Expiration of Term of Present Officers. Section 26. All persons in office in this Commonwealth at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, and at the first election under it, shall hold their respective offices until the term for which they have been elected or appointed shall expire, and until their successors shall be duly qualified, unless otherwise provided in this Constitution. Administration of Oath of Office. Section 27. The seventh article of this Constitution prescribing an oath of office shall take effect on and after the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-five. Expiration of Terms of Present County Commissioners and Auditors. Section 28. The terms of office of County Commissioners and County Auditors, chosen prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy-five, which shall not have expired before the first Monday of January in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy-six, shall expire on that day. Compensation of Present Officers May Include Fees. Section 29. All state, county, city, ward, borough and township officers in office at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, whose compensation is not provided for by salaries alone, shall continue to receive the compensation allowed them by law until the expiration of their respective terms of office. State and Judicial Officers now in Office to Take Oath to Support this Constitution. Section 30. All state and judicial officers heretofore elected, sworn, affirmed, or in office GEORGE A. ACHENBACH, WM. H. AINEY, HAMILTON ALRICKS, G. W. ANDREWS, WM. H. ARMSTRONG, WM. J. BAER, JOSEPH BAILY, Perry Co., JNO. M. BAILEY, WILLIAM D. BAKER, THOS. B. BANNAN, GEO. G. BARCLAY, JOHN BARDSLEY, JAMES P. BARR, LIN. BARTHOLOMEW, WM. BIGLER, C. A. BLACK, CHAS. O. BOWMAN, CHARLES BRODHEAD, J. M. BROOMALL, R. BROWN, C. R. BUCKALEW, THEO. CUYLER, R. M. de FRANCE, S. C. T. DODD, A. B. DUNNING, MATTHEW EDWARDS, when this Constitution shall take effect, shall within one month after such adopseverally, tion, take and subscribe an oath, or affirmation, to support this Constitution. General Assembly to Pass Laws Necessary to Enforce Constitution. Section 31. The General Assembly at its first session, or as soon as may be after the adoption of this Constitution, shall pass such laws as may be necessary to carry the same into full force and effect. Ordinance Submitting Constitution to Vote of Electors Declared Valid. Section 32. The ordinance passed by this Convention entitled "An Ordinance for submitting the amended Constitution of Pennsylvania to a vote of the electors thereof" shall be held to be valid for all the purposes thereof. The Term "County Commissioners" to Include the Philadelphia Commissioners. Section 33. The words "County Commissioners," wherever used in this Constitution and in any ordinance accompanying the same, shall be held to include the Commissioners for the city of Philadelphia. Date of Adoption by the Constitutional Convention-Signers. Adopted at Philadelphia, on the third day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-three. JNO. H. WALKER, D. L. IMBRIE, Ch. Clerk. THOS. EWING, J. B. GUTHRIE, T. R. HAZZARD, JOS. HEMPHILL, JAMES H. HEVERIN, CHAS. HUNSICKER, D. KAINE, E. C. KNIGHT, R. A. LAMBERTON, GEO. V. LAWRENCE, W. E. LITTLETON, LEWIS Z. MITCHELL, G. W. PALMER, HENRY W. PALMER, T. H. BAIRD PATTERSON, President. CONSTITUTION OF PENNSYLVANIA. ANDREW A. PURMAN, LEVI ROOKE, GEO. ROSS, C. M. RUNK, SAML. L. RUSSELL, J. MCDOWELL SHARPE, J. ALEXANDER SIMPSON, H. G. SMITH, HENRY W. SMITH, WM. H. SMITH, M. HALL STANTON, THOMAS STRUTHERS, HENRY VAN REED, J. M. WETHERILL, JNO. PRICE WETHERILL, GEO. W. WOODWARD, *Filed in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, November 13, 1873. M. S. QUAY, Secretary of the Commonwealth. *Vote by counties on adoption of Constitution of 1873 and detail vote on amendments will be found as matter of record in 1921-1922 volume of Smull's. OF OF PUBLIC That no inconvenience may arise from the change in the Constitution of the Commonwealth, and in order to carry the same into complete operation, it is hereby declared that- In the case of officers elected by the people, all terms of office fixed by act of Assembly at an odd number of years shall each be lengthened one year, but the Legislature may change the length of the term, provided the terms for which such officers are elected shall always be for an even number of years. The above extension of official terms shall nine hundred and ten. Adopted November 2, 1909, by a vote of as end in the year one thousand nine hundred and AMENDMENT TO CONSTITUTION General Assembly May Enact Laws Providing Laws may be passed providing for a system of registering, transferring, insuring of and guaranteeing land titles by the State, or by the counties thereof, and for settling and determining adverse or other claims to and interest in lands the titles to which are so registered, transferred, insured, and guaranteed; and for the creation and collection of indemnity funds; and for carrying the system and powers hereby provided for into effect by such existing courts as may be designated by the LegisIn matters lature, and by the establishment of such new courts as may be deemed necessary. arising in and under the operation of such system; judicial powers, with right of appeal, may be conferred by the Legislature upon county recorders and upon other officers by it designated. and Such laws may provide for continuing transferring, insuring, the registering, after the first or such titles guaranteeing, original registration has been perfected by the court, and provision may be made for raising the necessary funds for expenses and salaries of officers, which shall be paid out of the treasury of the several counties. † Adopted on November 2, 1915, by a vote of No Article Section designation was provided for this 853,686, for and 178,567 against. Amendment. or HISTORY OF THE SEVERAL CONSTITUTIONS OF DATES OF CONVENTIONS AND TIME OF Constitution of 1776. The Constitution of Pennsylvania of 1776 was inspired by the following resolution passed by the Continental Congress: Great "In Congress, May 15, 1776. Whereas, His Britannic Majesty, in conjunction with the lords and cominons of Britain, has by a late act of parliament, excluded the inhabitants of these United Colonies from the protection of his crown: And whereas, no answer whatever, to the humble petitions of the colonies for redress of grievances and reconciliation with Great Britain, has been, or is likely to be given, but the whole force of that kingdom, aided by foreign mercenaries, is to be exerted for the destruction of the good people of these colonies: And whereas, it appears absolutely irreconcilable to reason and good conscience, for the people of these colonies, now to take the oaths and affirmations necessary for the support of any government, under the crown of Great Britain; and it is necessary that the exercise of every kind of authority, under the said crown should be totally suppressed, and all the powers of government exerted, under the authority of the people of the colonies, for the preservation of internal peace, virtue and good order, as well as for the defense of their lives, liberties and properties, against the hostile invasions and cruel depredations of their enemies. Therefore, Resolved, That it be recommended to the respective assemblies and conventions of the United Colonies, where no government sufficient to the exigencies of their affairs, has been hitherto established, to adopt such government as shall in the opinion of the representatives of the people, best conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents in particular, and America in general. By order of the Congress, JOHN HANCOCK President." In accordance with this resolution and a call issued thereunder by the committee of the city and liberties of Philadelphia, 103 deputies were appointed by the committees of the city of Philadelphia and the several counties of the province, to meet in provincial conference. Ninety-seven of the deputies convened at Carpenter's Hall, in Philadelphia, on June 18, and elected Thomas McKean president of the conference. They continued in session until June 25, 1776, and unanimously agreed that a provincial convention should be called for the purpose of forming a new government in the province, and fixed Monday, July 8, as the time for the election of the members of the convention. The convention was composed of ninety-six members and was in session in Philadelphia from July 15 to September 28, 1776. Benjamin Franklin was the president of the body. The "Bill of Rights and Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" adopted was committed to the charge of the Council of Safety, with directions to deliver the same to the General Assembly of the State, at their first meeting immediately after they had chosen their speaker. Constitution of 1790. On March 24, 1789, the General Assembly, which then consisted of but one House, viz: the House of Representatives, passed a resolution submitting to the people the question of calling a convention to draft a new Constitution. At the following election the majority of votes cast favored the calling of such convention. The General Assembly, on September 14, 1789, then passed a resolution recommending that the people of the Commonwealth should at the succeeding election choose delegates to a constitutional convention to meet on November 24, 1789. Sixty-nine delegates were elected to this convention, which assembled in Philadelphia on the above date. Thomas Mifflin was elected president of the convention. The convention completed the drafting of the new Constitution and adjourned finally on September 2, 1790. Constitution of 1838. By an act approved April 14, 1835, the qualified electors were permitted to vote at the next following general election for or against calling a constitutional convention. The proposition was carried. The act of March 29, 1836, prescribed the time of meeting of the convention and fixed Friday, November 4, 1836, as the day on which delegates should be elected. The convention was composed of 133 members, and assembled at the capitol at Harrisburg on May 2, 1837. John Sergeant, of Philadelphia, was elected president. On November 23, the convention adjourned to meet on November 28, in Musical Fund Hall, in Philadelphia, where, on February 22, 1838, the amended Constitution was adopted and signed. It was submitted to the electors and ratified by them at an election held on October 9, 1838, there being 113,971 votes in favor of and 112,759 against its adoption. The alterations and amendments went into effect on January 1, 1839. Amendments this Constitution were adopted in 1850, 1857, 1864 and 1872. to Constitution of 1873. By an act approved June 2, 1871, the question of calling a convention for the purpose of forming a new Constitution was submitted to the people on October 10, 1871, and was favorably decided by a vote of 316,097 for and 69,715 against. The act regulating the holding of the convention was approved April 11, 1872. The number of delegates was fixed at one hundred and thirty-three, and they were elected on October 8, 1872. The convention met in the House of Representatives at Harrisburg on November 12, 1872, and adjourned November 27, to meet in Philadelphia, January 7, 1873, where the balance of its sessions were held. William M. Meredith, of Philadelphia, was elected president. He died August 17, 1873, during an adjournment. The convention on reconvening September 16 elected as his successor John H. Walker, of Erie county, who had served during the previous sessions as president pro tem. On November 3, 1873, the convention finished its work of drafting the present Constitution. It was submitted to the people at an election held December 16, 1873, and adopted by a vote of 253,744 to 108,594. This Constitution went into effect January 1, 1874. Amendments to Constitution of 1873. On November 5, 1901, Section 1, of Article 8, by a vote of 214,798 for, and 45,601 against. was amended, and is designated as Amendment No. 1 of 1901. On November 5, 1901, Section 4, of Article 8, by a vote of 194,053 for, and 41,203 against, was amended, and is designated as Amendment No. 1 of 1901. On November 5, 1901, Section 7, Article 8, by a vote of 180,521 for, and 48,634 against, was amended, and is designated as Amendment No. 3 of 1901. On November 2, 1909. Section 8. of Article 4, by a vote of 165,741 for, and 150,281 against, was amended, and is designated as Amendment No. 1 of 1909. On November 2, 1909. Section 21, of Article 4, by a vote of 164,352 for, and 142,385 against, was amended, and is designated as Amendment No. 2 of 1909. as vote On November 4, 1913, Section 3, of Article was as (On November 4, 1913, the proposed amend- On November 4, 1913, Section 15, of Article (On November 2, 1915, the proposed amend- was On November 2, 1915, Section 8, of Article (On November 2, 1909, the proposed amend ment to Section 14, of Article 8, by a vote of 128,287 for, and 194,810 against, was defeated. was designated This proposed amendment Amendment No. 7 of 1909.) as On November 2, 1915, Section 21 of Article for, and 174,168 a vote of 487,135 was amended, and is designated On November 2, 1909, Section 1. of Article 3, by 12, by a vote of 160,499 for, and 140,303 against, Amendment No. 3 of 1915. was amended, and is designated as On November 2, 1915, by a vote of 353,686 amendment to against, for, and 178,567 against, Amendment No. 8 of 1909. the Constitution was adopted and is designated as Amendment No. 4 of 1915. as On November 2, 1909, Section 2, of Article 14, by a vote of 161,184 for, and 141.547 amended, and is designated against, was Amendment No. 9 of 1909. an On November 5, 1918, Section 4, of Article On November 2, 1909, Section 7, of Article 14, by a vote of 159,953 for, and 140,476 is designated amended, and against, was Amendment No. 10 of 1909. on On November 2, 1909, the Schedule to carry the amendments voted for into operation November 2, 1909, by a vote of 147,162 for, and 141,551 against, was adopted. The act of March 2, 1911, P. L. 8, carried the amendments mentioned in this Schedule into operation and changed the date of termination of terms of city, ward, borough, township and election division officers, from December to January. On November 7, 1911, Section 8, of Article 9, by a vote of 140,647 for, and 88,965 against, was amended, and is designated as Amendment This amendment was amended No. 1 of 1911. by Amendment No. 2, which was adopted on November 2, 1915. On November 7, 1911, Section 6, of Article 5, by a vote of 124,678 for, and 85,421 against, was amended, and is designated as Amendment No. 2 of 1911. (On November 4, 1913, the proposed amendment to Section 4, of Article 9, by a vote of 259,042 for, and 300,435 against, was defeated. was designated This proposed amendment Amendment No. 1 of 1913.) as as On November 5, 1918, Section 8, of Article On November 2, 1920, Section 11, of Article On November 2, 1920, Section 8, of Article was as On November 6, 1923, Article 3, by a vote (On November 4, 1913, the proposed amendment to Section 7, of Article 3, by a vote of 203,633 for, and 219,351 against, was defeated. was designated This proposed amendment Amendment No. 2 of 1913.) as THE STATE CAPITAL AND CAPITOL BUILDINGS. FORMER AND PRESENT LOCATION OF of April 11, 1866, P. L. 81, and April 11, 1867, P. L. 18, provided for the completion of the wing used for the library. STATE CAPITAL. William Penn, "proprietor and governor,' Chester, located at October 28, 1682. The first Assembly of the Province was held there a few weeks later, and the "Great Law" was passed. The following year the government was established in Philadelphia, which remained the capital until 1799. By the act of April 3, 1799. Lancaster became the capital first the on Monday of November, 1799. On February 21, 1810, an act was approved requiring that the offices of the State government, during the month of October, 1812, be moved to Harrisburg, which by said act, was fixed and deOn Febclared to be the seat of government. ruary 7, 1812, a supplement was passed to this act providing that the removal should be made in April, 1812, and, accordingly, the offices were removed about April 1, 1812, and Harrisburg from that time has continued to be the capital of the State. The Capitol Buildings. was An act passed March 18, 1816, P. L. 148. provided for the erection of a State Capitol at Harrisburg. Under this act, two wings of the built. building were A supplement act passed January 27, 1819, P. L. 43, provided This was for the completion of the building. further supplemented by an act passed March 28, 1820, P. L. 134. The Legislature occupied the new building on January 2, 1821, apparently without further action than a joint meeting for prayer. An act passed March 30, 1821, P. L. 157, supplemented by an act passed January 23, 1822, P. L. 5, provided for furnishing the new Capitol. A new building for the use of the library and other department was authorized by an act passed April 11, 1893, P. L. 17. This building was completed during 1894; cornerstone laid December 15, 1893. The main building of the Capitol was destroyed by fire at noon February 2, 1897, the Legislature had been in session, and on the following day, February third, the Senate met in the Supreme Court room, located in the south wing, and the House assembled in the United States District Court room, in the post office building. Sessions of the two Houses were held February third and February fourth in these rooms; arrangements having been made the Legislature, on February eighth and for the balance of the session of 1897, occupied Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, Harrisburg. The act of April 14, 1897, P. L. 19, supplemented by the act of July 18, 1901, P. L. 713, authorized the erection of the present building, excavations for which were commenced May 2, 1898; a cornerstone was laid August 10, 1898, but later this was not considered representative of the proposed building, hence on May 5, 1904, a new stone was laid on the corner to the right of the main entrance, and the building rapidly constructed and dedicated October 4, 1906. Four regular sessions of the Legislature were held construction the Capitol during the period, viz:-1899, 1901, 1903 and 1905, also in the extra session of 1906. The main Capitol building is constructed of Vermont granite. It is 520 feet long, 254 feet wide and 272 feet high. The building contains 475 rooms. The dome, called "the heart of the Capitol, weighs fifty-two million pounds. The appropriation acts of 1864, P. L. 250 The excost of construction was $6,985,968.52; and 1013, provided for the building of an tension to the building. The appropriation acts building and equipment $11,033,400.89. VOTES CAST ON HOME RULE AMENDMENT AT ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 7, 1922. |