Understanding Montana's State Constitution: Rights, Structure, and History

The Montana State Constitution sets out the principles of government, explains its organization, and lists rights that cannot be infringed. It includes the Preamble, Article I on the state's relationship with the United States, and Article II which declares rights such as self-governance, freedom of religion, and more. It establishes government structure, voting rights, taxation, and environmental protections. Learn about the essential aspects and significance of Montana's constitution.

• Montana
• State Constitution
• Rights
• Government Structure
• History

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1. Montanas State Constitution

2. Sets out the principles of government Explains how the government is going to be organized Lists the rights the government cannot take away What is a constitution?

3. History

4. Whats In the Constitution: The Preamble The Preamble explains the purpose of the document. It s the introduction. We the people of Montana grateful to God for the quiet beauty of our state, the grandeur of our mountains, the vastness of our rolling plains, and desiring to improve the quality of life, equality of opportunity and to secure the blessings of liberty for this and future generations, do ordain and establish this constitution.

5. Article I: Compact with the United States Article I explains the relation between Montana and the United States. It also says that the state doesn t have any control over Indian land.

6. These include the rights to: Govern ourselves Practice any religion (or not practice any religion) Gather and peacefully protest Speak freely about issues Participate in government Know what the government is doing Privacy Bear arms (guns) Vote Legal rights (for example, your rights if you are accused of a crime) Not to be discriminated against because of your gender, race, culture, background, or political or religious ideas A clean and healthful environment Article II. Declaration of Rights

7. It establishes: How the government should be set up with legislative, executive, and judicial branches How laws are passed Who can vote and run for office How the government can get money (taxes for example) and spend it What else is in the constitution?

8. Maintain a clean and healthful environment Guarantee free K-12 education Preserve Montanans ability to hunt and fish Teach about and help preserve the unique cultural heritage of American Indians Set up institutions needed for the public good (like veterans homes) The Constitution tells the state it must

9. Article XIV: Constitutional Revision Sets up rules for changing the constitution so if we don t like it, there s a way to change it!

10. For more information visit: https://mhs.mt.gov/education/Educators Or phone 406-444-4789