What is a constitutional convention and what is its purpose?
A constitutional convention is a meeting of a selected group of people to review a states constitution for possible modifications or revisions, including the adoption of an entirely new constitution. The Connecticut General Assembly prescribes how delegates are selected and the timing of the convention. All issues are on the table and open for discussion. Proposals receiving the approval of the delegates are submitted to the voters. Constitutions provide for a system of governance and often include provisions protecting the citizenry from improper use of government authority. Constitutional conventions have traditionally been used to revise old constitutions or to draft new ones. 3. How many constitutional conventions has Connecticut held? Only three in 1818, 1902, and 1965. The 1818 convention resulted in the Constitution of 1818, which replaced the Fundamental Orders of 1639, and thereby established a new mode of governance. The 1902 a constitutional convention sought to address the
