Missouri's first constitutional convention met in St. Louis on 12 May 1820, and on 19 July a constitution was adopted. The constitution was rewritten in 1865 and again in 1875, the latter document remaining in effect until 1945, when another new constitution was enacted and the state government reorganized. A subsequent reorganization, effective 1 July 1974, replaced some 90 independent agencies with 13 cabinet departments and the Office of Administration. The 1945 constitution is still in effect today, with a total of 103 amendments through January 2003.
The legislative branch, or general assembly, consists of a 34-member senate and a 163-seat house of representatives. Annual sessions begin in early January and must conclude by May 30. Special sessions may be called by petition of three-quarters of the members of each house; such sessions are limited to 30 calendar days. Senators are elected to staggered four-year terms, representatives for two; the minimum age for a senator is 30, for a representative 24. Legislators must have been residents of their districts for one year prior to election; senators must have been qualified voters for a minimum of three years, representatives a minimum of two years. The legislative salary was $31,561 in 2002.
The state's elected executives are the governor and lieutenant governor (who run separately), secretary of state, auditor, treasurer, and attorney general; all serve four-year terms. The governor is limited to two terms in office, consecutive or not. The governor must be at least 30 years old and must have been a US citizen for 15 years and a Missouri resident for 10 years prior to election. In 2002, the governor's salary was $120,087.
A bill becomes law when signed or not vetoed by the governor within 15 days of legislative passage. A two-thirds vote by the elected members of both houses is required to override a gubernatorial veto. The governor has 45 days to act on a bill if the house adjourns. If he or she fails to do so, the bill becomes law. Except for appropriations or emergency measures, laws may not take effect until 90 days after the end of the legislative session at which they were enacted. Constitutional amendments require a majority vote of both houses or may be proposed by 8% of the legal voters for all candidates at the last election. Ratification by the voters is required.
To vote in Missouri, one must be a US citizen, at least 18 years old, and a state resident. Restrictions apply to convicted felons and those declared mentally incompetent by the court.