CONSTITUTIONAL CONVEN

TIONS, an institution of political democracy originating in the American colonies during the Revolutionary War. It may be divided into three phases; first, the framing of a constitution by a regular legislative body, with the authorization of the people, but without being subjected to their approval; second, the framing of a constitution by a special body, especially elected for that purpose by ‘the people, without afterwards being subjected to their ratification; third, being framed by the specially elected body and ratified by the people through a referendum. The last phase may now be said to have been established as the approved method in this country, and in all countries with any pre ten tions to democratic government. The constitutions of several states were at first framed by the first method, without reference to popular vote, these states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, New Jersey, Ma achusetts and Rhode Island. Ma achusetts was the first state to seek ratification of a state constitution, which was done through a referendum vote, in 1778.