EXECUTIVE ORDER
85-16

WHEREAS, 1987 marks the two-hundredth year of the United States Constitution, and

WHEREAS, the Bicentennial of the Constitution is an occasion for celebrating the establishment of our country as the United States of America under the social and political experiment of a Free Republic, and

WHEREAS, the Chief Justice of the United States has called upon the states to join the celebration of the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution, and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate that state government create a framework within which such a celebration may occur,

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN ASHCROFT, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Missouri, hereby create and establish the United States Constitution Bicentennial Commission of Missouri. The Commission shall consist of a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, and four members, each to be appointed by the Governor. All members of the Commission shall serve without compensation. The Governor may appoint such other persons as he deems necessary from time to time to serve on the Commission.

The Commission may employ a secretary to perform the duties designated by the commission.

The Commission shall prepare an overall program for commemorating the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution in 1987, and shall plan, encourage, develop and coordinate observances and activities commemorating the historic events that preceded and are associated with the United States Constitution.

In preparing its plans and programs, the Commission shall consider any related plans and programs developed by any National Commission and local and private groups, and it may designate special committees with representatives from such bodies to plan, develop and coordinate specific activities.

Not later than April 1, 1986, the Commission shall submit to the Governor a report incorporating its specific recommendations for the commemoration of the United States Constitution Bicentennial and related events. The report also shall include proposals for legislation and administrative action the Commission considers necessary to carry out its recommendations. The Commission may, if it deems necessary, form separate corporate or administrative structures in order to carry out its responsibilities under this Order subject to approval of the Governor.

In fulfilling its responsibilities, the United States Constitution Bicentennial Commission of Missouri shall consult, cooperate with and seek advice from appropriate state departments and agencies, local public bodies, learned societies, and historical, patriotic, philanthropic, civic, professional and related organizations. State departments and agencies may cooperate with the Commission in planning, encouraging, developing and coordinating appropriate commemorative activities.

The Commission shall determine if there are sites within the state which are appropriate for preservation or development, if, commemoration of the United States Constitution, in such manner as to ensure that fitting observances and exhibits may be held at the sites during the Bicentennial celebration.

The Chairman is directed to call an organizational meeting of the Commission and report to the Governor from time to time concerning the activities, plans and programs developed and implemented by the Commission for the Governor's approval and consistent with guidelines from the Governor's Office.

This Order shall expire January 1, 1988.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, on this 6th day of June, 1985.

[John Ashcroft's signature]
GOVERNOR

ATTEST:

[Roy D. Blunt's signature]
SECRETARY OF STATE

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