I’ve been starting to dig into the primary sources on California’s last constitutional convention in 1879. First impression: If past is prologue, expect our next convention to be long and difficult.
Another lesson: you don’t necessarily end a convention with the same delegates you start with. Four delegates to the 1879 convention died between the election establishing the convention and the conclusion of the convention. Another delegate, Jehu Berry, a Democrat from Siskiyou and Modoc counties, had to replaced because of "insanity."
A few other highlights:
- The delegates – there were (120 elected to represent counties, the rest elected at large from the state’s four Congressional districts – we were a bit smaller then) – were paid mileage and per diem for 100 days, under the rules of the convention. But the convention went 127 days anyway.
- The delegates were ahead of their time on health matters. They adopted a no smoking rule for the Capitol in Sacramento, where the convention took place.
- Two free shots. The new constitution was developed through committees, but each delegate was given the opportunity to propose two of his own amendments to the constitution. (The convention then could vote those proposals up or down).
- The delegates didn’t read the final product before voting. (Take note, all you wing nuts demanding that senators read the health care bill). The convention secretary started to read the new constitution, but the delegates got restless and voted to end the reading and vote. They adopted the constitution with 120 ayes, 15 no’s. (The other delegates were absent).
- Voter approval is an uphill battle. The convention was narrowly approved, with 77,959 ballots for the new constitution, and 67,134 against.