In the spring of 1842, Rhode Island had two governors and two legislatures. One government was committed to retaining the old colonial charter, which severely limited voting rights, as the state's constitution. The other government, led by Thomas W. Dorr and providing for white manhood suffrage, took control over northwestern Rhode Island. The Dorr government eventually took military action, but its attempt to seize a state arsenal proved unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the more conservative government declared martial law. A suit arising from the conflict reached the Supreme Court.

Additional Tags

judicial restraint, luther v. borden, federal courts as policymakers

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Classroom Considerations

• Knovation Readability Score: 3 (1 low difficulty, 5 high difficulty)