The Ohio Constitution

Ohio granted statehood in 1803

• Enabling Act of 1802 – Allowed Ohio to become a state

• February 19, 1803– President Jefferson Ohio "had become one of the

United States of America," – Federal law "shall have the same force and effect

within the said State of Ohio, as elsewhere within the United States."

• First Ohio General Assembly – Chillicothe, Ohio March 1, 1803 – Ohio’s “birthday”

17 Counties…..today?

Ohio’s Three Constitutions

• 1802 – Strong legislature in response territorial governor

Arthur St. Clair• 1851 – Referendum to change the Constitution, lessen

legislatures power• 1912 – many progressive amendments added to the 1851– Constitution; some call it a “new” constitution (not

REALLY new though)

Ohio’s Current Constitution (1851/1912)

• Article I is the “Bill of Rights” – We, the people of the State of Ohio, grateful to

Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our general welfare, do establish this Constitution.

• In a nutshell..….Ohio’s is much more detailed and much longer than the US Constitution

“Highlights” of Ohio’s Bill of Rights (Article 1)

• Similar to US Bill of Rights – Habeas Corpus– No imprisonment for debt– Victim’s rights– Eminent Domain– Wrongful death damages in civil court– Right to choose your own health care (2011)

“Highlights” of the Ohio Constitution

• Articles 2, 3, 4 - establish three branches• Article 6 - 6 sections discussing education• Article 14 - OH livestock• Article 15 (“Miscellaneous”)– Marriage, Lottery, eligibility to run for office in OH

• Article 18 -14 sections – local government and “home rule”