The New York Constitution was adopted by Constitutional Convention on September 29, 1894. It was ratified on November 6, 1894. It became effective on January 1, 1895. The revised constitution with amendments was adopted by the Constitutional Convention of 1938. The current New York Constitution was approved by Vote of the People on November 8, 1938.
The New York Constitution establishes the structure of the government of the State of New York. Moreover, it enumerates the basic rights of the citizens of New York. New York’s constitution consists of a preamble and 20 articles.
Article XIX, provides that amendments to the Constitution can be proposed by:
- New York State Legislature, and
- A Constitutional convention process.