The Constitution of the state of Nevada is one of the oldest and most durable founding documents of its kind in the West. Unlike other states in the region, Nevada's code constitution, written in 1864 remains intact, though it has been amended more than 100 times. Though the state has developed from a mining-oriented society to one dominated by gambling and tourism, the 1864 Constitution, with its amendments, is regarded as one of the most adaptable social contracts of its kind. The Nevada State Constitutionis the first reference guide to provide in-depth analysis of the state's constitutional history. In it, Michael W. Bowers provides insight into Nevada's struggles to achieve territorial and state status and discusses the effects that those battles have had on the state's constitution. Dr. Bowers also analyzes the constitution section by section, highlighting political, historical, legal, and cultural factors that shaped the state's basic law. Reapportionment, the separation of powers, direct democracy, and civil rights and liberties are among the matters that he describes clearly in his discussion of Nevada's constitution and its amendments. The Oxford Commentaries on the State Constitutions of the United Statesis an important new series that reflects a renewed international interest in constitutional history and provides expert insight into each of the 50 state constitutions. Each volume in this innovative series contains a historical overview of the state's constitutional development, a section-by-section analysis of its current constitution, and a comprehensive guide to further research. Under the expert editorship of Professor G. Alan Tarr, Director of the Center on State Constitutional Studies at Rutgers University, this series provides essential reference tools for understanding state constitutional law. Books in the series can be purchased individually or as part of a complete set, giving readers unmatched access to these important political documents.