Question

3. Name two changes to the Ohio Constitution that were implemented in the Convention of 1912.

Answer 1

Before the Convention of 1912, Ohioans believed that their Constitution was highly outdated, did not conform to the national standards set by the U.S Constitution and did not respond to the needs of the state in an era when migration was increasing, industrialization was changing the face of the state and urbanization was almost exploding. They wanted a more efficient and less corrupt state government and for this they needed ammendments to their Constitution. In 1912, a meeting began and in the end Ohioans decided not to change the Constitution but to ammend it. They established 41 potential ammendments. Among the changes that were instituted, two stand thus: the first, the legal process now reflected the rights established by the Bill of Rights and that were granted to the accused and the second, the state was given the power to regulate factories and establish the framework under which industries were to word. For example, establishing the 8-hour a day limit for public workers.  

2. These changes in the Constitution allowed the state government to act more efficiently and also avoid the corruption that was present before. They allowed the government the power to regulate certain aspects like the labor market and the workforce. It also alligned the Ohio state with the rest of states in the Union.

3. After the Convention, many of the reforms were not accepted, including the acceptance of rights for women and African Americans. But Ohio became one of the first states and most efficient in regulating working conditions for their citizens.