Montana Constitutional Convention (1971-72)

Personal Reflection:

• 1971-72: Key formative experience in Hollywood and New York publishing.
• Participation in constitutional process in Montana.
• Senator Leo Metcalf: Best thing you ever did.

Context & Background:

• 1970s: Jet age, rapid change.
• Montana citizens: Determined to write a new constitution.
• Midwinter 1972: 100 grassroots delegates and young staff.

The Convention:

• Location: Former mining town of Last Chance Gulch.
• Objective: Rewrite nearly century-old state constitution.
• Duration: Two months.
• Outcome: Unanimous signing by delegates (Republicans, Democrats, Independents).

Key Themes:

• Legacy: Impact on generations of Montanans.
• Opening Sentence: 55-word sentence highlighting Montana’s beauty and values.
• Support: Montana Committee for the Humanities, Greater Montana Foundation, University of Montana, Friends of Montana PBS.

National Attention:

• Time Magazine: Jesse Birnbaum’s assignment to cover Montana’s constitutional efforts.

Montana's Unique Character:

• Viriginal landscape, rugged individualism, exclusive group feeling.
• Small population shaped by natural forces, reflecting Montana character.

Constitution as a Guideline:

• Purpose: Foundational agreement for civil society.
• Importance: Acts like a “Trump suit” in conflicts with laws/rules.

Montana Constitution's Impact:

• Sunshine Laws: Open government.
• Native American Heritage: Recognition and protection.
• Declaration of Rights: Stronger than federal Bill of Rights (privacy, equality, environment).
• Approval: Passed by voters narrowly.

Delegates:

• Composition: Ranchers, farmers, businessmen, professors, ministers, attorneys, housewives, educators.
• Age: Oldest - Lucille Speer, 73; Youngest - May Nan Robinson, 24.
• Ignorance: Lack of previous constitution-writing experience.

Non-Politicians:

• Participation: Limited to ordinary citizens; no public office holders.
• Spirit: People’s crusade for reform.

Leadership:

• Key Figures: Leo Graybill Jr. (President), Dale Harris (Staff Leader).
• Preparation: Two years of groundwork; comprehensive research.
• Staff: Best and brightest young people from Montana.

Committees & Debates:

• Procedural & Substantive Committees: Handled major issues such as Bill of Rights, Legislative structure, Education, Natural Resources.
• Natural Resources: Environmental debates; “clean and healthful environment” clause.
• Bill of Rights: Groundbreaking provisions like privacy, equality, dignity.

Women's Contributions:

• Representation: 19 women delegates.
• Key Contributions: Preamble draft, rights discussions.

Post-Convention:

• Final Signing: All 100 delegates signed the constitution.
• Vote: June 6 – Constitution passed narrowly.
• Supreme Court: Challenge defeated; constitution officially ratified.

Legacy:

• Reunions: Delegates gather annually; 30th reunion in 2002.
• Reflection: Constitution seen as enduring document reflecting Montana’s values.