Constitutional convention

A convention summoned by the legislature to draw up a new, or amend an old constitution. It is ancillary and subservient to the fundamental law, not hostile and paramount thereto. Jameson, Const. Conv. § 11. It is bound by the act creating it; Wood's Appeal, 75 Pa. 59. See Jameson, Const. Conv. §§ 376-418. The result of its labors, when adopted, must be submitted to a vote of the people, before it can become effective; Jameson, § 479 et seq. Contra, if the legislature does not so provide in the act calling the convention; State v. Neal, 42 Mo. 119; Sproule v. Fredericks, 69 Miss. 898, 11 South. 472; in such case it need not be submitted to vote; Sproule v. Fredericks, 69 Miss. S9S, 11 South. 472. For a complete list of Constitutional conventions held in the United States, to 1876, see Jameson, Const. Conv. Appendix B, and see the work generally for a full discussion of the interesting questions which have arisen respecting the powers and duties of such bodies. See State.

A duly constituted assembly of delegates or representatives of the people of a state or nation for the purpose of framing, revising, or amending its constitution.

Defined under Constitutional in Black's Law Dictionary.