Kansas | The Wyandot Constitution of free Kansas

Kansas

Constitution of the State of Kansas: Adopted at Wyandot, July 29, '59 [caption title]. [Wyandotte: N.p., 1859] 

16 pp. (196 x 152 mm to 228 x 152 mm). Top and bottom margins irregularly trimmed, costing much of the final text lines on pp. 7–8. Disbound. Brown cloth chemise and slipcase, brown morocco spine lettered gilt.

The Wyandot Constitution of free Kansas. This rare 1859 printing brought Kansas into the Union in 1861. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 stipulated that Kansas voters would decide on the issue of slavery. Three previous constitutions (Topeka, 1855; Lecompton, 1857; Leavenworth, 1858) took different positions on the issue and none seemed to have been endorsed unanimously by the territory's voters. The present constitution approved in Wyandotte (now part of Kansas City) outlawed slavery, but was far less progressive than the Leavenworth constitution, as it denied suffrage for women, African- and Native Americans.

The constitution lays out the state boundaries, includes a 21-section Bill of Rights, and delineates the powers of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. There are also provisions for elections, education, the militia, banks and currency, finance and taxation, and more.

REFERENCE

Colonists, Citizens, Constitutions 32; American Imprints Inventory 215 (6 copies); Sabin 37024