The 1972 ‘Con-Con’ transformed Montana’s Legislature

By: Rich Bechtel

Outlets: Daily Montanan

Published: June 22, 2026

Words: 729

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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The dysfunction of the Montana Legislature under the old 1889 Constitution was the largest single reason Montanans called for a Constitutional Convention (often referred to as the “Con-Con”) in 1972.

In 1889, it was intentionally written to accomplish as little as possible, which matched perfectly the needs of the wealthy and powerful Copper Kings and Cattle Barons.

1889 was the height of public distrust of state government. Canals and other infrastructure had bankrupted …

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