Maryland State Archives

Failed Amendments

Failed amendments are defined as amendments that advanced to the final stage of adoption, but did not pass. Under the current Constitution of 1867, amendments are ultimately subject to popular vote in a general election. The Constitution of 1864 held that proposed amendments were adopted by the majority vote of electors. The Constitution of 1851 required a constitutional convention to add an amendment, and the first Constitution of 1776 required a bill passed by the General Assembly to be confirmed in the first session of the next General Assembly after a new election of delegates.

Failed amendments to the Constitution since 1867

When completed, the above chart will have links to original manuscripts as well as to the printed version of amendments.

Note: The original manuscripts are handwritten through 1912. Beginning in 1914, amendments are printed in pamphlet form.

Administrative Database: Tracks scanning progress of original manuscripts. See file entitled "failed"

Karen's List:
Failed constitutional amendments