The Constitution of Virginia was first approved in 1776.  This document outlining Virginia’s fundamental law has been completely revised on five occasions.  The most recent major revision occurred in 1971.  Minor changes, also known as amendments, have been approved over the years as well.  Changes or revisions to the Constitution of Virginia may be proposed by the Virginia General Assembly or a constitutional convention established by the legislative branch.  Any changes must be approved by voters in the Commonwealth.

For example, two changes were made to the Constitution of Virginia in 2000.   One declared the right of people to hunt, fish and harvest game.  The second established the Lottery Proceeds Fund for all revenues from any state-run lottery.  Those proceeds must then be spent locally for public education.

Two major components of the Constitution of Virginia are: (a) the provisions for three separate and distinct branches of state government, and (b) the election process for all statewide elected officials, legislators, members of local governing bodies, and constitutional officers in localities.  

State government is divided into three branches:  executive, legislative and judicial.  All branches are guided by the Constitution of Virginia.