State Democracy Research Initiative
@uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social
Research hub at the University of Wisconsin Law School. Shining a spotlight on democracy, government, and public law in states across the USA.
If you missed our panel on 'Education Rights & State Constitutions,' you can watch the event recording for this event and many more on our website.
Watch the recording here: statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/events-summa...
Watch the recording here: statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/events-summa...
November 4, 2025 at 3:52 PM
If you missed our panel on 'Education Rights & State Constitutions,' you can watch the event recording for this event and many more on our website.
Watch the recording here: statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/events-summa...
Watch the recording here: statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/events-summa...
If you missed our panel on 'Money, Politics, & the First Amendment,' you can watch the event recording for this event and many more on our website.
Watch the recording here: statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/events-summa...
Watch the recording here: statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/events-summa...
October 28, 2025 at 5:49 PM
If you missed our panel on 'Money, Politics, & the First Amendment,' you can watch the event recording for this event and many more on our website.
Watch the recording here: statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/events-summa...
Watch the recording here: statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/events-summa...
Join us next week for “Judging in State Appellate Courts” on Thursday, October 30, from 12:00-1:00 pm CT. This event will take place in-person in Lubar Commons (room 7200) of the UW Law School, with the option to attend virtually. Lunch will be provided.
Register here: go.wisc.edu/zame95
Register here: go.wisc.edu/zame95
October 23, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Join us next week for “Judging in State Appellate Courts” on Thursday, October 30, from 12:00-1:00 pm CT. This event will take place in-person in Lubar Commons (room 7200) of the UW Law School, with the option to attend virtually. Lunch will be provided.
Register here: go.wisc.edu/zame95
Register here: go.wisc.edu/zame95
Join us for “Judging in State Appellate Courts” on Thursday, October 30, from 12:00-1:00 pm CT. This event will take place in-person in Lubar Commons (room 7200) of the UW Law School, with the option to attend virtually. Lunch will be provided.
go.wisc.edu/zame95
go.wisc.edu/zame95
October 2, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Join us for “Judging in State Appellate Courts” on Thursday, October 30, from 12:00-1:00 pm CT. This event will take place in-person in Lubar Commons (room 7200) of the UW Law School, with the option to attend virtually. Lunch will be provided.
go.wisc.edu/zame95
go.wisc.edu/zame95
Although the Pennsylvania Constitution has never included a provision describing the procedure for holding a constitutional convention, the state has held seven constitutional conventions throughout its history.
Learn more here: 50constitutions.org/pa/
Learn more here: 50constitutions.org/pa/
September 29, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Although the Pennsylvania Constitution has never included a provision describing the procedure for holding a constitutional convention, the state has held seven constitutional conventions throughout its history.
Learn more here: 50constitutions.org/pa/
Learn more here: 50constitutions.org/pa/
North Carolina has passed 37 amendments since adopting its third Constitution in 1971. One of these amendments, passed in 1997, gave the governor the power to veto bills, making North Carolina the last US state to give their governor veto authority.
Learn more here: 50constitutions.org/nc
Learn more here: 50constitutions.org/nc
September 19, 2025 at 5:36 PM
North Carolina has passed 37 amendments since adopting its third Constitution in 1971. One of these amendments, passed in 1997, gave the governor the power to veto bills, making North Carolina the last US state to give their governor veto authority.
Learn more here: 50constitutions.org/nc
Learn more here: 50constitutions.org/nc
In 2018 and 2022, Michigan voters amended the constitution to enshrine a series of voting-related provisions, including absentee ballot tracking, pre-paid postage for absentee ballots, and in-person voter registration through the day of the election.
Learn more here: 50constitutions.org/mi/
Learn more here: 50constitutions.org/mi/
September 12, 2025 at 2:59 PM
In 2018 and 2022, Michigan voters amended the constitution to enshrine a series of voting-related provisions, including absentee ballot tracking, pre-paid postage for absentee ballots, and in-person voter registration through the day of the election.
Learn more here: 50constitutions.org/mi/
Learn more here: 50constitutions.org/mi/
Call for papers for a Scholarship Roundtable on State and Local Governance taking place on 4/10/26 in Ann Arbor!
Details here: go.wisc.edu/rx53ph
Details here: go.wisc.edu/rx53ph
September 11, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Call for papers for a Scholarship Roundtable on State and Local Governance taking place on 4/10/26 in Ann Arbor!
Details here: go.wisc.edu/rx53ph
Details here: go.wisc.edu/rx53ph
Join us for the next installment in our Election Matters panel series on "Money, Politics, and the First Amendment." This event will explore the impacts of increasingly expensive elections and the tension between campaign finance regulation and free speech. Register here: go.wisc.edu/190re6
September 4, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Join us for the next installment in our Election Matters panel series on "Money, Politics, and the First Amendment." This event will explore the impacts of increasingly expensive elections and the tension between campaign finance regulation and free speech. Register here: go.wisc.edu/190re6
📢Call for papers for a Scholarship Roundtable on State and Local Governance, organized by @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social and Professors Alexandra Klass, Nina Mendelson, and @chrisjwalker.bsky.social and taking place at @umichlaw.bsky.social, 4/10/26 in Ann Arbor!
Details here: go.wisc.edu/rx53ph
Details here: go.wisc.edu/rx53ph
September 3, 2025 at 5:39 PM
📢Call for papers for a Scholarship Roundtable on State and Local Governance, organized by @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social and Professors Alexandra Klass, Nina Mendelson, and @chrisjwalker.bsky.social and taking place at @umichlaw.bsky.social, 4/10/26 in Ann Arbor!
Details here: go.wisc.edu/rx53ph
Details here: go.wisc.edu/rx53ph
Arizona was the first state to adopt a constitutional provision requiring campaign finance disclosure. The provision was included in the state's original constitution and remains in the constitution to this day.
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/az.
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/az.
August 29, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Arizona was the first state to adopt a constitutional provision requiring campaign finance disclosure. The provision was included in the state's original constitution and remains in the constitution to this day.
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/az.
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/az.
Join us for “Education Rights and State Constitutions” on Friday, September 12 from 3:00-4:15pm Central Time, with a reception to follow. This event will take place in-person in Room 2260 in the UW Law School, with the option to attend virtually. go.wisc.edu/7ig7qx
August 15, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Join us for “Education Rights and State Constitutions” on Friday, September 12 from 3:00-4:15pm Central Time, with a reception to follow. This event will take place in-person in Room 2260 in the UW Law School, with the option to attend virtually. go.wisc.edu/7ig7qx
🚨50 Constitutions Update🚨
Our latest update to 50constitutions.org adds tracking constitutional change features to 4 additional states!
These tools allow users to explore a state's full amendment history.
50constitutions.org
Our latest update to 50constitutions.org adds tracking constitutional change features to 4 additional states!
These tools allow users to explore a state's full amendment history.
50constitutions.org
July 31, 2025 at 2:43 PM
🚨50 Constitutions Update🚨
Our latest update to 50constitutions.org adds tracking constitutional change features to 4 additional states!
These tools allow users to explore a state's full amendment history.
50constitutions.org
Our latest update to 50constitutions.org adds tracking constitutional change features to 4 additional states!
These tools allow users to explore a state's full amendment history.
50constitutions.org
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual panel, “Year in Review: Democracy Litigation in SCOTUS and the States.” Our panelists explored last year's most impactful rulings and previewed important upcoming cases. If you missed it, you can watch the recording here: youtu.be/eg1NvWhO3ss?....
July 17, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual panel, “Year in Review: Democracy Litigation in SCOTUS and the States.” Our panelists explored last year's most impactful rulings and previewed important upcoming cases. If you missed it, you can watch the recording here: youtu.be/eg1NvWhO3ss?....
Join us for "The Work of State Supreme Courts" on May 30, from 9-10:30am, featuring state supreme court justices from across the country!
Register for in-person or online⬇️
go.wisc.edu/p12jci
Register for in-person or online⬇️
go.wisc.edu/p12jci
May 2, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Join us for "The Work of State Supreme Courts" on May 30, from 9-10:30am, featuring state supreme court justices from across the country!
Register for in-person or online⬇️
go.wisc.edu/p12jci
Register for in-person or online⬇️
go.wisc.edu/p12jci
Since it was adopted in 1895, the Utah Constitution has required the preservation of forests. In 2020, Utah voters also added the right to hunt and fish to their state constitution.
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/ut.
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/ut.
January 8, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Since it was adopted in 1895, the Utah Constitution has required the preservation of forests. In 2020, Utah voters also added the right to hunt and fish to their state constitution.
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/ut.
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/ut.
In 1902, Oregon became the third state to enshrine direct democracy in its state constitution. Proponents argued that the initiative would keep power in the hands of the people. Voters agreed, ratifying the change with 92% in favor.
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/or
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/or
January 6, 2025 at 6:44 PM
In 1902, Oregon became the third state to enshrine direct democracy in its state constitution. Proponents argued that the initiative would keep power in the hands of the people. Voters agreed, ratifying the change with 92% in favor.
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/or
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/or
In 2022, New Mexico voters approved an amendment to fund early childhood education through the Land Grant Permanent Fund, which also funds New Mexico’s public school system.
Learn more at: 50constitutions.org/nm
Learn more at: 50constitutions.org/nm
January 2, 2025 at 6:39 PM
In 2022, New Mexico voters approved an amendment to fund early childhood education through the Land Grant Permanent Fund, which also funds New Mexico’s public school system.
Learn more at: 50constitutions.org/nm
Learn more at: 50constitutions.org/nm
Although convention delegates eventually compromised on the substance of Minnesota’s first constitution, delegates from opposing political parties refused to sign the same document. So, they created two copies to sign and present to Congress.
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/mn
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/mn
December 18, 2024 at 4:37 PM
Although convention delegates eventually compromised on the substance of Minnesota’s first constitution, delegates from opposing political parties refused to sign the same document. So, they created two copies to sign and present to Congress.
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/mn
Learn more at 50constitutions.org/mn
In 1976, Alaska voters amended their constitution to create the Alaska Permanent Fund. This fund invests a portion of natural resource development revenue and pays out an annual dividend to Alaskan residents.
Learn more about the Alaska Constitution at: 50constitutions.org/ak
Learn more about the Alaska Constitution at: 50constitutions.org/ak
December 16, 2024 at 4:01 PM
In 1976, Alaska voters amended their constitution to create the Alaska Permanent Fund. This fund invests a portion of natural resource development revenue and pays out an annual dividend to Alaskan residents.
Learn more about the Alaska Constitution at: 50constitutions.org/ak
Learn more about the Alaska Constitution at: 50constitutions.org/ak
Before the 19th amendment extended voting rights to women nationwide, advocates had successfully been advancing women's suffrage through state constitutional amendments.
Learn more about the Idaho constitution at 50constitutions.org/id
Learn more about the Idaho constitution at 50constitutions.org/id
December 13, 2024 at 5:54 PM
Before the 19th amendment extended voting rights to women nationwide, advocates had successfully been advancing women's suffrage through state constitutional amendments.
Learn more about the Idaho constitution at 50constitutions.org/id
Learn more about the Idaho constitution at 50constitutions.org/id
🚨50 Constitutions Update🚨
Our latest update to 50constitutions.org adds tracking constitutional change features to 9 states!
These tools allow users to explore a state's full amendment history.
(Additional states coming in 2025!)
Our latest update to 50constitutions.org adds tracking constitutional change features to 9 states!
These tools allow users to explore a state's full amendment history.
(Additional states coming in 2025!)
December 11, 2024 at 4:18 PM
🚨50 Constitutions Update🚨
Our latest update to 50constitutions.org adds tracking constitutional change features to 9 states!
These tools allow users to explore a state's full amendment history.
(Additional states coming in 2025!)
Our latest update to 50constitutions.org adds tracking constitutional change features to 9 states!
These tools allow users to explore a state's full amendment history.
(Additional states coming in 2025!)
Major direct democracy decision from the Michigan Supreme Court:
The state legislature's "adopt & amend" tactic violated the Mich. Const., and as a result, initiatives to increase minimum wage and provide paid sick leave will go into effect.
More analysis to come.
The state legislature's "adopt & amend" tactic violated the Mich. Const., and as a result, initiatives to increase minimum wage and provide paid sick leave will go into effect.
More analysis to come.
July 31, 2024 at 2:54 PM
Major direct democracy decision from the Michigan Supreme Court:
The state legislature's "adopt & amend" tactic violated the Mich. Const., and as a result, initiatives to increase minimum wage and provide paid sick leave will go into effect.
More analysis to come.
The state legislature's "adopt & amend" tactic violated the Mich. Const., and as a result, initiatives to increase minimum wage and provide paid sick leave will go into effect.
More analysis to come.
We're thrilled to be in Chicago at Northwestern Law School co-sponsoring an academic roundtable on state courts with Dan Rodriguez and @zclopton.bsky.social!
April 19, 2024 at 6:12 PM
We're thrilled to be in Chicago at Northwestern Law School co-sponsoring an academic roundtable on state courts with Dan Rodriguez and @zclopton.bsky.social!
Our latest explainer analyzes state supreme court rulings on partisan gerrymandering. How many states have held that such claims are justiciable? What legal standards have they developed? What results have they reached? Findings here ⬇️
go.wisc.edu/h61u37
go.wisc.edu/h61u37
March 13, 2024 at 8:39 PM
Our latest explainer analyzes state supreme court rulings on partisan gerrymandering. How many states have held that such claims are justiciable? What legal standards have they developed? What results have they reached? Findings here ⬇️
go.wisc.edu/h61u37
go.wisc.edu/h61u37