The Other Side of the Montana Constitution

The Montana Constitution has long been perceived as a model of progressive ideals, but upon closer inspection, the document reveals a darker side. Recently, legal experts have identified certain provisions within the state charter that are out of sync with the modern political and social realities of the Treasure State.

At the heart of the controversy is the Montana Constitution’s language regarding property rights. Although the document explicitly states that “all persons have a natural right to the acquisition, possession, and protection of property” it goes on to permit the government to “regulate the use of private property” under certain circumstances. This provision has been interpreted as giving the state the right to engage in land use regulation, which can limit an individual’s ownership of property and their ability to use it as they please.

The Montana Constitution also provides for a system of taxation that many consider to be antiquated and unfair. The document grants the government the power to “levy and collect taxes, according to the value of property, to be apportioned among the several counties.” This means that the state has the ability to impose taxes on a person’s property based solely on its value, rather than its actual use or the income generated from it. This can lead to a situation in which individuals are taxed on their land even if they are not using it or deriving any income from it.

The Montana Constitution also contains language that has been criticized for its potential to impede the progress of social justice in the state. The document states that “no law granting the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States shall be enacted by the legislature.” This language could be read to prohibit any law that seeks to extend civil rights to marginalized groups, such as women, people of color, or LGBTQ individuals.

The Montana Constitution is a complex document that has been subject to much debate. While it contains many progressive elements, it also contains provisions that are out of line with modern times. It is important that the people of Montana understand the implications of these provisions and work to ensure that their constitution reflects the values of the 21st century.