Pflueger, Donald H.

Biography / Administrative History

California's first Constitution was adopted in 1849, and the second Constitution was adopted in 1879. This second Constitution was very detailed and quite lengthy. Many unsuccessful attempts subsequently were made to revise the 1879 constitution. Between 1879 and 1962 the Constitution was amended over 300 times, increased from 16,000 to 75,000 words and became the fourth longest constitution in the world.

In 1962, the Legislature passed and the voters approved an amendment to article 18, which permitted the legislature to propose revisions of the constitution. Prior to this time overall revision was possible only by convention, and the legislature was permitted only to propose certain amendments.

In 1963, the Legislature establishes the Constitution Revision Commission, which began working on February 20, 1964. The Commission was composed of approximately 60 non-compensated citizens members, 6 legislative members and 16 ex-officio legislative members. The goal of the Commission was to make suggestions for change in the Constitution. Judge Bruce W. Summer was elected the Chairperson. The Commission was terminated on March 4, 1974.

This collection contains material used by Donald Pflueger while he was a member of the California Constitutional Revision Commission. In addition to background material, Mr. Pflueger kept agendas, minutes, memorandum, correspondence, and sample ballots and information that went to California voters. Material covers the time period of 1930 to 1974 with the majority of material covering the 1965-70 time period.