Republic of Hawaii Constitution

The Republic of Hawaii Constitution, established in 1894 after Hawaii’s overthrow of the monarchy, organized Hawaii as a republic with a presidential system. It created executive, legislative, and judicial branches, emphasizing property rights, voting rights for certain citizens, and the authority of the government. The constitution aimed to secure American and business interests, while also defining the rules for governance and law enforcement. Although it was viewed as a step toward annexation by the United States, it remained the guiding legal document until Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1898.