The current Arkansas Constitution was adopted in 1874 and was styled to reverse the effects of the Reconstruction era constitution. The first effort to replace this constitution occurred in 1918, but was defeated. The next constitutional convention, the so-called "Young Turks" convention, was held in 1969-1970, as the culmination of an effort that began as early as 1961. This proposed constitution was defeated in the general election of 1970. After being elected governor in 1974, David Pryor led a move to revise or replace the 1874 constitution, eventually resulting in the 1979-80 Constitutional Convention. Once again the proposed constitution, despite strong support from state leaders, was defeated in the general election, November 4, 1980.
From the description of Arkansas Constitutional Convention collection, 1964-1980. (Central Arkansas Library System). WorldCat record id: 71762584
