Once separated from the rule of England, North Carolina - like other former colonies - had no governmental structure. The state's first constitution in 1776 was very different from today's document. For example, not citizens, but the General Assembly selected the governor. Only free men at least 21-years of age could vote. Only landowners could hold political office.
This and other early documents are preserved by the State Archives of North Carolina and will be exhibited on the first floor of the Legislative Building from Monday, April 25, 10 a.m., through Tuesday, April 26, 2 p.m.
State amendments to North Carolina's early constitution continued and the state adopted new constitutions in 1868 and 1971. The rights and protections of some citizens were broadened while other rights remained restricted or hampered.
Over the years the structure of state government changed, increasing the power of the governor, providing for direct elections for many executive offices, reorganizing government departments and agencies and eliminating restrictions on rights.
Among the significant documents to be displayed are North Carolina's early constitutions, the original Declaration of Rights and amendments to the state and U.S. Constitution. After display at the General Assembly the documents will be exhibited at state museums and historic sites throughout 2016.
A digital collection of these and supplemental documents can be viewed on the North Carolina Digital Collections.