So You Think You Want a Revolution? A Look at Pennsylvania's Not-So-Revolutionary Constitution
Ah, Pennsylvania. Land of cheesesteaks, liberty bells, and... a constitution that raised more eyebrows than a mime at a funeral. Now, don't get me wrong, it wasn't all bad. It had some pretty snazzy bits about freedom of speech and whatnot. But let's be honest, some parts of this document were about as popular as a tax audit on payday. Buckle up, because we're about to dissect the Pennsylvania Constitution's most objectionable features, with a healthy dose of humor (because apparently history doesn't have to be a total drag).
What Aspects Of The Pennsylvania Constitution Were Most Objectionable |
Suffrage Shenanigans: Property, Property, Property
Imagine showing up to vote, all fired up and ready to make your voice heard, only to be told, "Sorry pal, gotta own some land first!" That's the reality many Pennsylvanians faced thanks to this constitution's love affair with property ownership. If you weren't a landowner, you were basically a political ghost. This left a whole lot of folks, particularly those without the means to own land, feeling like their opinion was about as valuable as a one-legged donkey in a derby.
Sub-heading: The Founding Fathers, brought to you by the National Association of Realtors (not really, but you get the idea)
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
Winner Takes All, Losers Get Squat
This constitution wasn't big on sharing the pie. The winner of each legislative district took ALL the seats. That's right, no proportional representation here. Imagine cheering for your favorite candidate, only to see them lose by a single vote, and then BAM! The entire district gets stuck with the other guy, even if most people didn't actually want him. Talk about a political consolation prize worse than a fruitcake.
Sub-heading: Democracy, Pennsylvania Style: May the odds be ever in your favor (of owning land and living in a district where everyone agrees)
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
The One-Man Show: The Governor with Superpowers (Almost)
The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 gave the governor some serious muscle. We're talking veto power over pretty much everything, the ability to appoint judges, and the authority to pardon criminals (with a few exceptions, like treason... you know, the boring stuff). Basically, this governor was like a one-man band, playing the tune of Pennsylvania politics. Some folks worried this much power in one place could lead to, well, let's just say a not-so-democratic situation.
Sub-heading: Governor: Friend of the People, or Benevolent Dictator? You Decide! (Spoiler alert: they eventually changed things)
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
So, there you have it. A glimpse into the not-so-glamorous side of Pennsylvania's founding document. While it laid the groundwork for a (somewhat) functioning government, it definitely had its quirks.
FAQ: How to Survive a Quirky Constitution (PA Edition)
How to: Vote without owning land
Answer: This constitution is a relic of the past. Today, you just need to be a registered voter in Pennsylvania!
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
How to: Make sure your vote counts, even if your candidate loses by a hair
Answer: Pennsylvania's voting system has been updated. Today, we use a more proportional approach to representation.
How to: Keep the governor from becoming a power-hungry supervillain
Answer: The governor's power has been scaled back over time. Checks and balances, baby!
How to: Learn more about Pennsylvania's interesting (and sometimes strange) history
Answer: Hit the books! There are tons of resources on Pennsylvania's history and government.
How to: Make sure your voice is heard in future elections
Answer: Register to vote and get out there! Every vote counts (land ownership not required).