• Outline the frame work for state government

• Assign and limit power

• Assign the manner in which government carries out its functions

• Establish safeguards to protect personal property and rights.
  

One of Florida's most respected lawyers (and later President of the American Bar Association 1973-74), Chesterfield H. Smith, Chaired the Constitution Revision Commission which drafted the 1968 Constitution. He listed these seven foundations for a good state constitution:

• Consistency with the U.S. Constitution

• A Bill of Rights

• Sound balance of powers among the various branches of government

• Clear expression and provision for ample authority of each branch to perform its functions

• Clear, simple language intelligible to the average citizen

• Fundamental law of the state only, with more detailed measures in statutory law

• Grant of power to citizens to amend the constitution without interference from the Legislature or Governor