Content and Scope : The records of the 1986 Rhode Island Constitutional Convention were divided into 20 groups in a rough chronological order, beginning with background information through General Laws publication of the new Constitution approved by the voters. Background information, such as General Assembly enabling legislation, set the stage. Plenary Session Journals contain the official digest of the 14 meetings of the entire assembly. Committee files include the assigned resolutions, meeting and public hearing records, reports and legal staff opinions.

Through public hearings, delegates invited comment from individuals and groups on virtually all subjects before the Convention. A Public Information Office kept delegates and the general population abreast of the status of individual proposals. The Convention President's personal files enhance the categories dealing with internal workings of the Convention, such as personnel and budget records.

The ratification drive section includes the product of the Convention's deliberations, from drafts of the proposed new Constitution to the ballot put before the voters. Public relations efforts, including edited video tapes of plenary sessions, are also included. The last section contains the voting results and published copies of the Rhode Island Constitution of 1986.

There are 2,300 pieces in this collection.

While there is currently no online finding aid available, the published inventory has been scanned into PDF format.  Researchers may download or print the PDF file at their convenience.

 Rhode Island Constitutional Convention of 1986   - (2.96 mb)

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