Rhode Island has had two constitutions: the first based on the colonial charter (1842) and a revision (1986). In 1986, 8 amendments and a revision of the constitution were approved; subsequently, the constitution has been known as the 1986 Constitution. From 1986 through January 2003 there have been 7 amendments; total amendments since 1842 number 59.
Legislative authority is vested in the general assembly, a bicameral body composed of 50 senators and 100 representatives. All legislators are elected for two-year terms from districts that are apportioned equally according to population after every federal decennial census. Annual sessions begin in January and are limited to 60 legislative days. The legislature may not call for a special session. Legislators must be qualified voters. Among the more important checks enjoyed by the assembly is the power to override the governor's veto by a three-fifths vote of its members and the power to establish all courts below the supreme court. The legislative salary in 2002 was $11,235.
State elected officials are the governor and lieutenant governor (elected separately), attorney general, secretary of state, and general treasurer. All are elected, in the odd-numbered year following presidential elections, for four-year terms. The governor is limited to serving two consecutive terms. The governor and lieutenant governor must be qualified voters in Rhode Island; no minimum age is specified for the offices. In 2002 the governor's salary was $95,000, unchanged from 1999.
A bill passed by the legislature becomes law if signed by the governor, if left unsigned by the governor for six days while the legislature is in session (10 days if the legislature adjourns), or if passed over the governor's veto by three-fifths of the members present in each house. Legislation becomes effective upon enactment. Constitutional amendments are made by majority vote of the whole membership of each house of the legislature, and by a simple majority at the next general election.
Voters must be US citizens, 18 years old or over, and must have been residents of the state at least 30 days prior to an election. Restrictions apply to convicted felons and those declared mentally incompetent by the court.