Part One The History of the Virginia Constitution

In contrast with the U.S. Constitution, which has been amended only 27 times since it was drafted in 1787, the Virginia Constitution has been the subject of periodic revision since its adoption by the Convention of 1776. Additional conventions were held in 1829–30, 1850–51, 1861, 1864, 1867–68, and 1901–02; limited conventions were called in 1945 and 1956; and significant changes were brought about in 1928 and 1971 on the recommendation of revision commissions. On a number of these occasions, Virginia constitution makers have engaged in significant debates about...