Amending the Pennsylvania Constitution
Pennsylvania's first constitution, adopted in September 1776, was widely regarded as one of the most democratic and liberty-protecting constitutions of the Revolutionary Era.
Unfortunately, court cases and legislation have, over the decades, rendered some of the most important values in our constitution meaningless, including:
Today, our constitution in Pennsylvania is frequently being used as a weapon to legalize harmful activities within our communities. The constitution is also denying our communities the legal authority and tools needed to protect health and safety, and move towards a sustainable future.
Not one of our 12.5 million Pennsylvanians enjoys the fundamental right to self-government in the communities where they live. In January 2008, attorney general Thomas Corbett’s office declared in Commonwealth Court that, "There is no inalienable right to local self-government." Pennsylvanians overwhelmingly think he’s wrong, and it’s time for our Constitution to reflect the will of the people.
The proposed amendment to the PA Constitution would help further secure those rights by explicitly recognizing the right of local community self-government. This right shall include provisions that legally empower our communities to stop unwanted, harmful,
corporate activities, free from illegitimate preemptive laws and corporate interference.
Join the Pennsylvania Community Rights Network, and let's create a state constitution that puts the rights of the people at the core of law and government.
Click here for a look at a proposed constitutional amendment, let us know what you think, and consider joining PACRN to educate your friends, neighbors, and community.
Unfortunately, court cases and legislation have, over the decades, rendered some of the most important values in our constitution meaningless, including:
- Article I, Section II: "All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness. For the advancement of these ends they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think proper."
- Art I Section 25 "To guard against the transgressions of the high powers which we have delegated, we declare that everything in this article is excepted out of the general powers of government and shall forever remain inviolate."
- Art I Section 27 "The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people."
Today, our constitution in Pennsylvania is frequently being used as a weapon to legalize harmful activities within our communities. The constitution is also denying our communities the legal authority and tools needed to protect health and safety, and move towards a sustainable future.
Not one of our 12.5 million Pennsylvanians enjoys the fundamental right to self-government in the communities where they live. In January 2008, attorney general Thomas Corbett’s office declared in Commonwealth Court that, "There is no inalienable right to local self-government." Pennsylvanians overwhelmingly think he’s wrong, and it’s time for our Constitution to reflect the will of the people.
The proposed amendment to the PA Constitution would help further secure those rights by explicitly recognizing the right of local community self-government. This right shall include provisions that legally empower our communities to stop unwanted, harmful,
corporate activities, free from illegitimate preemptive laws and corporate interference.
Join the Pennsylvania Community Rights Network, and let's create a state constitution that puts the rights of the people at the core of law and government.
Click here for a look at a proposed constitutional amendment, let us know what you think, and consider joining PACRN to educate your friends, neighbors, and community.