Hawaiian constitution of 1852

Hawaiian constitution of 1852

Constitution
Government
Democracy
Hawaii

This source is the 1852 constitution of Hawaii which marked a number of significant changes for Hawaiians. The constitution was signed by King Kamehameha III and introduced higher levels of democracy then ever seen before in Hawaii. It stated that all men were equal and free and even granted all men the right to vote. The monarchy was given less influence in that the government was widened into three different branches which were similar to the Americans governmental model of the time. This was the beginning of the decline for the Hawaiian monarchy with the monarch being removed from power at the end of the century. The constitution once again highlights the Hawaiians adopting the mannerisms of American society in their way of life. Even those of nobility were keen to imitate their missionaries.

King Kamehameha III and chosen nobles

LLMC Digital

http://www.llmc.com/OpenAccess/docdisplay.aspx?textid=25683399&type=PDF

14 June 1852

Robert Saunders

Unknown

English

Textual - printed government document

19th century Hawaii