State Institutions

Abstract

This chapter explores Article VIII of the Colorado Constitution, on state institutions. Section 1 requires that the general assembly establish and support educational, reformatory, and penal institutions, and empowers it to establish other institutions for the “public good.” The general assembly has liberally used this power to create community colleges, universities, and state colleges. Sections 2 and 3 establish Denver as the state capital unless changed at a general election by a two-thirds vote of the people. Original Section 5 created, as institutions of the new state, the University at Boulder, the Agricultural College at Fort Collins, the School of Mines at Golden, and the school for the deaf at Colorado Springs, and gave them substantial autonomy. A 1970 amendment broadened coverage to all higher education institutions and gave the General Assembly control over them so long as its intent is clearly expressed.