Files
Description
Dr. Robert E. Eagle of the University of Montana’s Department of Political Science discusses the history of constitutional conventions in the United States, then talks about their history in Montana. He provides background on what led to the 1972 Montana Constitutional Convention, citing issues with the former 1889 constitution, which due to Montana’s population and economic growth, no longer served the state well. Dr. Eagle describes the two study commissions—the Constitution Convention Commission and the Constitution Revision Commission—that were established by the Montana State Legislature prior to the public referendum that was held to vote on revising the state’s constitution. He describes the difference between the two study commissions. He then details the organization and structures of the constitutional convention, noting that there were introductory sessions for the 100 elected delegates and that much of the study commission materials were provided in advance to help the delegates do research. Dr. Eagle mentions that the convention’s records are available to the public, and notes the strengths and weaknesses of the new constitution, which was ratified on June 6, 1972.
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Document Type
Oral History
Subjects
Eagle, Robert E.; Constitutional conventions; Constitutional history; Constitutional conventions--Montana.; Government reorganization—Montana; Constitutional history--Montana.; Public welfare—Montana.; Montana. Constitution Convention Commission.; Montana. Constitution Revision Commission.; Montana. Constitutional Convention (1889)--History.; Montana. Constitutional Convention (1971-1972); Montana. Constitutional Convention (1971-1972)--History.; Helena (Mont.); Montana--Politics and government--20th century.; University of Montana (Missoula, Mont.). Dept. of Political Science; University of Montana (Missoula, Mont.)—Faculty; Political science--Study and teaching (Higher)--Montana--Missoula; Montana Public Affairs Report; University of Montana (Missoula, Mont. : 1965-1994). Bureau of Government Research
Original Date
1-1-1972
Time Period
Twentieth century
Geographic Coverage
Montana
Language
eng
Original Collection
1972 Montana Constitutional Convention Oral History Project, OH 346
Holding Institution
University of Montana. Mansfield Library. Archives and Special Collections
Digital Publisher
University of Montana--Missoula. Mansfield Library
Rights Statement
Copyright to this collection is held by the interview participants. Permission may be required for use. For further information please contact Archives and Special Collections at the University of Montana, Mansfield Library.
Rights Holder
Oral History Number
OH 346-001
Media Type
Sound; Text
Original Format
1 sound cassette (60 min.): analog + 1 transcript (10 pp.: 28 cm.)
Digital Format
audio/mp3; application/pdf
Run Time
00:50:38 minutes
Local Filename
OH_346_001.mp3; OH_346_001.pdf
Citation
Eagle, Robert E., "Audio Recording with Dr. Robert E. Eagle, circa 1972" (1972). 1972 Montana Constitutional Convention Oral History Project. 1.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/mt1972concon_oralhistory/1