Constitution of Washington

Washington_Constitution_1889_p1

The Constitution of Washington is the governing document that outlines the framework of the government of Washington (state). It was adopted on October 1, 1889, and became effective on November 11, 1889, when Washington was admitted to the United States as the 42nd state.

History

The Constitution of Washington was drafted by a constitutional convention held in Olympia, the state capital, in 1889. The convention was composed of 75 delegates who were elected by the citizens of the Washington Territory. The constitution was then submitted to the voters of the territory and was ratified on October 1, 1889.

Structure

The Constitution of Washington is divided into a preamble and 32 articles. Each article addresses a different aspect of state governance and the rights of its citizens.

Preamble

The preamble of the Constitution of Washington sets forth the purpose of the document and the principles upon which the state government is founded.

Articles

• Article I: Declaration of Rights - This article outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms of the citizens of Washington.
• Article II: Legislative Department - This article establishes the structure and powers of the Washington State Legislature, which is bicameral, consisting of the Washington State Senate and the Washington House of Representatives.
• Article III: Executive Department - This article defines the powers and duties of the Governor of Washington and other executive officers.
• Article IV: The Judiciary - This article establishes the state's judicial system, including the Washington Supreme Court and lower courts.
• Article V: Impeachment and Removal from Office - This article outlines the process for impeaching and removing state officials.
• Article VI: Elections and Elective Rights - This article covers the rules and regulations governing elections and voting rights in the state.
• Article VII: Revenue and Taxation - This article addresses the state's power to levy taxes and generate revenue.
• Article VIII: State, County, and Municipal Indebtedness - This article sets limits on the amount of debt that can be incurred by the state and local governments.
• Article IX: Education - This article mandates the establishment and maintenance of a public school system.
• Article X: Militia - This article provides for the organization and regulation of the state militia.
• Article XI: County, City, and Township Organization - This article outlines the powers and organization of local governments.
• Article XII: Corporations Other Than Municipal - This article regulates the formation and operation of private corporations.
• Article XIII: State Institutions - This article provides for the establishment of state institutions such as hospitals and prisons.
• Article XIV: Seat of Government - This article designates Olympia as the state capital.
• Article XV: Harbors and Tide Waters - This article addresses the management and use of the state's harbors and tidewaters.
• Article XVI: School and Granted Lands - This article governs the management of lands granted to the state for educational purposes.
• Article XVII: Tidelands - This article addresses the ownership and use of tidelands.
• Article XVIII: Public Health and Safety - This article provides for the protection of public health and safety.
• Article XIX: Exemptions - This article outlines property exemptions from taxation.
• Article XX: Public Works and Improvements - This article governs the construction and maintenance of public works and improvements.
• Article XXI: Water and Water Rights - This article addresses the use and regulation of water resources.
• Article XXII: Compensation of Public Officers - This article sets the compensation for public officers.
• Article XXIII: Amendments - This article outlines the process for amending the state constitution.
• Article XXIV: Boundaries - This article defines the boundaries of the state.
• Article XXV: Jurisdiction - This article addresses the jurisdiction of the state over certain areas.
• Article XXVI: Compact with the United States - This article contains the state's agreement with the United States upon admission to the Union.
• Article XXVII: Schedule - This article provides for the transition from territorial to state government.
• Article XXVIII: Miscellaneous - This article contains various provisions not covered in other articles.
• Article XXIX: Compensation of State Officers - This article addresses the compensation of state officers.
• Article XXX: Public Debt and Credit - This article governs the state's public debt and credit.
• Article XXXI: Gender Equality - This article ensures gender equality in the state.
• Article XXXII: Veterans' Relief - This article provides for the relief of veterans.

Amendments

The Constitution of Washington has been amended numerous times since its adoption. Amendments can be proposed by either house of the state legislature and must be approved by a two-thirds majority in both houses. They are then submitted to the voters for ratification.

Related Pages

• Washington State Legislature
• Governor of Washington
• Washington Supreme Court
• Washington House of Representatives
• Washington State Senate

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