Elections, Statehood, and the Constitution

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General Election: Presidential Electors

Type: OBJECT
Collection: Tabulations for Elections

1875 Constitutional Commission

The 1875 Constitutional Commission was established under Chapter 1 of the 1875 Resolves of Maine with the responsibility to "consider and frame such amendments to the constitution of this state as may seem necessary." The Commission held its first meeting on January 19, 1875, and adjourned on February 10, 1875. One of the most controversial outcomes of this process was the decision to omit certain sections of the Constitution from future printed versions. According to the Articles of Separation, which were part of the agreement that allowed the District of Maine to gain independence from the Commonwealth, Article 10, Section 5 outlined Maine's obligation to uphold treaties and financial agreements made between Massachusetts and the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Nations. Furthermore, Maine was required to obtain Massachusetts' approval before making any alterations to these Articles. Since Maine could not legally revoke its treaty obligations without consent, the Constitutional Commission opted to conceal this text from public view through redaction.