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Explaining state constitutional changes* * I would like to thank Paul Herron, Robert Williams, and Emily Zackin for their helpful comments on this article and the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions, Princeton University for its generous research support.

Explicando as alterações nas Constituições estaduais

Abstract

The article aims to analyze the fundamentals and the methods of state constitutional changes in the United States. It recognizes a certain pattern in the political processes of state constitutional changes, but it also points out that, in each case, some specific social groups act more intensely. Furthermore, it analyzes how external political forces can influence changes in state Constitutions. Finally, it concludes that, as a rule, the United States is currently undergoing a period in which there is a certain resistance to the creation of new state Constitutions, with greater popular preference for specific changes in the existing Constitutions.

Keywords:
Constitutional change; State Constitution; United States; federalism; constitutional amendment

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