Founding Document
The Massachusetts Constitution
Founding Documents
The Massachusetts Constitution
Drafted by John Adams and ratified in 1780, the Massachusetts Constitution is the oldest functioning written constitution in the world and a direct ancestor of the U.S. Constitution.
Historical Significance
The Massachusetts Constitution was revolutionary in its time, promoting the separation of powers and protecting individual liberties. These ideas influenced not only the U.S. Constitution but democratic charters around the world.
Key Features
- Separation of Powers: Divides authority into executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
- Declaration of Rights: Guarantees freedoms such as speech, religion, and due process.
- Checks and Balances: Prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
- Federal Influence: Served as a model for the U.S. Constitution written seven years later.
Read the Full Constitution
Explore the complete text of the Massachusetts Constitution on the official state legislature website.
- The U.S. ConstitutionThe framework of the federal government, read in six languages.
- The Declaration of IndependenceThe 1776 charter that announced American independence.
- National ArchivesBrowse all of America’s founding documents.
Explore more of America’s founding charters.
Sources
- State government: Mass.gov, John Adams & the Massachusetts Constitution, as of June 15, 1780.