1947 – The Modern Constitution of New Jersey Adopted by Constitutional Convention

The 1947 Constitution transformed New Jersey’s government into a modern, streamlined system that remains in effect today. Drafted after World War II, it strengthened the executive branch by granting the governor expanded powers, including the ability to serve consecutive terms and exercise a line-item veto. The document also unified the court system under a single Supreme Court, eliminating the patchwork of overlapping judicial bodies and establishing a more efficient judiciary.

In addition, the constitution modernized local government powers, reinforced civil liberties, and introduced stronger fiscal and administrative controls. It sought to make state government more responsive, accountable, and effective in serving citizens. While retaining the democratic reforms of the 1844 Constitution, it addressed long-standing weaknesses in structure and efficiency.

The 1947 Constitution remains the foundation of New Jersey’s government, embodying principles of strong executive leadership, judicial independence, and modern governance adapted to a growing and diverse state.

Article IX

Amendments

Any specific amendment or amendments to this Constitution may be proposed in the Senate or General Assembly. At least twenty calendar daysprior to the first vote thereon in the house in which such amendment or amendments are first introduced, the same shall be printed and placed on the desks of the members of each house. Thereafter and prior to such vote a public hearing shall be held thereon. If the proposed amendment or amendments or any of them shall be agreed to by three-fifths of all the members of each of the respective houses, the same shall be submitted to the people. If the same or any of them shall be agreed to by less then three-fifths but nevertheless by a majority of all the members of each of the respective houses, such proposed amendment or amendments shall be referred to the Legislature in the next legislative year; and if in that year the same or any of them shall be agreed to by a majority of all the members of each of the respective houses, then such amendment or amendments shall be submitted to the people.
The proposed amendment or amendments shall be entered on the journal of each house with the yeas and nays of the members voting thereon.
The Legislature shall cause the proposed amendment or amendments to be published at least once in one or more newspapers of each county, if any be published therein, not less than three months prior to submission to the people.
The proposed amendment or amendments shall then be submitted to the people at the next general election in the manner and form provided by the Legislature.
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.
If the proposed amendment or amendments or any of them shall be approved by a majority of the legally qualified voters of the State voting thereon, the same shall become part of the Constitution on the thirtieth day after the election, unless otherwise provided in the amendment or amendments.
If at the election a proposed amendment shall not be approved, neither such proposed amendment nor one to effect the same or substantially the same change in the Constitution shall be submitted to the people before the third general election thereafter.