The current Pennsylvania Constitution was adopted by Pennsylvania’s Constitutional Convention on November 3, 1873. It was ratified by vote of the people on December 16, 1873. It became effective January 1, 1874. The Constitution is based on the previous Constitution of 1874. It is often considered a revision of the1874 Constitution.
The Pennsylvania Constitution contains a Preamble, 11 articles and two schedules. According to Article 11, the state constitution may be amended after a majority vote of two consecutive sessions of the General Assembly followed by an affirmative vote by the electorate. However, the Constitution permits emergency amendments by a vote of two-thirds of the General Assembly followed by an affirmative vote by the electorate within one month.