In 1851, Maryland's constitution required at-large voting to assure control of minorities. In 1978, Gov. Millard E. Tawes and Gov. George C. Jones, lifelong friends through District 763 Rotary Int., agreed to improve Dorchester County's political system. In 1980, funds were raised and placed in escrow for legal expenses. In 1981, the North Dorchester Democratic Club was formed. In 1983, the club asked the U.S. Justice Dept. to investigate, leading to suits against Dorchester County officials in U.S. District Court in Baltimore on the grounds that the Voting Rights Act 42-U.S.C. 1973 was being violated. On July 8, 1985, U.S. Judge Norman J. Ramsey ordered five equal districts, abolished at-large voting, and signed the consent decree, bringing democracy to Dorchester County and paving the way for other voting rights cases. In 1986, the Maryland legislature changed the constitution.