Description:

Rhode Island 1821 Act for a Written Constitution of Gov't

Printed Broadside, "State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations. An Act to ascertain the opinion of the Freemen of this State on the expediency of a Convention to form a written Constitution of Government", 1p, 7.75" x 10", February Session, A.D. 1821. Witnessed by Henry Bowen, as Secretary. In an unknown hand at verso, "To encourage a written Constitution in the State of Rhode Island 1821". Flattened folds, slight curling to a few edges, browning at top left, minor scattered foxing, else in near fine condition. 

This was the initial push for a state Constitution, which was finally passed in 1842. Prior to 1842, Rhode Island was still governed by the 1663 Royal Charter. Under that charter, only adult male citizens who owned at least $135 of property could vote. In 1822, the state legislature added “white” to the requirement to vote. By 1840, the population of Rhode Island had grown to 108,830, with large numbers of people living in urban areas (especially Providence) and working in various industries. Many were Irish Catholic immigrants and free African Americans. Most did not meet the property requirement that would allow them to vote. 

At nearly two centuries old, this document essentially restricted voting rights to a very small population of elite, rural, landowning native-born white males. Two disenfranchised groups in particular, immigrants and free African-American laborers, had been petitioning the General Assembly for the right to vote for decades.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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November 2, 2022 11:00 AM EDT
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University Archives

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