How state constitutions became the battleground for American rights and liberties – on both the left and right

State constitutions play a growing role in American politics. But turning to such documents to recognize rights and liberties is not a new project – nor is it an entirely liberal one.

By: Quinn Yeargain, Michigan State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: August 11, 2026

Words: 1,187

Last Updated: 1 week ago

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By Quinn Yeargain, Michigan State University

Beyond picking governors, state legislators, local officials and representatives to serve in Congress, voters in almost every state this year will have the opportunity to amend the language of their state constitution. In one state, they could potentially rewrite the constitution altogether.

Though the U.S. Constitution is rarely amended, voters frequently amend their state constitutions. In every election cycle, voters are asked to ratify constitutional …

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