Montana
“That the Legislature of the State of Montana… desires to join with the other States of the Union, and respectfully request that a convention of the several states be called for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States, and hereby apply to and request the Congress of the United States to call such convention and… at the said convention, the State of Montana, will propose, among other amendments, that Section 3 of Article I, of the Constitution of the United States.” – Montana SJR 1 (1911)
Representative Application
For each of the 40 States, one representative application has been highlighted. An explanation is provided as to why this application should be aggregated toward the total calling for a convention for proposing amendments. Additional applications from the State, if any, are also included.
Montana SJR 1 (1911) is among three states whose applications were motivated by a particular need, but clearly and unambiguously expressed that their intent is to be counted together with calls from other states that address other needs. This application was among dozens of states to apply for a convention during the effort to obtain the 17th amendment for direct election of Senators. However, Montana’s application said that “at the said convention, the State of Montana, will propose, among other amendments, that Section 3 of Article I, of the Constitution of the United States should be amended, so that the Senators from each state shall be chosen by the electors thereof, as the Governor is now chosen.” This application clearly indicates that this issue, which is now moot, is not the only issue which Montana believes to be important for consideration and expresses the intent that this application is to be counted together with those from other states regardless of the issue.
SJR 1 (1911)
Joint Resolution Relative to the Election of United States Senators by Popular Vote.
WHEREAS, a large number of State Legislatures have, at various times, adopted memorials and resolutions in favor of electing United[1]Senators by the direct vote of the people of the respective States, and
WHEREAS, a large number of State Legislatures have created Senatorial Direct Election Commissions, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED by the General Assembly of the State of Montana,
Section 1. That the Legislature of the State of Montana, in accordance with the provisions of Act[2]V of the Constitution of the United States, desires to join with the other States of the Union, and respectfully request that a convention of the several states be called for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States, and hereby apply to and request the Congress of the United States to call such convention and to provide for the submitting to the several states the amendments so proposed for ratification by the legislatures thereof, or by convention therein, as one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress.
Section 2. That at the said convention, the State of Montana, will propose, among other amendments, that Section 3 of Article I, of the Constitution of the United States. should be amended, so that the Senators from each state shall be chosen by the electors thereof, as the Governor is now chosen.
Section 3. A Legislative Commission is hereby created to be composed of the Governor and four members to be appointed by him, not more than two of whom shall belong to the same political party, to be known as the Senatorial Direct Election Commission of the State of Montana. It shall be the duty of the said Legislative Commission to urge action by the Legislatures of the several states, and by the Congress of the United States, to the end that a convention may be called, as provided in section I hereof. That the members of said commission shall receive no compensation.
Section 4. That the Governor of the State of Montana is hereby directed to transmit certified copies of this Joint Resolution and Application to both Houses of the United States Congress, to the Governor of each State in the Union, to the Honorable Representatives and Senators in Congress from Montana, who are hereby requested and urged to aid, by their influence and vote to the end that the United States Senators shall be elected by popular vote.
Approved February 2, 1911.
[1]The word “States” is missing in the certified copy from the State Session Laws.
[2]Should read “Article” rather than “Act.” Error in the certified copy from the State Session Laws.