North Carolina North Carolina ConstitutionConstitution

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Current version approved 1970; took Current version approved 1970; took effect in 1971effect in 1971

NC Constitution gives NC citizens NC Constitution gives NC citizens political rights, establishes basic offices political rights, establishes basic offices and procedures of state gov’t, and and procedures of state gov’t, and provides public services to citizens.provides public services to citizens.

Preamble to the NC Constitution Preamble to the NC Constitution recognizes civil, political, and religious recognizes civil, political, and religious liberties.liberties.

Article I of the NC Constitution has a Article I of the NC Constitution has a Declaration of Rights that gives the Declaration of Rights that gives the rights of a citizen of NC rights of a citizen of NC

NC Constitution uses the principles of NC Constitution uses the principles of popular sovereignty, separation of popular sovereignty, separation of powers, & checks and balances. powers, & checks and balances.

Amending the NC Amending the NC ConstitutionConstitution

NC Constitution can be changed by NC Constitution can be changed by adding an amendment. An adding an amendment. An amendment can be added by:amendment can be added by:

Step 1: 3/5 members of the General Step 1: 3/5 members of the General Assembly or convention of people of Assembly or convention of people of NCNC

Step 2: ratified by the voting public or Step 2: ratified by the voting public or delegates represent people (2/3 vote)delegates represent people (2/3 vote)

City ChartersCity Charters NC grants charters (a document that NC grants charters (a document that

gives a city or town authority to act gives a city or town authority to act as a local gov’t and explains how a as a local gov’t and explains how a city or town will be governed.) A city or town will be governed.) A charter can be changed by the charter can be changed by the General Assembly. General Assembly.

Incorporation is the creation of a new Incorporation is the creation of a new town or city by the General Assembly town or city by the General Assembly of NC. An unincorporated area is of NC. An unincorporated area is outside the city or towns of a county.outside the city or towns of a county.