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2009 Mock Constitution Convention Project

Take time before July 7 to give your suggestions on how to improve the draft constitution: http://www.politicalparlor.net/doc/preamble

In Alabama, there is no larger impediment to economic prosperity, local governance and healing the wounds of the state’s racist past than the 1901 Alabama Constitution.  This outdated framework erodes education systems, discourages citizen involvement and creates an extraordinarily inefficient government.  Alabama can change its governing social contract through one of two ways: 1) by amending it or 2) through a constitution convention.  To date, voters have amended Alabama’s constitution over 800 times making it the longest state constitution in the world.  However, a growing number of individuals and organizations are supporting the constitution convention path which affords the best opportunity to address the fundamental flaws of the document. 

To educate the people of Alabama about a constitution convention process as well as engage new people in the growing Constitutional Reform Movement, a mock constitution convention will convene in the spring and summer of 2009.  The Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform (ACCR) Foundation, a non-partisan 501(c)3 organization, will work with several partner groups to support this education initiative.  While the constitution that the 2009 Mock Convention creates will have no legal status, it will help educate Alabamians about the injustices and inefficiencies embedded in our sixth constitution and, more importantly, show the type of modernized contract that people gathered today could create.

Mock Convention Delegate Responsibilities: Over 250 people from across the state applied to serve as delegates for the 105 state house districts.  They have agreed to the following responsibilities:

  • Promote the mock convention in their state house district before, during and following this education initiative to engage people in the Constitution Reform Movement
  • Read materials and respond to emails in a timely manner
  • Participate in the entire convention process (the final product of the Mock Convention which will be unveiled on August 27, 2009).
  • Approach the convention with an open mind and pledge to treat fellow delegates with respect and courtesy during the process

The following is the convention resource page: http://www.constitutionalreform.org/conventionresources.shtml

Steering Committee Members
Albert Brewer (Vestavia)
Amanda Fox (Montevallo)
Gorman Houston (Montgomery)
Jim Vickrey (Montgomery)
Rhondel Rhone (Dickinson)
Scotty Colson (Birmingham)
Steve Holt (Florence)

Advisory Committee Members
Keith Norman (Alabama State Bar)
John Carroll (Cumberland Law School)
John Pickens (Alabama Appleseed)
Ed Patterson (Alabama State Bar)
Craig Baab (Alabama Appleseed)
David Perry (Former ACCR Foundation staff)

ACCR Foundation Support Staff
Mark Berte (205) 266-3371 or Mark@constitutionALreform.org
Audrey Salgado (205) 437-0951 Audrey@constitutionALreform.org