The first state constitution took effect when Indiana became a state in 1816. Reportedly written by convention delegates beneath a huge elm tree in Corydon, the first state capital, the brief document prohibited slavery and recommended a free public school system, including a state university.
This constitution did not allow for amendment, however, and a new constitution that did so was adopted in 1851. The second constitution authorized more elective state officials, gave greater responsibility to county governments, and prohibited the state from going into debt (except under rare circumstances). It also established biennial rather than annual sessions of the state legislature, a provision not repealed until 1971. With amendments (43 as of January 2003), the second constitution is still in effect today.
The Indiana general assembly consists of a 50-member senate elected to four-year terms, with half the senators elected every two years, and a 100-member house of representatives elected to two-year terms. Legislators now meet in annual sessions, beginning the 2nd Monday of January and lasting no longer than 61 legislative days during odd-numbered years (or not past April 30) and no longer than 30 legislative days in even-numbered years (or not past March 15). A member of the general assembly must be a US citizen and have been a resident of Indiana for at least two years and a resident of their district for at least one year. A senator must be at least 25 years old, a representative at least 21 years old. Senators and representatives are paid the same base salary and allowances; legislative leaders receive additional compensation. The legislative salary was $11,600 in 2002, unchanged from 1999.
The state's chief executive is the governor, elected to a 4-year term and eligible for reelection, although ineligible to serve more than eight years in a 12-year period. A governor must be at least 30 years old, a US citizen for at least five years, and a state resident for five years prior to election. Only the governor may call special sessions of the legislature (limited to 30 legislative days or 40 calendar days). The governor may veto bills passed by the legislature, but his veto can be overridden by a majority vote of the elected members in each house. If a bill is left unsigned for seven days (whether or not the legislature is in session), it becomes law. In 2002 the governor's salary was $95,000.
Indiana's other top elected officials are the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, auditor, attorney general, and superintendent of public instruction. Each is elected to a four-year term. The lieutenant governor, elected jointly with the governor, is constitutionally empowered to preside over the state senate and to act as governor if the office should become vacant or the incumbent is unable to discharge his duties.
Legislation may be introduced in either house of the general assembly, although bills for raising revenue must originate in the house of representatives. A bill approved by both houses goes to the governor for signing into law; if the governor declines to sign it within seven days, the bill becomes law, but if the governor vetoes it, majorities of at least 26 votes in the senate and 51 votes in the house are required to override the veto. Should the governor veto a bill after the end of a legislative session, it must be returned to the legislature when that body reconvenes.
A proposed amendment to the state constitution must be approved by a majority vote in two successive legislative sessions and be submitted to the voters for approval or rejection at the next general election.
In order to vote in Indiana, a person must be a US citizen, be at least 18 years old, and have been a resident of the voting precinct for 30 days before the next election. Those jailed for criminal convictions may not vote.