1) Separation of Powers: State constitutions typically divide the powers of government among different branches, such as the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This ensures that no one branch has too much power and provides a system of checks and balances.
2) Bill of Rights: Most state constitutions include a bill of rights that outlines the individual rights and protections afforded to citizens, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.
3) Republican Form of Government: State constitutions typically establish a republican form of government, meaning that power is ultimately held by the people through their elected representatives. This is in contrast to a monarchy or dictatorship, where power is held by a single individual or group.
While these are the three basic common characteristics, state constitutions can vary widely in their content and structure, depending on the history, culture, and political values of each state.