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.
Table of Content
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
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.
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