A few weeks ago I authored a column describing among other things, Pennsylvania Constitutional questions on next weekâs May 18 primary ballot. With the primary fast approaching, I thought it helpful both to satisfy my own curiosity and yours to explore just what the Pennsylvania Constitution states now regarding emergency powers and what the effect would be to change them. The first two questions on the ballot concern emergency powers including how long they should last and who should decide there is an emergency. A Constitution is, after all, intended to be more permanent than any given law and would affect future governors of either party or future state legislatures â no matter what party is in charge.