During the Revolutionary War in 1776, the first constitution of
the state of New Jersey was written to create a government
framework for the state. The constitution has been rewritten
twice to address issues that arose with the original and
subsequent versions. In the mid-1800s, New Jersey citizens
wanted a more democratic form of state government so the 1844
constitution was drafted, providing for the separation of powers
among the legislative, judicial, and executive branches and
including a bill of rights. The new constitution also gave the
people (instead of the legislature) the right to elect the
governor. Today's constitution was adopted in 1947. The
governor's powers were increased and the term of office extended
from three to four years. The state court system was also
reorganized. The constitution can be amended through a
resolution introduced in the legislature and approved by three-
fifths of both houses or by majority vote in two consecutive
years. Voters must then approve the amendment in the foll