INTRODUCTION

In 1955 the Territorial Legislature passed the Constitutional Convention Act, putting in motion the election of convention delegates by district ensuring territory-wide representation for the convention. Thirteen of the delegates were from Anchorage, 11 from Fairbanks, seven from Juneau and the remainder from 18 other communities. Fifty-five delegates from Election Districts, Federal Judicial Districts and from the Territory at large were elected by popular vote in the fall of that year. They were instructed to meet at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, Alaska on November 8, 1955. These delegates, all Alaskans by choice or birth, had 75 days to study and write a constitutional document for the civil authority of a new state, “Alaska.” The hour arrived, the Colors presented, and the gathering united in prayer as they took on this new task – crafting a document that Alaskans would have to approve by vote. It began with tedium amidst our excitement to get on to the larger issues. We had to adapt meeting times to bus schedules; agree on rules governing the Convention and acquire a gavel – all interesting tidbits of the beginnings of history. These minor concerns were soon forgotten in the wake of arguments for unicameralism and for bicameralism; whether judges should be elected and how to ensure the wise use of our resources. Tis document is the product of Alaska pioneers, a spirit of independence and self-government. It is your guarantee that the Individual will always be in charge. Surely one is moved by the simplicity and power of this document. As delegates to the 1955-56 Constitutional Convention, we each sought to create a document that was powerful and personal. Please read it and understand its continuing dedication to you as the governor, not the governed.

John B. “Jack” Coghill Convention Delegate, former Senator and Lieutenant Governor