Justitia - How do the Michigan and U.S. constitutions differ?

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Q. How do the Michigan and U.S. constitutions differ from each other?

A. In broad terms, the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land and applies across the United States. The Constitution of Michigan only applies within the state. While the state constitution cannot contradict the federal constitution, it can - and does - offer some broader protections to the people.

Other distinguishing features of the Constitution of Michigan:

• Newer - having been ratified by the people in 1963 after the Constitutional Convention of 1961-1962. 
• Easier to change (amend) and rewrite (general revision). This the fourth constitution in state history, and it has been amended more than 30 times since 1963.
• Longer - with articles, such as Education, that do not appear in the U.S. Constitution.
• Begins with the Declaration of Rights, akin to the Bill of Rights, with equal or greater protections in some sections.

More About the State Constitution

Best of Justitia - Constitution of Michigan (PDF) with further comparison/contrast and links to primary sources

Constitution 1963 (PDF) with index/table of contents | (HTML) searchable

 

All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their equal benefit, security, and protection. Const 1963, Art 1, Sec 1

 

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