Challenge: Corruption and the 1879 Constitution
Political corruption became a serious problem in California in the years following statehood, as large railroad companies and powerful businessmen used bribes and political influence to control the state government. By the 1870s, corruption was so entrenched that Californians demanded a new constitution. The 1879 California Constitution was written to reduce corporate power, establish stronger regulatory authority, and protect workers and small farmers. This Grade 4 history topic from Social Studies Alive! California's Promise explains how the original institutions of government can become corrupted and how citizens can demand reform.
Key Concepts
To prepare for statehood, California needed a set of rules. Leaders met in Monterey and wrote the first constitution in 1849. Although the constitution was ready, California did not officially become a state until 1850, after the U.S. Congress approved it.
Over time, some large companies and dishonest leaders became too powerful. This political corruption meant the government wasn't always working for the people.
Common Questions
What is political corruption?
Political corruption occurs when politicians use their public power for private gain — accepting bribes, favoring powerful interests over citizens, or rigging systems to benefit specific groups. In 1870s California, railroad and business interests openly bought votes and political positions.
Why did California write a new constitution in 1879?
California wrote a new constitution in 1879 because the original 1849 constitution had failed to prevent corruption and corporate control of government. Citizens demanded reforms that would regulate railroads, protect workers, and give ordinary Californians more power.
What problems did the 1879 California Constitution try to fix?
The 1879 constitution tried to address railroad monopoly power, tax unfairness, land monopolies, and the exclusion of Chinese laborers (a regrettable provision later invalidated). It also created a Railroad Commission to regulate transportation rates.
How did the Southern Pacific Railroad corrupt California politics?
The Southern Pacific Railroad used its enormous wealth to bribe legislators, control political party nominations, set freight rates that disadvantaged farmers, and dominate state government for decades. It was famously called 'The Octopus' for its tentacle-like grip on California institutions.
Why is understanding political corruption important?
Understanding political corruption helps citizens recognize when government is serving private interests instead of the public good. History shows that corruption tends to grow when there are insufficient checks on power — and that citizens can push back through legal reform.
What grade covers corruption and the 1879 California Constitution?
This topic is covered in 4th grade in Social Studies Alive! California's Promise, which examines how California's early state government struggled with corruption and how citizens responded.
How did the 1879 constitution set the stage for later reforms?
The 1879 constitution established the principle that government could regulate powerful corporations in the public interest. This set the stage for the Progressive reforms of the 1910s, when Governor Hiram Johnson went further in breaking corporate power over California politics.