In 1972, 100 Montanans from every corner of the state gathered to write a new Montana Constitution. In addition to laying out a structure for our government–vesting power in a governor, a legislature, and judicial branch–it also set the limits on that government’s powers in a Declaration of Rights which protects everything from freedom of speech and religion to the right to keep government out of our private lives. In fact, where the US Constitution’s Bill of Rights is only 10 amendments long, Montana’s Declaration of Rights is 35 sections long. This isn’t surprising. Anyone who knows Montana knows that we prefer a government that doesn’t stick its nose where it doesn’t belong.
Additionally, the Montana Constitution secures certain aspects of our common heritage as Montanans. The Treasure State is blessed with profound and rich natural beauty. Accordingly, we have the right to a clean and healthful environment, to access our public lands, and to hunt and fish. Our children have a right to a free, quality education which gives them the opportunity to reach their full potential. Finally, the Native peoples of this state maintain a right to their unique cultural heritage and the sovereignty of their own tribal governments.
Now, 50 years after that state constitutional convention, there are those who would like to see its work thrown out. As Montanans, we know that the principles of our constitution touch at the very heart of our way of life and, therefore, must be secured against an overreaching government or reckless corporate actors. We’ve seen rich elites try to curb and privatize our right to hunt and fish in order to turn a quick buck. Others would like to see the government reach further into our private lives and interfere in some of the most intimate decisions we face as individuals and families. Only a year ago, a legislator from Flathead County said that he thought our constitution was a “socialist rag” and deserves to be thrown out.
When I was elected to represent you in the State Senate, I swore an oath to protect and defend our Montana constitution. But, if we are to keep it for 50 more years (and hopefully longer after that too!), we need every Montanan to rededicate themselves to this incredible document and the rights and protections it offers us.
Edie McClaferty is a Democratic member of the Montana Senate District 38.
