Washington Constitution Article XXIV - Boundaries
Washington Constitution – Article XXIV: Boundaries
Article XXIV of the Washington State Constitution addresses the boundaries of the state. This article formally describes the geographical limits of the State of Washington as accepted when it became a state in 1889.
Summary of Key Points:
Legal Definition: It legally establishes the boundary lines of the state using geographic landmarks, latitude and longitude points, and references to rivers and other features.
Historical Basis: These boundaries align with those defined in the Enabling Act of 1889, which allowed Washington to become a state.
Permanent Status: Article XXIV affirms that these boundaries are permanent unless altered by the consent of both Congress and the state (as per the U.S. Constitution, Article IV, Section 3).
Exact Language (Excerpt):
While the full boundary description is quite lengthy and detailed, it essentially defines the borders:
Starting at a specific point at the Pacific Ocean,
Running north along the Pacific Coast and Strait of Juan de Fuca,
Following the international boundary with Canada (49th parallel),
East along the Idaho border,
South along the Snake and Columbia Rivers,
Then westward back to the Pacific.
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