New York State Constitution - Research Guide

The text of the New York State Constitution has continually been modified since it was first adopted in 1777.  According to Article XIX of the New York State Constitution, there are two ways that the document can be amended: 

  1. Constitutional Convention - Voters decide every twenty years whether to hold a Constitutional Convention, where delegates propose changes to the Constitution, and voters decide whether to accept these changes.  The New York State Legislature can also propose a ballot question regarding a Constitutional Convention at any time.
  2. Concurrent Resolutions - The New York State Legislature can propose constitutional amendments.  The amendments would need to pass both houses during two consecutive legislative sessions, and voters would decide whether to accept these amendments at the general election. 

Constitution of 1777: The first New York State Constitution was written by a Convention of Representatives and adopted on April 20, 1777, in Kingston, NY.

Additional historic New York State Constitutions:  Available through HeinOnline, including rewritten and amended Constitutions.

Journal of the Convention of the State of New York, 1801 : Provided a daily record of the proceedings at the first Constitutional Convention.

Where to Find Documents from additional Constitutional Conventions:

Where to Find Concurrent Resolutions Proposing Amendments to the Constitution:

The current New York State Constitution became effective on January 1, 2025:

Additional Resources

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