Strengthening State Constitutions

Jared C. Huber*

This Note argues that state constitutions should have more difficult amendment procedures than most states currently do. Part I highlights the ease of amending most state constitutions by evaluating state constitutional amendment procedures. Next, Part II argues that because constitutions are fundamental, organizing laws, their amendment procedures should reflect such status. Finally, Part III of this Note examines state constitutional amendments that resulted from national political turmoil and argues amendment procedures should be stringent enough to temper such reactionism. If a constitution is to be a constitution, it must be resilient enough to function as one. State constitutions largely fail to be so.

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*J.D., University of Notre Dame Law School, 2024; B.A. in Political Science & Mass Communications, Purdue University, 2021.  Thank you to my friends and fellow editors of the Notre Dame Law Review for their support and edits.  Further thanks to my family and wife, Mary Huber, for all of their love and support as I pursue more understanding of and ability in the law.  All errors are my own.  Soli Deo gloria.