Epilogue

Authors

Noe Alexander AguadoFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Never Gonna Change? An examination of the 1901 Alabama Constitution

Abstract

This collection intended to update Thomson’s (2002) work in time for the 125^th anniversary of the 1901 Constitution. The essays in A Century of Controversy continue to be enlightening. Alabama’s tumultuous history is fascinating and troubling. The book highlights that the framers of the 1901 Constitution sought to create a form of government that institutionalized white supremacy, undermining democracy in the process. Throughout Alabama’s history, when opportunities arose to right the wrongs of the 1901 Constitutional Convention – to adequately fund education and infrastructure and allow for local-level democracy – Alabama’s lawmakers have consistently chosen not to do so (Hamill, 2024; Porter, 2024; Blankenship, 2024; Aguado, 2024). The 1901 framers devised a system of governance designed to forestall reform. It is a long-lasting document because voters have learned to distrust governing institutions, as generations of corrupt and malicious policymakers and politicians consistently underserved Alabamians. In the fall of 2003, I recall discussing Governor Riley’s tax proposal with a student who said they supported it but would vote against it because they trusted Governor Riley but did not trust who might succeed him. That is the legacy of the 1901 Constitution. It tainted the very public institutions that could address the complicated needs the state has had since 1901.

First Page

149

Last Page

152

Publication Date

9-1-2024

Comments

About the Author

N. Alexander Aguado, Ph.D., is chair of the Department of Politics, Justice, Law, and Philosophy and professor of political science at the University of North Alabama.

Recommended Citation

Aguado, N.A. (2024). Epilogue. In N.A. Aguado (Ed.), Never Gonna Change? An examination of the 1901 Alabama Constitution (pp. 149-152). North Alabama Digital Press @ Collier Library.