The fourth in a series of 15 papers ahead of November’s ballot question

Livonia, MI, March 24, 2026 – Citizens Research Council of Michigan today released the fourth in a series of 15 papers providing information to Michigan voters ahead of the November vote on whether Michigan should hold a constitutional convention. The Citizens Research Council takes no position on whether to call a constitutional convention.

Paper #4, Article 1 – Declaration of Rights, lists the basic individual freedoms that government actions cannot violate. The paper describes how the Declaration of Rights fits into the overall Constitution and discusses issues that might be considered if a convention is convened.

The purpose of a bill, or declaration, of rights is to limit what the government can do and guarantee certain protections and freedoms to the population.

Many of the provisions in Article I are rights and liberties that are present in the U.S. Constitution. While the state granting of core federal First Amendment freedoms (freedom of speech, press, assembly, petition, and religion), a right to bear arms, and rights of criminal defendants conceptually overlap the federal rights, important differences exist that create broader rights than those protected federally.

Michigan voters have also added a series of provisions to Article I, covering many areas of significant controversy. If the state’s residents call a constitutional convention, issues such as equal protection, firearms regulation, same-sex marriage, affirmative action, the death penalty, and reproductive freedom could be major topics of debate.

The Research Council’s Con-Con series strives to provide voters with information to help them decide whether convening a constitutional convention is in Michigan’s best interest.

###

Founded in 1916, the Citizens Research Council of Michigan works to improve government in Michigan. The organization provides factual, unbiased, independent information concerning significant issues of state and local government organization, policy, and finance. By delivery of this information to policymakers and citizens, the Research Council aims to ensure sound and rational public policy formation in Michigan. For more information, visit www.crcmich.org.