Arkansas Constitution Article 1 - Boundaries
Arkansas Constitution – Article 1: Boundaries
🔷 Overview:
Article 1 of the Arkansas Constitution defines the geographical boundaries of the State of Arkansas. This article sets the legal limits of the state's territory and was originally adopted when Arkansas became a state in 1836 and reaffirmed in later versions of the state constitution.
📜 Text Summary:
The article provides a detailed description of the state's borders, using references to rivers, geographical lines, degrees of latitude and longitude, and surrounding states.
The boundary description includes:
Starting at the Mississippi River, where the Louisiana Purchase survey intersects.
Following specific latitudinal and longitudinal lines,
Running along rivers such as the St. Francis River and Mississippi River,
Continuing to the Missouri state line in the north,
Westward to the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma),
South to the Louisiana line,
Then back east to the Mississippi River, completing the loop.
🧭 Purpose:
Legally defines the state's area for purposes of governance, taxation, legal jurisdiction, and representation.
Prevents disputes over territory with neighboring states (Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma).
🌐 Modern Relevance:
While the language is old-fashioned and technical, this constitutional boundary remains the foundation of Arkansas's territorial integrity. Any changes would require:
A constitutional amendment, and
Likely federal involvement, due to implications across state lines.
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