The Alabama Constitution of 1901
In 1901, Alabama created a new state constitution that changed voting rights, government power, and who had a voice in state decisions. This was during the Progressive Era, a time when people across the country were working to improve government and fix problems in their communities. In Alabama, the new constitution was shaped by political tensions, economic changes, and the rise of the Populist Movement.
What Was the Populist Movement?
The Populist Movement was made up of small farmers and workers who felt that wealthy people and big businesses had too much power. Many of these farmers, both Black and white, wanted better schools, lower taxes, and fairer laws. Populists worked together across racial lines, and they gained some political power in Alabama in the 1890s.
This worried many leaders in the Democratic Party. They were afraid of losing control, so they pushed for a new constitution that would reduce the power of Populist voters—especially poor Black and white men.
Why Alabama Wrote a New Constitution
Leaders in Alabama said the 1901 constitution would help “clean up” elections and improve the government. But in reality, many of the new rules made it harder for people to vote. Lawmakers used poll taxes (fees people had to pay to vote) and literacy tests (reading tests given at the polls) to keep poor people from voting.
These changes disenfranchised many Black voters and also hurt white small farmers and laborers—the same people who supported the Populist Party.
What the Constitution Did
The new constitution gave more power to the state government and took power away from local communities. It made it almost impossible to change laws without help from lawmakers in Montgomery. It also made it harder to fund schools and local services, especially in rural areas.
For many decades, this constitution stayed in place. Its voting rules and power structure kept a small group of people in control of the state, while most citizens had little say.
Why It Still Matters
The Alabama Constitution of 1901 is the longest and one of the most complicated state constitutions in the country. It stayed mostly the same for over 100 years. Even today, some parts of it still affect how laws are made and how local communities are governed. Learning about this constitution helps us understand how laws can shape fairness—and who gets to be heard.