By Susan Byorth Fox, published in the Missoulian on February 8, 2025
I am honored to chair Friends of the Montana Constitution, a successor to the Montana Constitution Society, which consisted of the delegates of the 1972 Constitutional Convention (ConCon). As the number of surviving delegates dwindled, “Friends” was organized after the 50th anniversary and celebration of the ConCon held in Helena in 2022, to inspire appreciation of the Montana Constitution and celebrate its legacy.
Comprised of 11 volunteer board members from across the state, an ex-officio member (one of the 8 surviving 1972 ConCon Delegates), four honorary co-chairs, and a part-time staff member, this small non-partisan 501c3 nonprofit is dedicated to promoting and enhancing public understanding and appreciation of the 1972 Montana Constitution, advancing civics education about the Constitution at all levels, and recognizing and celebrating the 1972 ConCon and its delegates, who began our Constitution with this inspiring Preamble:
“We the people of Montana grateful to God for the quiet beauty of our state, the grandeur of our mountains, the vastness of our rolling plains, and desiring to improve the quality of life, equality of opportunity and to secure the blessings of liberty for this and future generations do ordain and establish this constitution.”
That beautiful statement captures the love we have for our state and our commitment to maintaining and improving our way of life. The Montana Constitution is unique and held in the highest regard nationally and internationally. Understanding that times change, the members of the 1972 ConCon included a vote every 20 years where the people have a choice of whether or not they want another constitutional convention – the next vote being in 2030. The delegates also included two ongoing and available methods by which Montanans can propose amending the constitution – by legislative referenda and by direct action of the people through a ballot initiative process – and Montanans have taken those opportunities to vote up or down on many proposed changes.
This and other publications in the state are collaborating with us to provide a monthly column for civic education about the Montana Constitution. This is the first such column which will be followed by columns by members of the Board, honorary Co-Chairs, selected living delegates and others associated with convention of 1972.
Many of the columns will feature individual constitutional articles, some of which are unique to Montana, such as our unique right of participation in our government. The constitution also provides for the right to know – open meetings and public records – and privacy. The right to a clean and healthful environment is often featured in the news. Our constitution uniquely recognizes the cultural heritage of American Indians. The right to keep and bear arms, the right to vote, the protection of Montana’s hunting and fishing heritage, and the provision that all state lands be held in trust for the people – providing public access – are enshrined in our constitution. Our constitution also requires a balanced budget, guiding the legislature in spending our public funds.
Each month you’ll be reading about one of these provisions.
Friends of the Montana Constitution has a website which includes news and opinion pieces, a video series, “The Last Best Constitution,” and a calendar of Montana Constitution-related events sponsored by many constitutional partners and ambassadors. Updated copies of the constitution are being printed and made available and a speakers’ bureau and other educational opportunities are available.
The Friends of the Montana Constitution is proudly cosponsoring a Constitutional Roadshow provided by Upper Seven Law which will be travelling the state.
We look forward to sharing with you our enthusiasm about the Montana Constitution.
Susan Byorth Fox is Board Chair of Friends of the Montana Constitution; she is retired in Helena after 33 years with the Legislative Service Division (Council), including 16 years as director of that bi-partisan group.