State constitution
Constitution of Michigan
Data from Michigan Legislature
Full article/section structure with condensed section text. Sections abrogated (e.g., IV §§4-5) or added by amendment (e.g., I §§27-28) are flagged. The Schedule and Temporary Provisions (transitional) are summarized rather than listed section-by-section. Read the verbatim text at the source link.
Article I Declaration of Rights
§ 1 Political power
All political power is inherent in the people; government is instituted for their equal benefit, security, and protection.
§ 2 Equal protection; discrimination
No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws or be discriminated against in the exercise of civil or political rights.
§ 3 Assembly, consultation, instruction, petition
The people may peaceably assemble, consult for the common good, instruct their representatives, and petition government for redress of grievances.
§ 4 Freedom of worship and religious belief
Every person is free to worship according to conscience; no money shall be appropriated to support any religious sect.
§ 5 Freedom of speech and of press
Every person may freely speak, write, express, and publish views; no law shall restrain the liberty of speech or of the press.
§ 6 Bearing of arms
Every person has a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state.
§ 7 Military power subordinate to civil power
The military is at all times in strict subordination to the civil power.
§ 8 Quartering of soldiers
No soldier shall in peacetime be quartered in any house without the owner's consent, nor in war except as prescribed by law.
§ 9 Slavery and involuntary servitude
Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for crime, shall exist within the state.
§ 10 Attainder; ex post facto; impairment of contracts
No bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be enacted.
§ 11 Searches and seizures
The person, houses, papers, and possessions of every person are secure from unreasonable searches and seizures; warrants require probable cause supported by oath.
§ 12 Habeas corpus
The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended unless in case of rebellion or invasion the public safety requires it.
§ 13 Conduct of suits in person or by counsel
A suitor in any court may prosecute or defend a suit in person or by counsel.
§ 14 Jury trials
The right of trial by jury shall remain; in civil cases the parties may waive it or agree to fewer than 12 jurors.
§ 15 Double jeopardy; bailable offenses
No person shall be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense; bail may be denied for certain violent or repeat offenses as specified.
§ 16 Bail; fines; punishments; detention of witnesses
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel or unusual punishment inflicted; witnesses shall not be unreasonably detained.
§ 17 Self-incrimination; due process; fair treatment
No person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process; the right to fair treatment extends to investigations.
§ 18 Witnesses; competency, religious beliefs
No person may be rendered incompetent as a witness on account of religious opinions.
§ 19 Libels, truth as defense
In prosecutions for libel, the truth may be given in evidence, and the jury determines both law and fact.
§ 20 Rights of accused in criminal prosecutions
The accused has the right to a speedy public trial by an impartial jury, to be informed of the accusation, to confront witnesses, to compulsory process, and to counsel.
§ 21 Imprisonment for debt
No person shall be imprisoned for debt arising out of contract, except in cases of fraud.
§ 22 Treason; definition, evidence
Treason against the state consists only in levying war against it or adhering to its enemies; conviction requires two witnesses to the same overt act or confession in open court.
§ 23 Enumeration of rights not to deny others
The enumeration of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
§ 24 Rights of crime victims
Crime victims have enumerated rights, including notification, presence at proceedings, restitution, and protection, enforceable as provided.
§ 25 Marriage
The union of one man and one woman is the only agreement recognized as marriage (superseded by federal constitutional rulings on same-sex marriage).
§ 26 Affirmative action programs
The state shall not discriminate against or grant preferential treatment to any individual or group based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, or contracting.
§ 27 Human embryo and embryonic stem cell research
Permits stem cell research using surplus embryos from fertility treatment under stated conditions (added 2008).
§ 28 Right to reproductive freedom
Establishes an individual right to reproductive freedom, including decisions about pregnancy, contraception, and abortion (added 2022).
Article II Elections
§ 1 Qualifications of electors; residence
Every U.S. citizen 18 or older who meets residence requirements is a qualified elector.
§ 2 Mental incompetence; imprisonment
The legislature may exclude from voting persons declared mentally incompetent or confined for conviction of a crime.
§ 3 Presidential electors; residence
The legislature may provide voting rights in presidential elections for persons not meeting full residence requirements.
§ 4 Place and manner of elections; voting rights
Guarantees fundamental voting rights, including secret ballot, absentee and early voting, automatic and same-day registration, and audits, and directs how elections are conducted.
§ 5 Time of elections
General elections are held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November as provided by law.
§ 6 Voters on tax limit increases or bond issues
Questions of increasing tax limits or issuing bonds are decided by the qualified electors of the affected district.
§ 7 Boards of canvassers
Boards of canvassers certify the results of elections as provided by law.
§ 8 Recalls
Elective officers, except judges, are subject to recall by the voters of their electoral districts.
§ 9 Initiative and referendum
The people reserve the power to propose laws and to enact or reject laws by initiative, and to approve or reject legislation by referendum, by petition.
§ 10 Term limits for members of Congress
Limited the terms of Michigan members of Congress (held unenforceable under the federal Constitution).
Article III General Government
§ 1 Seat of government
The seat of government is at Lansing.
§ 2 Separation of powers
The powers of government are divided into legislative, executive, and judicial branches; no branch shall exercise powers belonging to another except as expressly provided.
§ 3 Great seal
The great seal is kept by the secretary of state and used to authenticate official acts.
§ 4 Militia
The legislature provides for organizing, equipping, and disciplining the militia.
§ 5 Intergovernmental agreements
The state and its subdivisions may enter agreements and cooperate with other governments, and public officers may serve in more than one such capacity.
§ 6 Internal improvements
The state may participate in internal improvements to the extent provided by law.
§ 7 Common law and statutes, continuance
The common law and existing statutes remain in force until changed, amended, or repealed.
§ 8 Opinions on constitutionality by supreme court
The supreme court may give advisory opinions on the constitutionality of legislation when requested by the governor or legislature.
Article IV Legislative Branch
§ 1 Legislative power
The legislative power is vested in a senate and house of representatives, subject to the people's reserved initiative and referendum powers.
§ 2 Senators, number, term
The senate consists of 38 members elected from single-member districts for four-year terms.
§ 3 Representatives, number, term
The house consists of 110 members elected from single-member, contiguous districts for two-year terms.
§ 4 Annexation or merger with a city
Former district-drawing provision (abrogated 2018).
§ 5 Island areas, contiguity
Former district-contiguity provision for island areas (abrogated 2018).
§ 6 Independent citizens redistricting commission
An independent citizens commission draws state legislative and congressional districts after each census under stated criteria.
§ 7 Legislators; qualifications, residence
Legislators must be qualified electors who reside in the district; leaving the district vacates the office.
§ 8 Ineligibility of government officers
No person holding another government office or employment is eligible to serve in the legislature, with exceptions.
§ 9 Civil appointments, ineligibility of legislators
No legislator may be appointed to a civil office created, or whose pay was increased, during their term.
§ 10 Conflict of interest; financial disclosure
Legislators and state officers are subject to conflict-of-interest limits on government contracts and to financial disclosure.
§ 11 Privilege from civil arrest and process
Legislators are privileged from civil arrest and civil process during sessions and travel to and from them.
§ 12 State officers compensation commission
A commission determines the salaries and expense allowances of legislators and elected executive and judicial officers.
§ 13 Time of convening; adjournment
The legislature convenes in regular session annually; bills may carry over within a term.
§ 14 Quorum
A majority of each house is a quorum; a smaller number may adjourn and compel attendance.
§ 15 Legislative council
The legislature may establish a legislative council with defined duties.
§ 16 Officers, rules, expulsion
Each house chooses its officers, determines its rules, and may expel a member by a two-thirds vote.
§ 17 Committees; record of votes, notice
Committee votes are recorded and open to inspection, and notice of hearings is given.
§ 18 Journal of proceedings
Each house keeps and publishes a journal recording votes and dissents.
§ 19 Record of votes on elections and consent
Votes on elections and on advice and consent are entered in the journal.
§ 20 Open meetings
The doors of each house and its committees are open unless the public security requires secrecy.
§ 21 Adjournments, limitations
Neither house may adjourn for more than three days without the other's consent.
§ 22 Bills
Laws are enacted only by bill, which may originate in either house and be amended by the other.
§ 23 Style of laws
The style of the laws is: 'The People of the State of Michigan enact.'
§ 24 Object and title of laws
No law shall embrace more than one object, which shall be expressed in its title.
§ 25 Revision and amendment of laws
No law is revised or amended by reference to its title only; the altered section is re-enacted and published at length.
§ 26 Bills; printing, reading, vote on passage
Every bill is printed and read; passage requires a recorded majority vote of the members elected to each house.
§ 27 Laws, effective date
No act takes effect until 90 days after the session ends, unless the legislature by two-thirds vote gives immediate effect.
§ 28 Bills, subjects at special session
At a special session, legislation is limited to subjects designated in the governor's call.
§ 29 Local or special acts
The legislature shall pass no local or special act where a general act can be made applicable.
§ 30 Appropriations for local or private purposes
Appropriations for local or private purposes require a two-thirds vote of each house.
§ 31 General appropriation bills; estimated revenue
General appropriation bills have priority and must state estimated revenue; total appropriations may not exceed estimated revenue plus surplus.
§ 32 Laws imposing taxes
Every law imposing a tax shall state distinctly the tax and the purpose to which it is dedicated.
§ 33 Approval or veto by governor
Bills passed are presented to the governor, who may sign or veto them; the legislature may override a veto by a two-thirds vote of each house.
§ 34 Bills, referendum
The legislature may refer an act to the voters for their approval or rejection.
§ 35 Publication of laws and decisions
The legislature provides for the publication and distribution of the laws and judicial decisions.
§ 36 General revision and compilation of laws
The legislature provides for a general revision and compilation of the laws.
§ 37 Administrative rules; legislative suspension
A legislative committee may suspend administrative rules of an agency pending legislative review.
§ 38 Vacancies in office
The legislature provides by law for filling vacancies in public office.
§ 39 Continuity of government in emergencies
The legislature provides for the continuity of government in periods of emergency caused by enemy attack.
§ 40 Alcoholic beverages; liquor control
A liquor control commission has authority over the traffic in alcoholic beverages, subject to age limits, excise taxes, and local option.
§ 41 Lotteries
The legislature may authorize lotteries and permit their sale.
§ 42 Ports and port districts
The legislature may provide for the incorporation of ports and port districts and their powers.
§ 43 Bank and trust company laws
Laws relating to banks and trust companies may be enacted.
§ 44 Trial by jury in civil cases
The right of trial by jury in civil cases may be modified as provided in Article I.
§ 45 Indeterminate sentences
The legislature may provide for indeterminate sentences for crimes.
§ 46 Death penalty
No law shall provide for the penalty of death.
§ 47 Chaplains in state institutions
The legislature may authorize chaplains in state charitable, penal, and correctional institutions.
§ 48 Disputes concerning public employees
The legislature may enact laws providing for the resolution of disputes with public employees.
§ 49 Hours and conditions of employment
The legislature may enact laws relative to the hours and conditions of employment.
§ 50 Atomic and new forms of energy
The legislature may provide for the development and regulation of atomic and new forms of energy.
§ 51 Public health and general welfare
The public health and general welfare of the people are matters of primary public concern, and the legislature shall pass suitable laws.
§ 52 Natural resources; conservation
The conservation and development of natural resources and protection of air, water, and other resources from pollution and impairment are of paramount public concern.
§ 53 Auditor general; post audits
The auditor general, appointed by the legislature, conducts post audits of state financial transactions and accounts.
§ 54 Term limits for state legislators
Limited state senators to two terms and representatives to three terms (partially altered by a 2022 amendment establishing a combined 12-year limit).
Article V Executive Branch
§ 1 Executive power
The executive power is vested in the governor.
§ 2 Principal departments
All executive and administrative offices are allocated among not more than 20 principal departments.
§ 3 Single heads of departments
The head of each principal department is a single executive appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate, or an elected officer.
§ 4 Temporary commissions or agencies
The governor may establish temporary commissions or agencies for periods of less than two years.
§ 5 Examining or licensing board members
Members of examining or licensing boards must be qualified in the field they regulate.
§ 6 Advice and consent to appointments
Appointments requiring senate consent take effect unless disapproved within 60 session days.
§ 7 Vacancies in office
The governor fills vacancies in office by appointment, subject to senate disapproval.
§ 8 Supervision by governor
Each principal department is under the supervision of the governor, who may require information from state officers.
§ 9 Location of departments
The principal offices of state departments are located at the seat of government except as otherwise provided.
§ 10 Removal or suspension of officers
The governor may remove or suspend elected and appointed officers for stated cause, reporting the reasons.
§ 11 Provisional appointments
The governor may make provisional appointments to fill vacancies caused by suspension.
§ 12 Military powers
The governor is commander-in-chief of the state's armed forces except when they are in federal service.
§ 13 Elections to fill legislative vacancies
The governor issues writs of election to fill vacancies in the legislature.
§ 14 Reprieves, commutations, pardons
The governor may grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons after conviction, subject to procedures set by law.
§ 15 Extra sessions of legislature
The governor may convene the legislature in special session.
§ 16 Legislature elsewhere than seat of government
In case of emergency the governor may convene the legislature at a place other than the seat of government.
§ 17 Messages and recommendations
The governor communicates the condition of the state and recommends measures to the legislature.
§ 18 Budget; appropriation bills
The governor submits a budget with recommended appropriations, along with general and deficiency appropriation bills.
§ 19 Disapproval of items in appropriation bills
The governor may disapprove distinct items in appropriation bills (line-item veto) while approving the rest.
§ 20 Reductions in expenditures
The governor, with legislative appropriations committee approval, may reduce expenditures when actual revenues fall below estimates.
§ 21 State elective executive officers; term
The governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general are elected for four-year terms.
§ 22 Qualifications of governor and lieutenant governor
The governor and lieutenant governor must be at least 30, registered electors, and citizens.
§ 23 Compensation of elective executive officers
The salaries of elective executive officers are established as provided by law and the compensation commission.
§ 24 Executive residence
The state may provide and maintain an executive residence.
§ 25 Lieutenant governor; president of senate
The lieutenant governor is president of the senate, voting only to break a tie, and performs duties assigned by the governor.
§ 26 Succession to governorship
On the governor's death, resignation, removal, or disability, the lieutenant governor and then others in line succeed to the office.
§ 27 Salary of successor
A person succeeding to the office of governor receives the governor's salary.
§ 28 State transportation commission
A bipartisan transportation commission establishes policy for the state transportation department.
§ 29 Civil rights commission
A civil rights commission investigates and works to secure the equal protection of civil rights without discrimination.
§ 30 Term limits for executive officers
Limited the elective executive officers to two terms in office.
Article VI Judicial Branch
§ 1 Judicial power; one court of justice
The judicial power is vested in one court of justice divided into a supreme court, court of appeals, trial courts, and other courts established by law.
§ 2 Supreme court; justices
The supreme court consists of seven justices elected to eight-year terms, nominated by party but elected on a nonpartisan ballot.
§ 3 Chief justice; court administrator
The supreme court selects a chief justice and appoints a court administrator and staff.
§ 4 General superintending control
The supreme court has general superintending control over all courts, power to issue writs, and appellate jurisdiction as provided by rule.
§ 5 Court rules; law and equity
The supreme court establishes rules of practice and procedure; distinctions between law and equity actions are as provided by rule.
§ 6 Decisions and dissents
Supreme court decisions are in writing and state the facts and grounds; dissents are noted.
§ 7 Staff; budget; salaries
The salaries of justices are set by law and not diminished during their terms; the court's budget and fees are provided for.
§ 8 Court of appeals
The court of appeals consists of judges elected from districts, sitting in divisions.
§ 9 Court of appeals judges, terms
Court of appeals judges serve six-year terms.
§ 10 Jurisdiction of court of appeals
The jurisdiction, practice, and procedure of the court of appeals are provided by law and rule.
§ 11 Circuit courts
The state is divided into judicial circuits with circuit courts holding sessions in each county as provided.
§ 12 Circuit judges
Circuit judges are nominated and elected within their circuits for six-year terms.
§ 13 Jurisdiction of circuit courts
Circuit courts have original jurisdiction in all civil and criminal matters not exclusively given to other courts, and supervisory control over inferior courts.
§ 14 County clerks; prosecuting attorneys
County clerks serve as clerks of the circuit court; vacancies in these and prosecuting-attorney offices are filled as provided.
§ 15 Probate courts
Probate courts are organized by districts with jurisdiction as provided by law.
§ 16 Probate judges
Probate judges are nominated and elected for six-year terms.
§ 17 Judicial salaries and fees
Salaries of judges are established by law; fees collected belong to the public treasury.
§ 18 Salaries; uniformity
Judicial salaries are uniform for courts of the same class and may not be reduced during a term.
§ 19 Courts of record; qualifications of judges
Courts of record have a seal; judges must be licensed attorneys and qualified electors.
§ 20 Removal of domicile of judge
A judge who moves out of the district or circuit vacates the office.
§ 21 Ineligibility for other office
A judge may not hold other salaried public office during the judicial term.
§ 22 Incumbent judges, affidavit of candidacy
Incumbent judges may qualify for re-election by filing an affidavit of candidacy.
§ 23 Judicial vacancies, filling
The governor fills judicial vacancies by appointment until a successor is elected.
§ 24 Incumbent judges, ballot designation
Incumbent judges seeking re-election are designated as such on the ballot.
§ 25 Removal of judges
The legislature may remove a judge on a two-thirds vote of each house for stated cause.
§ 26 Abolition of certain offices; limited courts
Circuit court commissioners and justices of the peace are abolished; the legislature establishes courts of limited jurisdiction.
§ 27 Power of appointment to public office
The supreme court and other courts may appoint personnel as authorized.
§ 28 Review of administrative action
Final decisions of administrative agencies are subject to direct judicial review as provided by law.
§ 29 Conservators of the peace
Judicial officers are conservators of the peace within their jurisdictions.
§ 30 Judicial tenure commission
A judicial tenure commission recommends the censure, suspension, retirement, or removal of judges for misconduct or disability to the supreme court.
Article VII Local Government
§ 1 Counties; corporate character
Each organized county is a body corporate with the powers and immunities provided by law.
§ 2 County charters
Counties may adopt, amend, and repeal home-rule charters with elected officers.
§ 3 Reduction of size of county
No county may be reduced in size without approval of the affected voters.
§ 4 County officers; terms
Elected county officers serve four-year terms; certain offices may be combined.
§ 5 Offices at county seat
County officers keep their offices at the county seat.
§ 6 Sheriffs
The sheriff gives security, is responsible for official acts, and is ineligible for certain other offices.
§ 7 Boards of supervisors; members
Each county has a board of commissioners whose members are elected from districts.
§ 8 Powers and duties of boards
County boards exercise legislative, administrative, and other powers and duties as provided by law.
§ 9 Compensation of county officers
The compensation of county officers is established as provided by law.
§ 10 Removal of county seat
A county seat may be moved only with voter approval.
§ 11 Indebtedness, limitation
County indebtedness is limited as provided by law.
§ 12 Navigable streams
Consent of the county board is required to bridge or dam a navigable stream.
§ 13 Consolidation of counties
Counties may be consolidated only with approval of the affected voters.
§ 14 Organization and consolidation of townships
The legislature provides for the organization, consolidation, and government of townships.
§ 15 County intervention in utility proceedings
A county may intervene in public utility service and rate proceedings affecting it.
§ 16 Highways, bridges, airports; road tax
Counties provide for highways, bridges, culverts, and airports, subject to road-tax limits.
§ 17 Townships; corporate character
Each organized township is a body corporate with the powers and immunities provided by law.
§ 18 Township officers
Township officers are elected for the terms and exercise the powers provided by law.
§ 19 Township public utility franchises
Townships may grant public utility franchises as provided by law.
§ 20 Township dissolution; villages as cities
The legislature provides for the dissolution of townships and the incorporation of villages as cities.
§ 21 Cities and villages; incorporation
The legislature provides by general law for the incorporation of cities and villages, with power to levy taxes and incur debt within limits.
§ 22 Charters, resolutions, ordinances
Cities and villages may adopt and amend charters and enact ordinances relating to their municipal concerns.
§ 23 Parks, cemeteries, hospitals
Cities and villages may acquire and maintain parks, boulevards, cemeteries, and hospitals.
§ 24 Public service facilities
Cities and villages may own and operate public service facilities.
§ 25 Public utilities; acquisition, sale
A city or village may acquire, own, and sell public utilities, subject to voter approval for franchises and sales.
§ 26 Loan of credit
Except as authorized, a city or village may not lend its credit to a private person or corporation.
§ 27 Metropolitan governments and authorities
The legislature may provide for metropolitan governments and authorities serving more than one local unit.
§ 28 Joint administration of functions
Governmental units may jointly administer functions and share costs and credits.
§ 29 Highways and public places; utility use
Local units control their highways, streets, and public places and regulate their use by public utilities.
§ 30 Franchises and licenses, duration
No public utility franchise or license is granted for longer than 30 years.
§ 31 Vacation or alteration of public places
The legislature provides for the vacation or alteration of roads, streets, and public places.
§ 32 Budgets, public hearing
Local units must adopt budgets after public hearing.
§ 33 Removal of elected officers
The legislature provides for the removal of elected local officers for cause.
§ 34 Liberal construction for local units
The provisions of the constitution and law concerning counties, townships, cities, and villages are liberally construed in their favor.
Article VIII Education
§ 1 Encouragement of education
Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government, the means of education shall forever be encouraged.
§ 2 Free public elementary and secondary schools
The legislature maintains and supports a system of free public elementary and secondary schools open to all without discrimination.
§ 3 State board of education
A state board of education provides leadership and general supervision over public education, except institutions of higher education granting degrees.
§ 4 Higher education institutions; appropriations
The legislature appropriates for higher education institutions, whose governing boards account publicly for funds and hold open meetings.
§ 5 University governing boards
The University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University are each governed by an elected board with control over the institution's funds and affairs.
§ 6 Other higher education governing boards
Other state universities and colleges are each governed by a board with control over the institution.
§ 7 Community and junior colleges
A state board and local boards govern public community and junior colleges.
§ 8 Services for disabled persons
Institutions and services for the physically, mentally, and otherwise disabled are fostered and supported.
§ 9 Public libraries, fines
The legislature provides for libraries, and penal fines are applied to the support of public libraries.
Article IX Finance and Taxation
§ 1 Taxes for state expenses
The legislature imposes taxes sufficient to meet the expenses of state government.
§ 2 Power of taxation, relinquishment
The power of taxation shall never be surrendered, suspended, or contracted away.
§ 3 Property taxation; uniformity
Property assessments are uniform; the legislature provides classes and methods, with limits on annual increases in taxable value.
§ 4 Exemption of nonprofit organizations
Property of religious and educational nonprofit organizations may be exempted from taxation.
§ 5 Assessment of public service businesses
The property of public service businesses is assessed as provided by law.
§ 6 Limitation on general ad valorem taxes
General ad valorem property taxes are limited to a stated rate unless increased by the voters.
§ 7 Income tax
No income tax graduated as to rate shall be imposed by the state or its subdivisions.
§ 8 Sales and use taxes
The state sales tax and use tax rates are limited by the constitution.
§ 9 Fuel taxes for transportation
Specific taxes on motor fuels and vehicle registrations are used exclusively for transportation purposes.
§ 10 Sales tax; distribution to local governments
A share of sales tax revenue is distributed to local governments and schools.
§ 11 State school aid fund
The state school aid fund is dedicated to aiding public schools, with a guaranteed distribution to local districts.
§ 12 Evidence of state indebtedness
No evidence of state indebtedness is issued except as authorized by the constitution.
§ 13 Borrowing power of public bodies
Public bodies may borrow money and issue securities as provided by law.
§ 14 Short-term state borrowing
The state may borrow short-term in anticipation of revenue within the fiscal year.
§ 15 Long-term borrowing by state
Long-term state borrowing requires voter approval.
§ 16 State loans to school districts
The state may lend its credit to school districts for building purposes as provided.
§ 17 Payments from state treasury
No money is paid from the state treasury except in pursuance of appropriations made by law.
§ 18 State credit
The credit of the state shall not be granted to or in aid of any person or private corporation, with exceptions.
§ 19 State stock ownership prohibited
The state shall not subscribe to or own stock in a private corporation, with exceptions.
§ 20 Deposit of state money
State money may be deposited only in financial institutions meeting stated requirements.
§ 21 Accounting for public moneys
The legislature provides for an accurate accounting of all public moneys.
§ 22 Examination of claims against state
Claims against the state are examined and adjusted as provided by law.
§ 23 Financial records; statement of revenue
A regular statement of state revenues and expenditures is published.
§ 24 Public pension obligations
Accrued financial benefits of public pension and retirement systems are a contractual obligation that shall not be diminished or impaired.
§ 25 Voter approval of increased local taxes
The 'Headlee' limits require voter approval for new or increased local taxes and prohibit unfunded state mandates (introduces §§25-34).
§ 26 Revenue limit
Total state revenues are limited to a fixed proportion of state personal income; excess is refunded.
§ 27 Exceeding revenue limit
The revenue limit may be exceeded only under stated emergency conditions.
§ 28 Limitation on state government expenses
State spending paid to units of local government may not fall below a stated proportion.
§ 29 State financing of local mandates
The state must fund any new activity or service it requires of local governments.
§ 30 Reduction of state spending to local units
The proportion of total state spending paid to local units shall not be reduced below the base.
§ 31 Levying or increasing local taxes
Local units may not levy new taxes or increase rates above authorized levels without voter approval.
§ 32 Suit to enforce revenue limits
A taxpayer may sue to enforce the tax and spending limitation sections.
§ 33 Definitions for revenue limits
Defines the terms used in the tax and spending limitation sections.
§ 34 Implementation of revenue limits
The legislature implements the tax and spending limitation sections.
§ 35 Natural resources trust fund
The Michigan natural resources trust fund acquires land and develops public recreation from resource-extraction royalties.
§ 35a State parks endowment fund
The Michigan state parks endowment fund supports the operation and improvement of state parks.
§ 36 Tax on tobacco products
Dedicates a portion of tobacco tax proceeds to specified health and other purposes.
§ 37 Veterans' trust fund
The Michigan veterans' trust fund aids veterans and their families.
§ 38 Veterans' trust fund board
Establishes the board of trustees of the veterans' trust fund.
§ 39 Veterans' trust fund administration
The board of trustees administers the veterans' trust fund.
§ 40 Conservation and recreation legacy fund
The conservation and recreation legacy fund holds dedicated conservation revenues.
§ 41 Game and fish protection trust fund
The game and fish protection trust fund supports fish and wildlife programs.
§ 42 Nongame fish and wildlife trust fund
The nongame fish and wildlife trust fund supports nongame species programs.
Article X Property
§ 1 Property rights of married persons
The disabilities of coverture are abolished; a married woman's property is her own, and dower may be relinquished or abolished by law.
§ 2 Eminent domain; compensation
Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation first determined and paid; public use excludes taking for transfer to a private entity for economic development.
§ 3 Homestead exemption
A homestead and personal property to a stated value are exempt from forced sale for debts.
§ 4 Escheats
Property that escheats to the state is disposed of as provided by law.
§ 5 State lands
The state's lands are managed and disposed of as provided by law.
§ 6 Property rights of resident aliens
Resident aliens have the same property rights as citizens.
Article XI Public Officers and Employment
§ 1 Oath of public officers
All officers take an oath to support the U.S. and state constitutions and faithfully discharge their duties.
§ 2 Terms of office
The terms of state and county officers are as fixed by the constitution or law.
§ 3 Extra compensation
No extra compensation is granted to a public officer or contractor after the service is rendered.
§ 4 Custodian of public moneys
A defaulting custodian of public money is ineligible to office and must account for the funds.
§ 5 Classified state civil service
The classified state civil service is based on merit, administered by a civil service commission, with defined exempt positions.
§ 6 Merit systems for local governments
Local governments may establish merit systems for their employees.
§ 7 Impeachment of civil officers
The house impeaches and the senate tries civil officers for corrupt conduct or crimes in office.
§ 8 Felony convictions; eligibility for office
Persons convicted of certain felonies related to public office or breach of public trust are ineligible for elective office or certain public positions.
Article XII Amendment and Revision
§ 1 Amendment by legislative proposal
Amendments proposed by a two-thirds vote of each house are submitted to the voters and take effect if approved by a majority.
§ 2 Amendment by petition
Amendments may be proposed by voter petition and, if the petition qualifies, are submitted to the voters.
§ 3 General revision; constitutional convention
The question of a general revision and calling a constitutional convention is submitted to the voters at least every 16 years; convention proposals are ratified by the voters.
§ 4 Severability
The provisions of the constitution are severable; the invalidity of one does not affect the others.
Article Sch. Schedule and Temporary Provisions (transitional)
§ 1-16 Transition to the 1963 Constitution
Sixteen transitional sections implementing the 1963 Constitution — continuing existing rights, laws, contracts, and officers in force; staggering initial terms of executive, legislative, education, and judicial offices; reducing the supreme court to seven justices; allocating departments; transferring the Mackinac Bridge Authority's functions; and providing for the submission and effective date of the Constitution. Largely spent once the transition was complete.
Full, verbatim text at Michigan Legislature