CHAPTER XVII.
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION.
The Power to change Laws.In the preceding pages the framework of the government of Iowa has been outlined. In the conclusion of this subject it is proper to ask how may changes be accomplished in this organization of the State where the General Assembly is not authorized to act? We have already noted that the General Assembly has complete power, almost without limitations, over the government of towns, cities, townships, and counties.
The Power to change the Constitution.The organization of the State government has remained much the same since the Constitution of Iowa was adopted in 1857. No constitution, however perfect at the time of its adoption, however, can provide for all that the safety and welfare of the State may require in the future. No legislative body can pass an unalterable law; nor can a constitutional convention direct that a certain provision of the fundamental law shall never be changed. Even if the people approve of such a provision, the same powerthe peoplemay alter or abolish it. Some of the first State constitutions contained no amending clause. And it was believed on the one hand that such constitutions could not be amended, while on the other it was declared that
