The state expanded so rapidly in population and in interests that the first simple constitution was hopelessly outgrown, and the need of a revision became too obvious to be ignored. After an abortive effort in 1842 to have a convention called, the assembly laid the matter before the voters in 1846, and this time public opinion was overwhelmingly in favor of the move. The convention met in June, 1847, and spent nearly three months devising a new instrument; the following March its work was ratified by a large majority of the voters; and on April 1, 1848, it became operative.