Article X. Section 1.
Election and removal of certain county officers
Article X. Section 2.
Local officers, how chosen
Article X. Section 3.
Duration of certain offices, how fixed
Article X. Section 4.
Legislature to prescribe time of elections
Article X. Section 5.
Vacancies
Article X. Section 6.
Political year and legislative term; opening of legislature
Article X. Section 7.
Removal of officers
Article X. Section 8.
Legislature may determine vacancies
Article XI.
Article XI. Section 1.
Militia
Article XI. Section 2.
Militia officers, how chosen
Article XI. Section 3.
Governor to appoint certain militia officers
Article XI. Section 4.
Election of militia officers
Article XI. Section 5.
Commissioned officers; removal
Article XI. Section 6.
Method of choosing militia officers may be changed
Article XII.
Article XII. Section 1.
Oath of office
Article XIII.
Article XIII. Section 1.
Constitution, how amended
Article XIII. Section 2.
Constitutional convention
Article XIV.
Article XIV. Section 1.
First election of legislature under this Constitution
Article XIV. Section 2.
First election of governor and lieutenant governor
Article XIV. Section 3.
State officers continued until expiration of term
Article XIV. Section 4.
First election of judges
Article XIV. Section 5.
Transfer of business of certain courts
Article XIV. Section 6.
Chancellor and supreme court to complete certain business
Article XIV. Section 7.
Governor to fill vacancies
Article XIV. Section 8.
Certain judicial offices abolished
Article XIV. Section 9.
Incumbents of abolished offices eligible to new office
Article XIV. Section 10.
County officers to continue until expiration of term
Article XIV. Section 11.
Judicial officers may continue to receive certain fees
Article XIV. Section 12.
Local courts continued
Article XIV. Section 13.
When Constitution to take effect
In 1839 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1835 the Constitution was Changed 1 Time
In 1833 the Constitution was Changed 2 Times
In 1826 the Constitution was Changed 3 Times
Amendments to the Constitution of the State of New York
Amendments to the Constitution of the State of New York
Amendments to the Constitution of the State of New York Amendment 1.
Justices of the peace, how chosen and classified
Amendments to the Constitution of the State of New York Amendment 2.
Qualifications of voters
In 1822 the Constitution was Changed 81 Times
Constitution of 1777 Article I.
Constitution of 1777 Article XXXI.
Article of Amendments
Article of Amendments
Preamble
Preamble
Article First. Article First
Article First
Article First. Article First Section I.
Legislative power
Article First. Article First Section II.
Senate and assembly, how constituted
Article First. Article First Section III.
Special powers of two houses
Article First. Article First Section IV.
Journal of proceedings; public sessions; adjournments
Article First. Article First Section V.
Senate districts
Article First. Article First Section VI.
Census; reapportionment of senators
Article First. Article First Section VII.
Apportionment of members of assembly
Article First. Article First Section VIII.
Bills may originate in either house
Article First. Article First Section IX.
Compensation of members
Article First. Article First Section X.
Members not to receive civil appointment
Article First. Article First Section XI.
Disqualification of members
Article First. Article First Section XII.
Governor to approve bills
Article First. Article First Section XIII.
Removals by legislature
Article First. Article First Section XIV.
Political year; meeting of legislature
Article First. Article First Section XV.
Elections, when held
Article First. Article First Section XVI.
Commencement of official term after first election
Article Second. Article Second
Article Second
Article Second. Article Second Section I.
Qualification of voters
Article Second. Article Second Section II.
Exclusion from right of suffrage
Article Second. Article Second Section III.
Registration of voters
Article Second. Article Second Section IV.
Elections to be by ballot
Article Third. Article Third
Article Third
Article Third. Article Third Section I.
Governor and lieutenant governor; term of office
Article Third. Article Third Section II.
Qualifications of governor
Article Third. Article Third Section III.
Governor and lieutenant governor; election of
Article Third. Article Third Section IV.
Governor's general powers
Article Third. Article Third Section V.
Governor may grant pardons and reprieves
Article Third. Article Third Section VI.
When lieutenant governor to act as governor
Article Third. Article Third Section VII.
When president of senate to act as governor
Article Fourth. Article Fourth
Article Fourth
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section I.
Militia officers, how chosen
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section II.
Governor to appoint certain militia officers
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section III.
Legislature to regulate elections of militia officers
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section IV.
Commissioned officers; how commissioned and removed
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section V.
Legislature may prescribe other modes of appointment and removal
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section VI.
State officers; how appointed
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section VII.
Governor to appoint judicial officers, except justices of the peace
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section VIII.
Sheriffs, clerks, and registers; election and removal
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section IX.
District attorneys and clerks of courts; appointment and removal
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section X.
Mayors, how appointed
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section XI.
Coroners, election and removal
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section XII.
Masters, examiners, and registers in chancery
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section XIII.
Officers of other courts, how chosen
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section XIV.
Justices' courts in New York
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section XV.
Other officers, how chosen
Article Fourth. Article Fourth Section XVI.
Duration of offices not herein provided for
Article Fifth. Article Fifth
Article Fifth
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section I.
Court of impeachment, and for correction of errors
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section II.
Assembly may impeach civil officers
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section III.
Chancellor and supreme court justices, official term
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section IV.
Supreme court, how constituted
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section V.
Judicial circuits
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section VI.
County judges and recorders
Article Fifth. Article Fifth Section VII.
Chancellor and supreme court judges to hold no other office
Article Sixth. Article Sixth
Article Sixth
Article Sixth. Article Sixth Section I.
Official oath
Article Seventh. Article Seventh
Article Seventh
Article Seventh. Article Seventh Section I.
Rights of citizens
Article Seventh. Article Seventh Section II.
Trial by jury preserved
Article Seventh. Article Seventh Section III.
Religious toleration
Article Seventh. Article Seventh Section IV.
Clergymen not eligible to office
Article Seventh. Article Seventh Section V.
Militia to be maintained; who may be excused from service
Article Seventh. Article Seventh Section VI.
Habeas corpus, when writ may be suspended
Article Seventh. Article Seventh Section VII.
Right of accused in criminal cases; taking private property for public use
Article Seventh. Article Seventh Section VIII.
Freedom of speech and press; evidence in libel cases
Article Seventh. Article Seventh Section IX.
Two-thirds bills
Article Seventh. Article Seventh Section X.
Common school funds; canals; salt springs
Article Seventh. Article Seventh Section XI.
Lotteries prohibited
Article Seventh. Article Seventh Section XII.
Indian lands
Article Seventh. Article Seventh Section XIII.
Common law continued
Article Seventh. Article Seventh Section XIV.
Royal grants and charters preserved
Article Eighth. Article Eighth
Article Eighth
Article Eighth. Article Eighth Section I.
Constitution, how amended
Article Ninth. Article Ninth
Article Ninth
Article Ninth. Article Ninth Section I.
Constitution, when to take effect
Article Ninth. Article Ninth Section II.
Existing election laws applicable to first election
1821
Second Constitutional Convention
In 1811, the assembly passed a bill recommending a convention to consider “the property qualifications of voters, the Council of Appointment, the election of sheriffs, and the appointment of clerks by the court of common pleas.” The assembly also debated whether to recommend that the convention address a number of other subjects, including for-cause protections for appointed officers, prohibitions on dual office holding, and single-member senate districts. The senate, however, failed to pass the assembly’s bill, so no convention was called. Around this same time, citizens from Ontario and Rensselaer Counties independently petitioned the legislature to pursue a constitutional amendment to remove the property qualifications on voters.
After additional legislative efforts to call a constitutional convention failed, the legislature ultimately put the question of holding a convention before voters in 1821. Just one year prior, the Council of Revision vetoed a convention bill on the grounds that it would have called the convention without first seeking voter approval.
Voters approved the 1821 convention call, and the convention then met from August through November. Although the convention had the option to present its proposed amendments to the state’s voters separately, it chose to submit the amendments all together for “convenience.” Voters approved the amendment package in early 1822, resulting in a document that is commonly considered the second constitution of the state even though it was presented to voters as an amended version of the 1777 constitution.
To learn more about the substance of these amendments, see 1822.
1801
First Amendments to the 1777 Constitution
The 1777 Constitution lacked a formal mechanism for making amendments or for calling a new constitutional convention. However, when issues with the size of the legislature and the power of appointment arose, the legislature passed a bill proposing a convention that would address only those two issues and provide for an election to select delegates. Although the legislature had considered putting the decision to call a convention to a popular vote, the final bill only gave the people the opportunity to elect delegates, not to approve or disapprove of the convention itself.
The convention adopted two amendments, neither of which were submitted to the voters for ratification.
First, the 1777 constitution had tied the number of state legislators to state’s population, which meant that the legislature’s size ballooned as the state grew. Originally, the senate had 24 members, split between four multi-member senate districts, and the assembly had 70, with each county serving as a multi-member assembly district. By 1801, the senate had 43 members, and the assembly had grown to 126 members. Further increases were on the horizon because the 1777 constitution authorized a senate of up to 100 members and an assembly of up to 300. The 1801 convention adopted an amendment fixing the number of senators at 32, apportioned by population, and providing for between 100 and 150 assembly members, with each county receiving at least one assembly member.
Second, the convention addressed a dispute over who had the authority to nominate appointees—the governor alone or also the Council of Appointments. The Council of Appointments was comprised of one senator from each of the four senate districts and the governor (or whoever was serving as the executive when the governor was absent from the state). It was clear under the 1777 constitution that the council could approve or reject appointees, but the governor and the rest of the council disagreed on whether the initial power to nominate appointees rested with the governor or with the council.
After rejecting a proposal that would have given the council both nomination and approval powers, the 1777 legislature adopted the version of the provision at issue, which separated the power of appointment from the other powers of the governor with a semi-colon. In a separate statement not expressly incorporated into the constitution, the legislature declared that “the appointment of officers in this state is, by the Constitution thereof, vested in the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the council of Appointment.” Despite the legislature’s instruction on construction, in 1794, the council nominated and approved the appointment of a judge to the supreme court over the protests of Governor George Clinton. This act sparked the dispute eventually resolved by the 1801 convention.
In 1795, Governor Clinton’s successor, John Jay, asked the legislature to step in to settle the disagreement, but the issue remained unsettled. By 1801, the work of the council had stalled as tensions between the governor and the rest of the council came to a head. Following another request from Governor Jay, the senate and assembly struggled for months to come to a consensus on the issue before directing the question to the constitutional convention, by which time George Clinton had retaken the office of governor. (Governor Jay had also requested the opinion of the judiciary, but the court declined to opine on the issue.)
The question was only settled when the 1801 Constitutional Convention adopted a resolution clarifying that the “true construction” of the provision vested both the governor and the council with the concurrent power to nominate appointees. By permitting the legislature to share nominating power with the governor, the convention paved the way for a system of political patronage and concentrated the power in the legislative members of the council, who held all but one seat on the council.
Gubernatorial portrait of George Clinton (c. 1802). Ezra Ames.
In 1801 the Constitution was Changed 6 Times
Article of Amendments
Article of Amendments
Article of Amendments Amendment I.
Assembly reorganized
Article of Amendments Amendment II.
Apportionment of new assembly
Article of Amendments Amendment III.
Senate reorganized
Article of Amendments Amendment IV.
Future appointments of legislature
Article of Amendments Amendment V.
Council of appointment, powers construed
1777
The First Constitution
After the start of the American Revolutionary War, a pro-independence legislature governed the parts of New York outside of British military control. Originally called the Provincial Congress of the Colony of New York, the body adopted the name Convention of the Representatives of the State of New York after it endorsed the Declaration of Independence.
Unlike the earlier legislative bodies, which were elected primarily to consider acts to provide for the welfare of the state in wartime, the new 1776 legislature was “elected with express authority to form a new plan of government”: “[T]he right of framing, creating, or remodeling Civil Government is and ought to be in the People.” Although the resulting constitution was not submitted to the people for ratification, it contained a proclamation that “no authority shall, on any pretence whatever, be exercised over the people or members of this State but such as shall be derived from and granted by them.”
The legislature drafted the state’s first constitution while also managing the state’s war effort. It had few other constitutions to reference as models except those being newly drafted and adopted in other states. Nonetheless, the 1777 Constitution laid the foundations for the state’s modern tripartite government. It created a bicameral legislature, a governor, a Council of Revision through which the governor and several judges could revise bills, a Council of Appointment through which the governor and several state senators appointed officials whose selection was not otherwise provided for in the constitution, and one court,the Court for the Trial of Impeachments and the Correction of Errors.
Although the 1777 Constitution lacked a formal bill of rights, it did contain a right to trial by jury, counsel in felony cases, due process, prohibition on bills of attainder, as well as a right to conscientious objection for Quakers, and provisions providing for religious freedom. It also permitted all men, regardless of race, to vote upon meeting certain property requirements.
"Vice-President Van Cortlandt with the members of the convention appeared in front of the court-house, and the secretary, Robert Benson mounted upon a barrel, read the immortal document to the assembled multitude" New York Public Library.