1818 Michigan Territory general assembly referendum
The election was called by Territorial Governor Lewis Cass, and results showed a majority opposed changing the system of government.[4] Governor Cass believed that advancing to the second stage would both move Michigan Territory closer to statehood and help reduce Woodward's influence, since he would remain a judge but no longer control the legislative process.[5] Governor Cass issued a proclamation on January 5, 1818, calling for a vote to determine whether a majority of freeholders supported creating a general assembly.He cited his authority under the Northwest Ordinance and the successive acts of Congress that created Michigan Territory, as well as petitions signed by 145 residents asking him to take the step.[5] Dissatisfaction with the system of government continued to grow after the failed referendum, and in 1822 hundreds of citizens petitioned Congress for a change.