Dissatisfied with the central role of the General Assembly, a state Constitutional Convention was called in 1835. Out of this Convention came many amendments. Click Here for details of those amendments.

The State was divided into fifty (50) districts with the number of Senators based on the population of each individual district. Membership in the House of Commons was set at one hundred-twenty (120), with representation based on the population of each county. The more-populous counties had more representatives, but each county was entitled to at least one representative. Representation in each chamber would be adjusted based on the federal census taken every ten years. The numbers of Senators and Representatives have remained constant to the present day, however, the number of Senatorial districts has changed over time.

The convention’s proposed changes were adopted by vote of the people on November 9, 1835.

Borough (or individual town) representation was abolished, biennial sessions of the legislature were instituted, the governorship was changed to a two-year elective office, the poll tax (or head tax) was equalized, the word “Protestant” was changed to “Christian” in Article 32 of the old Constitution, the free black vote was eliminated, property requirements for voting and holding office were reduced, an amendment process was adopted, and impeachment provisions were introduced. The General Assembly retained the power to adjust districts and representation.

Click Here for more details of the 1835 Constitutional Convention.

In 1868, the Federal Government mandated that North Carolina revise its Constitution. It was a major reorganization and modification of the original into fourteen articles. It also introduced townships which each county was required to create, the only southern state to do so at that point in time. The House of Commons was renamed as the House of Representatives. The Speaker of the Senate was abolished and the newly-created Lt. Governor became the President of the Senate when it was in session; next in line became the President Pro Tempore elected by members.

The Constitution of 1868, ratified by North Carolinians by a vote of 93,086 to 74,016, was a relatively progressive document that borrowed from the previous state constitutions and added new provisions. It abolished slavery and provided for universal male suffrage. The power of the people to elect representatives and other officeholders-including key officials in the executive branch, judges, and county officials-was greatly expanded.

Voters' rights were increased, with male citizens no longer required to own property or meet specific religious qualifications in order to vote. The position of governor was again strengthened with increased powers and a four-year term. A constitutionally-based court system was established, county and town governments and a public school system were outlined, and the legislature's methods of raising revenue by taxation were codified.

Click Here to view or download a copy of the 1868 NC State Constitution.

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