The Politics of Massachusetts throughout the Ages

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The Politics of Massachusetts

The Constitution
Drafted in 1779, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the oldest functioning written constitution in the world. Drafted by none other than John and Samuel Adams, along with John Bowdoin, it served as a model for our own nation's Constitution. It features a structure, composed of chapters, sections and articles, vastly more organized than any other state constitution of its time. Within this document, rights of the citizens, and the framework of the states' government is outlined. While it has changed over the years, it manages to paint a picture of the inner workings of Massachusetts politics.
Some remarkable features in Massachusetts' Constitution are ideas which were revolutionary at the time. Guided echoing the ideas of the Enlightenment, the document ensures the freedom and equality for all men. In fact, in Article I it ensures that "All men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights; among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; that of acquiring, possessing, and protecting property; in fine, that of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness." This very article led to the freedom of two former slaves. Both Elizabeth Freeman, and Quock Walker, sued their masters, citing the right to freedom entitled in the Constitution. Winning their cases, Massachusetts outlawed slavery, effectively becoming one of the first states in the US to abolish slavery.
The document, ensuring the happiness of its people, also calls for the protection of religion and bodies of moral nature. Originally being founded as a safe haven for Puritans and Pilgrims, the Commonwealth believed in t...

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...ng "an individualistic political culture with a strong moralistic streak." (Duquette) This means that the we in Massachusetts view politics, and the economy, as a way to compete to better one's social and economic life. While the moralist side believes in the importance of public service, and use of politics to better the lives of the citizens.
This has led to a system in which candidates are elected on the basis of whether or not they could win, instead of whether or not they have a strong ideology. In contrast, candidates with strong ideologies are perceived to be too extreme from core American values that could guarantee a vote. Instead of party loyalty, one studying the Massachusetts political system should take into account the strong demographic nature of the state. The political culture that shaped Massachusetts still has a major impact in today's Bay State.

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