Nevada’s Constitution Essay Example
Nevada’s Constitution Essay Example

Nevada’s Constitution Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (480 words)
  • Published: October 6, 2016
  • Type: Essay
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Nevada is a western state situated in the Great Basin, mostly comprised of desert land. Originally claimed by Spain and then controlled by Mexico after the Mexican War of Independence, Nevada became an independent territory on March 2, 1861. It was both a federal territory and part of the union during this time. To secure Nevada's allegiance to the union, President Abraham Lincoln selected James W. Nye as governor; Nye had previously worked as a police commissioner in New York City.

The federal government purchased a significant amount of silver and gold found in Nevada to support its currency. The U.S. Congress designated Nevada as a territory, ensuring that the nation would benefit from its valuable resources. In March 1864, Congress passed a law granting Nevada official statehood a few years later. This occurred towards the end of the Civil War when notable victori

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es were achieved at Gettysburg and Vicksburg. President Lincoln issued a proclamation for reconstruction and sought reelection during this period. On July 4, 1864, the constitutional convention took place in Carson City.

In order to demonstrate the strength of the union to the confederacy, President Lincoln required another state's support. Nevada becoming a state would also serve as validation for the proposed 13th amendment, which aimed to outlaw slavery. In September of that year, Nevada residents voted in favor of adopting their constitution. Notably, one key provision mandated holding a constitutional convention as an initial step.

The Nevada constitution includes a second prefix provision that encompasses provisions against slavery, guarantees religious freedom, and establishes the ownership of public lands by the United States. The document is composed

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of nineteen articles that address various subjects like declaration of rights, taxation, and government branches. After these articles, there is a suffix provision detailing the process for establishing elections related to the constitution. The initial article of the Nevada constitution asserts that all individuals have certain unalienable rights and are inherently free and equal.

Despite attempts to combat prejudice, Nevada has a long history of discriminating against multiple minority groups, including ethnic, religious, and others. Native Americans, Chinese individuals, Hispanics, African Americans, homosexuals, and women have all been affected by this bias. Native Americans had their land forcefully taken away and were subsequently confined to reservations. The Chinese and African Americans endured both discriminatory treatment and physical violence while often being assigned low-paying service jobs. Additionally, women fought for equal rights that encompassed voting rights and access to employment opportunities.

During the Great Depression, Nevada's mining industry, famous for its silver and gold, experienced a decline while the gaming industry emerged as the state's primary economic pillar. Well-connected lobbyists played a vital role in promoting the rise of gaming. Additionally, in the 1990s, the construction of extravagant hotels and casinos further propelled Nevada's gaming sector. Consequently, Las Vegas, Nevada gained renown for its emphasis on tourism, entertainment, and gaming.

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