1844 – The New Jersey State Constitution Adopted by Constitutional Convention

The 1844 Constitution of New Jersey marked a pivotal shift in the state’s governance. Replacing the original 1776 charter, it introduced significant democratic reforms, including the direct election of the governor, a clear separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and the expansion of voting rights to all white men regardless of property ownership. The document also reorganized the legislative structure into a bicameral body, established stronger checks and balances, and provided the judiciary with greater independence.

While progressive for its time, the constitution reflected the limitations of its era — voting remained restricted by gender and race. Nevertheless, it laid the foundation for a more modern and representative government in New Jersey, serving as the state’s guiding framework until it was replaced by the 1947 Constitution.

Article IX

Amendments

Any specific amendment or amendments, to the Cnstitution may be proposed in the Senate or General Assembly, and if the same shall be agreed to by a majority of the members elected to each of the two houses, such proposed amendment or amendments shall be entered on their journals, with the yeas and nays taken thereon, and referred to the Legislature then next to be chosen, and shall be published for three months previous to making such choice, in at least one news-paper of each County, if any be published therein; and if in the Legislature, next chosen, as aforesaid, such proposed amendment or amendments, or any of them, shall be agreed to by a majority of all the members elected to each House, then it shall be the duty of the Legislature to submit such proposed amendment or amendments, or such of them as may have been agreed to as aforesaid by the two legislatures, to the people, in such manner and at such time, at least four months after the adjournment of the Legislature, as the legislative shall prescribe; and if the people at a special election to be held for that purpose only, shall approve and ratify such amendment or amendments, or any of them by a majority of the electors qualified to vote for members of the legislature voting thereon, such amendment or amendments so approved and ratified shall become part of the constitution: provided that if more than one amendment be submitted, they shall be submitted in such manner and form that the people may vote for, or against each amendment separately and distinctly; but no amendment or amendments shall be submitted to the people by the Legislature oftener than once in five years.