How to Ratify a New Michigan Constitution
Through County Ratification Conventions
(County-by-County, Bottom-Up)
1. Establish the Lawful Foundation
All political power is inherent in the People of Michigan, not in the legislature.
Constitutions are created and ratified by the People, not by government bodies.
Counties act as organizing units of the People, not as subordinate corporations seeking permission.
A County Ratification Convention is an act of popular sovereignty, not a statutory process.
👉 This distinction is critical:
The People are exercising authority — not requesting approval.
2. Form a County Constitutional Committee (CCC)
Each participating county begins locally.
Purpose of the CCC:
Educate the public
Organize the convention
Ensure transparency and neutrality
Recommended composition:
Local citizens
Township representatives
Veterans, elders, educators, tradespeople
No requirement for elected officials
Key principle:
This committee organizes the process — it does not control outcomes.
3. Publish a County Call to Convention
The county issues a Public Call to the People.
The Call should include:
Date, time, and location of the convention
Purpose: Ratification of a proposed Michigan Constitution
Explanation of delegate selection
Statement of neutrality
Assurance of open public access
Distribution methods:
Local newspapers
Online platforms
Physical postings (libraries, township halls)
Community meetings
đź“ś This mirrors early American constitutional practice.
4. Select County Delegates (People Decide the Method)
Each county determines how its delegates are chosen.
Common options:
Township-based selection
Precinct-based selection
Volunteer delegates confirmed by public assembly
Hybrid methods
Key rules:
Delegates represent the People, not parties
One person, one voice
Public verification of eligibility
Transparent credentials process
👉 Counties retain full discretion here.
5. Convene the County Ratification Convention
This is the heart of the process.
At the Convention:
Delegates are seated and recorded
The proposed Michigan Constitution is formally presented
Public explanation and debate are allowed
Questions and objections are entered into the record
Amendments (if allowed) are addressed per county rules
Critical distinction:
This is ratification, not drafting (unless the county chooses otherwise).
6. Hold the Ratification Vote
Each county determines its ratification threshold, such as:
Simple majority of delegates
Supermajority (e.g., 2/3)
Consensus model
The vote must be:
Public
Recorded
Verifiable
Witnessed
đź“ś The result becomes the express consent of the People of that county.
7. Issue a County Instrument of Ratification
If ratified, the county produces a formal document, such as:
“Instrument of Ratification of the People of ____ County, Michigan”
This document includes:
Convention date and location
Delegate roll
Vote tally
Text of ratification declaration
Signatures of delegates and witnesses
County seal (if used)
This is a sovereign act, not an administrative filing.
8. Record and Publish the Ratification
To preserve legitimacy:
Publish the instrument publicly
Archive digitally and physically
Provide copies to:
Other counties
The statewide constitutional committee
The public record
Transparency protects the process.
9. Aggregate County Ratifications Statewide
Counties act independently
Ratification spreads by consent, not compulsion
Once a clear majority of counties ratify, the People have spoken
Historically, constitutions become operative when the People ratify them, not when government approves them.
10. Transition to Implementation (After Ratification)
Once ratified:
Counties stand as guardians of the new constitution
Local institutions begin aligning with restored authority
Courts and officials are put on notice of the People’s consent
Peaceful, lawful transition replaces confrontation
Key Principles to Emphasize to Counties
âś” Counties are not forced
âś” Counties choose their own method
âś” Participation is voluntary
âś” Authority flows from the People upward
âś” Legitimacy comes from consent, transparency, and record
One-Sentence Summary for Counties
A County Ratification Convention is the People of a county assembling in their original capacity to give or withhold consent to a proposed Michigan Constitution—without asking permission from the legislature.
How This Is Properly Understood (Historically & Lawfully)
1. Constitutions Do Not Derive Authority from Statutes
A constitution is above statute
Statutes cannot dictate how the People exercise original sovereignty
Counties act as organizing units, not permission-granting bodies
Practical Thresholds Commonly Used (Not Mandated)
While no number is legally required, movements typically use recognized consensus benchmarks to demonstrate legitimacy and finality.
Common benchmarks counties may adopt:
Simple majority of counties
Example: 42 of 83 counties
Demonstrates clear statewide consent
Supermajority of counties
Example: 55–60+ counties
Strong political and moral authority
Difficult to ignore or challenge
Critical mass + population representation
Fewer counties, but representing a majority of the population
Often combined with continued county roll-on
👉 These are strategic standards, not legal requirements.
The Most Important Point (This Is Critical)
The moment counties begin ratifying, the process is already legitimate.
Ratification is not an on/off switch—it is cumulative.
Each county ratification stands on its own
Authority grows as more counties join
No single body can veto the People’s consent
How to State This Publicly (Recommended Language)
Use language like this:
“The proposed Michigan Constitution becomes operative upon ratification by a clear majority of participating counties, as determined by the People themselves, with additional counties free to ratify at any time thereafter.”
This avoids:
Artificial thresholds
Legal traps
Legislative interference
Bottom Line
Required by law: ❌ None
Required for legitimacy: âś” Clear, demonstrable consent
Recommended target: âś” Majority or strong supermajority of counties
Ultimate authority: âś” The People, county by county