Governor John Hancock Summons a Senator for the First Full Session of the State Legislature Under the Momentous Massachusetts Constitution, the Oldest Functioning Written Constitution in the World

Only one other such credential for the great event appears in public sale records; the document mentions the Constitution itself

During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress called on the states to write new constitutions. Generally speaking, these early state constitutions created governments led by strong legislatures—responsive to each state’s voters. These state governments pushed for laws to relieve debtors, and they set up trade barriers to protect their own businesses from those in other states. With the new U.S. Constitution, the Framers were looking, in part, to respond to the perceived flaws of these state constitutions, especially their strong legislatures and how that might undermine the U.S. Congress. The landmark Massachusetts Constitution of 1780—written, in large part, by John Adams—served as a key model for a legislature acting as part of the federal system. While most state constitutions empowered the lower houses of their legislatures to shape policy, the Massachusetts Constitution built up the powers of the other branches of government. It created a powerful Governor—elected directly by the people and equipped with a veto that could check unwise legislation. It created a Senate designed to check the abuses that might occur in the lower house. And it created an independent judiciary. For the Founding generation, the Massachusetts Constitution embodied important constitutional principles like the separation of powers and checks and balances.

The 1780 Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts remains the world’s oldest functioning written constitution. It served as a model for the United States Constitution, which was written in 1787 and became effective in 1788. The declaration of rights read in part: “All men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights; among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; that of acquiring, possessing, and protecting property; in fine, that of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness.” It effectively abolished slavery in Massachusetts.

On June 15, 1780, the Constitutional Convention of Massachusetts resolved that the people had voted to accept the Constitution. Elections took place immediately and the first court met for a very abbreviated session in October. In the beginning of the year, the first elections for a regular term under the Constitution took place under the Governorship of John Hancock. Samuel Adams would be elected; So would Cotton Tufts, Increase Mather, and other notables.

Document signed John Hancock, Boston, May 14, 1781, to the Honorable Ephraim Starkweather, Esq. “You being chosen a Senator by the Majority of Voters in the County of Bristol for the Commonwealth, are hereby in the name of said Commonwealth of Massachusetts, summoned to attend and assist at a General Court to be begun and holden at the State House in Boston on Wednesday, the thirtieth of May at Nine O’Clock. You will therefore give your attendance that there may be a due convention of Senators on the Said day. Given pursuant to the Constitution of the Government of the Commonwealth aforesaid at the Council Chamber in Boston…”

The address panel is still present and attached to the letter.

An important memento of theU.S. constitutional law, as established by some of America’s greatest Founding Fathers. Only one other such credential for the great event appears in public sale records.