The prior constitution, through its restrictions on banking and corporations, served to limit economic recovery and development. Whigs pushed for a new convention. Democrats feared possible Whig reforms. A referendum was held on April 12, 1852, and the Whigs won. Deliberations at the new convention began on July 5.
The most controversial change involved apportionment of seats. In the 1845 constitution, representation in the house was based on the number of qualified voters in each parish. The Whigs changed this to representation based on total population in each parish, which gave more power to large slaveholding parishes.
The Justices of the Supreme Court would now be elected, instead of appointed.
The referendum was held on November 1, 1852. The vote was close: the new constitution was adopted by less than 3200 votes.
Journal of the Convention to form a new constitution for the state of Louisiana. Official.
