The Missouri Constitution consists of 33 sections that provide information on the legal rights of every resident in the state. It outlines the powers granted to the state’s government and explains how laws are enforced. The Missouri Constitution applies solely to residents of Missouri and their affairs. Some sections of the United States Constitution serve as a guide for its provisions, such as natural rights like life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, and right to enjoy one’s industry gains. These words are based on the Preamble of the United States Constitution.
There are several similarities between the two countries, including religious freedom, freedom of speech, rights to peaceful assembly and petition, due process, habeas corpus, open courts, right to trial by jury, right to bear arms, free and open elections and treason.
The preamble of the United States Constitution reads as follows:
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
The United States Constitution is more detailed than the Missouri Constitution, and rightfully so. It was written for the same reason as the Missouri Constitution, except that it applies to the whole country and overrides The Missouri Constitution in every way. With its 7 main articles and 29 sub-sections, it is more focused on the workings and rights under the United States government rather than a state’s government.
Article 1 of the Constitution describes the Legislative Branch of the United States government. It details how legislative power is gained, elections for senators and representatives, rules for the House and Senate, compensation and privileges for members, how bills are passed, and limits to legislative power.
Article 2 of the Constitution describes the Presidency, detailing the election of the President, their powers, laws executed, and impeachment.
Article 3 of the Constitution describes the Judiciary. It details how judicial power is gained, the scope of that power, and treason.
Article 4 of the Constitution describes the states, including their admissions and guarantees.
Article 5 of the Constitution describes the process for amending it.
Article 6 of the Constitution describes the legal status of the Constitution.
Article 7 of the Constitution describes the ratification process.
Generally speaking, the Missouri Constitution is very similar to the United States Constitution. Both explain the people’s rights under current laws and the roles of government, including how their powers are obtained and used.
The difference between the two constitutions is simple. The United States Constitution describes the forms of national government and the rights that people have under that government, while the Missouri Constitution describes the state government and the rights that residents have under it. The Missouri Constitution serves as a supplement to the United States government, defining individual rights under state laws.
