The Montana Constitution Roadshow: A Shared Heritage, with Rylee Sommers-Flanagan, invites you to explore the fascinating story behind Montana’s foundational legal document. After an introduction to constitutional democracy, Rylee Sommers-Flanagan offers glimpses into early Montana’s history, including growth through federal laws incentivizing investment in agriculture and the colorful history of the infamous Copper Kings’ domination of the 1889 State Constitution. From there, details about the 1972 Constitutional Convention are surfaced, followed by a look into how Montana values appear in our Constitution.

Through an informative set of narratives, as well as discussion of exciting and timely topics like government transparency and separation of powers, the audience will learn about:

• What a constitutional democracy is

• The rule of law

• The ways in which the Montana Constitution is special and distinct

Presenter Bio

Rylee Sommers-Flanagan is a fifth generation Montanan who grew up in Missoula and spent summers on the family’s working ranch in Absarokee. She founded Upper Seven Law in 2021; and in the years since, Upper Seven has filed 25 cases—prevailing in the vast majority—largely focused on challenging unconstitutional legislation and conduct on behalf of Montanans around the state. A graduate of Stanford Law School, Sommers-Flanagan served as president of the Stanford student chapter of the American Constitution Society.  She graduated magna cum laude from Emory University.  There, Sommers-Flanagan founded Emory’s Day On, a service day in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. She also holds a creative writing degree from the University of St. Andrews.