The Constitutional Study Commission was created by the legislature of 1971 to study the state's constitution and to recommend revisions relating to its content and format which would increase its relevance to current and future political, economic, and social developments (Laws 1971 c806). The commission consisted of six members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house; six members of the senate appointed by the Senate Committee on Committees; one member of the supreme court appointed by the chief justice; and eight citizen members, including the chair, appointed by the governor. Members served without compensation, and clerical staff were hired. David Durenburger was appointed executive secretary.

The commission studied the Minnesota state constitution, other states' constitutions, and materials relating to constitutional revision activities in several other states. It solicited advice from agencies, organizations, and individuals familiar or concerned with constitutional revision. Research and communication staff members were appointed. Ten study committees, consisting of three to five commission members each, were appointed to examine portions of the constitution and to recommend revisions relating to the following areas and topics: the amendment process, the bill of rights, education, the executive branch, finance, intergovernmental relations and local government, the judicial branch, the legislative branch, natural resources, and transportation. A committee on structure and form was appointed to revise the constitution grammatically and stylistically to improve its coherence and order. The committees each conducted public hearings and compiled reports containing their recommendations.

Based on the recommendations of the study committees, a final report was prepared and submitted to the governor, the legislature, and the chief justice of the Supreme Court in February, 1973. It included a proposed new format for the constitution and constitutional changes, and recommended the amendment process as strategy for constitutional revision. The final report also contained a recommendation to the 1973 legislature, of priorities for action relating to several constitutional amendments.

Records in the State Archives include committee meeting minutes, reports, hearing proceedings, and research files; meeting and hearing tapes; memos to commission members and general correspondence; news releases and clippings; and final report.

Related Records: Records of the Constitutional Commission of Minnesota (1947-1956).