A Brief Look at Arkansas's Early Business Corporation Charters

Authors

• Charles Carnes, University of Arkansas School of Law

Keywords

corporate charters, corporate formation, law and economics, business organizations

Abstract

Since 1869, Arkansas business corporations have been created under general incorporation acts, as mandated first by the Arkansas Constitution of 1861 and soon after by the present Arkansas constitution of 1874. Prior to 1869, incorporation was the product of the political process and each corporate charter had to be presented to and approved by the Arkansas General Assembly and was subject to the gubernatorial veto the same as any other law. These special charters may be taken as a fairly reliable political litmus, indicating the kinds of substantial economic interests and activities going on and being encouraged by the state at any particular time.

Recommended Citation

Charles Carnes , A Brief Look at Arkansas's Early Business Corporation Charters, 1984 Ark. L. Notes