Lesson 3.04 Alabama's Constitution

• Introduction
• Learn
• Try It
• Task

Introduction

Enduring Knowledge: The Constitution of Alabama of 1901 has unique characteristics that impact local funding and allow special interest groups to heavily influence state government.

Is it really in there?

The Alabama Constitution 1901 is the longest constitution in the world! It has 283 Sections and almost 900 amendments. It has many provisions that are outdated in wording or function and some that cannot be enforced. Efforts to remove or amend these laws have been unsuccessful. What issues could our lawmakers have found that required so many laws? You decide if the following laws are real laws found in the Alabama Constitution. Efforts to remove or amend these have so far proved unsuccessful. Examples include the following:

Is it in There?
1. The legislature shall pass laws as it may deem expedient to suppress the evil practice of dueling. Yes, it's in there. Section 86 (this is not unique to the Alabama Constitution; other State constitutions have similar provisions).	2. Except otherwise provided by law, occupying a live-aboard (boat) for more than 30 days during any calendar year is prohibited in coastal marshlands, including tidal water bottoms. No, this is actually a Georgia law.
3. It shall be the duty of the legislature to pass adequate laws giving protection against the evils arising from the use of intoxicating liquors at all elections. Yes, it's in there. Section 191.	4. The following persons shall be disqualified both from registering, and from voting, namely: All idiots and insane persons; those who shall by reason of conviction of crime be disqualified from voting at the time of the ratification of this Constitution. Yes, it's in there. Section 182
5. The Limestone county commission is hereby authorized with or without charge to provide for the disposal of dead farm animals, and the excavating of human graves. Yes, it's in there. Amendment 482.	6. Electors shall in all cases, except treason, felony, or breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at elections, or while going to or returning therefrom. Yes, it's in there. Section 192.

Explore the Alabama Constitution 1901 to learn more about the longest constitution in the world.

Lesson Objectives Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to: define federalism. identify which powers are delegated to the national government and which powers are reserved to the states. explain how powers can also be concurrent or shared between the national and state governments. The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Government objective(s): 5.1, 5.2. This lesson incorporates the following Literacy Standards:R1, R2, R4, R6, R8, W1, W4, W6, W8, and W9.