The New York Constitution is the fundamental legal document that outlines the structure and function of the government in the state of New York. It establishes the rights of citizens, the powers of state government, and the processes for creating laws. The current version was adopted in 1938, although it has undergone several amendments since then. This constitution serves as a framework for state governance, detailing the roles of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. It also includes provisions for local governments and addresses issues such as education, taxation, and civil rights, ensuring that the principles of democracy are upheld in the state.