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Courts And Community: Arkansas's Constitution

Throughout its history, Arkansas has been governed by five constitutions.

The state's current constitution was adopted in 1874. It was approved by the people by a three-to-one majority in a special election. Several attempts have been made to draft a new constitution, but have failed.

Constitutions serve as indicators of significant events and their impacts. For Arkansas it was statehood, joining the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, military occupation near the end of the Civil War, and Reconstruction. The current constitution was created as a reaction to Reconstruction.

During the 146 years since the constitution's adoption, 100 amendments have been added; the most recent was the Arkansas casino gaming amendment of 2018.

Karen Tricot Steward hosts Courts and Community, a one-minute interstitial program on KUAR. She is Public Education Coordinator for the Arkansas Supreme Court. Her position is responsible for planning and implementing statewide public education programs to raise awareness and understanding of the role of the judiciary. She organizes outreach events, develops educational materials and exhibits, facilitates group tours of the Justice Building in Little Rock, and makes presentations about the court system.