Home - ACCR (original) (raw)

ACCR is working with the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) to study how the Alabama Constitution impacts the wellbeing of our citizens. Your donation will help ACCR develop and implement a statewide action plan to address specific problem areas. You Can Help ACCR and Alabama DONATE TODAY

The 1901 Alabama Constitutional Convention

In 1901, Alabama convened a Constitutional Convention primarily to disenfranchise black votes and poor white voters in the state. By creating a Constitution that centralized power in Montgomery, they were able accomplish these aims and much more…

Does this sound like the Alabama you know?

Of course not! The transcripts of the 1901 Constitutional Convention make the point that the ideas found within the Constitution, while legally eloquent, were morally corrupt.

Most Alabamians today are repulsed by the language used at the Convention, and many amendments have been added to our Constitution throughout the years to reflect more forward thinking.

However, the underlying structure of the 1901 Constitution still limits Alabama in many ways..

What's Wrong with Alabama's Constitution?

• 
  It restricts home rule. The current Constitution concentrates power in Montgomery by restricting local democracy.
• 
  It locks in an unfair tax system. The current constitution forces our poorest citizens to pay a disproportionate share of their income in taxes.
• 
  It hinders economic development. The 1901 Constitution prohibits state and local governments from participating in internal improvements or economic development activities.
• 
  It limits budget flexibility. On average, most states earmark 22% of their revenues; Alabama earmarks nearly 90%.
• 
  It is the longest Constitution in the world. Alabama’s constitution now has 900 amendments making it by far the longest known Constitution in the world.
• 
  It has undemocratic origins. The main objective of the 1901 Constitutional Convention was to remove the voting rights of the poor while centralizing power in the hands of a few special interests in Montgomery.

Just how long is Alabama's Constitution?

Longer than the U.S. Constitution

x 0

ACCR is Leading the Way

Alabama Citizens of Constitutional Reform (ACCR) is a community of Alabamians who are determined to see legislative change in the State of Alabama, starting with our Constitution. We support Amendments to Constitution that address the underlying issues of inefficiency and inequality, but realize that these are only half-measures. A Constitutional Convention by the people and legislature is necessary to create a new foundation for Alabama that safeguards the future of Alabama for generations to come.

ALABAMA DESERVES BETTER.

Join Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform today and make a difference!