Ratified in 1857, the Minnesota State Constitution is one of the oldest state constitutions in effect today. Beginning with the document's roots in the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, Morrison places the document's influences, controversies, and amendments in historical perspective. She then provides a close analysis of the current constitution article by article, which comprises the heart of the book. In addition the author looks at the litigation that has followed the constitution, with particular emphasis on how court interpretations have affected its meaning. A table of cases, bibliography, and index complete this unique reference survey, which is designed for students and teachers, scholars and experts, and lawyers in the fields of legal studies, state and local government, and American history.