The Colorado Constitution
is the governing document of the state of Colorado
. It was drafted in March of 1876 and ratified by the state's voters on July 1, 1876, taking effect a month later on August 1, 1876 when Colorado became a state. The constitution includes a preamble and 29 sections.
Unlike many other states that have adopted wholesale new constitutions from time-to-time, the current constitution of Colorado is the only constitution the state has ever had.
- See also: Preambles to state constitutions
The constitution's preamble says:
- We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, in order to form a more independent and perfect government; establish justice; insure tranquility; provide for the common defense; promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the "State of Colorado".
The Colorado Constitution is divided into 27 articles as well as a schedule.
- Article I establishes the boundaries of the state.
- Article II is the Bill of Rights of the citizens of Colorado.
- Article III declares the state government shall be divided into three distinct divisions, the legislative, executive and judicial.
- Article IV establishes the powers and limitations of the executive department.
- Article V outlines the legislative department.
- Article VI frames the court system as well as the other sections of the judicial department.
- Article VII deals with suffrage and elections.
- Article VIII describes state institutions, such as the seat of government and its location.
- Article IX concerns education in the state and that all public schools be free.
- Article X concerns state revenue and taxation.
- Article XI describes indebtedness at all levels of government.
- Article XII concerns state officers, disqualifications, and removal from office.
- Article XIII details the impeachment process.
- Article XIV establishes distinct counties within the state. It also deals with the officers of these counties.
- Article XV describes the privileges, responsibilities, and limitations of corporations.
- Article XVI concerns mining and irrigation.
- Article XVII describes the state militia.
- Article XVIII has various miscellaneous sections.
- Article XIX details the amendment process.
- Article XX concerns cities and towns.
- Article XXI concerns the recall of officers and the filling of vacancies.
- Article XXII repeals the Intoxicating Liquor Laws.
- Article XXIII has been repealed.
- Article XXIV concerns old age pensions.
- Article XXV concerns public utilities.
- Article XXVI prohibits nuclear detonations within the state.
- Article XXVII establishes the Colorado Great Outdoors Program, which is dedicated to the preservation, protection, enhancement and management of the state's wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage.
- The Schedule is included to facilitate the transformation of Colorado from a territory to a state.
Amending the constitution
There are three different ways to amend the Colorado Constitution. These paths to amendment are laid out in two different parts of the constitution:
This Constitution article needs to be updated.