Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Preface
Abstract
In 2002, A Century of Controversy: Constitutional Reform in Alabama was published to reflect on the problematic history of Alabama’s Constitution. From its inception, the 1901 Constitution was a document that sought to codify white supremacy (Jackson, 2002). It created a system where election rules were actively tilted toward the affluent while disenfranchising Black voters and poor whites (Webb, 2002). The collection illustrated how Alabama’s tax code is overwhelmingly dependent on sales tax revenue and extremely regressive. The over-reliance on sales tax revenue, which are highly variable from year to year, puts Alabama’s institutions into crisis mode whenever the national economy slows, making service delivery unpredictable (Williams, 2002). Alabama competes with other states and nations for businesses and investments. The tax structure, which is embedded in the constitution, makes raising revenue for education, roads, bridges, and telecommunications difficult – all of which are important to industries that are looking to relocate. Ultimately, the 1901 Constitution undermines Alabama’s future and its ability to remain competitive in a global economic environment.
First Page
7
Last Page
9
Publication Date
Summer 9-1-2024
Recommended Citation
Aguado, N.A. (2024). Preface. In N.A. Aguado (Ed.), Never Gonna Change? An examination of the 1901 Alabama Constitution (pp. 7-9). North Alabama Digital Press @ Collier Library.
Included in
Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons, Public Policy Commons
Comments
About the Author
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.