State Constitutions for the Twenty-first Century, Volume 1: The Politics of State Constitutional Reform

by Robert F. Williams (Editor), G. Alan Tarr (Editor)

Overview

Through illuminating case studies of reform efforts in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, New York, and Virginia, this book—the first of three volumes—provides the first systematic analysis of the political obstacles to state constitutional reform. For those seeking constitutional reform, this useful resource can spell the difference between success and failure, and for those interested in state politics or constitutional politics, it offers rare insight into a distinctive aspect of American constitutionalism. Written by eminent scholars who were, in many cases, also active participants in the reform campaign, the essays provide practical experience, expert analysis, and lessons for future constitutional reformers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780791482452
Publisher:	State University of New York Press
Publication date:	06/01/2006
Series:	SUNY series in American Constitutionalism
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	624 KB

About the Author

At Rutgers University at Camden, G. Alan Tarr is Director of the Center for State Constitutional Studies and Robert F. Williams is Associate Director. Tarr is also Distinguished Professor of Political Science and author of Understanding State Constitutions. Williams is also Distinguished Professor of Law and author of State Constitutional Law: Cases and Materials, Third Edition.

Table of Contents

Introduction
G. Alan Tarr

PART I: Constitutional Commissions and Constitutional Reform

1. Constitutional Revision in Florida: Planning, Politics, Policy, and Publicity
Rebecca Mae Salokar

2. Constitutional Revision in California: The Triumph of Amendment over Revision
Bruce E. Cain

3. Adopting a New Constitution: Lessons from Virginia
A. E. Dick Howard

PART II: Putting Constitutional Reform on the Agenda

4. Constitutional Reform in Alabama: Long Time in Coming
H. Bailey Thomson

5. The Mandatory Constitutional Convention Question Referendum: The New York Experience in National Context
Gerald Benjamin

6. Direct Democracy and Constitutional Reform: Campaign Finance Initiatives in Colorado
Anne G. Campbell

Appendix: Mechanisms for State Constitutional Change

Contributors
Index

Editorial Reviews

"The distinguished contributors to State Constitutions for the Twenty-first Century have performed a valuable service for scholars and constitutional reformers alike, by explaining why state constitutional reform has become so difficult to achieve and also why it has occasionally succeeded, even in the face of significant obstacles."

From the Publisher