Constitutions of the World from the late 18th Century to the Middle of the 19th Century: Part V New Ireland – Rhode Island 9783598440663, 9783598357558
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Table of contents :
Frontmatter
Contents
Acknowledgments
First Failed Constitution of New Ireland (1780)
Second Failed Constitution of New Ireland (1780)
Constitution of New Jersey (1776)
Constitution of New Jersey (1844)
Failed Constitution of New Mexico (1850) / Proyecto de Constitución de Nuevo Méjico (1850)
Constitution of New York (1777)
Constitution of New York (1821)
Constitution of New York (1846)
Declaration of Rights of North Carolina (1776)
Constitution of North Carolina (1776)
Failed Constitution of North Carolina (1823)
Constitution of Ohio (1802) / Verfassung von Ohio (1802)
Constitution of Ohio (1851) / Verfassung von Ohio (1851)
Provisional Constitution of Oregon (1843)
Provisional Constitution of Oregon (1845)
Constitution of Oregon (1857)
Constitution of Pennsylvania (1776) / Verfassung von Pennsylvanien (1776)
Constitution of Pennsylvania (1790) / Verfassung von Pennsylvanien (1790)
Constitution of Pennsylvania (1838) / Verfassung von Pennsylvanien (1838)
Failed Declaration of Rights of Rhode Island (1790)
Failed Constitution of Rhode Island (1824)
Failed Constitution of Rhode Island (1841)
Failed Constitution of Rhode Island (People’s Constitution) (1841)
Failed Constitution of Rhode Island (Landholders’ Constitution) (1842)
Constitution of Rhode Island (1842)
Backmatter
Citation preview
Constitutions of the World from the late 18th Century to the Middle of the 19th Century Verfassungen der Welt vom späten 18. Jahrhundert bis Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts
Constitutions of the World from the late 18th Century to the Middle of the 19th Century Sources on the Rise of Modern Constitutionalism Editor in Chief Horst Dippel America: Volume 1
Verfassungen der Welt vom späten 18. Jahrhundert bis Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts Quellen zur Herausbildung des modernen Konstitutionalismus Herausgegeben von Horst Dippel Amerika: Band 1
K·G ·Saur 2007
Constitutional Documents of the United States of America 1776–1860 Part V: New Ireland – Rhode Island Edited by Horst Dippel
Verfassungsdokumente der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika 1776–1860 Teil V: New Ireland – Rhode Island Herausgegeben von Horst Dippel
K·G ·Saur 2007
Bibliographic information published by the Deutsche Nationalibliothek The Deutsche Nationalibliothek lists this publication in the Deutsche Nationalbibliografie; detailed bibliographic data are available in the internet at http://dnb.d-nb.de.
Bibliografische Information der deutschen Nationalbibliothek Die Deutsche Nationalbibliothek verzeichnet diese Publikation in der Deutschen Nationalbibliografie; detaillierte bibliografische Daten sind im Internet über http://dnb.d-nb.de abrufbar.
U Printed on acid-free paper / Gedruckt auf alterungsbeständigem Papier
© 2007 by K . G. Saur Verlag, München Ein Imprint der Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG Printed in Germany All Rights Strictly Reserved / Alle Rechte vorbehalten. Technical Partner / Technischer Partner: Mathias Wündisch, Leipzig Printed and Bound / Druck und Bindung: Strauss GmbH, Mörlenbach 978-3-598-35755-8
Contents Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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First Failed Constitution of New Ireland (1780) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second Failed Constitution of New Ireland (1780) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Constitution of New Jersey (1776) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Failed Amendment of 1819 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Constitution of New Jersey (1844) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 31 33
Failed Constitution of New Mexico (1850) / Proyecto de Constitución de Nuevo Méjico (1850) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Constitution of New York (1777) . Amendments of 1801 . . . . Constitution of New York (1821) . First Amendment of 1826 . . Second Amendment of 1826 First Amendment of 1833 . . Second Amendment of 1833 Amendment of 1835 . . . . Amendment of 1839 . . . . First Amendment of 1845 . . Second Amendment of 1845 Constitution of New York (1846) . Failed Amendment of 1850 . Amendment of 1854 . . . . Failed Amendment of 1860 .
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81 96 99 114 115 116 117 118 120 122 123 125 151 152 154
Declaration of Rights of North Carolina (1776) Constitution of North Carolina (1776) . . . . . Amendments of 1835 . . . . . . . . . . . Amendment of 1857 . . . . . . . . . . . Failed Constitution of North Carolina (1823) . .
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157 161 167 173 175
Constitution of Ohio (1802) / Verfassung von Ohio (1802) . . . . Constitution of Ohio (1851) / Verfassung von Ohio (1851) . . . . Failed Amendments of 1857 / Änderungsentwürfe von 1857 Failed Amendment of 1859 / Änderungsentwurf von 1859 .
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183 215 270 279
Provisional Constitution of Oregon (1843) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281 Provisional Constitution of Oregon (1845) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287 Constitution of Oregon (1857) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
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C ONTENTS Constitution of Pennsylvania (1776) / Verfassung von Pennsylvanien (1776) Constitution of Pennsylvania (1790) / Verfassung von Pennsylvanien (1790) Constitution of Pennsylvania (1838) / Verfassung von Pennsylvanien (1838) Amendment of 1850 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amendments of 1857 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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319 349 381 415 417
Failed Declaration of Rights of Rhode Island (1790) . . . . . . . . . . . Failed Constitution of Rhode Island (1824) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Failed Constitution of Rhode Island (1841) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Failed Constitution of Rhode Island (People’s Constitution) (1841) . . . Failed Constitution of Rhode Island (Landholders’ Constitution) (1842) Constitution of Rhode Island (1842) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amendments of 1854 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Failed Amendments of 1856 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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421 427 437 451 469 483 496 498
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Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 501
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Acknowledgments
Once again, many minds and hands provided invaluable help in preparing the editions for this volume. More than once, Brandon Haynes of the Administrative Office of the Courts of the State of Kentucky, succeeded where others failed in providing indispensable material. John Davis, Oxford, Eng., Joerg Esleben, Ottawa, Can. and Janet Bloom, William L. Clements Library, Ann Arbor, MI spiritedly engaged in the noble task of saving the stillborn Province or State of New Ireland from oblivion, while Bette Epstein from the New Jersey State Archives readily provided copies of the constitutional documents stored there. Al Regensberg from the New Mexico State Archives and Rodney A. Ross from the Center for Legislative Archives, Washington, D.C. were particularly helpful with New Mexico documents. Jim Folts, Kathleen Roe and Maria Holden from the New York State Archives went to great lengths in supplying New York documents. Jason E. Tomberlin from the North Carolina Office of Archives and History and Harry McKnown of the North Carolina Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, contributed material shedding light on North Carolina’s pre-Civil War constitutional history. Elizabeth Woods from the Ohio Historical Society at Columbus, and Sarah Starr Zechman from the Western Reserve Historical Society Library & Archives at Cleveland provided important pieces of the puzzle from which the Ohio section emerged, while Todd Shaffer of the Oregon
State Archives and Steve Hallberg of the Oregon Historical Society graciously provided the documents that helped to unravel the mystery of Oregon’s complicated constitutional origins. Michael Sherbon from the Pennsylvania State Archives, as well as Max Moeller and Sarah Heim from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania contributed indispensable copies of Pennsylvania documents. Without the commitment of Karen Eberhart of the Rhode Island Historical Society, Kenneth S. Carlson of the Rhode Island State Archives & Public Records Administration, and Ann Morgan Dodge of the John Hay Library of Brown University the Rhode Island section could never have assumed its conclusive shape. To all of them, and to the numerous additional helping hands and minds within and outside the respective states I want to extend my most sincere thanks. Without them this volume could not have been produced. Any mistakes and errors I may have made remain within my exclusive responsibility. Horst Dippel Note on electronic sources: all documents located on the Internet, which were used in the process of editing this volume, were accessed during July 2007. The prints and, where such were not available, manuscripts used as the textual bases for this edition are freely available as digital facsimiles at http://www.modernconstitutions.de.
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First Failed Constitution of New Ireland (1780)
[Constitution of the Province of New Ireland]1
It being judged proper and necessary to separate the Country lying to the North East of the Piscataway River from the Province of Massachusetts Bay, it is proposed to erect so much of it as lies between Sawkno River and the St. Croix (which is the South West boundary of Nova Scotia) and to extend from the Sea between two North Lines drawn from the Heads of those Rivers to the Boundary of Canada, into a New Province, which from its situation between the New England Provinces and Nova Scotia, may with great propriety be called New Ireland, especially as the Æra of its establishment is coeval with that of opening the Trade of Ireland with the American Provinces. The remainder of the Country lying between the Sawkno River and the Piscataway it is proposed to throw into New Hampshire in order to give that Province a greater Front on the Sea than it now has, and for reasons of deeper policy. It is proposed that the Constitution of the New Province should be similar to that of East Florida at the outset, consisting of only a Governor and Council, a Chief Justice, and other Civil Officers, provided for by Estimate granted by Parliament, but that a declaration be made of the King’s Intention to give it a complete local Legislative whenever the Circumstances of the Province will admit of it; and it may be proper to declare what that Legislative will be, as a model of the Constitution wished to take place throughout America. It has been found by sad experience that the Democratic power is predominant in all
parts of British America. It is in vain to expect the Governor to possess the Shadow even of the Influence of the Crown to balance it, and the Council in the Royal Governments holding their Seats at the pleasure of the Governor, men of personal weight prefer being Members of the Assembly to seats at that Board, and therefore the Members of it being chiefly Officers of the Crown without property add2 but little of the Aristocratick Influence to the Regal Authority of the Governor, altho’ they form a sort of Middle Branch of the Legislature. To combat the prevailing disposition of the People to Republicanism, and to balance the Democratic Power of the Assembly, It is proposed to form a distinct Middle Branch of Legislature. The Members to be appointed by the Crown and to hold their Seats during Life unless removed by His Majesty in Council upon a charge exhibited by a Majority of the Assembly or by the Governor and a Majority of the Privy Council. To preserve the Influence of the Governor in this Upper House it is proposed that the Privy Council should all be Members of it, and to compose a major part of the whole, and that in case of vacancies in the Privy Council they should be filled up out of the Members of the Upper House. It is also proposed that the Seats in the Privy Council should have Titles of Honor annexed to them or some Emoluments in the place of them to make them desired, at the same time the Governor to have the same power over them, all the King’s Governors now have of suspending them from their Seats and thereby from
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N EW I RELAND their Honors or Emoluments, and if any distinction in England could be given them it would have a most powerful effect. No Quit Rents have been reserved to the Crown in any grants within the Charter of the Massachusetts Bay, but it is proposed that the Lands in New Ireland shall be granted subject to a Quit Rent, tho’ it might be proper to declare that when the Legislature shall make a grant of a permanent Revenue for the support of the Government the produce of the Quit Rents will be given to be disposed of by them. An exemption from the payment of Quit Rent for a certain Term would however be proper to be granted to distinguished Loyalists. To prevent the admission of the disaffected and to continue the Inhabitants in their Principles of Loyalty and Attachment to Great Britain, and perpetuate those Principles in their Descendants, it is proposed that a Declaration be required to be made by every Grantee before the Governor and Council in the following Words. – “I do promise and declare that I will maintain and defend the Authority of the King in His Parliament as the Supreme Legislature of this Province,” and that a Condition be inserted in the Grant obliging all persons who shall come to the possession of any part of the Lands contained in it, either by Inheritance or purchase, to make and subscribe the same Declaration before a Magistrate within Twelve months after coming into possession, and to have it Registered in the Secretary’s Office of the Province on pain of Forfeiture of the Lands to the Crown. The Province to be divided into Counties or Circuits, and subdivided into Parishes, in each Parish a Glebe Land to be laid out and vested in Trustees for the Minister. The Church of England to be declared the Established Church, but the Governor to be the Ordinary and have the presentation to all Benefices. A Salary to be granted to each Minister payable out of the general
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Fund, and issued by Warrant of the Governor and Council. The King to appoint one of the Clergy His Vicar General to superintend the rest, to hold Visitations and report to the Governor their behaviour, who may suspend or dismiss any Minister the Vicar General and his Clergy in Convocation shall represent against. Application to be made to the Bishops to superadd to the Vicar General a Power to Ordain. This has been done of necessity, in certain cases and if it be done here the Church will have the Advantage of a Bishop and no Alarm excited by the name, and when the Function is become familiar the Title may easily be assumed. The Ordination of the Unitas Fratrum Society is allowed as valid as ours, and yet their Ordainers are neither called Bishops nor Lords – The Vicar General however to have a handsome Allowance. To reward or Indemnify the Loyal Sufferers from the other Provinces3 , and at the same time lay the ground of an Aristocratic Power, the Lands to be granted in large Tracts to the most meritorious and to be by them leased to the lower People in manner as has been practised in New York, which is the only Province in which there is a Tenantry, and was the least inclined to Rebellion. The poorest Loyal Sufferers should however have Grants from the Crown. The Attorney and Solicitor General of England should be directed to report what of the Laws of England will of their own Authority take place in the New Province, and what Acts of Parliament The King may by His Proclamation introduce and give effect to therein, tho’ they are not extended by express words, to the Colonies – This has never been done, and much confusion has arisen in the New Colonies from the want of it. These are the Things necessary to be done in the New Province at the outset, but if the present be judged a proper time to digest a System of Government for all Amer-
F IRST FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N EW I RELAND (1780) ica the occasion may be used for declaring the purpose of the Crown. Estimate of the Civil Establishment of the Province of New Ireland. Salary to the Governor in Chief Oliver Chief Justice Leonard Attorney General Secretary and Register Clerk of the Council Dr. Califf Receiver General of Quit Rents & Casual Revenue Surveyor of Lands Provost Marshal or Sheriff Agent 4 Ministers of the Church of England A Vicar General in addition Contingent Expences Salaries to the 12 Counsellors
£1200 400 100 100 50 100 100 100 Nothing 400 200 1000 3750 1200 4950
New Ireland Approved in Cabinet the 10th Aug. 1780
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Verified by [Constitution of New Ireland], original manuscript in Shelburne Papers, vol. 66, fol. 513–525, 528, preserved in William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Checked also against the transcript preserved in the Library and Archives of Canada in Ottawa, Canada (transcript of Shelburne Papers, vol. 66, fol. 216–221), and the version published by Joseph Williamson, “The Proposed Province of New Ireland,” in: Collections of the Maine Historical Society, 3d ser., I (1904), 147–151. The proposed constitution was drawn up by Lord George Germaine and William Knox (cf. Germaine to Knox, August 7, 1780, [William Knox,] Extra Official State Papers. Addressed to the Right Hon. Lord Rawdon, and the other Members of the Two Houses of Parliament, II, London: Printed for J. Debrett, 1789, 82; Robert Wesley Sloan, “New Ireland: Loyalists in Eastern Maine During the American Revolution,” Ph.D. dissertation, Michigan State University, 1971, 119–121). The idea of detaching present-day Maine from Massachusetts and reconstituting it, with the exception of its south-west corner between Saco and Piscatagua rivers to be annexed to New Hampshire, as the Province of New Ireland for Loyalist settlement with a post-war model constitution for all of British North America never materialized, for obvious reasons. However, the plan apparently preoccupied some American patriots. It was probably Alexander McNutt, a colonizer and land agent who spent the better part of the year 1780 in Halifax, Nova Scotia and learnt of these plans there, who became inspired to draft an alternative Constitution of New Ireland (q.v.). 2 In Williamson print, 148, “and”. 3 Ibid., 150, “Province”. 4 Ibid., 151, endorsement missing.
& by the King the 11th .4
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Second Failed Constitution of New Ireland (1780)
The Constitution and Frame of Government of the Free and Independent State and Commonwealth of New Ireland1
A DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE STATE OF NEW IRELAND 1. That all Men are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and unalienable Rights; amongst which are the enjoying and defending Life and Liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting Property, and pursuing and obtaining Happiness and Safety: And, consequently, Slavery is a gross Violation of the natural Rights of Mankind, and shall not be tolerated amongst us. 2. That all Men have a natural and unalienable Right to worship almighty God, according to the Dictates of their own Consciences and Understanding, and no Man ought, or of Right can be compelled, to attend any religious Worship, or erect or support any Place of Worship, or maintain any Ministry, contrary to, or against, his own free Will and Consent: Nor can any Man, who acknowledges the Being of a God, and who walks agreeable to the Word of God, be justly deprived or abridged of any natural Right as a Citizen, on Account of his religious Sentiments, or peculiar Mode of religious Worship: And that no Authority can, or ought to be vested in, or assumed by, any Power whatever, that shall, in any Case, interfere with, or in any Manner controul, the Right of Conscience in the free Exercise of religious Worship.
3. That the People of this State have the sole, exclusive and inherent Right of governing and regulating the internal Police of the same. 4. That all Power being originally inherent in, and consequently derived from the People; therefore, all Officers of Government, whether legislative or executive, are their Trustees and Servants, and at all Times accountable to them. 5. That Government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common Benefit, Protection and Security of the People, Nation or Community; and not for the particular Emolument or Advantage of any individual Family or Set of Men, who are a Part only of that Community: And that the Community hath an indubitable, unalienable and indefeasible Right to reform, or alter Government in such Manner as shall be by that Community judged most conducive to the public Weal, and most agreeable to the Word of God. 6. That those, who are employed in the legislative and executive Business of the State, may be restrained from Oppression; the People have a Right, at such Periods as they may think proper, to reduce their public Officers to a private Station, and supply the Vacancies by certain and regular Elections. 7. That all Elections ought to be free; and that all free Men having a sufficient, evident common Interest with, and Attachment to the Community, have a Right to elect Officers, or be elected into Office; provided they
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N EW I RELAND do not hold Principles detrimental to, and subversive of civil Society, and be qualified agreeable to the Rules of this Constitution. 8. That every Member of Society hath a Right to be protected in the Enjoyment of Life, Liberty and Property; and, therefore, is bound to contribute his Proportion towards the Expence of that Protection, and yield his personal Service when necessary, or by his Substitute; but no Part of a Man’s Property can be justly taken from him, or applied to public Uses, without his own Consent, or that of his legal Representatives; nor are the People bound by any Laws, but such as they have in like Manner assented to, for their common Good. 9. That in all Prosecutions for criminal Offences, a Man hath a Right to be heard by himself, or his Council, to demand the Cause and Nature of his Accusation, to be confronted with the Witnesses, to call for Evidence in his Favour, and a speedy public Trial, by an impartial Jury of the Country; without the Consent of at least three Fourths of which Jury, he cannot be found guilty: Nor can he be compelled to give Evidence against himself: Nor can any Man be justly deprived of his Liberty, except by the Laws of the Land or the Judgment of his Peers. No post fact Laws to be allowed of. 10. That the People have a Right to hold themselves, their Houses, Papers, and Possessions free from Search or Seizure; and therefore Warrants, without Oaths or Affirmations first made affording a sufficient Foundation for them, and whereby any Officer or Messenger may be commanded or required to search suspected Places, or to seize any Person or Persons, his or their Property, not particularly described, are contrary to that Right, and ought not to be granted. 11. That, in Controversies respecting Property, and in Suits between Man and
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Man, the Parties have a Right to Trials by Jury, which ought to be held sacred. 12. That the People have a Right to Freedom of Speech, and of writing and publishing their Sentiments; therefore, the Freedom of the Press ought not to be restrained, but every Man ought to be accountable for his Publications, where they injure the State or Individuals. 13. That the People have a Right to bear Arms for the Defence of themselves and the State; and, as standing Armies, in the Time of Peace, are dangerous to Liberty, they ought not to be kept up: And, that the Military should be kept under strict Subordination to, and governed by the civil Power. 14. That a frequent Recurrence to fundamental Principles, and a firm Adherence to Justice, Moderation, Temperance, Industry and Frugality, are absolutely necessary to preserve the Blessings of Liberty, and keep a Government free: The People ought, therefore, to pay particular Attention to these Points in the Choice of Officers and Representatives, and have a Right to exact a due and constant Regard to them, from their Legislatures and Magistrates, in the making and executing such Laws as are necessary for the good Government of the State. 15. That all Men have a natural inherent Right to emigrate from one State to another that will receive them, or to form a new State in vacant Countries, or in such Countries as they can purchase, whenever they mink that thereby they may promote their own Happiness. 16. That the People have a Right to assemble together, to consult for their common Good, to instruct their Representatives, and to apply to the Legislature for Redress of Grievances by Instruction, Address, Petition, or Remonstrance; but whenever it shall appear evident to the Majority of the People,
S ECOND FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N EW I RELAND (1780) that they act contrary to their Instructions and Directions, and do not answer the End for which they were chosen, that then the said Majority of the People may recall and discharge them from their Service, and proceed to elect others in their Room.
THE CONSTITUTION AND FRAME OF GOVERNMENT OF THE FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATE AND COMMONWEALTH OF NEW IRELAND As prepared by the special Direction of the People, for the Consideration of their Convention when met: Composed by those who are invested with proper Authority for that Purpose. Agreeable to the Trust reposed in us by the good People of New Ireland, We, anticipating the glorious Morning of American Freedom, which will shortly shine upon them with a Lustre superior to any other Spot on the terraqueous Globe, after consulting the sagest Politicians of the Age, and carefully examining the several Frames of Government already erected in this new Empire, and particularly all the Advantages which, divine Revelation affords, have drawn up the following Frame of Government for New Ireland, which, from the Knowledge we have of the Disposition of our Constituents, have Ground to believe will be very acceptable to them, and calculated to render. them and their Posterity the happiest People on Earth. The Convention, when met under the Authority of the People, will hereby have little Trouble, but only to enact and ordain as follows: Under the good Providence of God, the Convention of New Ireland being met for the sole Purpose of Declaring the Rights of the Freemen of this State, and establishing a Frame of Government under which they and
their Posterity may enjoy civil and Religious Liberty to the latest Ages: We have beheld, with Transports of Joy, the Hand of the Lord stretched out in Defence of American Freedom against the hostile Attacks of Britain and the Sons of Slavery and Dregs of the human Species in America; and last of all in delivering us from their Power also. In Testimony of our Gratitude to the great Sovereign of the Universe, we erect this Monument to his Honour by ordaining, that our Government and the Administration of it be regulated not only by the Law of Nature, but by what Discoveries he has been pleased to make of his Will in the holy Scriptures, though we believe that the Profession of the christian Religion is not essentially necessary to the Being of Government, yet to its Well-being it necessarily appertaineth, and knowing that the Profession of the Religion of Jesus Christ is the Honour, Happiness and Safety of a Nation, we would endeavour to have the Profession, Purity and Power of it preserved among us to the latest Ages. And, in order that our Commonwealth may be an Asylum to Christians of every Denomination, who, in any Place of the World, are groaning under civil or ecclesiastical Tyranny, we ordain and declare, that they shall have free Liberty to worship Almighty God according to their Views of the holy Scriptures; nor shall any religious Society be in any Subordination to another by being obliged to maintain any Ministry, or contribute towards the Expence of any Place of Worship but their own, or be compelled, under civil Pains, to observe any Day for divine Worship, except the first Day of the Week, commonly called the Lord’s Day. All Christian Societies shall be enabled to recover, by Law, the voluntary Subscriptions of their own Members for the Support of their Religion, and shall not be prosecuted at Law for the Exercise of Discipline over their own Members; provided their Discipline does not
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N EW I RELAND extend to civil Pains or Penalties. Places of Power and Trust are no Man’s natural Right, being the Gift of the People, who can circumscribe and limit them as they judge most conducive for the Glory of God and the public Good. Therefore, we ordain, F IRST. That no Man shall hold any elective Office in the State, either civil or military, who is not a regular Member of some Christian Society, acknowledging, the Trinity of Persons and the Unity of Essence in the Godhead of equal Power and Glory, and the perfect Righteousness of Jesus Christ, as the Foundation of their Hopes for eternal Life, and is qualified as is herein after described; also, who will produce a Certificate of this, if demanded: And for the further Security of the public Good, we exclude from all Share of our Government those, who deny the Lawfulness of defending Life, Liberty or Property by Force of Arms, and also from all Offices, civil or military, Profit or Trust, those who acknowledge any absolute Jurisdiction to any foreign Powers civil or ecclesiastic. S ECONDLY. The more effectually to preserve the Morals of the People pure and uncorrupted, and for the Encouragement of Piety and Virtue, the Suppression of Vice and Immorality, no Stage Plays, HorseRacing, Cock-Fighting, Balls and Assemblies, Prophane Swearing and Cursing, Sabbath-Breaking, Drunkeness, nocturnal Revelling, Whoredom, Cards, Dice and all other Games whatsoever commonly called Games of Chance, (Lotteries ordered by the Legislature to raise Money for public Uses excepted) shall never be permitted; and all Persons whatsoever, convicted of any of the above Acts of Immorality, shall be deemed unqualified rendered incapable of holding any Office, either civil or military, Profit or Trust in the State, until they give sufficient Evidence of their Reformation.
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T HIRDLY. In giving Testimony upon Oath, we esteem swearing by Almighty God, with uplifted Hand, the most solemn and scriptural Method; yet, Indulgence shall be granted to every christian Denomination: Nor shall any Stranger or Person be vexed or oppressed, on Account of his private Judgment or Opinion, unless they endanger the public Safety, incompatible with, or subversive of civil Society. To his own Master, he stands or falls. F OURTHLY. The following Oath shall be administered to all the male white Inhabitants, above the Age of Twenty-one, before they can derive any Advantage from the Law, viz. I A. B. Do forever disclaim all Allegiance to any foreign King or Potentate, their Heirs and Successors, and I do acknowledge the Sovereignty and Independence of this State, and will endeavour to maintain and defend the same to the utmost of my Power; and, at no Time, do any Thing to the Prejudice or Subversion thereof. I will discover all traiterous Conspiracies against the same which may fall within my Knowledge. F IFTHLY. No Person shall ever be deemed eligible to hold any Office in the State, who has held any Office under the British Government since January 1775, or that has been Enemies to civil or religious Liberty, or has been any Way accessary, either directly or indirectly, to the Shedding of the American’s Blood, bravely struggling for their injured and invaded Rights; and all such Persons shall be treated agreeable to their Deserts, and their Names, with their Abettors, entered upon Record in their respective Townships, and in the Secretary’s Office of the State, being first convicted by a Jury and Judge, who are not chargeable with any of the above unnatural and horrid Crimes. S IXTHLY. Practising Lawyers or Attornies shall not be eligible for any Office of Profit or Trust in the State, whilst they continue
S ECOND FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N EW I RELAND (1780) such: Nor any Person, who either gives or receives a Challenge, (except from a common Enemy, on a public Account, and engaged in a lawful War,) shall never be permitted to hold any Office, either civil or military, Profit or Trust within the State, and the Survivor shall be created as a Murderer. S EVENTHLY. All Elections in the State to be by Ballot, and in order to prevent the People’s being absent upon Days of Election, there should be a Fine of at least double the Value of a Day’s Labour, unless they can assign a sufficient Reason; and should any attend and not vote, in that Case, to be disfranchised; and should any be convicted of giving in more than one Vote for one Office, in like Manner to be disfranchised. No Elections or Courts of Justice to be held at Taverns; nor is the Practice of having Taverns near to Houses of Worship commendable: Nor shall any Tavern Keeper, whilst he continues in such Employ, be deemed eligible for any Office in the State, either civil or military, Profit or Trust, least spiritous Liquors should influence the Choice. If any Member of Council or the Assembly, shall recommend any Person for an Office, who is of bad Morals, and such as is excluded by this Constitution, then such Member shall be suspended; and if he neglects, or delays to give Satisfaction, on that Head, to the Council, Assembly or People, shall be set aside, and another elected in his Room; and should the Governor or President grant Commission to any such Person, then to be treated in like Manner. And, when at any Time it shall appear evident to the People, by the Journals of the Assembly, their Yeas and Nays, or otherwise, that any of their Delegates act contrary to their Instructions, and do not answer the End for which they were chosen, that then the Majority of the People, who chose such Delegates, may recal and discharge them from their Service, and proceed to elect others in their Room; for
it would be a very high Affront to common Sense to suppose the People represented by Delegates, who act in direct Opposition to the Instructions of their Constituents. E IGHTHLY. Every Person, who shall be chosen a Member of either House, or appointed to any Office or Place of Trust, before taking his Seat, or entering upon the Execution of his Office, shall take the following Oath, to wit: I A. B. will bear true Allegiance to the State of New Ireland, submit to its Constitution and Laws, and do no Act wittingly, whereby the Freedom thereof maybe prejudiced. And also make and subscribe the following Declaration, to wit: I A. B. Do profess Faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ his only Son, and in the Holy Ghost, one God blessed for evermore; and I do acknowledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by Divine Inspiration.
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF NEW IRELAND F IRST. The State of New Ireland shall be governed by A General Assembly of the Representatives of the Freemen of the State, and A Supreme Council, and Governor. The legislative Authority shall be vested in a General Assembly. The executive Authority shall be vested in a Council and Governor. S ECOND. The members of the General Assembly of Representatives of the Freemen of New Ireland shall be chosen on the third Tuesday in October annually forever. Every Inhabitant of this State being free, and of the full Age of twenty-one Years, shall be entitled to vote in Person by Ballot, for Members to represent the County wherein he resides, in the said General
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N EW I RELAND Assembly of Representatives: Provided always, that Persons born out of the State shall not vote until they shall have resided in the State one whole Year next immediately preceding the Day of Election and have paid public Taxes. And no Inhabitant of this State shall have more than one annual Vote at the General Election for Representatives in General Assembly, or for any Officer to be elected. No Man shall be elected to represent in General Assembly, any City, Township or County of this State, until he shall have resided in such City, Township, District or County, at the least two Years immediately before the Day of his Election; and no Person shall serve in General Assembly more than four Years, in any seven successive Years: Nor shall any Member of the General Assembly, while he continues such, hold any other Office under the Authority of the State, or of any other State, or of the Congress of the United States of America: Officers in the Militia only excepted. For the Year one Thousand seven Hundred and ––––– each County shall elect (not less then four, nor more than six) Representatives to sit in General Assembly, &c. But, as Representation, in Proportion to the Number of taxable Inhabitants, is the only Principle, which can, at all Times secure Liberty, and make the Voice of a Majority of the People the Law of the Land; therefore the General Assembly shall cause complete Lists of the taxable Inhabitants in each City, Township and County, in the Commonwealth respectively, to be taken, and returned on or before the last Day of August, in the Year one Thousand seven Hundred and ––––– and the General Assembly shall appoint a Representative to each, proportioned by the Number of Taxables in such Returns; which Representation shall continue for the then next seven Years: And, at the End of the seven Years, a new Return of the taxable Inhabitants shall be made,
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and a Representation, agreeable thereto appointed by the General Assembly, and so on septennially forever. All Elections, whether by the People, or in General Assembly, shall be by Ballot, free, voluntary; and, whenever annual Elections, and by Ballot, are set aside, all Laws made afterwards shall be null and void; and all Appointments to Offices, civil or military, shall be deemed illegal, except what are made by the People. T HIRD. The General Assembly of Representatives of the Freemen of New Ireland shall meet together at ––––––––––––– on the second Tuesday after the Day of their Election: Two Thirds of the Number elected, being met, they shall chuse, by Ballot, a Speaker of the House; and shall, before they proceed to any other Business, each of them take and subscribe the Oath already prescribed. Two Thirds of the Number elected shall, in all Cases, be a Quorum: They shall judge of the Qualifications of the Members of the House, and of their Elections: They may expel a Member, but not a second Time for the same Cause; neither shall Expulsion be considered as a Disqualification. They shall sit on their own Adjournments, appoint the Auditors of public Accounts, and the Officers of the House: They shall prepare Bills, and enact them into Laws: They may administer Oaths on Examination of Witnesses, impeach State-Criminals before the Council, grant Charters of Incorporation, and shall have all other Powers necessary for the Legislature of a free State; but they shall have no Power to add to, alter, abolish or infringe any Part of this Constitution. F OURTH . The Stile of the Laws of this Commonwealth shall be, “It is hereby enacted by the Governor, Council and General Assembly of the Representatives of the Freemen of New Ireland.[“]
S ECOND FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N EW I RELAND (1780) The General Assembly shall have and use a Seal, which shall be called the Seal of the Laws of New Ireland, which shall be the Shield of the Arms of the State; and no Law shall have Force or Effect, until the said Seal be thereunto affixed by Order of the General Assembly. All Bills shall be read at the least four Times, before they are passed into Laws: To the End that Bills, before they are enacted into Laws, may be more maturely considered, and the Inconveniency of hasty Determinations as much as possible prevented, all Bills shall be printed for the Consideration of the People, before they are read in General Assembly the last Time, for Debate and Amendment; and shall not be passed into Laws, until the next Sitting of General Assembly; except on Occasion of sudden Necessity: And if the Supreme Council shall send into the General Assembly Remarks on any Bill, the same shall be read and considered by the House, before the last Reading of such Bill for Debate and Amendment; and for the more perfect Satisfaction of the Public, the Reasons and Motives for making such Laws shall be fully and clearly expressed in the Preamble thereof. The future Legislature of this State shall regulate Intails, –––––– except only so far as relates to the Estate of –––––––––– He devising one fifth Part of the annual Income thereof to the Use of the Commonwealth, in erecting and supporting a University; in Consideration whereof, no Part of his Estate shall be forever hereafter subject to Taxes of any Kind. The Doors of the House, in which the General Assembly shall sit, shall be and remain open to all Persons, who behave decently; and shall be shut, only when the Welfare of the State absolutely requires them to be so. The Votes of the House shall be printed weekly, with the Yeas and Nays on any Question, when two Members require it.
The Freemen of the State of New Ireland shall, at their annual Elections of Representatives, give in their Votes for Governor, Deputy Governor and Assistants, Treasury and Secretary. In chusing Assistants, twelve Persons shall be chosen by the Votes of the Freemen, given in at their Meeting for chusing Representatives annually, and sealed up and sent to the General Court next ensuing, to be counted by a Committee of both Houses; and the twelve Persons, who have the greatest Number of Votes, shall stand in Nomination; out of which Number, seven are to be chosen Assistants by the Freemen, on the third Tuesday in April following: However, the People may elect their Governor and Deputy Governor, either out of the Nomination, or the People at large. The Judges shall be chosen by the joint Ballot of the Council and Assembly, to be commissioned by the Governor. The Freemen of the State shall likewise, at their annual Elections in October, chuse Delegates to sit in Congress, provided this State be confederated with the other States: But if otherwise, then shall chuse a suitable Person to transact the Affairs of the State at such Courts as may guarantee our Independence, and our exclusive Right to the Fisheries along our Shores and Banks adjacent. No Person, who holds any Office under Congress, shall represent the State in Congress. The Person chosen and appointed Governor should have more Votes than the Half of all the others in Nomination for that Office added together: And in case of the Death, Resignation, or Absence of the Governor and Deputy Governor, the remaining Members of the Council may supply the Vacancy, until it can be regularly filled up by the Freemen of the State; and where a Vacancy in Council shall happen by Death, Resignation or otherwise, the Vacancy shall be supplied by the joint Ballot of both Houses, until it can be filled up by the Freemen of the State. No Member of the General Assembly, nor any
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N EW I RELAND Delegate in Congress, shall be of the Supreme Council. A Quorum of the Supreme Council shall consist of the Governor or Deputy Governor, and at least three other Members of the Council. S IXTH .2 The Supreme Council are to take Care, that the Laws be duly executed: They shall appoint and comissionate all Officers, civil and military, except such as are by the Constitution expressly reserved to the People, or to the General Assembly, or such inferior Officers as are usually appointed by the several Courts of Judicature; and shall supply all Vacancies in any Office occasioned by Death, Resignation, Removal or Disqualification, until the Office can be filled, at the Time, and in the Manner directed by the Constitution: They may correspond with other States, and transact Business with the Officers of Government, civil and military: They are to prepare Business to be laid before the General Assembly, and may present Drafts of Bills of any Kind, Money Bills only excepted: They shall sit as Judges to hear and determine on all Impeachments, and shall have Authority to call to their Assistance, for Advice only, the Justices of the Supreme Court, or any of them. They are to draw upon the State Treasurer for such Sums of Money as are appropriated by the General Assembly: They shall have Power, in the Recess of the General Assembly, to lay Embargoes, general or special, not exceeding thirty Days. They shall have Power to call the General Assembly, when they judge it necessary: They shall have the sole Power of granting Pardons and remitting Fines in all Cases whatsoever, except only in Cases of Murder and High Treason, in which there shall be no Mitigation, or Remission, but by Act of General Assembly. Every Member of the Supreme Council shall by Virtue of his Office, be a Justice of
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the Peace for the whole State. The Supreme Council shall have a Secretary, and keep fair Books of their Proceedings, wherein any Counsellor may enter his Dissent in any Case, with his Reasons in Support of it. The Governor, and, in his Absence, the Deputy Governor, shall be Commander in Chief of the Forces of the State, by Sea and Land, but shall not command in Person, but by Advice of the Council, and only so long as the Council shall approve thereof. The Supreme Council shall have and use two Seals; the one to be called The Great Seal of the State of New Ireland; the other to be called The Lesser Seal of the State of New Ireland. The Great Seal shall be the Arms of the State, with the Supporters and Crest; and the Lesser Seal shall contain the shield and Crest of the said Arms. All Commissions shall be in the Name of The Supreme Council of New Ireland, sealed with the Great or Lesser Seal of the State, signed by the Governor or Deputy Governor, and attested by the Secretary. S EVENTH . Supreme Courts and Courts of Appeals shall be established, Courts of Sessions and Common Pleas shall be held Quarterly in each City and County; and the Legislature shall have Power to establish all such other Courts as they may judge for the Good of the Inhabitants of the State. All Courts shall be open, and Justice shall be impartially administered without Corruption. All their Officers shall be paid an adequate but moderate Compensation for their Services. The Supreme Court and the several Courts of Common Pleas of this Commonwealth shall, besides the Powers usually exercised by such Courts, have the Powers of a Court of Chancery, so far as relates to the perpetuating Testimony, obtaining Evidence from Places not within this State, and in the Case of the Estates and Persons of those, who are non Compotes Mentis, and shall
S ECOND FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N EW I RELAND (1780) have such other Powers as may be found necessary by the General Assembly, not inconsistent with this Constitution. Trials shall be by Jury, and it is recommended to the Legislature of the State to provide, by Law, against every Corruption, or Partiality, in the Choice, Return, or Appointment of Juries. E IGHTH . The Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature shall be commissioned during good Behaviour, and shall have fixed Salaries: They shall not hold any other office, civil or military, and shall not receive any Fees or Perquisites of any Kind. The Judges of the Supreme Court, the Treasurer of the State, Trustees of the Loan Office, naval Officers, Collectors of Customs or Excise, Judge of the Admiralty, Attorney General, Auditors of public Accounts, Sheriffs, Coroners and Prothonotaries, shall not sit in the General Assembly, Executive Counsel, or Congress of the United States of America. N INTH . Justices of the Peace shall be elected by the Freeholders of each City, Township and County respectively; that is to say, two or more Persons may be chosen for each Ward, Township or District, as the Law shall hereafter direct; and their Names shall be returned to the Supreme Council, who shall commissionate one or more of them, for each Ward, Township or District so returning, for seven Years, removeable by the General Assembly. No Justice of the Peace shall sit in the General Assembly, unless he first resigns his Commission. T ENTH . Sheriffs and Coroners hall be elected annually in each City and County by the Freemen; that is to say, two Persons for each Office; one of whom for each is to be commissioned by the Supreme Council. No Person shall continue in the Office of Sheriff more then three successive Years,
or be capable of being again elected during four Years afterwards. The Election shall be held at the same Time and Place appointed for the Election of Representatives. E LEVENTH . All Prosecutions shall commence in the Name and by the Authority of the Freemen of the Commonwealth of New Ireland; and all Indictments shall conclude with these Words, Against the Peace and Dignity of the same. The Stile of all Process in this State shall be, The Commonwealth of New Ireland. T WELFTH . Punishments shall be proportionate to the Crimes committed; and, to deter more effectually from the Commission of Crimes by continued visible Punishment of long Duration, and to make sanguinary Punishments less necessary, Houses shall be provided for punishing by hard Labour, those who shall be convicted of Crimes not capital; wherein the Criminals shall be employed for the Benefit of the Public, or for Reparation of Injury done to private Persons: And all Persons, at proper Times, shall be admitted to see the Prisoners at their Labour. T HIRTEENTH . Every Officer, whether judicial, executive or military, in Authority under this Commonwealth, shall, beside the Qualifications already mentioned, take the following Oath: I A. B. Do swear, that I will not, directly or indirectly, receive any Fee or Reward for doing my Office of –––––––– but what is, or shall be allowed by Law; nor will directly or indirectly receive the Profits, or any Part of the Profits of any Office held by any other Person; and that I will not hold this Office in Trust, or for the Benefit of any other Person; and that I will be faithful, and bear true Allegiance to the Commonwealth of New Ireland. The Oath of Office: I do swear, that I will faithfully execute the Office of ––––––––– for the –––––– of ––––––– and will do equal
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N EW I RELAND Right and Justice to all Men, to the Best of my Judgment and Abilities. Every Officer of the State, whether judicial or executive, shall, for Mal-Administration, be liable to be impeached before the Supreme Council, by the General Assembly, either when in Office, or after his Resignation or Removal.
under the Direction and Encouragement of the Government. The Printing-Presses shall be free to every Person, who undertakes to examine the Proceedings of the Legislature, or any Part of Government: But every Man shall be accountable for his Publications, where they injure the State or Individuals.
F OURTEENTH . The Person of a Debtor, where there is not a strong Presumption of Fraud, shall not be continued in Prison, after delivering up, Bona Fide, all his Estate, real and personal, for the Use of his Creditors, in such Manner as shall be hereafter regulated by Law. All Prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient Sureties, unless for capital Offences, and when the Proof is evident, or Presumption great: Excessive Bail shall not be exacted for bailable Offences.
E IGHTEENTH . No public Tax, Custom or Contribution, shall be imposed upon, or paid by the People of this State, except by Law for that Purpose: And, before any Law be made for raising it, the Purpose, for which any Tax is to be raised, ought to appear clearly to the Legislature to be of more Service to the Community, than the Money would be, if not collected; which being well observed, Taxes can never be Burthens.
F IFTEENTH . All Trials, where the Parties are within the State, shall be determined within one Year from the. Commencement of the Suit: In all Cases, where either or both of the Parties are not within the State, and are within the United States of America, Suits shall be determined within two Years; and, in all Cases, where either or both of the Parties are beyond Sea, they shall be determined within three Years from the Commencement of the Suit. S IXTEENTH . A Register’s Office, for the Probate of Wills, and granting Letters of Administration, and an Office for the recording of Deeds, shall be kept in each City and County. S EVENTEENTH . A School or Schools shall be established in each Township or County by the Legislature, for the convenient Instruction of Youth, with such Salaries to the Matters paid by the Public, as may enable them to instruct Youth at low Prices: And all useful Learning shall be duly encouraged and promoted in one or more Universities,
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N INETEENTH . As every Freeman, to preserve his Independence, (if without a sufficient Estate) ought to have some Profession, Calling, Trade or Farm, whereby he may honestly subsist: There can be no Necessity for, nor Use in, establishing Offices of Profit; the usual Effects of which are Dependence and Servility, unbecoming Freemen, in the Possessors and Expectants; Faction, Contention, Corruption and Disorder among the People: But if a Man be called into public Service, to the Prejudice of his private Affairs, he has a Right to a reasonable Compensation. And whenever an Office, through Increase of Fees or otherwise, becomes so profitable as to occasion many to apply for it, the Profits ought to be lessened by the Legislature. Should any Officer take more Fees than what are appointed, in that Case, he is to be forever disqualified, and rendered incapable of holding any Office in the State, upon his being duly convicted thereof. T WENTIETH . Every Foreigner of good Character, who comes to settle in this State, having first taken an Oath of Allegiance to the same, may purchase, or by other just
S ECOND FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N EW I RELAND (1780) Means acquire, hold and transfer, Land, or other real Estate; and after one Year’s Residence, shall be deemed a free Denizen thereof, and intitled to all the Rights of a natural born Subject of this State; except that he shall not be capable of being elected a Representative, until after two Years Residence, and provided he do not hold Principles detrimental to civil Society. T WENTY- FIRST. The Declaration of Rights is hereby declared to be a Part of the Constitution of this Commonwealth, and ought never to be violated on any Pretence whatever. No partial or Party-religious Test of any Kind, shall ever be required of any Officer, or Inhabitant of this State; but, every Denomination of Christians shall be equally established. N. B. Let him who wishes to meddle with the establishing, by any human Power, that holy Religion, of which God himself is the Guardian, read the Fate of Uzza, whose Zeal led him to put forth his Hand to steady the Ark of God, and he will forbear the Presumption. T WENTY- SECOND. The Freemen of the Commonwealth, and their Sons, shall be trained and armed for the Defence of the State, under such Regulations as the Laws shall direct; preserving always to the People the Right of chusing their Captains, and all commissioned Officers under that Rank. The Captains, Lieutenants and Ensigns to chuse, by Ballot, their Major; the Major, with the foregoing Officers, to chuse their Lieutenant Colonel; and so, in like Manner, all other Officers, under the Rank of Colonel. Each to be considered as properly qualified for his Rank or Office, and to be approven of by the Assembly and Council, and commissioned by the Governor. The Major and Brigadiers Generals to be chosen by the joint Ballot of Assembly and Council, and commissioned by the Governor.
T WENTY- THIRD. In order that the Freedom of this Commonwealth may be preserved inviolate forever, there shall be chosen by Ballot, by the Freemen in each City and County respectively, on the second Tuesday in October, in the Year one Thousand seven Hundred and Eighty seven, and on the second Tuesday in October, in every seventh Year thereafter, two Persons in each City and County of this State, to be called the Council of Censors; who shall meet together on the second Monday of November next ensuing their Election; the Majority of whom shall be a Quorum in every Case, except as to calling a Convention, in which two Thirds of the whole Number elected shall agree; and whose Duty shall be to enquire, whether the Constitution has been preserved inviolate in every Part: And whether the legislative and executive Branches of Government have performed their Duty as Guardians of the People, or asumed to themselves, or exercised other, or greater Powers, than they are entitled to by this Constitution: They are also to enquire; whether the public Taxes have been justly laid and collected in all Parts of this Commonwealth, in what Manner the public Monies have been disposed of, and whether the Laws have been duly executed. For these Purposes they shall have Powers to send for Persons, Papers and Records: They shall have Authority to order Impeachments, and to recommend to the Legislature the Repeal of such Laws as appear to them to have been enacted contrary to the Principles of the Constitution: These Powers they shall have for and during the Space of one Year from the Day of their Election, and no longer. The said Council of Censors shall also have Power to call a Convention, to meet within two Years after their Sitting, if there appears to them an absolute Necessity of amending any Article of the Constitution, which may be defective, explaining such as may be thought not clearly expressed;
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N EW I RELAND and of adding such as are necessary for the Preservation of the Rights and Happiness of the People: But the Articles to be amended, and the Amendments proposed, and such Articles as are proposed to be added or abolished, shall be promulgated at least six Months before the Day appointed for the Election of such Convention, for the previous Consideration of the People, that they may have an Opportunity (should they chuse a Convention), of instructing their Delegates on the Subject. And whereas it will be absolutely necessary, before civil Government can be fully established in the Manner here prescribed, that a select Council be authorized or appointed, with a Governor and Secretary, in order to fill up all Commissions, civil and military; and having formerly invested our Agent with sufficient Powers for that Purpose, it is therefore likewise now agreed, that the said –––––– our Agent, be and he is hereby authorized to chuse to his Assistance, a sufficient Number as Council for the above Purposes, and for conducting the Affairs of the State, until Government can be established agreeable to this Constitution.
1
Verified by The Constitution and Frame of Government of the Free and Independent State and Commonwealth of New Ireland, As Prepared by the Special Direction of the People, for the Consideration of Their Convention, When Met. Composed by Those Who Are Invested With Proper Authority for That Purpose, [Philadelphia:] Printed by R. Aitken, For the Free and Independent State
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of New Ireland, [1780?], 39, [5] p. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Aitken print. The enigmatic Colonel Alexander McNutt is the assumed author (cf. Phillis R. Blakeley, “Alexander McNutt,” in: Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online, http://www.biographi.ca/EN/ShowBio.asp?BioId=36670 &query=blakeley), as also of the Considerations on the Sovereignty, Independence, Trade and Fisheries of New Ireland, [Philadelphia?:] Published by Order of the Sovereign, Free and Independent Commonwealth of New Ireland [Printed by Robert Aitken?], [1780?] [Evans 16825] (cf. Joseph Williamson, “The Proposed Province of New Ireland,” in: Collections of the Maine Historical Society, 7 [1876], 199–206). Whether McNutt was aware of the British Constitution of New Ireland of August 11, 1780 (q.v.), is still unproven, but likely. The best evidence for this would be his “Advertisement” attached to the Constitution (following p. 39) with the purpose of attracting settlers to New Ireland. It may be read as a direct answer to the British proposal when he insists that land will be given to settlers “without Quit-Rent forever”. Annual public income was to be reserved for ministers, public schools, libraries, religious instruction, and the support of the poor. Above all, settlers were to be “Proprietors of Lands”, not tenants and not oppressed by “racking Landlords” and “avaricious Priests”. The only clue to dating the text more precisely is the remark that “the Season is advancing or rather passing”, which seems to refer to late summer. The constitution may be understood as an alternative plan by a man who had actively worked to bring settlers to Nova Scotia in the preceding decades and who was inspired by the ideals of the American Revolution. He exchanged ideas with many Americans, and some of them certainly must have known of his proposal and encouraged him. In substance his constitution resembles the 1785 Constitution of Frankland (q.v.). Both mixed theocratic elements with the radical ideas of the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 (q.v.). In this regard also, the Constitution and Frame of Government appears as an American counterproject to the British model. 2
In Constitution and Frame of Government, 24–27, indication of beginning of sect. 5 missing.
Constitution of New Jersey (1776) Constitution of New Jersey1
Whereas all the constitutional Authority, ever possessed by the Kings of GreatBritain over these Colonies, or their other Dominions, was, by Compact, derived from the People, and held of them for the common Interest of the whole Society, Allegiance and Protection are, in the Nature of Things, reciprocal Ties, each equally depending upon the other, and liable to be dissolved by the other’s being refused or withdrawn. And whereas George the third, King of Great Britain, has refused Protection to the good People of these Colonies; and, by assenting to sundry Acts of the British Parliament, attempted to subject them to the absolute Dominion of that Body; and has also made War upon them in the most cruel and unnatural Manner, for no other Cause than asserting their just Rights, all civil Authority under him is necessarily at an End, and a Dissolution of Government in each Colony has consequently taken Place. And whereas in the present deplorable Situation of these Colonies, exposed to the Fury of a cruel & relentless Enemy, some Form of Government is absolutely necessary, not only for the Preservation of good Order, but also the more effectually to unite the People, and enable them to exert their whole Force in their own necessary Defence; and as the Honourable the Continental Congress, the Supreme Council of the American Colonies, has advised such of the Colonies, as have not yet gone into the Measure2 , to adopt for themselves respectively such Government,
as shall best conduce to their own Happiness and Safety, and the Well-Being of America in general;3 We, the Representatives of the Colony4 of New Jersey, having been elected by all the Counties in the freest Manner, and in Congress assembled, have, after mature Deliberation5 , agreed upon a Set of Charter-Rights, and the Form of a Constitution in Manner following, viz.6 S ECT. 1. That the Government of this Province shall be vested in a Governor, Legislative Council, and General Assembly. S ECT. 2. That the said7 Legislative Council and Assembly8 shall be chosen, for the first Time, on the second Tuesday of August next; the Members whereof shall be the same in Number and Qualifications as is9 herein after mentioned; and shall be and remain vested with all the Powers and Authority to be held by any future Legislative Council and Assembly of this Colony, until the second Tuesday in October, which will be in the Year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven. S ECT. 3. That on the said10 second Tuesday in October yearly and every Year forever (with the Privilege of adjourning from Day to Day as Occasion may require), the Counties shall severally choose one Person to be a Member of the Legislative Council of this Colony, who shall be and have been for one whole Year next before the Election
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N EW J ERSEY an Inhabitant and Freeholder in the County in which he is chosen, and worth at least one thousand Pounds proclamation Money of real and personal Estate within the same County: that, at the same Time, each county shall also choose three Members of Assembly; provided, that no Person shall be entitled to a Seat in the said Assembly, unless he be and have been for one whole Year next before the Election, an Inhabitant of the County he is to represent, and worth five hundred Pounds Proclamation Money in real and personal Estate in the same County: that, on the second Tuesday next after the Day of Election, the Council and Assembly shall separately meet; and that the Consent of both Houses shall be necessary to every Law, provided, that seven shall be a Quorum of the Council for doing Business; and that no Law shall pass, unless there be a Majority of all the Representatives of each Body personally present and agreeing thereto. Provided always, That if a Majority of the Representatives of this Province in Council and General Assembly convened shall, at any Time or Times hereafter, judge it equitable and proper to add to or diminish the Number or Proportion of the Members of the11 Assembly for any County or Counties in this Colony, then and in such Case, the same may, on the Principles of more equal Representation, be lawfully done, any Thing in this Charter to the Contrary, notwithstanding; so that the whole Number of Representatives in Assembly shall not at any Time be less than thirty-nine. S ECT. 4. That all Inhabitants of this Colony of full Age, who are worth Fifty Pounds proclamation Money clear Estate in the same, and have resided within the County in which they claim a Vote for twelve Months immediately preceding the Election, shall be entitled to vote for Representatives in Council and Assembly; and
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also for all other publick Officers that shall be elected by the People of the County at Large. S ECT. 5. That the Assembly, when met, shall have Power to choose a Speaker, and other their Officers; to be Judges of the Qualifications and Elections of their own Members; sit upon their own Adjournments, prepare Bills to be passed into Laws, and to empower their Speaker to convene them, whenever any extraordinary Occurrence shall render it necessary. S ECT. 6. That the Council shall also have Power to prepare Bills to pass into Laws, and have other like Powers as the Assembly, and in all Respects be a free and independant Branch of the Legislature of this Colony; save only that they shall not prepare or alter any Money-Bill, which shall be the Privilege of the Assembly; that the Council shall from Time to Time be convened by the Governor or Vice-President, but must be convened at all Times when the Assembly sits; for which Purpose the Speaker of the House of Assembly shall always immediately after an Adjournment give Notice to the Governor or Vice-President of the Time and Place to which the House is adjourned. S ECT. 7. That the Council and Assembly jointly at their first Meeting, after each annual Election, shall, by a Majority of Votes, elect some fit Person within the Colony to be a12 Governor for one Year, who shall be constant President of the Council, and have a casting Vote in their Proceedings; and that the Council themselves shall choose a VicePresident, who shall act as such in the Absence of the Governor. S ECT. 8. That the Governor, or, in his Absence, the Vice-President of the Council shall have the supreme executive Power, be Chancellor of the Colony, and act as Captain-General, and Commander in Chief
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW J ERSEY (1776) of all the Militia, and other military Force in this Colony; and that any three or more of the Council shall at all Times be a privy Council to advise the Governor in all cases, where he may find it necessary13 to consult them; and that the Governor be Ordinary or Surrogate-General. S ECT. 9. That the Governor and Council (seven whereof shall be a Quorum,) be the Court of Appeals in the last Resort in all Causes14 of Law as heretofore; and that they possess the Power of granting Pardons to Criminals after Condemnation in all Cases of Treason, Felony, or other Offences. S ECT. 10. That Captains, and all other inferior Officers of the Militia shall be chosen by the Companies in the respective Counties; but Field and General Officers by the Council and Assembly. S ECT. 11. That the Council and Assembly shall have Power to make the Great Seal of this Colony, which shall be kept by the Governor, or, in his Absence, by the VicePresident of the Council, to be used by them as Occasion may require; and it shall be called The Great Seal of the Colony of New Jersey. S ECT. 12. That the Judges of the Supreme Court shall continue in Office for seven Years, the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in the several Counties, Justices of the Peace, Clerks of the Supreme Court, Clerks of the Inferior Courts15 of Common Pleas, and Quarter-Sessions, the Attorney-General, and Provincial Secretary shall continue in Office for five Years, and the Provincial Treasurer shall continue in Office for one Year; and that they shall be severally appointed by the Council and Assembly in Manner aforesaid, and commissioned by the Governor, or, in his Absence,
by16 the Vice-President of the Council: provided always, That the said Officers severally shall be capable of being re-appointed at the End of the Terms severally before limited; and that any of the said Officers shall be liable to be dismissed, when adjudged guilty of Misbehaviour by the Council on an Impeachment of the Assembly. S ECT. 13. That the Inhabitants of each County qualified to vote as aforesaid shall, at the Time and Place of electing their Representatives, annually elect one Sheriff, and one or more Coroners; and that they may re-elect the same Person to such Offices, until he shall have served three Years, but no longer; after which three Years shall17 elapse, before the same Person is capable of being elected again. When the Election is certified to the Governor or VicePresident, under the Hands of six Freeholders of the County for which they were elected, they shall be immediately commissioned to serve in their respective Offices. S ECT. 14. That the Townships, at their annual Town-Meetings for electing other Officers, shall choose Constables for the Districts respectively; and also three or more judicious Freeholders of good Character to hear and finally determine all Appeals relative to unjust Assessments in Cases of publick Taxation; which Commissioners of Appeal shall, for that Purpose, sit at some suitable Time or Times to be by them appointed, and made known to the People by Advertisements. S ECT. 15. That the Laws of this18 Colony shall begin in the following Stile, viz. ‘Be it enacted by the Council and General19 Assembly of this Colony, and it is hereby enacted by the Authority of the same’. That all Commissions, granted by the Governor or Vice-President, shall run thus, ‘The Colony of New-Jersey to A B &c. Greeting’: {and that all Writs shall likewise
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N EW J ERSEY run in the Name of the Colony:}20 and that all Indictments shall conclude in the following Manner, viz. against the Peace of this Colony, the Government, and Dignity of the same. S ECT. 16. That all Criminals shall be admitted to the same Privileges of Witnesses and Counsel, as their Prosecutors are or shall be entitled to. S ECT. 17. That the Estates of such Persons, as shall destroy their own Lives, shall not, for that Offence, be forfeited; but shall descend in the same Manner as they would have done had such Persons died in a21 natural Way; nor shall any Article, which may occasion accidentally the Death of any one, be henceforth deemed a Deodand, or in anywise forfeited on Account of such Misfortune. S ECT. 18. That no Person shall ever within this Colony be deprived of the inestimable Privilege of worshipping Almighty God in a Manner agreeable to the Dictates of his own Conscience; nor under any Pretence whatsoever22 compelled23 to attend any Place of Worship, contrary to his own Faith and Judgment; nor shall any Person within this Colony ever be obliged to pay Tithes, Taxes, or any other Rates, for the Purpose of building, or repairing any Church24 or Churches, Place or Places of Worship, or for the Maintenance of any Minister or Ministry, contrary to what he believes to be right, or has deliberately or voluntarily engaged himself to perform. S ECT. 19. That there shall be no Establishment of any one religious Sect in this Province in Preference to another; and that no Protestant Inhabitant of this Colony shall be denied the Enjoyment of any civil Right merely on Account of his religious Principles; but that all Persons, professing a Belief in the Faith of any Protestant Sect,
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who shall demean themselves peaceably under the Government as hereby established, shall be capable of being elected into any Office of Profit, or Trust, or being a Member of either Branch of the Legislature, and shall fully and freely enjoy every Privilege and Immunity enjoyed by others their Fellow-Subjects. S ECT. 20. That the legislative Department of this Colony may, as much as possible, be preserved from all Suspicion of Corruption, none of the Judges of the Supreme, or other Courts, Sheriffs, or any other Person or Persons possessed of any Post of Profit under the Government, other than Justices of the Peace, shall be entitled to a Seat in Assembly; but that, on his being elected and taking his Seat, his Office or Post shall be considered as vacant. S ECT. 21. That all the Laws of this Province, contained in the Edition lately published by Mr. Allinson,25 shall be and remain in full Force, until altered by the Legislature of this Colony, (such only excepted as are incompatible with this Charter) and shall be, according as heretofore, regarded in all Respects by all civil Officers, and others, the good People of this Province. S ECT. 22. That the Common Law of England, as well as so much of the StatuteLaw, as have been heretofore practised in this Colony, shall still remain in Force, until they shall be altered by a future Law of the Legislature, such Parts only excepted as are repugnant to the Rights and Privileges contained in this Charter; and that the inestimable Right of Trial by Jury shall remain confirmed, as a Part of the Law of this Colony without Repeal for ever. S ECT. 23. That every Person, who shall be elected as aforesaid to be a Member of the Legislative Council or House of Assembly, shall, previous to his taking his Seat
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW J ERSEY (1776) in Council or Assembly, take the following Oath or Affirmation, vizt .26 I. A. B. do solemnly declare, that, as a Member of the Legislative Council, (or Assembly, as the Case may be,) of the Colony of New Jersey; I will not assent to any Law, Vote, or Proceeding, which shall appear to me injurious to the publick Welfare of said Colony, nor that shall annul or repeal that Part of the third Section in the Charter of this Colony, which establishes, that the Elections of Members of the Legislative Council and Assembly shall be annual, nor that Part of the twenty-second Section in said Charter respecting the Trial by Jury, nor that shall annul, repeal, or alter any Part or Parts of the eighteenth or nineteenth Sections of the same. And any Person or27 Persons, who shall be elected as aforesaid, is hereby empowered to administer to the said Members the said Oath or Affirmation: Provided always, and it is the true Intent and Meaning of this Congress, that if a Reconciliation between Great Britain and these Colonies should take Place, and the latter be again taken28 under the Protection and Government of the Crown of Great Britain, this Charter shall be null and void, otherwise to remain firm and inviolable.29 In Provincial Congress, New Jersey, Burlington, July 2d , 1776 By Order of Congress, SAM[UEL] TUCKER President Extract from the Minutes,30 W[ILLIA]M. PATERSON, Sec[reta]ry
1
Verified by Constitution of New-Jersey, Burlington: Printed and Sold by Isaac Collins, 1776, 12 p., and corrected according to the original manuscript, located in the New Jersey State Archives at Trenton, NJ. Also checked against the version as published in Journal of the Votes and Proceedings of the Convention of NewJersey. Begun at Burlington the 10th of June 1776,
and thence continued by Adjournment at Trenton and New-Brunswick to the 21st of August following. To Which is Annexed, Sundry Ordinances, and the Constitution. Published by Order, Burlington: Printed and Sold by Isaac Collins, M.DCC.LXXVI [1776], 118– 126, and by the text as presented by Julian P. Boyd in Fundamental Laws and Constitutions of New Jersey, 1664–1964, ed. by Julian P. Boyd, Princeton, N.J.: D. Van Nostrand Company, 1964, 156–163. The version published in The Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 59 (2000), 70–75, is obviously taken from The Federal and State Constitutions, Colonial Charters, and Other Organic Laws of the States, Territories, and Colonies, Now or Heretofore Forming the United States of America, ed. by Francis Newton Thorpe, 7 vols., Washington: Government Printing Office, 1909, V, 2594–2598. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the handwritten original. Italics signify emphasized passages in the manuscript. Parentheses are used as in the manuscript, while curly brackets replace the square brackets of the manuscript. As the constitution, in sect. 23, refers to its paragraphs as “sections” “S ECT.” has been consistently added. Hastily drafted in time of war as one of the very first American state constitutions it was not submitted to the people and adopted by the Provincial Congress on July 2, 1776. Nevertheless, it remained in effect for decades, despite increasing criticism of its many flaws and constitutional errors, as they came to be understood, the most salient of which was probably female suffrage, which existed from 1790 through 1807. The constitution was adapted to changing times through interpretation either by legislative acts or judicial review and a proposed amendment to change the constitution was vehemently rejected by the people in 1819 (q.v.) (cf. Charles R. Erdman, jr., The New Jersey Constitution of 1776, Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1929, esp. 70–89; John Bebout, The Making of the New Jersey Constitution, Trenton: MacCrellish & Quigley Co., 1945, esp. xxxvii-lxiv). The constitution was finally superseded by the second constitution of New Jersey in 1844 (q.v.). 2 In Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 70, “into measures”. 3 On May 10, 1776, Congress had resolved, “That it be recommended to the respective Assemblies and Conventions of the United Colonies [. . . ] to adopt such a government as shall, in the opinion of the representatives of the people, best conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents in particular, and America in general” (Sources and Documents illustrating the American Revolution, 1764–1788, and the formation of the Federal Constitution, ed. by S. E. Morison, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1929, 148). 4
Officially the word “colony” remained in the Constitution until 1844. However, the Provincial Congress of New-Jersey decided on July 18, 1776 to adopt the
29
N EW J ERSEY style “State of New-Jersey” (cf. Maxine N. Lurie, “Envisioning a Republic: New Jersey’s 1776 Constitution and Oath of Office,” in: New Jersey History, 119, nos. 3–4 [Fall/Winter 2001], 8). As late as September 20, 1777, the General Assembly considered it necessary to enact “That, from and after the Publication of this Act, all Commissions and Writs which by the Constitution are required to run in the Name of the Colony, shall run in the Name of the State of New-Jersey” (Acts of the General Assembly of the State of New-Jersey. At a Session begun at Princeton on the 27th Day of August, 1776, and continued by Adjournments till the 11th of October 1777, Burlington: Printed by Isaac Collins, M.DCC.LXXVII [1777], 92–93, ch. 41, sect. 2). 5 In Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 70, “deliberations”. 6 In Constitution of New-Jersey, 4, and in Convention Journal, 119, “videlicet,”. 7 In Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 70, word missing. 8 Ibid., “General Assembly”. 9 Ibid., “are”. 10 Ibid., 71, word missing. 11 Ibid., word missing. 12 Ibid., 72, word missing. 13 Ibid., “to advise. . . it necessary” missing. 14 Ibid., “clauses”. 15 Ibid., 73, “Court”.
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16
Ibid., word missing. Ibid., “must”. 18 Ibid., “the”. 19 Other than in Thorpe, in Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 73, “Generally”. 20 In Fundamental Laws, ed. by Boyd, 160, brackets missing. 21 In Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 74, “the”. 22 Ibid., “whatever”. 23 Ibid., “be compelled”. 24 Ibid., “other church”. 25 Acts of the General Assembly of the Province of New-Jersey, from the Surrender of the Government to Queen Anne, on the 17th Day of April, in the Year of Our Lord 1702, to the 14th Day of January 1776 [. . . ], Compiled and Published under the Appointment of the General Assembly [. . . ] by Samuel Allinson, Burlington: Isaac Collins, 1776. 26 In Constitution of New-Jersey, 11, and in Convention Journal, 126, “viz.”. 27 Other than in Thorpe, in Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 75, word missing. 28 In Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 75, “taken again”. 29 In Convention Journal, 126, rest missing. 30 In Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 75, phrase missing. 17
Failed Amendment of 1819
An Act concerning the Constitution of this State1
W HEREAS the meeting of the Legislature on the fourth Tuesday of October, annually, as prescribed in the constitution of this state, is attended with much inconvenience and expense to the people, in particular as it occasions two sittings in order to fulfil in a satisfactory manner the duties of the Legislative department; and as no method is pointed out in the said constitution, whereby the citizens of this state may obtain amendments thereof, it seems to be the duty of their representatives, where it appears to them for the public good, to propose any amendment, and prescribe the manner in which the sense of the people may lawfully be taken on the same, and it so appearing to the Legislature in this case – T HEREFORE, S ECT. 1. B E IT ENACTED by the Council and General Assembly of this State, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That it be proposed and it is hereby proposed, to the people of this state to amend the constitution thereof, so that the first meeting of the members of the Legislative Council and General Assembly, after their annual election, shall be on the first Wednesday of January in every year, instead of the fourth Tuesday in October, and that the first meeting under said proposed amendment be on the first Wednesday in
January one thousand eight hundred and twenty-one, and that all officers holding commissions under any Joint-Meeting appointment, whose office shall expire at the session of the Legislature in October preceding the annual meeting on the first Wednesday of January one thousand eight hundred and twenty-one, or preceding the first Wednesday in January in any year thereafter, shall continue in their several offices until the said annual meeting, and then expire. And when any such officer is a salary officer, the Legislature may by law enact a rateable compensation.
1
Verified by Acts of the Forty-Third General Assembly of the State of New-Jersey, At a Session Begun at Trenton, On the Twenty-Seventh Day of October, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighteen, Being the First Sitting, Trenton: Printed by Joseph Justice, 1819, 12– 13. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Session Law volume. The amendment was adopted by the legislature on February 9, 1819, and submitted to the people who had to ratify it by a two-thirds majority. However, the people, by 12,635 to 1,636 votes, sweepingly rejected the legislature’s attempt at introducing a procedure to amend the Constitution of 1776 (q.v.) which was silent on the question of its emendation (cf. Charles R. Erdman, jr., The New Jersey Constitution of 1776, Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1929, 80 and John Bebout, The Making of the New Jersey Constitution, Trenton: MacCrellish & Quigley Co., 1945, xxxvii).
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Constitution of New Jersey (1844) [Constitution of the] State of New Jersey1
A C ONSTITUTION agreed upon by the delegates of the people of New Jersey, in Convention, begun at Trenton on the fourteenth day of May, and continued to the twenty-ninth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four.2 We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing upon our endeavours to secure and transmit the same unimpaired to succeeding generations, do ordain and establish this constitution.
ARTICLE I Rights and Privileges 1. All men are by nature free and independent, and have certain natural and unalienable rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and of pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness. 2. All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for the protection, security, and benefit of the people, and they have the right at all times to alter or reform the same, whenever the public good may require it. 3. No person shall be deprived of the inestimable privilege of worshipping Almighty God in a manner agreeable to
the dictates of his own conscience; nor under any pretence whatever be compelled to attend any place of worship contrary to his faith and judgment; nor shall any person be obliged to pay tithes, taxes, or other rates for building or repairing any church or churches, place or places of worship, or for the maintenance of any minister or ministry, contrary to what he believes to be right, or has deliberately and voluntarily engaged to perform. 4. There shall be no establishment of one religious sect in preference to another; no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust; and no person shall be denied the enjoyment of any civil right merely on account of his religious principles. 5. Every person may freely speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right. No law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech or of the press. In all prosecutions or indictments for libel, the truth may be given in evidence to the jury; and if it shall appear to the jury that the matter charged as libellous is true, and was published with good motives and for justifiable ends, the party shall be acquitted; and the jury shall have the right to determine the law and the fact. 6. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated; and no warrant shall issue but upon probable cause, supported
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N EW J ERSEY by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the papers and things to be seized. 7. The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate: but the legislature may authorize the trial of civil suits, when the matter in dispute does not exceed fifty dollars, by a jury of six men. 8. In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall have the3 right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury; to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favour, and to have the assistance of Counsel in his defence. 9. No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offence, unless on the presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases of impeachment, or in cases cognizable by Justices of the peace, or arising in the army or navy: or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger. 10. No person shall after acquittal, be tried for the same offence. All persons shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offences, when the proof is evident or presumption great. 11. The privilege of the writ of Habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless in case of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. 12. The military shall be in strict subordination to the civil power. 13. No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner; nor in time of war except in a manner prescribed by law.
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14. Treason against the State shall consist only in levying war against it, or in adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court. 15. Excessive bail shall not be required, excessive fines shall not be imposed, and cruel and unusual punishments shall not be inflicted. 16. Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation; but land may be taken for public highways as heretofore until the legislature shall direct compensation to be made. 17. No person shall be imprisoned for debt in any action, or on any judgment founded upon contract, unless in cases4 of fraud; nor shall any person be imprisoned for a militia fine in time of peace. 18. The people have the right freely to assemble together, to consult for the common good, to make known their opinions to their representatives, and to petition for redress of grievances. 19. This enumeration of rights and privileges shall not be construed to impair or deny others retained by the people.
ARTICLE II Right of Suffrage 1. Every white male citizen of the United States, of the age of twenty-one years, who shall have been a resident of this State one year, and of the County in which he claims his vote five months, next before the election, shall be entitled to vote for all officers that now are, or hereafter may be elective by the people; provided, that no person in the military, naval, or marine ser-
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW J ERSEY (1844) vice of the United States shall be considered a resident in this State, by being stationed in any garrison, barrack, or military or naval place or station within this State; and no pauper, idiot, insane person, or person convicted of a crime which now excludes him from being a witness unless pardoned or restored by law to the right of suffrage, shall enjoy the right of an elector. 2. The legislature may pass laws to deprive persons of the right of suffrage who shall be convicted of bribery at elections.
ARTICLE III Distribution of the powers of Government 1.5 The powers of the government shall be divided into three distinct departments – the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial; and no person or persons belonging to, or constituting one of these departments, shall exercise any of the powers properly belonging to either of the others, except as herein expressly provided.
ARTICLE IV Legislative
Section 1 1. The legislative power shall be vested in a Senate and General Assembly. 2. No person shall be a member of the Senate who shall not have attained the age of thirty years, and have been a citizen and inhabitant of the State for four years, and of the county for which he shall be chosen one year, next before his
election; and no person shall be a member of the General Assembly who shall not have attained the age of twenty-one years, and have been a citizen and inhabitant of the State for two years, and of the county for which he shall be chosen one year next before his election; provided, that no person shall be eligible as a member of either house of the legislature, who shall not be entitled to the right of suffrage. 3. Members of the Senate and General Assembly shall be elected yearly and every year, on the second Tuesday of October; and the two houses shall meet separately on the second Tuesday in January next after the said day of election, at which time of meeting, the legislative year shall commence; but the time of holding such election may be altered by the legislature.
Section 2 1. The Senate shall be composed of one Senator from each county in the State, elected by the legal voters of the counties, respectively, for three years. 2. As soon as the Senate shall meet after the first election to be held in pursuance of this Constitution, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes. The seats of the Senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the first year; of the second class at the expiration of the second year; and of the third class at the expiration of the third year; so that one class may be elected every year: And if vacancies happen by resignation or otherwise, the persons elected to supply such vacancies shall be elected for the unexpired terms only.
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N EW J ERSEY
Section 3 1. The General Assembly shall be composed of members annually elected by the legal voters of the counties, respectively, who shall be apportioned among the said counties as nearly as may be according to the number of their inhabitants. The present apportionment shall continue until the next census of the United States shall have been taken, and an apportionment of members of the General Assembly shall be made by6 the legislature at its first session after the next and every subsequent enumeration or census, and when made shall remain unaltered until another enumeration shall have been taken; provided, that each county shall at all times be entitled to one member: And the whole number of members shall never exceed sixty.
Section 4 1. Each house shall direct writs of election for supplying vacancies, occasioned by death, resignation, or otherwise; but if vacancies occur during the recess of the legislature, the writs may be issued by the Governor, under such regulations as may be prescribed by law. 2. Each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties, as each house may provide. 3. Each house shall choose its own officers, determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behaviour, and, with the concurrence of twothirds, may expel a member.
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4. Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to time publish the same; and the yeas and nays of the members of either house on any question shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered on the journal. 5. Neither house, during the session of the legislature, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting. 6. All bills and joint resolutions shall be read three times in each house, before the final passage thereof; and no bill or joint resolution shall pass, unless there be a majority of all the members of each body personally present and agreeing thereto; and the yeas and nays of the7 members voting on such final passage shall be entered on the journal. 7. Members of the Senate and General Assembly shall receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the treasury of the State; which compensation shall not exceed the sum of three dollars per day for the period of forty days from the commencement of the session; and shall not exceed the sum of one dollar and fifty cents per day for the remainder of the session. When convened in extra session by the Governor, they shall receive such sum as shall be fixed for the first forty days of the ordinary session. They shall also receive the sum of one dollar for every ten miles they shall travel, in going to and returning from their place of meeting, on the most usual route. The president of the Senate and the speaker of the house of Assembly shall, in virtue of their offices, receive an additional compensation, equal to one-third of their per-diem allowance as members. 8. Members of the Senate and8 General Assembly shall, in all cases except treason, felony, and breach of peace, be privileged
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW J ERSEY (1844) from arrest during their attendance at the sitting of their respective houses, and in going to and returning from the same: and for any speech or debate, in either house, they shall not be questioned in any other place.
Section 5 1. No member of the Senate or9 General Assembly shall, during the time for which he was elected, be nominated or appointed by the Governor or by the legislature in joint meeting, to any civil office under the authority of this State, which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased, during such time. 2. If any member of the Senate or General Assembly shall be elected to represent this State in the Senate or House of Representatives of the United States, and shall accept thereof, or shall accept of any office or appointment under the Government of the United States, his seat in the legislature of this State shall thereby be vacated. 3. No Justice of the Supreme Court, nor Judge of any other court, Sheriff, Justice of the peace, nor any person or persons possessed of any office of profit under the government of this State shall be entitled to a seat either in the Senate or in the General Assembly; but on being elected and taking his seat, his office shall be considered vacant: And no person holding any office of profit under the Government of the United States shall be entitled to a Seat in either house.
Section 6 1. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Assembly; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments, as on other bills. 2. No money shall be drawn from the treasury but for appropriations made by law.
3. The credit of the State shall not be directly or indirectly loaned in any case. 4. The legislature shall not, in any manner, create any debt or debts, liability or liabilities, of the State, which shall singly or in the aggregate with any previous debts or liabilities at any time exceed one hundred thousand dollars, except for purposes of war, or to repel invasion, or to suppress insurrection, unless the same shall be authorized by a law for some single object or work, to be distinctly specified therein; which law shall provide the ways and means, exclusive of loans, to pay the interest of such10 debt or liability as it falls due, and also to pay and discharge the principal of such debt or liability within thirtyfive years from the time of the contracting thereof, and shall be irrepealable until such debt or liability, and the interest thereon, are fully paid and discharged: and no such law shall take effect until it shall, at a general election, have been submitted to the people, and have received the sanction of a majority of all the votes cast for and against it at such election: and all money to be raised by the authority of such law shall be applied only to the specific object stated therein, and to the payment of the debt thereby created. This section shall not be construed to refer to any money that has been, or may be, deposited with this State by the Government of the United States.
Section 7 1. No divorce shall be granted by the legislature. 2. No lottery shall be authorized by this State; and no ticket in any lottery not authorized by a law of this State shall be bought or sold within the State. 3. The legislature shall not pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or depriving
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N EW J ERSEY a party of any remedy for enforcing a contract which existed when the contract was made. 4. To avoid improper influences which may result from intermixing in one and the same act such things11 as have no proper relation to each other, every law shall embrace but one object, and that shall be expressed in the title. 5. The laws of this State shall begin in the following style, “Be it enacted by the Senate and General12 Assembly of the State of New Jersey.” 6. The fund for the support of free schools, and all money, stock, and other property, which may hereafter be appropriated for that purpose, or received into the treasury under the provision of any law heretofore passed13 to augment the said fund, shall be securely invested, and remain a perpetual fund; and the income thereof, except so much as it may be judged expedient to apply to an increase of the capital, shall be annually appropriated to the support of public schools, for the equal benefit of all the people of the State; and it shall not be competent for the legislature to borrow, appropriate, or use the said fund or any part thereof, for any other purpose, under any pretence whatever. 7. No private or special law shall be passed authorizing the sale of any lands belonging in whole or in part to a minor or minors or other persons who may at the time be under any legal disability to act for themselves. 8. The assent of three-fifths of the members elected to each house shall be requisite to the passage of every law for granting, continuing, altering, amending, or renewing charters for banks or money corporations; and all such charters shall be limited to a term not exceeding twenty years.
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9. Individuals or private corporations shall not be authorized to take private property for public use, without just compensation first made to the owners. 10. The legislature may vest in the circuit Courts, or courts of Common Pleas within the several Counties of this State Chancery powers, so far as relates to the foreclosure of mortgages, and sale of mortgaged premises.
Section 8 1.14
Members of the legislature, shall, before they enter on the duties of their respective offices, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: “I do solemnly swear, (or affirm, as the case may be,) that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of New Jersey, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of Senator (or member of the General Assembly, as the case may be) according to the best of my ability.” And members elect of the Senate or General Assembly are hereby empowered to administer to each other the said oath or affirmation.
ARTICLE V Executive 1. The Executive power shall be vested in a Governor. 2. The Governor shall be elected by the legal voters of this State. The person having the highest number of votes shall be the Governor: but if two or more shall be equal and highest in votes, one of them shall be chosen Governor by the vote of a15 majority of the members of both houses in joint meeting. Contested elections for the office of Governor shall be determined in such manner as the legislature shall direct by law. When a Governor is to be elected by the people, such election shall be held at the
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW J ERSEY (1844) time when and at the places where the people shall respectively vote for members of the legislature. 3. The Governor shall hold his office for three years, to commence on the third Tuesday of January next ensuing the election for Governor by the people, and to end on the monday preceding the third Tuesday of January, three years thereafter: and he shall be incapable of holding that office for three years next after his term of service shall have expired: And no appointment or nomination to office shall be made by the Governor during the last week of his said term. 4. The Governor shall be not less than thirty years of age, and shall have been for twenty years, at least, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of this state seven years next before his election, unless he shall have been absent during that time on the public business of the United States or of this State. 5. The Governor shall, at stated times, receive for his services a compensation which shall be neither increased nor diminished during the period for which he shall have been elected. 6. He shall be the Commander in Chief of all the military and naval forces of the State; he shall have power to convene the Legislature whenever in his opinion public necessity requires it; he shall communicate by message to the legislature at the opening of each session, and at such other times as he may deem necessary, the condition of the State, and recommend such measures as he may deem expedient; he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and grant, under the great seal of the State, commissions to all such officers as shall be required to be commissioned.
7. Every bill which shall have passed both houses shall be presented to the Governor; if he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his objections, to the house in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large on their journal, and proceed to reconsider it; if, after such reconsideration, a majority of the whole number of that house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved of by a majority of the whole number of that house, it shall become a law; but, in neither house shall the vote be taken on the same day on which the bill shall be returned to it: and in all such cases, the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered on the journal of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the Governor, within five days (Sunday excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the legislature by their adjournment, prevent its return in which case it shall not be a law. 8. No member of Congress, or person holding an office under the United States, or this State, shall exercise the office of Governor; and in case the Governor, or person administering the Government shall accept any office under the United States or this State, his office of Governor shall thereupon be vacant. 9. The Governor or person administering the government, shall have power to suspend the collection of fines and forfeitures, and to grant reprieves, to extend until the expiration of a time not exceeding ninety days after conviction; but this power shall not extend to cases of impeachment.
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N EW J ERSEY 10. The Governor, or person administering the government, the Chancellor, and the six Judges of the Court of Errors and Appeals, or a major part of them, of whom the Governor, or person administering the government, shall be one, may remit fines and forfeitures, and grant pardons, after conviction, in all cases except impeachment. 11. The Governor and all other civil officers under this State shall be liable to impeachment for misdemeanor in office during their continuance in office and for two years thereafter. 12. In case of the death, resignation, or removal from office of the Governor, the powers, duties, and emoluments of the office shall devolve upon the president of the Senate, and in case of his death, resignation or removal, then upon the Speaker of the House of Assembly, for the time being until another Governor shall be elected and qualified; but in such case another Governor shall be chosen at the next election for members of the Legislature16 , unless such death, resignation, or removal, shall occur within thirty days immediately preceeding such next election, in which case a Governor shall be chosen at the second succeeding election for members of the legislature. When a vacancy happens, during the recess of the legislature in any office which is to be filled by the Governor and Senate, or by the Legislature in joint meeting, the Governor shall fill such vacancy and the commission shall expire at the end of the next session of the Legislature, unless a successor shall be sooner appointed: when a vacancy happens in the office of Clerk or Surrogate of any County, the Governor shall fill such vacancy, and the Commission shall expire when a successor is elected and qualified. 13. In case of the impeachment of the Governor, his absence from the State or inability to discharge the duties of his office,
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the powers, duties and emoluments of the office shall devolve upon the President of the Senate; and in case of his death, resignation or removal, then upon the Speaker of the house of Assembly for the time being, until the Governor absent, or impeached shall return or be acquitted, or until the disqualification or inability shall cease, or until a new Governor be elected and qualified. 14. In case of a vacancy in the office of Governor from any other cause than those herein enumerated, or in case of the death of the Governor elect before he is qualified into office, the powers, duties and emoluments of the office shall devolve upon the President of the Senate, or Speaker of the House of Assembly, as above provided for, until a new Governor be elected and qualified.
ARTICLE VI Judiciary
Section 117 1.18 The Judicial power shall be vested in a Court of Errors and Appeals in the last resort in all causes as heretofore: A Court for the trial of impeachments; a Court of Chancery; a Prerogative Court; a Supreme Court; Circuit Courts, and such inferior Courts as now exist, and as may be hereafter ordained and established by law; which Inferior Courts the Legislature may alter or abolish, as the public good shall require.
Section 2 1. The Court of Errors and Appeals shall consist of the Chancellor, the Justices of the Supreme Court, and six Judges, or a major part of them; which Judges are to be appointed for six years.
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW J ERSEY (1844) 2. Immediately after the Court shall first assemble, the six Judges shall arrange themselves in such manner that the seat of one of them shall be vacated every year, in order that thereafter one Judge may be annually appointed. 3. Such of the six judges as shall attend the court shall receive, respectively, a per diem compensation, to be provided by law. 4. The Secretary of State shall be the Clerk of this Court. 5. When an appeal from an order or decree shall be heard the Chancellor shall inform the Court, in writing, of the reasons19 for his order or decree; but he shall not sit as a member, or have a voice in the hearing or final sentence. 6. When a writ of Error shall be brought, no Justice who has given a Judicial opinion in the cause in favor20 of or against any Error complained of, shall sit as a member, or have a voice on the hearing, or for its affirmance or reversal; but the reasons for such opinion shall be assigned to the Court in writing.
Section 3 1. The House of Assembly shall have the sole power of impeaching by a vote of a majority of all the members; and all impeachments shall be tried by the Senate: The members, when sitting for that purpose, to be on oath or affirmation “truly and impartially to try and determine the charge in question according to evidence:” and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the members of the Senate. 2. Any Judicial officer impeached shall be suspended from exercising his office until his acquittal.
3. Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend farther than to removal from office, and to disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, profit or trust under this State: but the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable to indictment, trial, and punishment according to law. 4. The Secretary of State shall be the Clerk of this court.
Section 4 1. The Court of Chancery shall consist of a Chancellor. 2. The Chancellor shall be the Ordinary or Surrogate General, and Judge of the Prerogative Court. 3. All persons aggrieved by any order, sentence, or decree of the Orphans Court, may appeal from the same, or from any part thereof to the Prerogative Court; but such order, sentence, or decree shall not be removed into the Supreme Court, or Circuit Court if the subject matter thereof be within the jurisdiction of the Orphans Court. 4. The Secretary of State shall be the register of the Prerogative Court, and shall perform the duties required of him by law in that respect.
Section 5 1. The Supreme Court shall consist of a Chief Justice and four associate Justices. The number of Associate Justices may be increased or decreased by law, but shall never be less than two. 2. The Circuit Courts shall be held in every County of this State, by one or more of the Justices of the Supreme Court, or a Judge appointed for that purpose; and shall in all cases within the County, except in those of a criminal nature, have common law jurisdiction, concurrent with the Supreme Court; and any final judgment of a
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N EW J ERSEY Circuit Court may be docketed in the Supreme Court and shall operate as a Judgment obtained in the Supreme Court from the time of such docketing.
seven thousand inhabitants, such Township may have an additional Justice for each additional three thousand inhabitants above four thousand.
3. Final judgments in any Circuit Court may be brought by writ of Error into the Supreme Court, or directly into the Court of Errors and Appeals.
2. The population of the Townships in the several Counties of the State and of the several wards shall be ascertained by the last preceeding census of the United States, until the Legislature shall provide, by law, some other mode of ascertaining it.
Section 6 1. There shall be no more than five Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in each of the Counties in this State after the terms of the Judges of said Court now in office shall terminate. One Judge for each County shall be appointed every year, and no more, except to fill vacancies which shall be for the unexpired term only. 2. The commissions for the first appointments of Judges of said Court shall bear date and take effect on the first day of April next; and all subsequent commissions for Judges of said Court shall bear date and take effect on the first day of April in every successive year, except commissions to fill vacancies which shall bear date and take effect when issued.
Section 7 1. There may be elected under this Constitution, two, and not more than five, Justices of the peace in each of the townships of the several Counties of this State, and in each of the wards, in Cities that may vote in wards. When a township or ward contains two thousand inhabitants or less, it may have two Justices: when it contains more than two thousand inhabitants, and not more than four thousand, it may have four Justices: and when it contains more than four thousand inhabitants, it may have five Justices: provided, that whenever any township not voting in wards contains more than
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ARTICLE VII Appointing power and tenure of office
Section 1 Militia Officers21 1. The Legislature shall provide by law for enrolling, organizing and arming the militia. 2. Captains, Subalterns, and noncommissioned officers, shall be elected by the members of their respective Companies. 3. Field officers of regiments, independent battalions, and squadrons, shall be elected by the commissioned officers of their respective regiments, battalions or squadrons. 4. Brigadier Generals, shall be elected by the field officers of their respective brigades. 5. Major Generals, shall be nominated by the Governor, and appointed by him, with the advice and consent of the Senate. 6. The Legislature shall provide, by law, the time and manner of electing militia officers, and of certifying their elections to the Governor, who shall grant their commissions, and determine their rank, when not determined by law; And no Commissioned officer shall be removed from office, but by the sentence of a Court Martial, pursuant to law.
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW J ERSEY (1844) 7. In case the electors of Subalterns, Captains, or Field officers, shall refuse or neglect to make such elections, the Governor shall have power, to appoint such officers, and to fill all vacancies caused by such refusal or neglect.
3. The State Treasurer, and the Keeper and Inspectors of the State Prison shall be appointed by the Senate and General Assembly in Joint meeting. They shall hold their offices for one year, and until their successors shall be qualified into office.
8. Brigade Inspectors shall be chosen by the Field officers, of their respective brigades.
4. The Attorney General, Prosecutors of the24 Pleas, Clerk of the Supreme Court, Clerk of the Court of Chancery, and Secretary of State, shall be nominated by the Governor and appointed by him with the advice and consent of the Senate. They shall hold their offices for25 five years.
9. The Governor shall appoint the Adjutant General, Quarter Master General, and all other militia officers, whose appointment is not22 otherwise provided for in this Constitution. 10. Major Generals, Brigadier Generals and Commanding officers of regiments, independent battalions, and squadrons, shall appoint the Staff officers of their divisions, Brigades, regiments, independent battalions, and squadrons respectively.
Section 2 Civil Officers23 1. Justices of the Supreme Court, Chancellor, and Judges of the Court of Errors and Appeals, shall be nominated by the Governor, and appointed by him, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Justices of the Supreme Court and Chancellor, shall hold their offices for the term of seven years: shall at stated times receive for their services a compensation which shall not be diminished during the term of their appointments; and they shall hold no other office under the Government of this State or of the United States. 2. Judges of the Courts of Common Pleas shall be appointed by the Senate and General Assembly, in joint meeting. They shall hold their offices for five years; but when appointed to fill vacancies they shall hold for the unexpired term only.
5. The law reporter shall be appointed by the Justices of the Supreme Court or a majority of them; and the Chancery reporter shall be appointed by the Chancellor. They shall hold their offices for five years. 6. Clerks and Surrogates of Counties shall be elected by the people of their respective Counties, at the annual elections for members of the General Assembly. They shall hold their offices for five years. 7. Sheriffs and Coroners, shall be elected annually by the people of their respective counties at the annual elections for members of the General Assembly. They may be re-elected until they shall26 have served three years but no longer; after which, three years must elapse, before they can be again capable of serving. 8. Justices of the Peace shall be elected by ballot at the annual meetings of the Townships in the several Counties of the State, and of the wards in27 Cities that may vote in wards, in such manner and under such regulations as may be hereafter provided by law. They shall be commissioned for the County, and their Commissions, shall bear date and take effect on the first day of May next after their election. They shall hold their offices for five years; but when elected to fill vacancies, they shall
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N EW J ERSEY hold for the unexpired term only; provided, that the commission of any Justice of the Peace shall become vacant upon his ceasing to reside in the township in which he was elected. The first election for Justices of the peace, shall take place at the next annual town-meetings of the townships in the several counties of the State, and of the wards in cities, that may vote in wards. 9. All other officers, whose appointments are not otherwise provided for by law, shall be nominated by the Governor and appointed by him with the advice and consent of the Senate; and shall hold their offices for the time prescribed by law. 10. All civil officers elected or appointed, pursuant to the provisions of this Constitution shall be Commissioned by the Governor. 11. The term of office of all officers elected or appointed pursuant to the provisions of this constitution, except when herein otherwise directed, shall commence on the day of the date of their respective commissions; but no commission for any office shall bear date prior to the expiration of the term of the incumbent of said office.
ARTICLE VIII General Provisions28 1. The Secretary of State shall be ex officio an auditor of the accounts of the Treasurer, and as such, it shall be his duty to assist the legislature in the annual examination and settlement of said accounts, until otherwise provided by law. 2. The seal of the State shall be kept by the Governor or person administering the Government, and used by him officially, and shall be called the great seal of the State of New Jersey.
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3. All grants and commissions shall be in the name and by the authority of the State of New Jersey, sealed with the great seal, signed by the Governor or person administering the government, and countersigned by the Secretary of State, and shall run thus: “The State of New Jersey to ––– ––––––, Greeting.” All writs shall be in the name of the State; and all indictments shall conclude in the following manner29 , viz; “against the peace of this State the government and dignity of the same.” 4. This Constitution shall take effect and go into operation on the second day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty-four.
ARTICLE IX Amendments Any30 specific amendment or amendments, to the Constitution may be proposed in the Senate or General Assembly, and if the same shall be agreed to by a majority of the members elected to each of the two houses, such proposed amendment or amendments shall be entered on their journals, with the yeas and nays taken thereon31 , and referred to the Legislature then next to be chosen, and shall be published for three months previous to making such choice, in at least one newspaper of each County, if any be published therein; and if in the Legislature, next chosen, as aforesaid, such proposed amendment or amendments, or any of them, shall be agreed to by a majority of all the members elected to each House, then it shall be the duty of the Legislature to submit such proposed amendment or amendments, or such of them as may have been agreed to as aforesaid by the two legislatures, to the people, in such manner and at such time, at least four months after the adjournment of the Legislature, as the
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW J ERSEY (1844) legislature shall prescribe; And if the people at a special election to be held for that purpose only, shall approve and ratify such amendment or amendments, or any of them by a majority of the electors qualified to vote for members of the legislature voting thereon, such amendment or amendments so approved and ratified shall become part of the constitution: provided that if more than one amendment be submitted, they shall be submitted in such manner and form that the people may vote for, or against each amendment separately and distinctly; but no amendment or amendments shall be submitted to the people by the Legislature oftener than once in five years.
ARTICLE X
2. All officers now filling any office or appointment, shall continue in the exercise of the duties thereof, according to their respective commissions or appointments, unless, by this Constitution it is otherwise directed. 3. The present Governor, Chancellor and Ordinary or Surrogate General, and Treasurer shall continue in office until successors elected or appointed under this constitution shall be sworn or affirmed into office. 4. In case of the death, resignation, or disability of the present Governor, the person who may be Vice President of Council at the time of the adoption of this Constitution shall continue in office and administer the government until a Governor shall have been elected and sworn or affirmed into office under this constitution.
Schedule That no inconvenience may arise from the change in the constitution of this State, and in order to carry the same into complete operation, it is hereby declared and ordained, that – 1.32 The common law and statute laws now in force not repugnant to this constitution, shall remain in force until they expire by their own limitation, or be altered or repealed by the Legislature; and all writs, actions, causes of action, prosecutions, contracts, claims and rights of individuals and of bodies corporate, and of the State, and all charters of incorporation, shall continue, and all indictments which shall have been found, or which may hereafter be found, for any crime or offence committed before the adoption of this Constitution may be proceeded upon as if no change had taken place. The33 several Courts of law and equity, except as herein otherwise provided, shall continue with the like powers and jurisdiction as if this constitution had not been adopted.
5. The present Governor, or in case of his death or inability to act, the Vice President of Council, together, with the present members of the Legislative Council and Secretary of State shall constitute a board of state canvassers, in the manner now provided by law, for the purpose of ascertaining and declaring the result of the next ensuing election for Governor, members of the House of Representatives, and electors of President and Vice President. 6. The returns of the votes for Governor, at the said next ensuing election shall34 be transmitted35 to the Secretary of State, the votes counted, and the election declared,36 in the manner now provided by law in the case of the election of electors of President and Vice President. 7. The election of Clerks and Surrogates, in those Counties where the term of office of the present incumbents37 shall expire previous to the general election of eighteen hundred and forty five, shall be held at the general election next ensuing the adoption
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N EW J ERSEY of this constitution; the result of which election shall be ascertained in the manner now provided by law for the election of Sheriffs. 8. The elections for the year eighteen hundred and forty four shall take place as now provided by law. 9. It shall be the duty of the Governor to fill all vacancies in office happening between the adoption of this constitution and the first session of the senate, and not otherwise provided for and the commissions shall expire at the end of the first session of the Senate or when successors shall be elected or appointed and qualified. 10. The restriction of the pay of members of the Legislature, after forty days from the commencement of the session, shall not be
applied to the first legislature convened under this constitution. 11. Clerks of Counties shall be Clerks of the inferior Courts of Common Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the several counties, and perform the duties, and be subject to the regulations now required of them by law until otherwise ordained by the Legislature. 12. The Legislature shall pass all laws necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this Constitution. Done in Convention, at the State House in Trenton, on the twenty-ninth day of June, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the sixty-eighth.38
ALEXANDER WURTS President of the Convention39 WILLIAM PATERSON, Secretary Th.40 J. SAUNDERS, Assistant41 Sec[retar]y42 Warren43 P[hineas]. B. Kennedy Samuel Hibbler Robert S. Kennedy Somerset P[eter]. D. Vroom Ferdinand S. Schenck George H. Brown Hunterdon Jonathan Pickel David Neighbour Peter I. Clark45 Middlesex M[oses]. Jaques James Parker Jos[eph]. F. Randolph James C. Zabriskie
46
Morris Mahlon Dickerson Francis Child Ephraim Marsh W[illiam]. Nelson Wood Monmouth George F. Fort Bernard Connolly Thomas G. Haight Daniel Holmes Rob[er]t. Laird44 Burlington Moses Wills J[onathan]. J. Spencer W[illia]m. R. Allen Jo[h]n C. Ten Eyck Cha[rle]s. Stokes
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW J ERSEY (1844) Mercer Jo[h]n R. Thomson Henry W. Green R[ichard]. S. Field Bergen John Cassedy Abr[aham]. Westervelt Hudson Rob[er]t Gilchrist Passaic Elias B. D. Ogden Andrew Parsons Sussex Joseph E. Edsall John Bell Martin Ryerson Essex Jos[eph]. C. Hornblower D[avi]d Naar O[liver]. S. Halsted Elias Van Arsdale46 William Stites47 1
Verified by A Constitution, Agreed Upon By the Delegates of the People of New Jersey, In Convention, Begun at Trenton on the 14th day of May, and continued to the 29th day of June, 1844, Trenton: Published and for Sale by F. S. Mills & C. Brittain, Printed by F. S. Mills, [1844], 56 p., and corrected according to the engrossed manuscript preserved in the State Archives of New Jersey at Trenton, NJ. Also checked against the versions as published in Journal of the Proceedings of the Convention to Form A Constitution For the Government of the State of New Jersey; Begun at Trenton on the Fourteenth Day of May, A.D. 1844, and Continued to the Twenty-Ninth Day of June, A.D. 1844, Trenton: Printed by Franklin S. Mills, 1844, 269–293, in Acts of the Sixty-Ninth Legislature of the State of New Jersey, and First Session Under the New Constitution, Trenton: Printed by Phillips & Boswell, 1845, 5–22, in Proceedings of the New Jersey State Constitutional Convention of 1844, compiled and edited by the New Jersey Writers’ Project of the Works Projects Administration with an Introduction by John Bebout, Sponsored by the New Jersey State House Commission, s.l., s.n., 1942, 613–633, in Fundamental Laws and Constitutions of New Jersey, 1664–1964, ed. by Julian P. Boyd, Princeton, N.J.: D. Van Nostrand Com-
Camden Jo[h]n W. Mickle Abraham Browning Gloucester Jo[h]n R. Sickler Charles C. Stratton Atlantic Jonathan Pitney Salem Jo[h]n H. Lambert Richard P. Thompson Alex[ande]r. G. Cattell Cumberland W[illia]m. Belford Ewing Joshua Brick Daniel Elmer Cape May Joshua Swain
pany, 1964, 165–192, and in The Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 59 (2000), 76–95. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the engrossed manuscript. The constitution was ratified by the people on August 13, 1844, with 20,276 votes in favor of and 3,526 against it (cf. Convention Journal, 297). The constitution was amended in 1875, 1897, 1929, and 1939, and remained in effect until superseded by the third constitution of New Jersey in 1947. 2 In separate Mills print, 1, employed as title. In Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 76, introductory passage missing. 3 In Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 77, “a”. 4 Ibid., 78, “case”. 5 Ibid., 79, number missing. 6 Ibid., 80, last two words missing. 7 In separate Mills print, 16, and in Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 81, word missing. 8 In separate Mills print, 17, “and of the”; in Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 81, “or of the”. 9 In Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 81, “and”. 10 Ibid., 82, “each”. 11 Ibid., 83, word missing.
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N EW J ERSEY 12
Ibid., “great”. Ibid., “paid”. 14 Ibid., 84, number missing. 15 In separate Mills print, 25, “the”. 16 Ibid., 30, and in Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 86, “state legislature”. 17 In Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 87, “14”. 18 Ibid., number missing. 19 Ibid., “reason”. 20 Ibid., “failure”. 21 Ibid., 90, “Militia Officers. Section 1.”. 22 Ibid., “nor”. 23 Ibid., 91, “Civil Officers. Section 2.”. 24 Ibid., word missing. 25 Ibid., word missing. 26 Ibid., word missing. 27 Ibid., 92, “in the”. 28 In separate Mills print, 46, “Provision”. 29 In Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 93, word missing. 30 In separate Mills print, 48, “1. Any”. 31 In Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 93, word missing. 32 Ibid., 94, “Section 1.”, and thus continued in the schedule through “Section 12.”. 33 Ibid., “change had taken place. The” missing. 34 Ibid., 95, word missing. 35 Ibid., “submitted”. 36 Ibid., word missing. 37 Ibid., “incumbent”. 13
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38
In Fundamental Laws, ed. by Boyd, 192, rest missing. 39 In separate Mills print, 55, added: “The Hon. I.H. Williamson, the President, resigned in consequence of ill health, and Mr. Wurts was unanimously elected to fill the vacancy”. In Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 95, “President.”. 40 In Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 95, “Tn.”. 41 In Convention Proceedings, 632, “Assist.”. 42 In Session Law print, 22, and in Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries, 95, list of signers missing. In separate Mills print, 55, followed by: “Names of Members”. 43 Order of Counties and of signers as in manuscript, which is basically kept up in Convention Journal, 292– 293, and in Convention Proceedings, 632–633. The separate Mills print, 55–56, re-arranged counties and, within them, signers, in alphabetical order. 44 In Convention Journal, 292, and in Convention Proceedings, 632, name missing. 45 In separate Mills print, 56, added “Alexander Wurts”, who, however, only signed in his capacity as President. 46 In Convention Journal, 292, and in Convention Proceedings, 633, “Vanarsdale”. 47 In separate Mills print, 55, “I. H. Williamson, Pres[iden]t.” and “Silas Condit” added as Essex delegates. According to the Convention Proceedings, 633, however, “Williamson was ill, and Condit refused to sign”. Cf. also n. 10.
Failed Constitution of New Mexico (1850)
Proyecto de Constitución de Nuevo Méjico (1850)
Constitution of the State of New Mexico1
Constitucion del Estado de Nuevo Mejico1
PREAMBLE
PREAMBULO
W E, the people of New Mexico, in order to establish Justice, promote the welfare, and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity; acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe, and imploring his aid and direction in its accomplishment, do ordain and establish the following Constitution or form of Government, and do mutually agree with each other to form ourselves into a free and independent State, by the name of the State of New Mexico, with the following limits and boundaries, to wit, as follows:
Nosotros, el Pueblo de Nuevo-Mejico, con el fin de establecer justicia, facilitar el bien estar y asegurar la felicidad de la libertad, a nosotros mismos y a nuestra posteridad, reconociendo, con corazones agradecidos la bondad del Soberano Ser Sopremo del Universo, implorando ser su alluda y direccion para su cumplimiento, ordenamos y establecemos la Constitucion o Forma de Gobierno, que mutuamente convenimos unos con los otros a constituirnos en un Estado, libre e independiente, con el nombre de Estado de Nuevo-Mejico, con los limites y linea siguientes:
BOUNDARIES Beginning at the Dam in the Rio del Norte, which supplies with water the “asequia,” or irrigating canal of the town of El Paso del Norte; and running thence due East to the hundreth parallel2 ; thence due North on said parallel to a point where the same intersects the River Arkansas; thence up the middle of the channel of said River to its source; thence in a direct line to a point on the Rio Colorado of California, where the same is intersected by the one hundred and eleventh parallel of longitude West from Greenwich;
Asaber: Comensando la linea de la presa del Rio del Norte, en donde subministran las aguas regaderas a la orilla del Paso del Norte, pasando desde alli asi al Oriente hasta el paralelo ciento de longitud al Oeste de Greenwich2 , desde alli asi al Norte sobre el dicho paralelo a un punto en donde la misma intercepta el Rio de Napeste, alli para arriba pasando por el medio de dicho Rio hasta su nacimiento: desde alli por una linea recta tirada a un punto en el Rio Colorado de California, en donde la misma es interceptada
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N EW M EXICO thence due South on the said parrallel of longitude to a point on the Rio Gila, intersected by the same; thence up the middle of the main channel of the said River to the point which may be designated by the Commissioners appointed to establish the line between the United States and the Republic of Mexico, as the point where said River or one of its branches shall be intersected by the Western line of New Mexico; thence South3 on the said line, as the same shall be established by the Commissioners, to the angle formed by the States of Chihuahua, Sonora and New Mexico; thence Easterly on the line between the United States and the Republic of Mexico, as it shall be laid down by said Commissioners, to a point where the same may intersect the Rio del Norte; thence down said River to the place of beginning.
por el paralelo ciento once de longitud Oeste de Greenwich: desde alli asia al Sur sobre dicho paralelo de longitud a un punto en el Rio de Gila interceptado por la misma: desde alli para arriba por en medio de dicho Rio a un punto que sera designado por los Comicionados nombrados para establecer la linea entre los Estados-Unidos y Mejico, en el punto en donde dicho Rio o uno de sus brasos sera interceptado por la linea del Oeste de N. Mejico, desde alli asia al Sur sobre la dicha linea segun sea establecida la misma por los dichos Comicionados, al angulo formado por los Estados de Chihuahua, Sonora, y N. Mejico: desde alli asia al Oriente sobre la linea entre medio de los Estados Unidos y Mejico segun sera demarcado por dichos Comicionados, a1 Rio del Norte3 y continuada abajo del mismo hasta el lugar donde comenso.
ARTICLE I
ARTICULO I
Declaration of Rights
Declaracion de derechos
S ECT. 1. All men being born equally free and independent, and having certain natural, inheritant4 and inalienable rights, amongst which are the enjoying and defending of life and liberty, the acquirement, possession and protection of property, and the pursuit of and attainment of happiness; therefore, no male person shall be held by law to serve any person as a servant, slave or apprentice, after he arrives at the age of twenty-one years; nor female in like manner, after she arrives at the age of eighteen years, unless they be bound by their own consent after they arrive at such age, or are bound by law for punishment of crime.
S EC. 1. Todo hombre nacido es igualmente libre, e independiente, y tiene cierto derecho natural inherente, e innagenable entre los cuales es de gozar y defender su vida y libertad, posellendo propiedad, y protegiendo propiedad para obtener la felicidad:4 por tanto ningun varon sera tenido por la ley para servir a alguna persona como siervo o esclavo o aprendis despues de que llegue a la edad de veinte y un anos, ni muger de la misma manera despues que llegue a la edad de diez y ocho anos, sino es que sea obligado en un contrato por su propio consentimiento5 , u obligado por la ley en castigo por algun crimen.
S ECT. 2. All power is inherent in the people; all free Governments are founded in their authority; they have therefore an inalienable and indefeasible right to institute Government, to alter and reform, or to totally change
S EC. 2. Todo poder es inherente al Pueblo, todo gobierno libre es fundado por su autoridad, por tanto el Pueblo tiene el derecho inagenable e imbencible de establecer gobierno, de alterar, reformar, o cambiar
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FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N EW M EXICO (1850) the same when their safely or happiness require5 it.
el mismo enteramente cuando su seguridad o felicidad lo requiera.
S ECT. 3. All men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences, which right shall never be infringed; and no preference shall ever be given by law to any religious society, mode of worship, or any control or interference with the rights of conscience be permitted.
S EC. 3. Todo hombre tiene un derecho natural e inrrevocable de dar culto a Dios segun el dictamen de su conciencia, el cual derecho nunca sera interrumpido ni quitado, ni ninguna preferencia nunca sera dada por la ley a ninguna sociedad religiosa o modo de dar culto.6
S ECT. 4. No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office of public trust in this State; nor shall the civil rights, privileges or capacities, of any Citizen in any manner be diminished or enlarged on account of his religious opinions, except as is in this Constitution hereinafter provided.
S EC. 4. Ninguna testa religiosa sera nunca requerida como una calificacion a un empleo de interes publico en este Estado, los derechos civiles7 de cualesquiera Ciudadano en ninguna manera seran disminuidos o engrandecidos por causa de sus opiniones religiosas, esepto como es proivido8 en esta Constitucion en adelante.
S ECT. 5. Every person may freely speak, write and publish, his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty.
S EC. 5. Cualesquiera persona puede libremente hablar escribir, y publicar sus sentimientos sobre cualesquier asunto siendo responsable al abuso de esa libertad.
S ECT. 6. No law shall ever be passed to curtail or restrain the liberty of speech or the press.
S EC. 6. Nunca habra ley alguna restringiendo la libertad de hablar, o la libertad de la prenza.
S ECT. 7. The people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions, from unreasonable searches and seizures; and no warrant shall issue without describing the place to be searched, or the person or thing to be seized, as nearly as may be, nor without probable cause supported by oath or affirmation.
S EC. 7. El Pueblo sera seguro en sus personas, casas, papeles, y poseciones de cateos9 inrrasonables y ningun auto sera expedido sin que el lugar sea resenado en donde es intentado de registrar, o la persona o cosa de ser agarrada a lo mejor pocible, ni sin causa probablemente suficiente soportada10 por una declaracion jurada de afirmacion11 .
S ECT. 8. All elections shall be free and equal.
S EC. 8. Todas las elecciones seran iguales y libres.
S ECT. 9. The right of trial by jury shall be inviolable, except that the Legislature may authorize the trial of civil suits when the matter in dispute does not exceed fifty dollars, by a jury of six persons.
S EC. 9. Ninguna propiedad privada sera tomada o aplicada a usos publicos, sin una justa compensacion si no fuere por el entero y voluntario consentimiento del dueno.12
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N UEVO M ÉJICO S EC. 10. El derecho de la averiguacion por un Jurado sera inviolable exeptuando que la Legislatura puede autorizar la averiguacion13 cuando la materia litigada no esceda de cincuenta pesos por un Jurado de seis personas. S ECT. 10. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall have the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, to be informed of the accusation against him, to be confronted with the witnesses against him, to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel in his defence.
S EC. 11. En todas prosecuciones criminales el acusado tendra el derecho de una pronta y publica averiguacion por un Jurado imparcial, de ser informado de la naturaleza de la acusacion contra el, de ser confrontado con los testigos contra el, de tener proceso egecutivo para obtener14 la asistencia de abogado en su defenza.
S ECT. 11. No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offence unless on the presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases of impeachment, or in cases cognizable by Justices6 of the Peace, or in the Army, or in the Militia, when in actual service, or in time of war.
S EC. 12. Ninguna persona sera tenida a responder por una ofensa criminal si no es que sea por precentacion o querella legal de un gran jurado, escepto en casos de acusacion publica15 o en casos conocibles ante Alcaldes, o en egercito o milicia cuando esta en actual servicio, o en tiempo de guerra.
S ECT. 12. No person, after accquittal, shall be tried for the same offence, and all persons shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient securities, except for capital offences, when the proof is evident or the presumption great; and the writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended unless when, in case of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it.
S EC. 13. Ninguna persona despues que sea hallada sin culpa sera jusgada despues por la misma ofenza, y toda persona antes de ser convicta tendra el derecho de dar fianza con fiadores suficientes escepto que sea por ofensa capital en donde la evidencia es clara, o la presuncion grande y el auto de habeas corpus, no sera suspendido sino que sea en casos de rebolucion16 , o imbacion o que la seguridad publica lo requiera.
S ECT. 13. Excessive bail shall not be required; excessive fines shall not be imposed, or cruel and unjust punishment inflicted.
S EC. 14. Fianza ecesiva no sera requerida, multas ececibas no seran impuestas, ni castigos crueles o desconocidos17 .
S ECT. 14. The Military shall be subordinate to the Civil powers7 . No standing Army shall be kept up by the State in time of peace; and no Soldier shall be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner; nor in time of war except in the manner prescribed by law.
S EC. 15. Los militares estaran sugetos a la sobordinacion a los poderes civiles, ningun egercito permanente sera tenido por el Estado, en tiempo de la paz, y ningun soldado sera acuartelado en alguna casa sin consentimiento del dueno ni en tiempo de guerra esepto en la manera designada por la ley.
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P ROYECTO DE C ONSTITUCIÓN DE N UEVO M ÉJICO (1850) S ECT. 15. No person in this State, except such as are employed in the Army or Navy of the United States, or Militia, in time of actual service, shall be subject to corporeal punishment under the Military law.
S EC. 16. Ninguna persona en este Estado esepto los que esten empleados en el exercito o nave de los Estados Unidos o milicia en actual servicio, seran sugetos a castigos corporales bajo la ley militar.
S ECT. 16. Every Citizen shall have the right to keep or bear arms in the lawful defence of himself or the State.
S EC. 17. Todos los ciudadanos tendran el derecho de tener18 armas en la legal defenza de si mismo o el Estado.
S ECT. 17. No conviction shall work corruption of blood or confiscation of property8 .
S EC. 18. Ninguna convicion sera causa para corrupcion de sangre, y confiscacion de bienes.
S ECT. 18. No expost facto law, retroactive law, or any law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be made.
S EC. 19. Ninguna ley expost facto, o ley retroactiva o cualesquiera ley disminuiendo la obligacion de contratos sera echa.
S ECT. 19. Emigration from this State shall never be prohibited; nor shall any Citizen ever be exiled under any pretence whatever.
S EC. 20. Emigracion de este Estado nunca sera prohivida, ni ningun ciudadano de este Estado sera desterrado bajo ningunas pretenciones.
S ECT. 20. No distinction shall ever be made by law between resident Aliens and Citizens, in reference to the possession, enjoyment or descent, of property.
S EC. 21. Ninguna distincion sera nunca echa por la ley entre residentes aliados19 y ciudadanos, en referencia a la poscesion o desendencia20 de propiedad.
S ECT. 21. The people have the right freely to assemble together to counsel for the common good, to make known their opinions to their representatives, and to petition for redress of grievances.
S EC. 22. El pueblo tiene el derecho libremente de juntarce en puntos de tomar consejo para el bien comun, de dar a conocer sus opiniones a sus representantes y peticionar para el alivio de sus males.
S ECT. 22. No power of suspending laws shall be exercised except by the Legislature or its authority.
S EC. 23. Ningun poder para suspender leyes sera ejercitado esepto por la autoridad de la Legislatura21 .
S ECT. 23. This enumeration of Rights shall not be construed to impair or deny others retained by the people.
S EC. 24. Esta enumeracion de derechos no sera contraida para disminuir o negar los demas retenidos por el pueblo.
ARTICLE II
ARTICULO II
Distribution of Powers
Distribucion de poderes
S ECT. 1. The powers of the government of the State of New Mexico shall be divided into three distinct departments, and each of them confided to separate bodies of mag-
S EC. 1. Los poderes del Estado de N. Mejico seran divididos en tres departamentos distintos, y cada uno de ellos limitado a cuerpos separados de magistrados a saver.
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N EW M EXICO istracy, to wit: Those which are Legislative, to one; those which are Judicial, to another; and those which are Executive, to another.
Los que son Legislativos a uno; los que son Judiciales a otro; y los que son Ejecutivos a otro.
S ECT. 2. No person, or collection of persons, being of one of those9 departments, shall exercise any power properly belonging to either of the others, except in those instances hereinafter expressly directed or permitted.
S EC. 2. Ninguna persona o coleccion de personas siendo de uno de estos departamentos ejercera ningun poder perteneciendo propiamente a cualesquiera de los otros, escepto en los casos de aqui en adelante espresamente dirigidos o permitidos.
ARTICLE III
ARTICULO III
Legislative Department
Departamento legislativo
S ECT. 1. The Legislative powers of the State shall be vested in two distinct branches; one to be styled the Senate, the other the House of Representatives, and both together the Legislature of the State of New Mexico. The style of all laws shall be, – Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of New Mexico.
S EC. 1. Los poderes legislativos del Estado seran depositados en dos ramos distintos, uno que sera titulado el Senado; otro la Camara de Representantes, y ambos la Legislatura del Estado de Nuevo Mejico. El estilo de todas las leyes sera[:] decretadas por la Legislatura del Estado de Nuevo Mejico.
S ECT. 2. The members of the House of Representatives shall be chosen by the qualified electors, and their term of office shall be two years from the day of their general election; and the session of the Legislature shall be held annually, at such time as shall be prescribed by law.
S EC. 2. Los miembros de la Camara de Representantes seran elejidos por los electores calificados, y su termino22 de empleo sera dos anos del dia de su eleccion general, y las secciones23 de la legislatura seran convocadas anualmente en el tiempo que sera designado por la ley.
S ECT. 3. No person shall be a Representative unless he be a Citizen of the United States, and one year previous to his election a Citizen of this State, and six months of the county, city or town, for which he shall be chosen, and shall have attained the age of twenty-one years.
S EC. 3. Ninguna persona puede ser representante si no es ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, y ciudadano de este estado un ano antes de su eleccion, y seis meses del condado, ciudad o villa, en la cual sera elejido, y con veinte-un anos cumplidos de edad.
S ECT. 4. The number of Senators shall not be less than one third or more than onehalf of the Representative body.
S EC. 4. El numero de Senadores nunca sera menos que la tercera parte o mas que una mitad del cuerpo representativo.
S ECT. 5. The Senators shall be chosen by the qualified electors, for the term of four years, and shall be divided by lot into two
S EC. 5. Los Senadores seran elejidos por los electores calificados por el termino de cuatro anos, y seran divididos por suerte
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FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N EW M EXICO (1850) classes, as nearly equal as may be. The seats of the Senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the first two years, and of the second class at the expiration of four years; so that one-half shall be chosen bienially thereafter; and such mode of classifying new additional Senators shall be observed as will, nearly10 as possible, preserve an equality of number in each class.
en dos clases iguales, tan iguales como se pueda. Los empleos de los Senadores de primera clase seran desocupados al fin de los primeros dos anos, y los de la segunda clase al fin de los cuatro anos, asi que una mitad sera elejida bienal despues, en tal modo de clasificar, nuevos senadores adiccionales, sera obserbados que se conserbara un numero igual en cada clase.
S ECT. 6. All elections by the people shall be held at such time and places, and in such manner in the several counties, cities and towns, as may be designated by law.
S EC. 6. Todas las elecciones del pueblo seran habidas en tales tiempos y lugares, y en tal manera en los diferentes condados, ciudades y villas, como sera designado por la ley.
S ECT. 7. No person shall be a Senator unless he be a citizen of the United States, and shall have been an inhabitant of this State two years next preceding his election, and the last year thereof a resident of the district for which he shall have been chosen, and shall have attained the age of twenty-five years.
S EC. 7. Ninguna persona puede ser un Senador si no que sea ciuda[da]no de los Estados Unidos, o que ha sido un havitante de este Estado dos anos precedentes al de su eleccion, y el ultimo en los dichos dos anos, un recidente del distrito por el cual sera elejido, y halla concluido veinte-cinco anos de edad.
S ECT. 8. Each House shall choose its own officers, (except when the Lieutenant Governor shall preside in the Senate,) and shall judge of the qualification and election of its own members; but contested elections shall be determined in such manner as shall be prescribed by law.
S EC. 8. Ambas camaras nombraran24 sus oficiales, escepto cuando el ViceGobernador precida el Senado, y jusgara la Calificacion y elecciones de sus miembros; pero elecciones contestadas seran determinadas en tal manera como sea provisto por la ley.
S ECT. 9. Two-thirds of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner and under such penalties as each House shall prescribe.
S EC. 9. Dos terceras partes de ambas camaras constituiran una mayoria para entrar en negocios, pero un numero menor puede prorrogar25 y obligar la asistencia de los miembros ausentes en tal manera, y bajo tales penas que sean provistas en cada Camara.
S ECT. 10. Each House may, with the consent of two-thirds of its members, for any good cause, expel and punish members for disorderly conduct; and each House may punish, by imprisonment, during the session, any person, not a member, for disrespectful or disorderly conduct in its presence, or for
S EC. 10. Cada Camara puede con el concentimiento de dos tercios de sus miembros por alguna causa buena espeler un miembro, podra castigar miembros por conducta desarreglada, y cada camara podra castigar con encarcelamiento durante la secion cualquiera persona que no sea miem-
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N UEVO M ÉJICO obstructing any of its proceedings, and may publish the same, or any part thereof, with the consent of two-thirds of its members. S ECT. 11. The ayes11 and nayes of either House shall, at the desire of any four members present, be entered on the Journal.
bro por falta de respecto o conducta desarreglada en su presencia, obstruyendo o embarazando en cualquiera de sus procedimientos, y podra castigar al mismo, con el consentimiento de dos tercios de sus miembros. Los26 votos27 de los miembros de ambas camaras seran puestos en el libro de acuerdo28 , deseandolo cualesquiera cuatro miembros presentes.
S ECT. 12. When a vacancy shall happen in either House, the Governor, or the person exercising the power of Governor, shall issue a writ of election to fill such vacancy.
S EC. 11. Cuando hay una vacante en una de las dos camaras, el Gobernador o la persona que ejersa los poderes del Gobernador, espedira un decreto de eleccion para llenar tales vacantes.
S ECT. 13. The doors of each House shall be kept open, except on such occasions as in the opinion of the House may require secresy.
S EC. 12. Las puertas de cada Camara estaran abiertas exceptuando en tales ocaciones que requieren secreto segun la opinion de la Camara.
S ECT. 14. Neither House shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which they may be sitting.
S EC. 13. Ninguna camara podra diferir sus seciones por mas tiempo que tres dias sin el consentimiento de la otra camara, ni a ninguno otro lugar que aquel en donde estaran en secion.
S ECT. 15. Bills may originate in either House, and may be amended, altered or rejected, by the other; and every Bill having passed both Houses, shall be signed by the Speaker and President of their respective Houses.
S EC. 14. Proyectos de ley podran darse en cualesquiera camara, y seran enmendados, alterados, o recusados, por la otra y cada proyecto haviendo pasado las dos camaras sera firmado por el Presidente29 de sus respectivas camaras.
S ECT. 16. Every Bill shall be read on three different days in each House, unless in case of urgency three-fourths of the House, in which such bill is pending, shall deem it expedient to suspend12 this Rule.
S EC. 15. Cada proyecto sera leido en tres dias diferentes en cada camara a menos que en caso de urgencia tres cuartos de la camara donde se espidio tal proyecto30 asi lo considere dispensado de esta regla.
S ECT. 17. No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be appointed to any Civil office under this State, which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which shall have been increased during such time.
S EC. 16. Ningun Senador o representante durante el tiempo que el estaba elejido sera nombrado a ningun empleo civil bajo este estado, el cual habra sido durante tal tiempo31 .
S ECT. 18. An accurate statement of the Receipts and Expenditures of the Public Money shall be attached to, and published
S EC. 17. Se llevara una cuenta exacta de recivos y desembolsos de dinero publico que sera agregada a las leyes y publicada
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P ROYECTO DE C ONSTITUCIÓN DE N UEVO M ÉJICO (1850) with, the Laws, at the rising of each session of the Legislature.
con las mismas en el levantamiento de cada seccion de la Legislatura.
S ECT. 19. The Governor, and all other Civil officers under this State, shall be liable to impeachment for any misdemeanor in office; but judgment in such cases shall not extend further than removal from office, and disqualification to hold any office of honor, profit or trust, under this State. The party, whether convicted or acquitted, shall, nevertheless, be liable to indictment, trial, judgment and punishment, according to law.
S EC. 18. El Gobernador y todos los Oficiales Civiles de este Estado, seran sugetos a acusacion publica por cualesquiera mal proceder en su empleo; pero en tales casos juicio no se estendera mas que ser removidos de sus empleos y inavilitados de tener empleo de honor o confianza32 bajo este Estado. Cuando la parte sea convita o no sera no obstante sugeta a acusacion publica33 , examen judicial juicio y castigo segun la ley.
S ECT. 20. No Judge of any Court of Record in this State, Secretary of State, Attorney-General, Clerk of any Court of Record, Sheriffs, or Collectors of Public Moneys, or persons holding any office under the United States, shall have a seat in any Legislature of this State.
S EC. 19. Ningun Juez de cualesquiera Corte de registro en este Estado, Secretario del Estado, Fiscal General, Registrador34 , Escribanos, de cualesquiera Corte de Registro, Alguaciles o Colectores de dineros publicos, o personas teniendo cualesquiera empleo bajo los Estados Unidos, tendra un aciento en ninguna legislatura de este Estado.
S ECT. 21. Every person who shall be chosen or appointed to any office of trust or profit, shall, before entering on the duties thereof, take an oath to support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of this State, and to faithfully discharge the duties of his office.
S EC. 20. Cada persona que sea elejida o nombrada a cualesquiera oficio de confianza o provecho, antes de entrar a desempenar los deveres del mismo debera prestar juramento de sostener la Constitucion de los Estados Unidos y la Constitucion de este Estado y para desempenar fielmente las obligaciones de su empleo.
S ECT. 22. The Legislature shall have full power to exclude from the privilege of electing, or of being elected, any person convicted of bribery, perjury, or other infamous crime.
S EC. 21. La Legislatura General tendra facultades amplias de escluir del privilegio de elegir o ser elegido a toda persona convita de cohecho perjurio u otro crimen infame.
S ECT. 23. In the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one, and every tenth year thereafter, an enumeration of all the inhabitants of this State shall be made, in such manner as prescribed by law.
S EC. 22. En el ano de mil ochocientos cincuenta y uno y cada diez anos despues, se hara una enumeracion de todos los habitantes de este Estado, de la manera que sea prevenido por la ley.
S ECT. 24. The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeaching; but a majority of the members elected must concur in an impeachment.
S EC. 23. La Camara de Representantes tendra solamente el poder de acusar35 ; pero una mayoria de los miembros elegidos deve concurrir en una acusacion publica.
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N EW M EXICO S ECT. 25. All impeachments shall be tried by the Senate; and when sitting for that purpose the Senators shall be upon oath or affirmation to do justice according to law.
Todas36 las acusaciones publicas seran juzgadas por el Senado y estando reunidos los Senadores con este fin estaran bajo de Juramento a la afirmacion37 para hacer justicia segun la ley.
S ECT. 26. No officer shall exercise his office after he shall have been impeached, until after his acquital. And the impeachment of such officer shall not be carried to conviction without the consent of two-thirds of the Senators.
S EC. 24. Ningun Oficial podra ejercer su empleo despues de haber sido acusado, hasta despues de que sea absuelto; y la acusacion publica de tal empleado no sera proseguida a convicion sin el concentimiento de dos tercios de los Senadores.
ARTICLE IV
ARTICULO IV
Of the Executive
Poder ejecutivo
S ECT. 1. The Executive power shall be vested in a Governor, who shall hold his office for four years, and a Lieut.-Governor, who shall be elected at the same time, and for the same term.
S EC. 1. El poder Ejecutivo sera conferido en un Gobernador, quien durara en su oficio cuatro anos, y un Vice-Gobernador que sera elejido al mismo tiempo, y por el mismo tiempo.
S ECT. 2. No person who is not a Citizen of the United States, and a qualified elector, and who shall not have resided in the State for three years next preceding his election, shall be eligible to the office of Governor or Lieut.-Governor.
S EC. 2. Ninguna persona que no sea ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, y un elector calificado que no ha recidido en el Estado por tres anos, antes de su eleccion, sera elegible al empleo de Gobernador, y ViceGobernador.
S ECT. 3. The Governor and Lieut.Governor shall be elected by the qualified electors of the State, at the time and places of choosing members of the Legislature. The persons respectively having the highest number of votes for Governor and Lieut.Governor shall be elected; but in case two or more shall have an equal and the highest number of votes for Governor or Lieut.Governor, the two Houses of the Legislature, at its next annual session, shall, forthwith, by joint ballot, choose one of the persons so having an equal and the highest number of votes for Governor or Lieut.-Governor. The returns of election for Governor shall be made as provided by law.
S EC. 3. El Gobernador y Vice-Gobernador seran elejidos por los electores calificados del Estado, al tiempo, y lugar donde se elijan miembros de la legislatura. Las personas respectivas que octubieren mayor numero de votos para Gobernador y ViceGobernador,38 las dos camaras de la legislatura en su procsima seccion39 inmediatamente elejiran por voletas40 una de las personas que tengan igual el mayor numero de votos para Gobernador y Vice-Gobernador. Los retornos de elecciones para Gobernador seran hechos como sera provisto por la ley.
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FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N EW M EXICO (1850) S ECT. 4. The Governor shall be Commander-in-Chief of the Military forces of the State. He shall have power to convene the Legislature on extraordinary occasions, and in case of invasion or danger from the prevalence of contagious disease at the Seat of Government, he may convene them at any other suitable place within the State. He shall communicate to the Legislature, at every session, the condition of the State, and recommend such matters to them for their consideration as he may deem expedient. He shall transact all necessary business with the officers, Civil and Military, of the Government. He shall expedite all such measures as may be resolved upon by the Legislature, and shall take care that the laws are faithfully executed.
S EC. 4. El Gobernador sera comandante en gefe de las fuerzas militares del Estado. El tendra poder para convocar la legislatura en los casos extraordinarios por causa de invaccion o riesgo de alguna epidemia o peste41 en la capital. El puede convocarlos en cualesquiera otra parte conveniente dentro del Estado. El comunicara a la legislatura en cada secion, la condicion del Estado, y recomendara tales asuntos a ellos para su concideracion que el crea conveniente. El hara todo negocio necesario anecso al oficio de Gobernador, civil y militar42 . El llevara a efecto tales medidas que seran resueltas por la legislatura, y tendra cuidado que las leyes sean vien ejecutadas.
S ECT. 5. When any office shall, from any cause, become vacant, and no mode is provided by the Constitution for filling such vacancy, the Governor shall have power to fill such vacancy by granting a commission, which shall expire at the end of the next session of the Legislature, or at the next election by the people.
S EC. 5. Cuando algun oficio o empleo43 vacare por algun causa, y no hubiere modo provisto por la constitucion para reemplasarlo, el Gobernador tendra poder de llenar la vacante, dando comiciones que se acabaran al fin de la procima secion de la legislatura o prosima elecion del pueblo.
S ECT. 6. In case of disagreement between the two Houses of the Legislature as to the time of adjournment, the Governor shall have power to adjourn the Legislature to such time as he may think proper; provided it be not beyond the time fixed by law for the meeting of the next Legislature.
S EC. 6. En caso de alguna diferencia entre las dos camaras de la legislatura en cuanto al tiempo de prorrogarcer el Gobernador tendra facultad de prorrogar la legislatura a tal tiempo que el crea conveniente, con la condicion que no sea por mas tiempo que el ordinario designado por la ley, para la reunion de la prosima legislatura.
S ECT. 7. No person shall, while holding any other office under the United States, or under this State, execute the office of Governor, except as hereinafter expressly provided.
S EC. 7. Ninguna persona durante su empleo publico bajo los Estados Unidos o del Estado, durante su ocupacion podra desempenar las funciones de Gobernador sin que haya alguna provicion hecha despues de esta.
S ECT. 8. The Governor shall, at stated times, receive, for his services, a compensation which shall neither be increased or13 diminished during the time for which he shall have been elected; and the salary of the Gov-
S EC. 8. El Gobernador recivira a tiempos senalados por sus servicios, una compensacion la cual no sera disminuida, ni aumentada durante el tiempo por el cual halla sido elejido, y el salario del Gobernodor no sera
59
N UEVO M ÉJICO ernor shall never be less than two thousand five hundred dollars per annum.
menos de dos mil quinientos pesos anuales.
S ECT. 9. The Lieut.-Governor shall, by virtue of his office, be President of the Senate; have a right, when in Committee of the Whole, to debate and vote on all subjects, and whenever the Senate are equally divided to give the casting vote. And in case of the death, resignation, removal from office, inability or refusal of the Governor to serve, or of his impeachment, or absence from the State, the Lieut.-Governor shall exercise the powers and authority appertaining to the Governor, until another be chosen at the regular election for Governor and be duly qualified, or until the Governor impeached, absent, or disabled, shall be acquitted, return, or his disability be removed.
S EC. 9. El Vice-Gobernador, por virtud de su oficio, sera presidente del Senado, tendra el derecho cuando se forme comicion de un todo, a discutir y votar en todas las cuestiones, y cuando resulte un empate en el Senado, el dara su voto para la decision de la cuestion, y en caso de fallecimiento o resignacion, o suspension de las funciones44 , inhavilidad o que reuza el Gobernador de servir, o alguna acusacion45 contra el, o su auciencia del Estado, el ViceGobernador ejercera los poderes y autoridad pertenecientes al Gobernador hasta que otro sea elejido en las elecciones regulares de Gobernador y devidamente calificado, o basta que el Gobernador acusado, ausente, o inavilitado, sea justificado, vuelva, o su inaxilidad sea removida.
S ECT. 10. Whenever the Government shall be administered by the Lieut.-Governor, or he shall be unable to attend as President of the Senate, the Senate shall elect one of its own members as President for the time being; and if, during the vacancy of the office of Governor, the Lieut.-Governor shall die14 , refuse to serve, or be removed from office, or be unable to serve, or if be shall be impeached, or be absent from the State, the President, for the time being, of the Senate, shall, in like manner, administer the Government until he shall be superceded by a Governor or Lieutenant-Governor.
S EC. 10. Cuando el Vice Gobernador este administra[n]do el Gobierno, o por alguna causa este incapas de asistir como Precidente del senado, el senado eligira un miembro de su cuerpo de Presidente por el tiempo y durante la vacante del oficio de Gobernador. El Vice-Gobernador si murere, resigna, o reusa de su destino, o sea removido de sus funciones, o por incapacidad de servir o que sea acusado, o aucente del Estado, el Precidente del senado interin, administrara el Gobierno en la misma manera hasta que sea relevado por un Gobernador.46 El47 ViceGobernador durante sus servicios48 tendra una conpensacion doble de la que reciva el Precidente de la camara de representantes, y nada mas. El49 Vice-Gobernador, o el Precidente interino del senado durante su administracion del gobierno, como Gobernador recivira la misma conpensacion que el Gobernador habria recivido si hubiera estado ocupado en el desempeno de sus funciones, y nada mas. Si el vice Gobernador esta en el ejerci-
S ECT. 11. The Lieut.-Governor shall, while he acts as President of the Senate, receive, for his services, double the compensation which shall be allowed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and no more. S ECT. 12. The Lieut.-Governor, or President, for the time being, of the Senate, shall, during the time he administers the Government as Governor, receive the same com-
60
P ROYECTO DE C ONSTITUCIÓN DE N UEVO M ÉJICO (1850) pensation which the Governor would have received had he been employed in the duties of his office, and no more. If the Lieut.Governor shall be administering the Government, and shall, while in such administration, die, resign, or be absent from the State, during the recess of the Legislature, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of State to convene the Senate for the purpose of choosing a President, for the time being.
cio del Gobierno y durante tal administracion, muere, resigna, o esta ausente del Estado a tiempo del receso de la Lejislatura recaera sobre el secretario el dever de convocar el senado con el fin de elegir, o nombrar50 un Precidente interino.
S ECT. 13. There shall be a Seal of the State, which shall be kept by the Governor and used by him officially.
S EC. 11.51 Habra un sello de Estado, el cual estara en poder del Gobernador y sera uzado por el, oficialmente.
S ECT. 14. All commissions shall be in the name and by the authority of the State of New Mexico, be sealed with the State Seal, signed by the Governor, and attested by the Secretary of State.
S EC. 12. Todas las comiciones estaran en el nombre, y por la autotoridad del Estado de Nuevo Mejico, seran sellados con el sello del Estado, firmados por el Gobernador y certificado por el secretario del Estado.
S ECT. 15. There shall be a Secretary of State, who shall be nominated by the Governor and appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Legislature, in joint ballot, and shall continue in office during the term of service of the Governor elect. He shall keep a fair register of all official acts and proceedings of the Governor, and shall, when required, lay the same, and all papers, minutes and vouchers, relative thereto, before the Legislature, or either House thereof; and shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by law.
S EC. 13. Habra un Secretario del Estado quien sera nominado por el Gobernador, y nombrado por y con el concentimiento de la Legislatura52 , por voleto, y continuara en sus funciones durante el termino de serbicio del Gobernador Electo. El llevara un libro de registro para todos los actos oficiales, y prosedimientos del Gobernador y cuando requerido, precentara el mismo todos los papeles, minutas, y certificados relativos al mismo, ante la Legislatura o cualquiera de las dos camaras, y tambien desempenara todas otras funciones que le sean requeridas por la ley.
S ECT. 16. Every Bill which shall have passed both Houses of the Legislature, shall be presented to the Governor: if he approve it he shall sign it; but if15 not he shall return it, with his objections, to the House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large upon the Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, three-fifths of the members elected shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, with the objections, to the other House, by which House it shall likewise be reconsid-
S EC. 14. Todo acto53 que halla sido aprovado por las dos Camaras de la Legislatura, ha de ser precentado al Gobernador, y si lo aprovare lo ha de firmar, y si no, lo remitira con sus obgecciones a la camara donde se origino, donde se asentaran las obgecciones sobre el Libro de prosedimientos54 , y prosederan a reconciderar dicho acto. Si despues de tal consideracion, tres quintos de dichos miembros electos conviene en pasar el acto sera remitido con las obgecciones, a la otra camara por la cual
61
N EW M EXICO ered. If passed by three-fifths of the members elected, of that House, it shall become a law; but in such cases the16 votes of both Houses shall be determined by ayes17 and nays, and the names of the members voting, for or against the Bill, shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the Governor within four days, (Sundays excepted,) if18 it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it; unless the Legislature, by its adjournment, before the expiration of the aforesaid four days, shall render a return within that time impracticable, – in which case, if not returned within two days after the next meeting of the Legislature, after the expiration of the said four days, it shall be a law.
sera lo mismo considerado, y si aprovado por los tres quintos de los miembros electos de aquella, sera ley, pero en tales casos los votos de las dos camaras seran determinados a viva voz55 , y los nombres de los miembros votando en pro o en contra del acto, sus nombres seran puestos en los acuerdos56 de las dos camaras respectivamente. Si no fuere debuelto algun acto por el Gobernador dentro de cuatro dias (eceptuando el Domingo) despues que halla sido presentado a el, el mismo sera ley, en la misma manera como si el lo hubiera firmado; unicamente si se prorrogara la Legislatura antes de la aprovacion de los cuatro dias dentro dicho tiempo impracticable,57 en cuyo caso sino esta debuelto dentro de dos dias de la convocacion de la proxima legislatura, despues de los cuatro dias sera ley.
S ECT. 17. Every Order, Resolution, or vote, to which the concurrence of both Houses of the Legislature may be necessary, except on questions of adjournment, shall be presented to the Governor, and before it shall take effect, be approved by him; or being disapproved, shall be repassed by the two Houses according to the rules and limitations prescribed in case of a Bill.
S EC. 15. Toda orden resolucion o voto que requiera la aprovacion de las dos camaras de la legislatura excepto sobre cuestiones de disolverse58 , ha de ser presentado por el Gobernador, y antes que se lleve a efecto ha de ser aprovado por el, o siendo desaprovado ha de ser reaprovado por las dos camaras segun las reglas y limitaciones59 en el caso de actos.
S ECT. 18. The Governor shall have power to remit fines and forfeitures, and by and with the consent of the Judges of the Supreme Court, or a majority thereof, to grant reprieves and pardons, in all cases except cases of impeachment.
S EC. 16. El Gobernador tendra poder de perdonar multas y confiscaciones, por y con el consentimiento y aprovacion60 de los Jueces de la Corte Superior o una malloria de ellos, de conceder indultos y perdones en todos los casos escepto en casos de impeachment.
S ECT. 19. He may require information in writing, from the officers of the Executive Departments, relative to the duties of their respective offices.
S EC. 17. El puede requerir informacion por escrito61 del Departamento ejecutivo, relativo a sus deveres respectivos a sus funciones.
S ECT. 20. A State Treasurer, and a Controller of Public Accounts, shall be appointed by the Governor, with the consent of both Houses of the Legislature, for the period of four years; but in case of vacancy in either
S EC. 18. Una Tesorero del Estado y un Intendente62 de Cuentas Publicas, sera nombrados por el Gobernador, con el consentimiento de las dos Camaras de la Legislatura63 .
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FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N EW M EXICO (1850) of said offices, during the recess of the Legislature, such vacancy shall be filled by the Governor, which appointment shall continue until action thereon is had by the next Legislature. S ECT. 21. No person shall be eligible to the office of Governor or Lieut. Governor for more than two terms out of three.
S EC. 19. Ninguna persona puede ser elegida al oficio de Gobernador o ViceGobernador y permanecer en su destino por mas tiempo que dos terminos de tres de su reeleccion64 .
ARTICLE V
ARTICULO V
Judicial Department
Poder65 judicial
S ECT. 1. The Judicial Power, as to all matters of Law and Equity, shall be vested in one Supreme Court, and in such other inferior Courts as the Legislature may, from time to time, establish.
S EC. 1. Todo poder judicial y asuntos66 de ley y equidad sera depocitado en una corte suprema, y en otras67 cortes que establecera la Legislatura de tiempo en tiempo.
S ECT. 2. The Supreme Court shall consist of a Chief Justice and three Associate Justices.
S EC. 2. La Corte Suprema concistira de un Juez Supremo y tres asociados.
S ECT. 3. The Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction only; and in no case shall a trial by jury be allowed in this Court. It shall have a general superintending control over all inferior Courts. It shall have power to issue writs of Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Quo Warranto, Certiorari, and other original and remedial writs, and to hear and determine the same.
S EC. 3. La Corte Suprema tendra jurisdiccion de apelacion unicamente, y en ningun caso sera admitido jurado68 en ella. Ella tendra en lo general la Superintendencia de Gobierno69 sobre todas las cortes inferiores. Ella tendra el poder de espedir mandamientos de Habeas-Corpus, mandamus, quowarranto, certiorari y otros mandamientos originales y remediales, y de oir y determinar los mismos.
S ECT. 4. The State shall be divided into three Circuits, until the first general enumeration of all its inhabitants shall have been made, or the Legislature shall otherwise direct, as follows: – The counties of Bernalillo and Valencia shall compose the Southern Circuit; the counties of Santa Ana, Santa Fe and San Miguel, the Central Circuit; and the counties of Taos and Rio Arr[i]ba, the Northern Circuit. In each county of each circuit a Circuit Court shall be held not less than
S EC. 4. El Estado sera dividido en tres Circuitos hasta que se haga la primera enumeracion general de todos sus havitantes o hasta que la lejislatura de otro modo provendra. El Estado sera dividido como sigue: Los Condados de Valencia y Bernalillo compondran el Distrito del Sur; los Condados de Santa-Anna, Sante Fe y San Miguel, el circuito Central; y los Condados de Taos y RioArriba, el Circuito del Norte. En cada Condado, y70 en cada Circuito se
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N UEVO M ÉJICO three times in each year. In each circuit, one of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court shall be the Judge thereof.
establecera una Corte de Circuito que tendra sus cortes a lo menos tres veses cada ano. En cada Circuito uno de los asociados de la Corte Suprema sera el Juez del Circuito de sus Condados respectivos, al que sea hecha la primero71 .
S ECT. 5. After the first enumeration of all the inhabitants of this State, in the year 1851, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law, the Legislature shall divide the State into four circuits, in each of which one of the four Judges of the Supreme Court shall be appointed to hold Circuit Court not less than four times in each year in each county.
S EC. 5. Despues de la72 Enumeracion de todos los habitantes del Estado para el Ano de 1851, en el modo que sera dirigido segun la ley. La Legislatura dividira despues el Estado en cuatro Circuitos en cada cual uno de los cuatro Jueces de la Corte Superior sera nombrado a tener cortes de Circuito a lo menos cuatro73 veses al ano, en cada Condado.
S ECT. 6. The jurisdiction of said Circuit Courts shall be prescribed by law, and the times and places of holding the same. S ECT. 7. No Judge of the Supreme Court shall sit as a Judge of the same upon the hearing and determination of any cause on which he, as a circuit Judge, has sat on its final determination.
S EC. 6. La jurisdiccion de dichas cortes de circuito sera preseptuada por la ley, y el tiempo y lugar en que ellas seran establecidas. Ningun74 Juez de la Corte Superior tendra aciento como Juez75 sobre la examinacion y terminacion76 de alguna causa en que el como Juez del Circuito a su desicion final halla sido en la Corte del Circuito.
S ECT. 8. The Judges of the Supreme Court may be removed from office, for any cause, which is not sufficient ground for impeachment, on the address of two-thirds of the members of both Houses.
S EC. 7. Los Jueces de la Corte Suprema seran removidos del empleo por cualesquiera causa que sea presentada con suficiente acusacion77 por el dictamen de las dos terceras partes de las dos Camaras.
S ECT. 9. The Judges of the Supreme Court shall be appointed by the Governor, with19 the consent of both Houses of the Legislature in joint ballot; and shall hold their offices for the term of six years, and until their successors be duly nominated and qualified.
S EC. 8. Los Jueces de la Suprema Corte seran nombrados por el Gobernador con previa aprovacion de las dos Camaras78 , y permaneceran en sus empleos por el tiempo de seis anos, y hasta que sus sucesores sean devidamente nombrados y calificados.
S ECT. 10. On the trial of any cause brought up by appeal from a Circuit Court, three of the Judges of the Supreme Court20 shall be necessary for a quorum.
S EC. 9. Sobre el examen de cualquiera causa traida por apelacion de una Corte del Circuito, tres de los Jueces de la Corte Suprema79 , ninguno de los cuales han sido la causa en la determinacion final en la Corte del Circuito, costituira una mayoria, en todos los otros casos, tres Jueces de la Corte Suprema seran necesarios para constituir una mayoria.
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P ROYECTO DE C ONSTITUCIÓN DE N UEVO M ÉJICO (1850) S ECT. 11. The Judges of the Supreme Court, or a majority of them, shall appoint the clerks of the Supreme Court. The Judges of the Circuit Courts shall respectively appoint their own clerks.
S EC. 10. Los jueces de la corte suprema o una mayoria de ellos nombraran los Secretarios80 de la corte suprema; y los jueces de las cortes de los circuitos nombraran los secretarios respetivos.
S ECT. 12. All processes, writs, and proceedings, shall be carried on by the “name and authority of the State of New Mexico,” and shall conclude in the words, “against the peace and dignity of the same.”
S EC. 11. Todos los procesos mandamientos y procedimientos seran rotulados en el nombre y autoridad del Estado de Nuevo Mejico y se concluiran con las palabras[:] contra la paz y dignidad del mismo.
S ECT. 13. A competent number of Justices of the Peace shall be elected by the people in each county, in such manner as the Legislature may direct, whose term of office, powers and duties, shall be regulated and defined by law.
S EC. 12. Un numero competente de jueces de paz seran elegidos por el Pueblo en cada Condado en la manera que sea provisto por la Legislatura quienes duraran en sus oficios poderes y deveres, cuyos tiempos de oficio poderes y deveres, seran regulados por las Leyes81 .
S ECT. 14. All judicial officers, whether elected or appointed, shall be commissioned by the Governor.
S EC. 13. Todo oficial Judicial que sea nombrado o elegido reciviran los nombramientos de sus comiciones, por el Gobernador.
S ECT. 15. Prosecuting Attorneys for the State, in the several Circuit Courts, shall be elected by both Houses of the Legislature in joint ballot, and commissioned by the Governor.
S EC. 14. Los promotores fiscales de las diferentes cortes de circuito del Estado seran elegidos por las dos camaras de la Legislatura por boletos convinados y recivira sus comiciones del Gobernador.
S ECT. 16. An Attorney General shall be appointed by both Houses of the Legislature in joint ballot, and commissioned by the Governor. His duties and term of office, as Attorney General and Prosecuting Attorney, shall be regulated by law.
S EC. 15. Un promotor fiscal general sera nombrado por voleto82 en las dos Camaras de Legislatura, y comicionado por el Gobernador, sus deveres y duracion en el oficio83 sera regulado por la Ley.
S ECT. 17. The Judges of the Supreme Court, by virtue of their offices, shall be conservators of the peace throughout the State.
S EC. 16. Los jueces de la Corte suprema por virtud de sus empleos seran concerbadores de la paz de todo el Estado.
S ECT. 18. The times and places of holding the Supreme Court shall be regulated and defined by law.
S EC. 17. El tiempo y lugar en que se han de tener las Cortes84 , sera arreglado y definido por la Ley.
S ECT. 19. The Legislature shall pass laws for the establishment and regulation of tribunals of conciliation, defining their powers and duties. Such tribunals shall have
S EC. 18. La Legislatura hara leyes para el establecimiento y arreglo de los tribunales de concilacion definiendo sus poderes y deveres. Tales tribunales tendran poderes
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N EW M EXICO power to render judgment to be obligatory on the parties, when they shall voluntarily submit their matter in difference to arbitration, and agree to abide the judgment, or assent thereto in writing.
de dar decicion que sera obligatoria sobre las partes cuando ellas voluntariamente cometan el asunto en cuestion a la arbitracion y conbenio de estar conformes con la decicion, o consentir lo mismo por escrito.
S ECT. 20. The Legislature shall provide by law for the speedy publication of all Statute laws and judicial decisions, made within the State, as may be deemed expedient.
S EC. 19. La Legislatura prevendra por ley la pronta publicacion de las leyes estatutos y deciciones judiciales hechas dentro del Estado como lo concidere mas propio.
S ECT. 21. Sheriffs and Constables shall be elected by the qualified electors of each of the counties, whose term of office and duties shall be regulated and defined by law.
S EC. 20. Los alguaciles85 seran elegidos por los electores calificados de cada condado, cuyos tiempos de oficio y deveres seran regulados y definidos por la ley.
ARTICLE VI
ARTICULO VI
Militia
Milicia
S ECT. 1. The Militia of this State shall be composed of able-bodied male Citizens, between the ages of eighteen and fifty years, except such as may hereafter be exempted by the Laws of the United States or of this State, and shall be armed, equiped and trained, as the Legislature may provide by law.
S EC. 1. La Milicia de este Estado sera compuesta de todos los ciudadanos varones de cuerpos utiles entre las edades de dies-y ocho y cincuenta anos esceptuando los que desde ora en adelante seran esonerados por las leyes de los Estados Unidos o de este Estado, y seran armados equipados y disciplinados como la Legislatura designara por una ley.
S ECT. 2. No person, or persons, conscientiously scrupulous of bear[ing] arms, shall be compelled to do Militia duty in time of peace; provided such person, or persons, shall pay an equivalent for such exemption in the same manner as other Citizens. All Commissioned officers, Staff officers excepted, shall be elected by the persons liable to perform Military duty, and shall be commissioned by the Governor. No Minister of the Gospel, or Priest of any denomination whatever, shall be required to perform Military duty, work on Roads, or serve on Juries.
S EC. 2. Ninguna persona, o personas de conciencia escrupulosa de llevar armas, no seran competidos de aser servicio Militar en tiempo de la paz. Con el bien entendido que tal persona o personas pagaran un equivalente por tal esoneracion en la misma manera que los demas ciudadanos, esceptuando los oficiales comisionados y oficiales ayudantes86 seran elejidos por las personas sujetados al servicio Militar y seran comicionados por el Governador. Ningun ministro del evangelio, o sacerdote de cualesquiera denominacion seran requeridos de haser servicios Militares, trabajar en camino o servir en Jurados.87
S ECT. 3. The Governor shall have power to call out the Militia to execute the Laws of
66
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N EW M EXICO (1850) the State, to repress insurrections, and to repel invasions.
ARTICLE VII
ARTICULO VII
Education
Mantenimiento de escuelas publicas88
S ECT. 1. A general diffusion of knowledge being essential to the preservation of the rights and liberties of the people, it shall be the duty of the Legislature of this State to make suitable provisions for the support and maintainance of Public Schools.
S EC. 1. Ciendo esencial la estension general de la sabiduria para la concervacion de los derechos y libertad del pueblo sera el dever de la Legislatura de este Estado de aser provisiones convenientes para mantener escuelas publicas.
S ECT. 2. The Legislature shall, at as early a day as practicable, establish Free Schools throughout the State, and shall furnish means for their support by taxation; and it shall be the duty of the Legislature to set apart not less than one-twelfth of the annual revenue of the State, derived from taxation, as a perpetual fund, which fund shall be appropriated to the support of Free Public Schools, and no law shall be made diverting said fund to any other use.
S EC. 2. La Legislatura tan luego que sea practicable establesera escuelas89 por todo el Estado y proveer a el modo de mantenerlos por tributo, y sera el dever de la Legislatura de poner aparte a lo menos un duodecima parte de las rentas anuales del Estado, derivadas del tributo como un fondo perpetual el cual fondo sera aproporcionado al mantenimiento de las escuelas publicas90 y ninguna ley sera echa disponiendo que dicho fondo sea usado de otro modo.
S ECT. 3. The supervision of public instruction shall be vested in a State superintendant, and such other officers as the Legislature may direct; the powers and duties of which officers shall be prescribed by law. The Secretary of State shall, by virtue of his office, be the State superintendant, for which he shall receive no extra compensation under any pretence whatever.
S EC. 3. El superintendente91 de la instruccion publica, sera puesto en un superintendente del Estado y tales otros oficiales como sera dirigida por la Legislatura los poderes y deveres de los cuales oficiales seran prescritos por la ley. El Secretario del Estado por virtud de su oficio sera el superintendente del Estado por lo cual no recibira recompensacion bajo de ninguna pretencion.
ARTICLE VIII
ARTICULO VIII
Suffrage
Sufragio
S ECT. 1. Every male person of the age of twenty-one years, or upwards, (Africans, or the descendants of Africans, and uncivilized Indians excepted,) belonging to either
Todo92 varon de edad de veinte-un anos y arriva (Africanos o decendientes de Africanos y Indios barbaros93 exceptuado) pertenecientes a cualquiera de las clases
67
N UEVO M ÉJICO of the following classes, and who shall have resided in this State for six months next preceding any election, shall be a qualified elector at such election.
siguientes quien habran residido en el Estado por seis meses anteriores a alguna eleccion sera jusgado calificado como elector en tal eleccion.
F IRST : Citizens of the United States residing in this State.
Primero: Ciudadanos de los Estados Unidos residiendo en este Estado.
S ECOND : Persons who elected to remain Citizens of the Republic of Mexico, according to Article Eighth21 of the Treaty of Peace, made and concluded between the United States of North America and the Republic of Mexico, at Guadalupe Hidalgo, and ratified by the Congress of the United States the thirtieth day of May, A.D. 1848,22 and who shall have taken, at least six months preceding any election, before some Judge of the Supreme Court in this State, or before a Clerk of any Court of Record in this State, an oath renouncing and abjuring all allegiance or fealty to the Government of the Republic of Mexico, and to support the Constitution of the United States and of this State.
Secundo: Personas quienes han elegido ser ciudadanos de la Republica Mexicana segun el articulo ocho del Tratado de Paz, hecho y concluido entre los Estados Unidos del Norte America y la Republica Mexicana en Gaudalupe Hidalgo y ratificada por el Congreso de los Estados Unidos, el dia treinta de Mayo, del ano A. D. 1848, quien habra tomado un juramento a la menos seis meces antes de cualquiera eleccion, ante algun jues de la Suprema Corte, o ante algun Escribano de alguna Corte de Registro en este Estado renunciando y abjurando todo fidelidad o lealidad a la Republica Mexicana94 y a sostener la Constitucion de este Estado, y la de los Estados Unidos.
T HIRD : Persons of foreign birth, not referred to in the two preceding clauses, who shall have declared their intention to become Citizens of the United States, conformably to the Laws of the United States on the subject of naturalization.
Tercero: Personas nacidas en paises estrangeros no mencionadas en las clases arriba, quienes habran declarado sus intenciones de ser ciudadanos de los Estados Unidos en conformidad a las leyes de los Estados Unidos, tocante al asunto de naturalizacion.
S ECT. 2. No Soldier in the Army of the United States shall be entitled to vote in this State.
Cuatro:95 Ningun soldado del ejercito de los Estados Unidos tendra derecho de votar en este Estado.
ARTICLE IX
ARTICULO IX
General Provisions
Proviciones generales
S ECT. 1. Members of the Legislature, and all other officers, before they enter on the duties of their offices, shall take an oath to support the Constitution of the United States, of23 this State, and faithfully and impartially to discharge and perform all the duties in-
S EC. 1. Miembros de la Legislatura, y todos los demas oficiales antes de que entren sobre sus deveres como tales, prestaran un juramento de sostener la constitucion de los Estados Unidos y la de este Estado, de desempenar y cumplir fiel y imparcialmente
68
P ROYECTO DE C ONSTITUCIÓN DE N UEVO M ÉJICO (1850) cumbent upon them as such officers, according to the best of their ability and judgment.
todos sus deveres que les sean impuestos como tales oficiales lo mejor que les sea pocible96 .
S ECT. 2. Treason against the State shall consist only in levying war against it, or in adhering to its enemies – giving them aid and comfort; and no person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or his own confession in open court.
S EC. 2. Traicion contra este estado concistira solamente levantando guerra contra el, o alludando al Enemigo dandoles alluda y alivio, y ninguna persona sera convicta de traicion si no es, que sea sobre testimonio de dos testigos de algun acto intentado97 o por su propia confesion en la corte avierta.
S ECT. 3. The following officers shall never be allowed less than the following salaries, per annum, for their services: the Governor, two thousand five hundred dollars; the Secretary of State, twelve hundred dollars; Treasurer, six hundred dollars; Controller of Public Accounts, six hundred dollars; AttorneyGeneral, six hundred dollars, and such fees as may be allowed by law; Chief Justice, eighteen hundred dollars; Associate Justices, fifteen hundred dollars each; and the Legislature shall provide by law for the compensation of all officers, servants, agents, and public contractors, not provided for by this Constitution. The members of both Houses shall receive three dollars for each days attendance, during any session of the Legislature, and ten cents for each mile, coming and returning, from the Seat of Government. The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall receive four dollars per day, and the President of the Senate eight dollars per day.
S EC. 3. Los oficiales siguientes nunca les sera consedido un salario, menos de lo que sigue por sus cervicios anuales; el Gobernador dos mil quinientos pesos El Secretario del Estado mil doscientos pesos, el Tesorero seis cientos pesos, el intendente de cuentas98 seis cientos pesos el Promotor Fiscal General, los derechos99 que le sean concedidos por la ley, y seiscientos pesos, el Juez Presidente de la corte superior mil ochocientos pesos, cada uno de los conjueses mil quinientos pesos;100 los miembros de las dos Camaras recibiran tres pesos cada dia101 durante la sesion de la legislatura y diez centabas cada milla, veniendo y regresando de la capital102 . El Presidente de la Camara de Representantes recibira cuatro pesos cada dia, y el Presidente del Senado ocho pesos cada dia durante la sesion, y la legislatura provera por ley la recompensacion por todos los oficiales, sirvientes, agentes, y contratores publicos, por quien no este proebido103 por esta constitucion.
S ECT. 4. All Civil officers shall reside within the State, and all district or county officers within their district or county, and shall keep their offices at such places therein as may be required by law.
S EC. 4. Todo oficial cibil residira dentro del Estado, y todos los oficiales de los Distritos o condados tendran sus oficinas dentro de sus respectivos Distritos o condados104 , como sera designado por la ley.
S ECT. 5. Absence on the business of the State, or of the U. States, shall not forfeit a residence once obtained so as to deprive any one of the right of suffrage or of being elected or appointed to any office, under the exceptions contained in this Constitution.
S EC. 5. El que se ausente sobre negocios del Estado o de los Estados Unidos, no perdera su recidencia ya obtenida de modo de privar alguno de sus derechos al sufragio105 , bajo las esepciones contenidas en esta constitucion.
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N EW M EXICO S ECT. 6. Within five years after the adoption of this Constitution, the Laws, Civil and Criminal, shall be revised, digested, arranged and published, in such manner as the Legislature shall direct; and a like revision, digestion24 , and publication, shall be made every five years thereafter.
S EC. 6. Dentro de cinco anos de la adopcion de esta constitucion, las leyes civiles, y criminales seran revisadas, recopitadas, arregladas, y publicadas segun sea dispuesto por la Legislatura, esta revicion, recopilacion; y publicacion sera hecha cada cinco anos despues.
S ECT. 7. All revenue shall be raised by taxation, to be fixed by law. No other or greater amount of revenue shall, at any time, be levied than is required for the necessary expenses of the Government, unless by a concurrence of two-thirds of both Houses of the Legislature.
S EC. 7. Todas las rentas seran llevadas por tributacion de ser fijadas por la ley, y ninguna otra suma de rentas sera llevada en cualquier tiempo mas grande que sea requerida para los gastos necesarios por el gobierno, si no sea por concurrencia de dos tercias de las dos camaras de la legislatura.
S ECT. 8. The Legislature shall have power to lay an income tax, to tax all persons pursuing any trade, occupation or profession; provided, that the term occupation shall not be construed to apply to pursuits either agricultural or mechanical. Corporations shall not be created in this State by special laws, except for municipal purposes; but the Legislature may provide, by general laws, for the organization of all other corporations, as hereinafter provided.
S EC. 8. La Legislatura tendra poder de llevar tributo de ingreso, de hacer tributar a toda persona que prociga cualesquiera oficio, ocupacion, o profecion con tal que no sea construido el termino, ocupacion de ser aplicable al negocio de agricultura ni en la mecanica. No seran criadas Corporaciones en este Estado por Leyes especiales esceptuando por miras politicas o municipales106 , pero la Legislatura podra prover por una Ley general la organisacion de cualesquiera otras corporaciones, de aqui en adelante provisto.
S ECT. 9. The Legislature shall not have power to create, authorize, or incorporate, by any general or special law, any Bank or Banking privilege, or power, or any institution or corporation having any Banking privilege or power whatever, except as provided in the section following.
S EC. 9. La Legislatura no tendra poder de crear autorizar o incorporar por Ley general o especial algun banco o privilegio o establecer bancos o pedir institucion107 o corporacion con privilegios de bancos o poder cualesquiera relativo a bancos excepto como esta provisto en el articulo siguiente.
S ECT. 10. The Legislature may submit to the voters of any general election the question of Bank or no Bank, and if, at any such election, a number of votes equal to a majority of all the votes cast at such election, on that question, shall be in favor of Banks, then the Legislature shall have power to pass a general Banking Law, with such restrictions, and under such regulations as they may deem expedient for the safety of the
S EC. 10. La Legislatura puede someter a los Electores en cualesquiera eleccion general la cuestion de bancos o no bancos, y si en tales Elecciones un numero de votos igual o una mayoria108 de todos los votos dados en tales elecciones sobre aquella cuestion estan en favor de bancos entonses la Legislatura tendra poder de hacer una Ley general autorizando el establecimiento de bancos con tales limitaciones y tales regula-
70
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N EW M EXICO (1850) bill-holders.
ciones que ellos crean conveniente y propio para la seguridad de los duenos de los voletos de banco109 .
S ECT. 11. The credit of the State shall never be loaned for the benefit of any individual, corporation or association.
S EC. 11. El credito del Estado no sera dado o prestado en beneficio de ningun individuo asociacion o corporacion.
S ECT. 12. No divorce from the bonds of matrimony shall ever be granted, except by special act of the Legislature.
S EC. 12. Ningun divorcio del vinculo del matrimonio nunca sera concedido excepto por un acto especial de la Legislatura.
S ECT. 13. The Legislature shall, at the first session thereof, and may at any subsequent session, establish new counties for the convenience of the inhabitants of such new county or counties, or district.
S EC. 13. La Legislatura establecera en su primera seccion110 y puede establecer en cualesquiera seccion despues nuevos Condados por la conveniencia de los habitantes de tal nuevo Condado o Condados111 .
S ECT. 14. No money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in pursuance of appropriations made by law.
S EC. 14. Ningun dinero sera tomado de la Tesoreria sino es que sea segun las apropiaciones hechas por la Ley.
S ECT. 15. The Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney-General, and Controller of Public Accounts, shall keep their offices at the Seat of Government.
S EC. 15. El Gobernador Secretario del Estado o Promotor Fiscal General y el Intendente de Cuentas publicas tendran sus oficios en el lugar de la gobernacion.
S ECT. 16. After the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty two, whenever twothirds of the members elected to the Legislature shall think it necessary to amend or change this Constitution, they shall recommend to the electors, at the next election for members of the Legislature, to vote for or against a Convention, and if it shall appear that a majority of the Citizens of the State, voting for Representatives, have voted for a Convention, the Legislature shall, at its next session, call a Convention, to consist of as many members as there may be in the Legislature, to be chosen in the same manner, at the same places, and by the same electors that chose the Legislature, who shall meet within two months after the said election for the purpose of revising, amending, or changing the Constitution.
S EC. 16. Despues del ano de mil ochocientos sesenta y dos, cuando sea que dos tercios de los miembros elegidos a la Legislatura crean que sea necesario de enmendar o cambiar esta Constitucion ellos recomendaran a los Electores a la proxima Eleccion para miembros a la Legislatura para votar para si o en contra de una convencion y si aparese que una mayoria de los Ciudadanos de este Estado votando para representantes habran votado para una convencion, la Legislatura en proxima seccion112 combocara una convencion que consistira de otro tanto numero de miembros que haya en la Legislatura de ser elejidos en la misma manera, en el mismo lugar y por los mismos Electores que elijan la Lejislatura quienes se juntaran dentro de dos meses despues de dicha eleccion para el fin de la enmendacion revicion o cambio de la Constitucion.
S ECT. 17. Until a census of the people of this State shall have been taken, or until the
S EC. 17. Hasta que sea tomado el censo del pueblo de este Estado y hasta que la
71
N UEVO M ÉJICO Legislature shall otherwise direct, and the divisions shall be otherwise arranged by law, there shall be the following representation in the Legislature of this State: to the House of Representatives, from the county of Valencia, there shall be five members; from the county of Bernalillo two members; from the county of Santa Ana two members; from the county of Santa Fe three members; from the county of San Miguel del Bado three members; from the county of Rio Arriva25 three members; from the county of Taos three members. In the Senate, from the Southern district, composed of the counties of Valencia and Bernalillo, there shall be two members; from the Central district, composed of the counties of San Miguel del Bado, Santa Fe and Santa Ana, there shall be three members; from the Northern district, composed of the counties of Taos and Rio Arriva26 , there shall be two members.
Lejislatura de otro modo provea las diviciones del mismo, seran de otro modo arreglado por la Ley sera en la Lejislatura de este Estado la representacion siguiente a la Camara de representantes, del Condado de Valencia habra cinco miembros, del Condado de Bernalillo dos, del Condado de Santa-Anna dos, del Condado de Santa Fe tres, del Condado de San Miguel del Bado tres, del Condado del Rio-Arriba tres, del Condado de Taos tres, en el Senado del Distrito del Sur compuesto de los Condados de Valencia y Bernalillo seran dos miembros, del Distrito del centro compuesto de los Condados de Santa Fe, San Miguel del Bado y Santa-Anna tres miembros, del Distrito del Norte compuesto de los Condados de Taos y Rio-Arriba dos, miembros.
S ECT. 18. The members of either of the two Houses of the Legislature shall be free from arrest, except for breach of the peace, or felony, during the time the same shall be in session, and during the ten days next preceding and after such session.
S EC. 18. Los miembros de ambas Camaras de la Lejislatura seran libres de ser arrestados escepto quebrantamiento de paz y felonia durante el tiempo que sean en la secion y por diez dias antes y diez dias despues de la secion.
S ECT. 19. In the first election to fill offices under this Constitution, any person who is a Citizen of the United States, or any person who is qualified to vote under the same, shall be eligible to such offices, anything in this Constitution to the contrary notwithstanding.
S EC. 19. En la primera eleccion por oficiales bajo esta Constitucion cualesquiera Ciudadano de los Estados Unidos o cualesquiera persona competente de votar bajo lo mismo seran elegibles a tales empleos cualesquiera cosa contenida en esta Constitucion al contrario.
S ECT. 20. The Seat of Government for this State shall be at Santa Fe, until it shall be permanently located by the Legislature.
S EC. 20. La Capital113 de este Estado sera en Santa Fe hasta que sea establecido permanente por la Legislatura.
S ECT. 21. The Legislature shall declare by law, what parts of the Common, and what parts of the Civil Law, not inconsistent with the Constitution, shall be in force in this State.
S EC. 21. La Legistatura declara por una ley, que parte de la ley comun de Inglaterra114 y que parte de la ley Civil que no sea inconsistente con esta Constitucion sera vigente en fuerza de este Estado.
S ECT. 22. It shall be the duty of the Legislature to provide for the organization of
S EC. 22. Sera el dever de la Legislatura de preveer para organizacion de Ciudades
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P ROYECTO DE C ONSTITUCIÓN DE N UEVO M ÉJICO (1850) cities and corporated villages, and to limit the power of taxation, assessment, borrowing money, and contracting debts by such municipal corporations.
y Villas incorporadas y para limitar el poder de contribuciones, derechos, impuestos115 , prestamos de dineros, contrayendo deuda por tales Corporaciones Municipales.
SCHEDULE
CEDULA
S ECT. 1. That no inconvenience may arise in the change from a Territorial to a State Government, it is declared that all writs, actions, prosecutions, contracts, claims and rights, shall continue as if no change had taken place in the Government; and all processes which may, before the organization of the Judicial Department under this Constitution, be issued under the Territory of New Mexico, shall be valid as if issued in the name of the State.
S EC. 1. Para que no haya inconveniencia en el cambio del Gobierno Territorial al de Estado, es declarado que todos los auctos, acciones precentaciones, contratos, demandas, y derechos continuaran como si tal cambio en el Gobierno no hubiera sucedido todo proceso cual que habra sido espedido antes de la organizacion del Departamento Judicial bajo esta Constitucion por autoridad del Territorio de Nuevo Mejico sera valida como si hubiera sido expedido en el nombre del Estado.
S ECT. 2. All fines, penalties and forfitures, accruing to the Territory of New Mexico, shall accrue to the use of the State.
S EC. 2. Todas las multas y penas pecuniarias116 que resulten a favor del Territorio de Nuevo Mejico se acresentaran para el uso y beneficio del Estado.
S ECT. 3. Recognizances heretofore taken, or which may hereafter be taken, and before the organization of the Judicial Department under this Constitution, shall remain valid, and shall pass to, and be prosecuted in the name of the State; and all bonds executed to the Territory, or to any officer in his official capacity shall be passed over to the Governor, or the proper State Officer, or to their successors in office, for the uses therein respectively expressed, and be sued for and recovered accordingly. All estates or property, real, personal, or mixed, all judgments, bonds, specialities, choses in action, and debts or claims of whatsoever description, of the Territory of New Mexico, shall accrue to, and be vested in the State of New Mexico, and may be sued for, and recovered in the same manner and to the same extent, by the State of New Mexico, as the same could have been done by the Territory of New Mex-
S EC. 3. Los reconocimientos que habran sido tomados o seran tomados antes de la organizacion del Departamento Judicial bajo esta Constitucion quedaran validos y seran precentados en el nombre del Estado117 y todas las fianzas ejecutado al Territorio [o] para cualesquiera oficial en su capacidad como oficial seran entregadas al Gobernador o a los oficiales propios del Estado u a sus sucesores en sus empleos para los usos respectivamente en ellos mencionado pueden ser demandados y recobrados segun sea prevenido. Todos los bienes o propiedad real personal o mesclados118 . Todas las obligaciones, juicio119 , especialidades, causas en accion, deudas, o demandas de cualesquiera clasa que sean del Territorio de Nuevo Mejico bendra a ser y pertenecera al Estado de N. Mejico y puede ser recobrado y demandado en la misma manera y con el mismo efecto por el Estado
73
N EW M EXICO ico.
de N-Mejico como pudiera haber sido hecho por el Territorio de N. Mejico.
S ECT. 4. All criminal prosecutions and penal action which may have arrisen, or which may arise, before the change from a Territorial to a State Government, and which shall then be pending, shall be prosecuted to judgment and execution in the name of the State.
S EC. 4. Todas las priciones criminales y acciones penales que pudieran haber sido comenzadas o habran de comenzar antes del cambio del Gobierno Territorial al de Estado cuales entonces serian pendientes, seran precentados a Juicio y ejecucion en el nombre del Estado.
S ECT. 5. All offences committed against the laws of the Territory of New Mexico, before the change from a27 Territorial to a State Government, and which shall not have been prosecuted before such change, may be prosecuted in the name of the State of New Mexico, with like effect as though such change had not taken place, and all penalties incurred shall remain the same as if this Constitution had not been adopted.
S EC. 5. Todas las ofensas cometidas contra las leyes del Territorio de N. Mejico antes del cambio del Gobierno Territorial al de Estado cual no habiendo sido precentado antes de tal cambio puede ser precentado en el nombre del Estado de Nuevo Mexico en la misma manera como de tal cambio, no hubiera sido echa, y todas las penas comenzadas quedarian lo mismo como si esta Constitucion no hubiera sido adoptada. Todos120 los leyes que antes tienen fuerza en esta, Territorio de Nuevo Mejico, seran con fuerza, hasta que sea de otro manera, proveido por la ley.
S ECT. 6. All laws heretofore in force in the Territory of New Mexico, shall be and remain in force until otherwise provided by law. All actions at Law, and suits in equity, which may be pending in any of the Courts in the Territory of New Mexico at the time28 of the change from a Territorial to a State Government, may be continued and transferred to any Court of the State which shall have jurisdiction of the subject matter thereof.
S EC. 6.121 Todas las acciones en la ley o pleitos en equidad cuales pudieren estar pendientes en cualesquiera de las cortes del Territorio de N. Mejico en el tiempo del cambio del Gobierno Territorial al de Estado de N. Mejico, pueden ser continuados y transferidos a cualesquier Corte del Estado a la cual teniendo Jueces o decicion del asunto y materia de ello122 .
S ECT. 7. All Civil Officers now holding their office under the United States, or the Territory of New Mexico, shall continue to hold and exercise their respective offices until they shall be superceded under this Constitution of the State of New Mexico.
S EC. 7. Todos los oficiales civiles teniendo empleo ahora bajo la autoridad de los Estados Unidos o del Territorio de Nuevo Mejico continuaran en sus empleos y egerceran los mismos respectivamente hasta que sean relebados bajo esta constitucion del Estado de Nuevo Mejico.
S ECT. 8. The Governor of the State shall make use of his private Seal until a State Seal shall be provided.
S EC. 8. El Governador hara uso de su sello privado asta que haya un seyo del Estado proveido.
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FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N EW M EXICO (1850) S ECT. 9. The first Session of the Legislature of the State of New Mexico, shall be held at the City of Santa Fe, and shall commence on the first day of July, 1850.
S EC. 9. La primera secion de la legislatura del Estado de Nuevo Mejico sera tenida en la Ciudad de Santa Fe y comensara el dia I.o de julio de 1850.
S ECT. 10. The Military and Civil Governor of the Territory shall be requested, immediately on the adjournment of this Convention, to issue writs of Election to the Prefects of the several counties, requiring them to cause an election to be held on the twentieth day of June29 , 1850; the electors to vote for or against this Constitution; for a Governor and Lieut.-Governor, a Representative in the Congress of the United States, Senators and Representatives to the Legislature; and the returns of such election shall be made to the Prefects, who, together with the Prefect’s Clerks, shall count the votes given, and Certificates of Election shall be given by them to such persons as shall have received the highest number of votes for members of the Legislature. The Prefects of the several counties shall forward30 correct returns, under their hands, of all the votes given in their respective counties, for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and Representative to Congress, and votes for and against this Constitution, to the present Secretary of the Territory at Santa Fe, who, when the Legislature shall convene, shall lay such returns before them on the first day of their session, so soon as both Houses shall be organized, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President, pro tempore, of the Senate, shall, in the presence of both Houses, examine the returns, and declare who are elected to fill those offices, and the votes for and against this Constitution. If any two or more persons shall have an equal and higher number of votes than any other person or persons, the Legislature shall determine the election in the manner hereinbefore31 provided.
S EC. 10. El Gobernador Civil y militar del Territorio de Nuevo Mejico sera solicitado que inmediatamente despues de la prorogacion de esta comvencion de expedir antes de las elecciones123 a los respectivos Prefectos de todos los Condados requeriendoles que inmediatamente publiquen en elecciones el dia, 20 de Junio de 1850, para que los electores voten para o contra esta constitucion, para un Gobernador, Vice Gobernador un representante al Congreso de los Estados Unidos, senadores y representantes a la legislatura, y los retornos de tales elecciones seran retornados a los Prefectos quienes juntamente con los escribanos de la Prefectura contaran los votos dados y un certificado de eleccion sera dado por ellos a las personas quienes hayan recibido el numero de votos mas alto para miembros a la legislatura, los Prefetos de los diferentes condados haran un retorno exato bajo sus manos de todos los votos dados en sus respectivos condados para Gobernador, Vice Gobernador, y representante al Congreso, y el retorno de los votos para o contra esta Constitucion al actual Secretario del Territorio en Santa Fe quien cuando la legislatura se convocara pondra los cuales retornos ante la misma en el primero dia de su seccion124 , tan luego que las dos Camaras sean organizadas; el precidente de la camara de representantes y el presidente interino del senado examinara en presencia de las dos camaras los retornos y declarara quienes son elegidos a esos empleos y los votos tomados para y contra de esta constitucion. Si cualesquiera dos personas o mas tuvieran un igual y mas alto numero de votos que cualquiera otra persona o personas, la legislatura determinara125 en la manera en que esta prescrito.
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N UEVO M ÉJICO S ECT. 1132 . The returns of the electors, for or against this Constitution, shall be certified to by the Governor elect, or the Lieutenant Governor acting as such, who shall despatch the same to the Secretary of State of the United States, within thirty days from the day of election. In all other respects the election shall be conducted according to the existing Laws of this Territory.
S EC. 11. Los retornos de las elecciones para o contra esta constitucion seran certificados por el Gobernador electo o el vice Governador, asiendo las veces de Gobernador quien despachara la misma del Estado al Secretario de los Estados Unidos dentro de treinta dias contados de la eleccion con respeto de mas las elecciones seran echas segun las leyes esistentes en este Territorio.
S ECT. 12. It shall be, and is hereby made, the duty of the Governor, or Lieut.-Governor acting as such, if it appears from the return of the votes for and against this Constitution that it has been adopted by the people, he shall immediately cause33 a fair copy of the same, together with a fair digest of the votes given for and against the Constitution, to be forwarded to the President of the United States, to be laid before the Congress of the United States.
S EC. 12. Sera el dever126 del Gobernador o el Vice-Gobernador actuando, como tal, si aparece segun los retornos de votos para y contra esta Constitucion, que la misma fue adoptada por el pueblo, immediatamente hara que una127 copia de la misma juntamente con una legal128 recopilacion de los votos dados para y en contra la Constitucion, de ser embido al Presidente de los Estados Unidos de ser puesto adelante el Congreso de los Estados Unidos.
S ECT. 13. The oaths of office herein before directed to be taken, may be administered by any Judge or any Alcalde, until the Legislature shall otherwise direct.
S EC. 13. El juramento de empleo aqui en adelante dirigido de ser tomado puede ser administrado por cualquiera Juez o Alcalde hasta que la legislatura determine de otro modo.
D ONE by the Delegates of the people of New Mexico, in Convention assembled, at Santa Fe, this 25th day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty, and of the Independence of the United States the seventy-fourth.
HECHA por los Delegados del Pueblo de Nuevo Mejico, en Convencion juntada, en Santa Fe, este dia 25 de Mayo, A.D. 1850, y de la Independencia de los Estados Unidos el 74.
JAMES H. QUINN, President. Jose Maria Martinez, George Gold, Jose Antonio Mansanares, Jose Pablo Gallegos, Thomas S. J. Johnson, Ceran St Vrain, Francisco Ortiz y Delgado, Joab Houghton, Levi J. Keithly, Jose Manuel Gallegos, Juan Perea,
JAMES H. QUINN, President. Jose Maria Martinez, Jorge129 Gold, Jose Antonio Mansanares, Jose Pablo Gallegos, Tomas130 S. J. Johnson, Ceran StVrain, Francisco Ortiz y Delgado, Joab Houghton, Levi J. Keithly, Jose Manuel Gallegos, Juan Perea,
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P ROYECTO DE C ONSTITUCIÓN DE N UEVO M ÉJICO (1850) Murray F. Tuley, Charles Overman, Antonio Jose Otero, Jose Antonio Baca y Pino, Ramon Luna. ROBERT CARY and34 DONACIANO VIGIL, Secretaries.
Murray F. Tuley, Carlos131 Overman, Antonio Jose Otero, Jose Antonio Baca y Pino, Ramon Luna. ROBERTO132 CARY y DONACIANO VIGIL, Secretarios.
1
1
Verified by Constitution of the State of New Mexico [caption title], [Santa Fé 1850], 17 p., and checked against the versions as published in Message from the President of the United States, Transmitting A copy of the constitution adopted by the inhabitants of New Mexico, together with a digest of the votes for and against it; also, a letter to the late President of the United States, September 9, 1850. 31st Congress, 1st Session, Ex. Doc. No. 74, [Washington 1850], 2–17, and in Constitution of the State of New Mexico 1850, publ. by Jack D. Rittenhouse, Santa Fé: Stagecoach Press, 1965, 13–46. The original manuscript is not known to have survived. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Santa Fé 1850 print. Obvious printing errors have been tacitly corrected and are not annotated. The constitution was adopted by the people on June 20, 1850, with 8,371 votes for and 39 votes against it (cf. Benjamin Read Collection, Folder 36, Box 8417, New Mexico State Records Center and Archives, Santa Fé, NM; Robert W. Larson, New Mexico’s Quest for Statehood, 1846–1912, Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1968, 38; Marc J. Stegmaier, Texas, New Mexico, and the Compromise of 1850. Boundary Dispute & Sectional Crisis, Kent, Ohio: Kent State University Press, 1996, 123. The figures in the Washington print, 2, listing, by counties, 6,771 votes cast in approval of the Constitution, were obviously incomplete, lacking the votes from the county of Rio Arriba). In the negotiations in Washington over the Compromise of 1850, the boundary dispute with Texas was settled, but statehood for New Mexico was rejected, thus being delayed until 1912. The Constitution was simultaneously published in Spanish (q.v.). 2 In Washington print, 2, “west from Greenwich” added. 3 Ibid., 3, “southerly”. 4 Ibid., “inheritant”. 5 Ibid., “requires”. 6 Ibid., 4, “justice”. 7 Ibid., “power”. 8 Ibid., “estate”. 9 Ibid., 5, “these”. 10 Ibid., “as nearly”. 11 Ibid., “yeas”. 12 Ibid., 6, “dispense with”. 13 Ibid., 7, “nor”. 14 Ibid., 8, “die, resign,”. 15 In Rittenhouse reprint, 27, “if he”.
Verified by Constitucion del estado de Nuevo Mejico [caption title], [Santa Fé 1850], 18 p., and checked against the simultaneously published English version (q.v.) of which it is the translation. The original manuscript is not known to have survived. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Santa Fé 1850 print. Obvious printing errors have been tacitly corrected and are not annotated. To avoid redundancies deviations in the Spanish translation have only been annotated when the translation is incomplete, incorrect, incoherent, or ambivalent. Matters purely of style have not been annotated. 2 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 1, last four words missing. 3 Ibid., “to a point where the same may intersect the Rio del Norte”. 4 Ibid., 2, “acquirement, possession and protection of property, and the pursuit of and attainment of happiness”. 5 In Spanish translation, “after they arrive at such age” missing. 6 In Spanish translation, “or any control or interference with the rights of conscience be permitted” missing. 7 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 2, “civil rights, privileges or capacities”. 8 Ibid., “provided”. 9 Ibid., “searches and seizures”. 10 Ibid., “supported”. 11 Ibid., “oath or affirmation”. 12 Section inserted in Spanish translation without equivalent in English text. Subsequent sect. 10–24 correspond to sect. 9–23 in English text. 13 In Spanish translation, “of civil suits” missing. 14 In Spanish translation, “witnesses in his favor, and to have” missing. 15 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 3, “impeachment”. 16 Ibid., “rebellion”. 17 Ibid., “unjust”. 18 Ibid., “keep or bear”. 19 Ibid., “Aliens”. 20 Ibid., “possession, enjoyment or descent”. 21 Ibid., “by the Legislature or its Authority”. 22 Ibid., 4, “term”. 23 Ibid., “session”. 24 Ibid., “shall choose”. 25 In Spanish translation, “from day to day” missing. 26 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 5, “S ECT. 11. The”. In
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N EW M EXICO 16
Ibid., “the the”. In Washington print, 8, “yeas”. 18 Ibid., “after”. 19 Ibid., 10, “by and with”. 20 Ibid., “, neither of whom shall have sat as judge on the final determination of the case in the circuit court, shall constitute a quorum; and in all other cases three judges of the supreme court” added. 21 Ibid., 11., “eight”. 22 For the Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Limits, and Settlement with the Republic of Mexico, signed at Guadalupe Hidalgo on February 2, 1848, cf. The Statutes at Large and Treaties of the United States of America, IX: From December 1, 1845, To March 3, 1851, 2nd ed., Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1862, 922– 943. On citizenship of Mexicans staying in the territory and wishing to become U.S. citizens, cf. art. VIII and IX of the treaty, ibid., 929–930. The ratifications were exchanged at Querétaro on May 30, 1848. 23 In Washington print, 12, “and of”. 24 Ibid., “digest”. 25 Ibid., 13, “Arriba”. 26 Ibid., “Arriba”. 27 In Rittenhouse reprint, 41, word missing. 28 In Santa Fé 1850 print, 16, “at the time of the time”. 29 Ibid., and in Rittenhouse reprint, 42, “July”. 30 In Santa Fé 1850 print, 16, and in Rittenhouse reprint, 42, word missing. 31 In Santa Fé 1850 print, 16, and in Rittenhouse reprint, 43, “hereinafter”. 32 In Santa Fé 1850 print, 16–17, and in Rittenhouse reprint, 43, “10”, and subsequent two sections misnumbered “11” and “12”, respectively. 33 In Washington print, 15, “immediately to cause”. 34 In Santa Fé 1850 print, 17, in Washington print, 16, and in Rittenhouse reprint, 46, “y”. 17
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consequence sections numbered in the Spanish translation 11 through 23 correspond in the English text to sect. 12–24. 27 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 5, “ayes and nayes”. 28 Ibid., “Journal”. 29 Ibid., “Speaker and President”. 30 Ibid., “in which such bill is pending”. 31 Ibid., “which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which shall have been increased during such time.” 32 Ibid., “any office of honor, profit or trust”. 33 Ibid., “indictment”. 34 Ibid., word missing. 35 Ibid., 6, “impeaching”. 36 Ibid., “S ECT. 25. All”. The subsequent Sect. 26 in English Santa Fé 1850 print corresponds to Sect. 24 in the Spanish translation. 37 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 6, “upon oath or affirmation”. 38 In Spanish translation, “but in case two or more shall have an equal and the highest number of votes for Governor or Lieut.-Governor,” missing. 39 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 6, “session”. 40 Ibid., “joint ballot”. 41 Ibid., “contagious disease”. 42 Ibid., 7, “He shall transact all necessary business with the officers, Civil and Military, of the Government”. 43 Ibid., “office”. 44 Ibid., “removal from office”. 45 Ibid., “impeachment”. 46 Ibid., “the Senate shall elect one of its own members as President for the time being; and if, during the vacancy of the office of Governor, the Lieut.-Governor shall die, refuse to serve, or be removed from office, or be unable to serve, or if he shall be impeached, or be absent from the State, the President, for the time being, of the Senate, shall, in like manner, administer the Government until he shall be superceded by a Governor or Lieutenant-Governor.” 47 Ibid., “S ECT. 11. The”. 48 In Spanish translation, “as President of the Senate” missing. 49 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 7, “S ECT. 12. The”. 50 Ibid., 8, “for the purpose of choosing”. 51 Ibid., “13”, and throughout the rest of the article sect. 14–21 in the English text correspond to sect. 12–19 in the Spanish translation. 52 Ibid., “with the advice and consent of the Legislature”. 53 Ibid., “Bill”. 54 Ibid., “Journal”. 55 Ibid., “by ayes and nays”. 56 Ibid., “Journal”. 57 Ibid., “shall render a return within that time impracticable”. 58 Ibid., “adjournment”. 59 In Spanish translation, “prescribed” missing.
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N EW M EXICO (1850) 60 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 8, “by and with the consent”. 61 In Spanish translation, “from the officers” missing. 62 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 9, “Controller”. 63 In Spanish translation, “for the period of four years; but in case of vacancy in either of said offices, during the recess of the Legislature, such vacancy shall be filled by the Governor, which appointment shall continue until action thereon is had by the next Legislature” missing. 64 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 9, last three words missing. 65 Ibid., “Department”. 66 Ibid., “The Judicial Power, as to all matters”. 67 Ibid., “such other inferior”. 68 Ibid., “trial by jury”. 69 Ibid., last two words missing. 70 Ibid., “of”. 71 Ibid., last ten words missing. 72 In Spanish translation, “first” missing. 73 In Spanish translation, “cuarto”. 74 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 10, “S ECT. 7. No”. Consequently, the subsequent sect. 8–21 in the article appear in the Spanish translation as sect. 7–20. 75 In Spanish translation, “of the same” missing. 76 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 10, “hearing and determination”. 77 Ibid., “which is not sufficient ground for impeachment”. 78 In Spanish translation, “of the Legislature in joint ballot” missing. 79 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 10, “shall be necessary for a quorum” instead of the rest of the Spanish section. 80 Ibid., “clerks”. 81 Ibid., “whose term of office, powers and duties, shall be regulated and defined by law”. 82 Ibid., “joint ballot”. 83 In Spanish translation, “as Attorney General and Prosecuting Attorney” missing. 84 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 10, “the Supreme Court”. 85 Ibid., “Sheriffs and Constables”. 86 Ibid., 11, “Staff officers”. 87 In Spanish translation, “Sect. 3. The Governor shall have power to call out the Militia to execute the Laws of the State, to repress insurrections, and to repel invasions.” missing. 88 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 11, “Education”. 89 Ibid., “Free Schools”. 90 Ibid., “Free Public Schools”. 91 Ibid., “supervision”. 92 Ibid., 12, “S ECT. 1. Every”. 93 Ibid., “uncivilized”. 94 Ibid., “Government of the Republic of Mexico”. 95 Ibid., “S ECT. 2.”. 96 Ibid., “according to the best of their ability and judgment”.
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N UEVO M ÉJICO 97
Ibid., “to the same overt act”. Ibid., 13, “Controller of Public Accounts”. 99 Ibid., “such fees”. 100 Ibid., the rest of this section in reverse order: “and the Legislature shall provide by law for the compensation of all officers, servants, agents, and public contractors, not provided for by this Constitution. The members of both Houses shall receive three dollars for each days attendance, during any session of the Legislature, and ten cents for each mile, coming and returning, from the Seat of Government. The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall receive four dollars per day, and the President of the Senate eight dollars per day.” 101 Ibid., “for each days attendance”. 102 Ibid., “Seat of Government”. 103 Ibid., “provided”. 104 Ibid., “and all district or county officers within their district or county, and shall keep their offices at such places”. 105 Ibid., “of the right of suffrage or of being elected or appointed to any office”. 106 Ibid., “except for municipal purposes”. 107 Ibid., “any Bank or Banking privilege, or power, or any institution”. 108 Ibid., “votes equal to a majority”. 109 Ibid., “for the safety of the bill-holders”. 110 Ibid., 14, “session”. 111 In Spanish translation, “or district” missing. 112 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 14, “session”. 113 Ibid., “Seat of Government”. 114 Ibid., 15, last two words missing. 115 Ibid., “the power of taxation, assessment”. 116 Ibid., “All fines, penalties and forfitures”. 117 Ibid., “and shall pass to, and be prosecuted in the name of the State”. 118 In Spanish translation, “meselados”. 119 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 15, reversed order: “all judgments, bonds”. 120 Ibid., “S ECT. 6. All”. 121 Ibid., 16, second clause of sect. 6. 122 Ibid., “which shall have jurisdiction of the subject matter thereof”. 123 Ibid., “writs of Election”. 124 Ibid., “session”. 125 In Spanish translation, “the election” missing. 126 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 16, “It shall be, and is hereby made”. 127 In Spanish translation, “fair” missing. 128 In English Santa Fé 1850 print, 16, “fair”. 129 Ibid., 17, “George”. 130 Ibid., “Thomas”. 131 Ibid., “Charles”. 132 Ibid., “Roberto”. 98
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Constitution of New York (1777) Constitution of the State of New York1
Whereas the many Tyrannical and oppressive usurpations of the King and Parliament of Great Britain on the Rights and Liberties of the People of the american Colonies, had reduced them to the Necessity of introducing a Government by Congresses and Committees as temporary Expedients and to exist no longer than the Grievances of the People should remain without Redress. And whereas the Congress of the Colony of New York did on the Thirty first day of May now last past Resolve as follows, vizt . “W HEREAS the present Government of this Colony by Congress and Committees, was instituted while the former Government under the Crown of Great-Britain existed in full Force; and was established for the sole Purpose of opposing the Usurpation of the British Parliament, and was intended to expire on a Reconciliation with Great-Britain, which it was then apprehended would soon take place, but is now considered as remote and uncertain. A ND whereas many and great Inconveniences attend the said Mode of Government by Congress and Committees, as of necessity in many Instances Legislative, Judicial, and Executive Powers have been vested therein, especially since the Dissolution of the former Government by the Abdication of the late Governor, and the Exclusion of this Colony from the Protection of the King of Great-Britain. A ND whereas the Continental Congress did resolve as followeth, to wit. “W HEREAS his Britannic Majesty, in
Conjunction with the Lords and Commons of Great-Britain, has, by a late Act of Parliament, excluded the Inhabitants of these United Colonies from the Protection of his Crown. – And whereas no Answers2 whatever, to the humble Petition of the Colonies for Redress of Grievances and Reconciliation with Great-Britain, has been, or is likely to be given, but the whole Force of that Kingdom, aided by Foreign Mercenaries, is to be exerted for the Destruction of the good People of these Colonies. – And whereas it appears absolutely irreconcileable to Reason and good Conscience, for the People of these Colonies now to take the Oaths and Affirmations necessary for the Support of any Government under the Crown of Great-Britain; and it is necessary that the Exercise of every Kind of Authority under the said Crown should be totally suppressed, and all the Powers of Government exerted under the Authority of the People of the Colonies, for the Preservation of internal Peace, Virtue and good Order, as well as for the Defence of our Lives, Liberties, and Properties, against the hostile Invasions, and cruel Depredations of our Enemies. Therefore, Resolved3 , That it be recommended to the respective Assemblies and Conventions of the United Colonies, where no Government sufficient to the Exigencies of their Affairs has been hitherto established, to adopt such Government as shall, in the Opinion of the Representatives of the People, best conduce to the Happiness and Safety of their Constituents in particular,
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N EW YORK and America in general.” And whereas Doubts have arisen whether this Congress are invested with sufficient Power and Authority to deliberate and determine on so important a Subject as the Necessity of erecting and constituting a new Form of Government and internal Police, to the Exclusion of all Foreign Jurisdiction, Dominion and Controul whatever. – And whereas it appertains of Right solely to the People of this Colony to determine the said Doubts, Therefore R ESOLVED, That it be recommended to the Electors in the several Counties in this Colony, by Election in the Manner and Form prescribed for the Election of the present Congress, either to authorize (in Addition to the Powers4 vested in this Congress) their present Deputies, or others in the Stead of their present Deputies, or either of them, to take into Consideration the Necessity and Propriety of instituting such new Government as in and by the5 said Resolution of the Continental Congress is described and recommended: And if the Majority of the Counties, by their Deputies in Provincial Congress, shall be of Opinion that such new Government ought to be instituted and established; then to institute and establish such a Government as they shall deem best calculated to secure the Rights, Liberties and Happiness of the good People of this Colony; and to continue in Force until a future Peace with Great-Britain shall render the same unnecessary. And R ESOLVED, That the said Elections in the several Counties, ought to be had on such Day and at such Place or Places, as by the Committee of each County respectively shall be determined. – And it is recommended to the said Committees, to fix such early Days for the said Elections as that all the Deputies to be elected have sufficient Time to repair to the City of New-York by the second Monday in July next; on which Day all the said Deputies ought punctually
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to give their Attendance. A ND whereas the Object of the aforegoing6 Resolutions7 is of the utmost Importance to the good People of this Colony, – R ESOLVED, That it be, and it is hereby earnestly recommended to the Committees8 , Freeholders, and other Electors in the different Counties in this Colony, diligently to carry the same into Execution.”9 A ND WHEREAS the good people of the said colony, in pursuance of the said resolution, and reposing special trust and confidence in the members of this Convention, have appointed, authorized and empowered them for the purposes, and in the manner, and with the powers in and by the said resolve specified, declared and mentioned. A ND WHEREAS the delegates of the United American States, in general Congress convened, did on the fourth day of July now last past, solemnly publish and declare, in the words following, viz.10 “W HEN in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. – That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these11 ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new12 government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1777) them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence indeed will dictate, that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes, and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these13 colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former system14 of government. The history of the present King of Great-Britain, is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these States. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. He has forbidden his Governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the legislature; a right inestimable to them, and formidable to tyrants only. He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into15 compliance with his measures. He has dissolved representative Houses
repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people. He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at large, for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within. He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations16 hither, and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands. He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers. He has made judges dependant on his will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance. He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies, without the consent of our legislatures17 . He has affected to render the military independant of, and superior to, the civil power. He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation, For quartering large bodies of troops18 among us: For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punishment for any murders which19 they should commit on the inhabitants of these States: For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world:
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N EW YORK For imposing taxes on us without our consent: For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits20 of trial by jury: For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offences: For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighbouring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies: For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our governments: For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection, and waging war against us. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. He is, at this time, transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy, scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation. He has constrained our fellow citizens, taken captive on the high seas, to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands. He has excited domestic insurrections amongst21 us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions. In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress, in the most humble terms: Our repeated petitions have
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been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. Nor have we been wanting in attentions22 to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connection23 and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must therefore, acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our separation, and hold them as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war; in peace, friends. We, therefore, the Representatives of the U NITED S TATES OF A MERICA, in General Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world, for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, FREE AND INDE PENDENT STATES ; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great-Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which INDEPENDENT STATES may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour.” A ND WHEREAS this Convention having
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1777) taken this declaration into their most serious consideration, did on the ninth day of July last past, unanimously resolve, that the reasons assigned by the Continental Congress, for declaring the United Colonies, free and independent States, are cogent and conclusive: And that while we lament the cruel necessity which has rendered that measure unavoidable we approve the same, and will at the risque of our lives and fortunes join the24 other Colonies in supporting25 it. By virtue of which several acts, declarations and proceedings, mentioned and contained in the afore recited resolves or resolutions of the General Congress of the United American States, and of the Congresses or Conventions of this State, all power whatever therein hath reverted to the people thereof, and this Convention hath by their suffrages and free choice been appointed, and among other things authorized to institute and establish such a government, as they shall deem best calculated to secure the rights and liberties of the good people of this State, most conducive of26 the happiness and safety of their constituents in particular, and of America in general. S ECT. 127 . This Convention therefore in the Name & by the Authority of the Good People of this State doth ordain determine and declare that no Authority shall on any Pretence whatever be exercised over the People or Members of this State, but such as shall be derived from and Granted by them. S ECT. 2. This Convention doth further in the name & by the authority of the good people of this State ordain determine & declare that the supreme legislative power within this State, shall be vested in two separate & distinct Bodies of men, the one to be called the Assembly of the State of New York the other to be called the Senate of the State of New York who together shall form the
Legislature & meet once at least in every year for the dispatch of Business. S ECT. 3. And whereas Laws inconsistent with the Spirit of this Constitution or with the public Good may be hastily & Unadvisedly passed; Be it Ordained that the Governor for the Time being, the Chancellor & the Judges of the Supreme Court, or any two of them, together with the Governor, shall be and hereby are Constituted a Council to revise all Bills about to be passed into Laws by the Legislature: And for that purpose shall assemble themselves from time to time when the Legislature shall be Convened; for which nevertheless, they shall not receive any Sallary or Consideration under any pretence whatever. And that all Bills which have passed the Senate & Assembly shall before they become Laws, be presented to the said Council for their revisal & Consideration; and if upon such revision & Consideration it should appear improper to the said Council, or a Majority of them, that the said Bill should become a Law of this State, that they return the same together with their objections thereto in Writing to the Senate or House of Assembly in whichsoever the same shall have originated who shall enter the Objections sent28 down by the Council at large in29 their minutes, & proceed to reconsider the said Bill. But if after such Reconsideration two thirds of the said Senate or House of Assembly shall notwithstanding the said Objections agree to pass the same it shall together with the Objections be sent to the other Branch of the Legislature, where it shall also be reconsidered; and if approved by two thirds of the members present shall be a Law. And in order to prevent any unnecessary delays Be it further Ordained, that if any Bill shall not be returned by the Council, within ten days after it shall have been presented, the same shall be a Law, unless the Legislature shall by their Adjournment ren-
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N EW YORK der a return of the said Bill within ten Days impracticable; in which case the bill shall be returned on the first day of the meeting of the Legislature after the Expiration of the said Ten days.
shall be found in this State, the number of Representatives for such County shall be encreased or deminished accordingly, that is to say one Representative for every Seventieth part as aforesaid.
S ECT. 4. That the Assembly shall consist of at least Seventy members to be annually chosen in the several Counties in the Proportions30 following vizt .
S ECT. 6. And whereas an Opinion hath long prevailed among divers of the Good People of this State, that voting at Elections by Ballot would tend more to preserve the Liberty & Equal freedom of the People, than voting Viva Voce To the end therefore that a fair Experiment be made which of those two methods of Voting is to be preferred: Be it Ordained that as soon as may be after the Termination of the present War between the United States of America & Great Britain, An Act or Acts be passed by the Legislature of this State for causing all Elections thereafter to be held in this State for Senators & Representatives in Assembly, to be by Ballot and directing the manner in which the same shall be Conducted. And whereas it is possible that after all the Care of the Legislature in framing the said Act or Acts certain Inconveniencies & mischiefs unforeseen at this Day may be found to Attend the said mode of electing by Ballot[:] It is further Ordained that if after a full and fair Experiment shall be made of Voting by Ballot aforesaid the same shall be found less conducive to the safety or Interest of the State than the method of Voting Viva Voce it shall be Lawfull & Constitutional for the Legislature to Abolish the same; Provided two thirds of the members present in each House respectively shall concur therein: And further that during the continuance of the present War and untill the Legislature of this State shall provide for the Election of Senators and Representatives in Assembly by Ballot, the said Elections33 shall be made Viva Voce.
for the City and County of New York Nine the City & County of Albany Ten the County of Dutchess Seven the County of West Chester Six the County of Ulster Six the County of Suffolk five the County of Queens four Tryon County31 Six Charlotte County four Cumberland County three Gloucester County two the County of Orange four the County of Kings two. the County of Richmond two. S ECT. 5. That as soon after32 the Expiration of Seven years subsequent to the Termination of the present war as may be, a Census of the Electors & Inhabitants in this State be taken under the Direction of the Legislature. And if on such Census it shall appear that the Number of Representatives in Assembly from the said Counties is not justly proportionaed [sic] to the number of Electors in the said Counties respectively that the Legislature do adjust & apportion the same by that Rule[.] And further that once in every Seven Years after the taking of the said first Census a just Account of the Electors resident in each County shall be taken; and if it shall thereupon appear that the number of Electors in any County shall have increased or deminished one or more Seventieth parts of the whole number of Electors which on the said first Census
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S ECT. 7. That every male Inhabitant of full Age who shall have personally resided
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1777) within one of the Counties of this State for six months immediately preceeding the day of Election shall at such Election be entitled to vote for Representatives of the said County in Assembly if during the time aforesaid he shall have been a Freeholder possessing a Freehold of the Value of twenty pounds within the said County, or have rented a Tenement therein of the yearly Value of forty Shillings, and been rated and Actually paid Taxes to this State; Provided always that every Person who now is a freeman of the City of Albany or who was made a freeman of the City of New York on or before the fourteenth Day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Seventy five, and shall be actually and usually resident in the said Cities respectively, shall be entitled to vote for Representatives in Assembly within his said Place of Residence. S ECT. 8. That every Elector before he is admitted to Vote shall if required by the returning Officer or either of the Inspectors, take an Oath, or if of the People called Quakers an Affirmation of Allegiance to the State. S ECT. 9. That the Assembly thus constituted shall chuse their own Speaker be judges of their own members and enjoy the same Priviledges & Proceed in doing Business in like Manner as the Assemblies of the Colony of New York of Right formerly did; and that a Majority of the said Members shall from time to time constitute a House to proceed upon Business. S ECT. 10. And this Convention doth further in the Name & by the Authority of the good People of this State Ordain determine and declare that the Senate of the State of New York shall consist of twenty four Freeholders to be chosen out of the Body of the Freeholders, and that they be chosen by the
Freeholders of this State possessed of Freeholds of the Value of one hundred pounds over and above all Debts charged thereon. S ECT. 11. That the members of the Senate be elected for four Years & immediately after the first Election they be divided by Lot into four Classes, six in each Class, and numbered one, two, three &34 four. That35 the Seats of the members of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the first year, the Second Class the Second year, and so on continually, to the end that the fourth Part of the Senate as nearly as possible may be annually chosen. S ECT. 12. That the Election of Senators shall be after this manner. That so much of this State as is now parcelled into Counties be divided into four great Districts; The Southern District to comprehend the City and County of New York, Suffolk, Westchester, Kings, Queens, & Richmond Counties; the Middle District to comprehend the Counties of Dutchess, Ulster and Orange; the Western District the City and County of Albany and Tryon County; and the Eastern District the Counties of Charlottee, Cumberland and Gloucester. That the Senators shall be elected by the Freeholders of the said Districts Qualified as aforesaid in the Proportions following towit36 , in the Southern District nine, in the Middle District Six, in the Western District Six, and in the Eastern District three. And be it Ordained that a Census shall be taken as soon as may be after the Expiration of Seven years from the Termination of the present war, under the direction of the Legislature; And if on such Census it shall appear that the number of Senators is not justly proportioned to the several Districts, that the Legislature adjust the proportion as near as may be to the number of Freeholders qualified as aforesaid in each District. That when the number of Electors within any of the said Districts shall have increased one twenty fourth Part
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N EW YORK of the whole number of Electors which by the said Census shall be found to be in this State an additional Senator shall be chosen by the Electors of such District. That a Majority of the Number of Senators to be chosen as aforesaid, shall be necessary to constitute a Senate Sufficient to proceed upon Business; & that the Senate shall in like manner with the Assembly, be the Judges of its own members. And be it ordained that it shall be in the power of the future Legislatures of this State for the Convenience & advantage of the good People thereof, to divide the same into such further & other Counties & Districts as shall to them37 appear necessary. S ECT. 13. And this Convention doth further in the name and by the Authority of the good People of this State ordain determine and declare, That no member of this State shall be disfranchised, or deprived of any of the rights or Priviledges secured to the Subjects of this State, by this Constitution, unless by the Law of the Land or the Judgment of his Peers. S ECT. 14. That neither the Assembly or38 the Senate shall have Power to Adjourn themselves for any longer Time than two Days without the mutual Consent of both. S ECT. 15. That whenever the Assembly & Senate disagree, a Conference shall be held in the Presence of both & be managed by Committees to be by them respectively chosen by Ballot. That the Doors both of the Senate & Assembly shall at all times be kept open to all Persons except when the Welfare of the State shall require their debates to be kept secret. And the Journals of all their Proceedings shall be kept in the manner heretofore Accustomed by the General Assembly of the Colony of New York, and except such parts as they shall as aforesaid respectively determine not to make
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Public, be from day to day (if the Business of the Legislature will permit) published. S ECT. 16. It is nevertheless Provided that the number of Senators shall never exceed one hundred nor the number of the39 Assembly three hundred; but that whenever the number of Senators shall Amount to one hundred, or of the Assembly to three hundred, then and in such Case the Legislature shall from time to time thereafter40 by Laws for that Purpose Apportion & distribute the said one hundred Senators & three hundred Representatives among the great Districts & Counties of this State in proportion to the number of their respective Electors; so that the Representation of the good People of this State both in the Senate & Assembly shall forever remain proportionate and adequate. S ECT. 17. And this Convention doth further in the name and by the Authority of the good People of this State Ordain determine & declare, that the Supreme executive Power and Authority of this State shall be vested in a Governor; and that Statedly once in every three years, and as often as the seat of Government shall become vacant, a wise and discreet Freeholder of this State, shall be by Ballot elected Governor by the Freholders of this State, Qualified as before discribed to elect Senators; which Elections shall be always held at the times & Places of choosing Representatives in Assembly for each respective County; and that the Person who hath the greatest number of votes within the said State shall be the41 Governor thereof. S ECT. 18. That the Governor shall continue in Office three years, & shall by virtue of his Office be General and Commander in Chief of all the militia, And Admiral of the Navy of this State; that he shall have Power to Convene the Assembly & Senate on Extraordinary Occasions to prorogue
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1777) them from time to time Provided such Prorogations42 shall not exceed Sixty days in the Space of any one Year; & at his discretion to grant Reprieves & Pardons to Persons convicted of Crimes43 other than Treason or Murder in which he may suspend the Execution of the Sentence untill it shall be reported to the Legislature at their Subsequent Meeting, and they shall either Pardon or direct the Execution of the Criminal or grant a further Repriefe [sic]. S ECT. 19. That it shall be the Duty of the Governor to inform the Legislature at every Sessions44 of the Condition of the State so far as may respect his Department, to recommend such matters to their Consideration as shall appear to him to concern its Good Government Welfare & Prosperity, to correspond with the Continental Congress, and other States, to transact all necessary Business with the Officers of Government civil and military, to take Care that the Laws are faithfully executed to the best of his Ability, and to expedite al1 such Measures as may be resolved upon by the Legislature. S ECT. 20. That a Lieutenant Governor shall at every Election of a Governor and as often as the Lieut. Governor shall die resign or be removed from Office be elected in the Same manner with the Governor, to continue in Office, until the next Election of a Governor; and such Lieuten. Governor shall by Virtue of his Office be President of the Senate and upon an equal Division have a casting voice45 in their Decisions, but not vote on any other Occasion. And in Case of the Impeachment of the Governor, or his removal from Office, death, Resignation or absence from the State, the Lieutenant Governor shall Exercise all the power and Authority appertaining to the Office of Governor, until another be chosen, or the Governor absent or impeached shall return or be acquitted. Provided that where46 the Governor shal1 with the Consent of the
Legislature be out of the State in Time of war, at the Head of a Military Force thereof, he shall still continue in his Command of all the Military Force of this State both by Sea and Land. S ECT. 21. That whenever the Government shall be administred by the Lieutenant Governor or he shall be unable to attend as president of the Senate, the Senators shall have power to elect one of their own Members to the Office of President of the Senate, which he shall Exercise pro hac vice. And if during such vacancy of the Office of Governor, the Lieutenant Governor shall be impeached, displaced, resign, die or be absent from the State, the President of the Senate shall in like manner as the Lieutenant Governor administer the Government, until others shall be elected by the Suffrage of the people at the succeeding Election. S ECT. 22. And this Convention doth farther47 in the Name and by the Authority of the good People of this State ordain determine and declare, that the Treasurer of this State shall be appointed by Act of the Legislature, to originate with the Assembly; Provided that he shall not be elected out of either Branch of the Legislature. S ECT. 23. That all Officers other than those who by this Constitution are directed to be otherwise appointed shall be appointed in the Manner following to wit, The assembly shall once in every year openly nominate and appoint one of the Senators from each great District, which Senators shall form a Council for the Appointment of the said Officers of which the Governor for the Time being, or the Lieutenant Governor, or the President of the Senate, when they shall respectively administer the Government, shall be President, & have a casting voice, but no other vote; and with the Advice and Consent of the said Council shall appoint all the said Officers; and that
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N EW YORK a Majority of the said Council be a Quorum. And further the said Senators shall not be eligible to the said Council for two Years Successively. S ECT. 24. That all military Officers be appointed during Pleasure; That all Commissioned Officers civil & military be Commissioned by the Governor and that the Chancellor, the48 Judges of the Supreme Court, And first Judge of the County Court in every County hold their Offices during good Behaviour, or untill they shall have respectively Attained the Age of Sixty Years. S ECT. 25. That the Chancellor & Judges of the Supreme Court shall not at the same Time hold any other Office excepting that of Delegate to the General Congress, upon special Occasions; And that the first Judges of the County Courts in the Several Counties, shall not at the same time hold any other Office, excepting that of Senator or Delegate to the General Congress; But if the Chancellor or either of the said Judges be elected or appointed to any other Office, excepting as is before excepted, it shall be at his option in which to Serve. S ECT. 26. That Sherifs and Coroners be annually appointed and that no Person shall be capable of holding either of the said Offices more than four Years Successively nor the Sherif of holding any other Office at the same time.49 S ECT. 27. And be it further ordained, that the register and clerks in chancery be appointed by the Chancellor; the clerks of the supreme court by the Judges of the said court; the clerk of the court of probates, by the Judge of the said court; and the register and marshal of the court of admiralty, by the Judge of the admiralty. – The said marshal, registers and clerks, to continue in office during the pleasure of those, by whom they are to be appointed, as aforesaid. And that50 all Attorneys, Solicitors and
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Counsellors at Law, hereafter to be appointed, be appointed by the court, and licensed by the first judge of the court in which they shall respectively plead or practice; and be regulated by the rules and orders of the said courts. S ECT. 28. And be it further ordained, that where by this Convention51 the duration of any office shall not be ascertained, such office shall be construed to be held during the pleasure of the Council of Appointment: Provided that new commissions shall be issued to judges of the county courts (other than to the first judge) and to justices of the peace, once at the52 least in every three years. S ECT. 29. That53 Town Clerks, Supervisors, Assessors, Constables and Collectors and all other Officers heretofore eligible by the People shall always continue to be so eligible in the manner directed by the present or future Acts of Legislature. That Loan Officers County Treasurers and Clerks of the Supervisors, continue to be appointed in the manner directed by the present or future Acts of the Legislature. S ECT. 30. That Delegates to represent this State in the General Congress of the United States of America be annually appointed, As follows to wit, the Senate and Assembly shall each openly nominate as many persons as shall be equal to the whole number of Delegates to be appointed, after which nomination they shall meet together, and those persons named in both Lists shall be deligates, and out of those persons whose names are not on54 both Lists one half shall be chosen by the joint Ballot of the Senators & members of Assembly so met together as aforesaid. S ECT. 31. That the Stile of all Laws shall be as follows to wit Be it enacted by the People of the State of New York represented in Senate and Assembly. And that all writs
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1777) and other Proceedings shall run in the name of the People of the State of New York and be tested in the name of the Chancellor or chief Judge of the Court from whence they shall issue. S ECT. 32. And this Convention doth further in the name and by the Authority of the good People of this State Ordain determine and declare that a Court shall be instituted for the Tryal of Impeachments and the Correction of Errors under the Regulations which shall be established by the Legislature & to consist of the President of the Senate for the Time being and the Senators Chancellor and Judges of the Supreme Court or the major part of them; except that when an Impeachment shall be prosecuted against the Chancellor or either of the Judges of the Supreme Court the person so impeached shall be suspended from exercising his Office untill his Acquittal: And in like manner when an Appeal from a Decree in Equity shall be heard, the Chancellor shall inform the Court of the Reasons of his Decree, but shall not have a Voice in the final Sentence: And if the Cause to be determined shall be brought up by Writ55 of Error on a Question of Law on a Judgment in the Supreme Court, the Judges of that56 Court shall assign the Reasons of such their Judgment, but shall not have a Voice for its Affirmance or Reversal. S ECT. 33. That the Power of Impeaching all Officers of the State for mal & corrupt Conduct in their respective Offices be vested in the Representatives of the People in Assembly; but that it shall always be necessary that two Thirdparts of the members present shall Consent to & agree in such Impeachment – That previous to the Trial of every Impeachment the members of the said Court shall respectively be Sworn truly & impartially to try and determine the charge in Question according to Evidence; and that no Judgment of the said Court
shall be valid unless it shall be Assented to by two third parts of the members then present; nor shall it extend farther57 than to Removal from Office, and Disqualification to hold or enjoy any Place of Honour, Trust or Profit, under this State. But the Party so Convicted58 , shall, be nevertheless liable and Subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, According to the Laws of the Land. S ECT. 34. And it is further Ordained that in every Trial on Impeachment or Indictment for Crimes or Misdemeanors59 , the party impeached or Indicted shall be allowed Council60 , as in civil Actions. S ECT. 35. And this Convention doth further in the name and by the Authority of the Good People of this State Ordain determine and declare that such parts of the Common Law of England & of the Statute Law of England & Great Britain, & of the Acts of the Legislature of the Colony of New York, as together did form the Law of the said Colony on the nineteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy five, shall be and continue the Law of this State; Subject to such alterations and provisions, as the Legislature of this State shall from Time to Time make concerning the same – That such of the said Acts as are temporary shall expire at the Times limitted for their Duration respectively – That all such parts of the said61 common Law, and all such of the said Statutes & Acts aforesaid, or parts thereof, as may be construed to establish or maintain any particular Denomination of Christians, or their Ministers, or concern the Allegiance heretofore yielded to, and the Supremacy Sovereignty, Government or Prerogatives claimed or exercised by the King of Great-Britain & his Predecessors, over the Colony of New York and its Inhabitants, or are repugnant to this Constitution, be, & they hereby are abrogated and
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N EW YORK rejected. And this Convention doth farther62 ordain, that the resolves or Resolutions of the Congresses of the Colony of New York, and of the Convention of the State of New York now in force, and not repugnant to the Government established by this Constitution, shall be considered as making part of the Laws of this State; Subject nevertheless to such alterations & Provisions, as the Legislature of this State may from Time to Time make concerning the same. S ECT. 36. And be it further ordained that all Grants of Land63 within this State made by the King of Great-Britain or persons acting under his Authority after the fourteenth Day of October One thousand seven Hundred and seventy five shall be null & void: But that nothing in this Constitution contained shall be construed to affect any Grants of Land within this State made by the Authority of the said64 King or his predecessors, or to annul any Charters to Bodies politic by him or them or any of them, made prior to that day. And that none of the said Charters shall be adjudged to be void by reason of any nonuser or misuser of any of their respective rights or priviledges between the nineteenth day of April in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred & seventy five, and the publication of this Constitution. And further that all such of the officers described in the said Charters respectively as by the Terms of the said Charters were to be appointed by the Governor of the Colony of New York, with or without the Advice and Consent of the Council of the said King in the said Colony, shall henceforth be appointed by the Council established by this Constitution for the appointment of Officers in this State, until otherwis directed by the Legislature. S ECT. 37. And whereas it is of great Importance to the safety of this State, that Peace & Amity with the Indians within the same be at all Times supported and main-
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tained. And whereas the Frauds too often practised towards the said Indians, in Contracts made for their Lands, have in divers Instances been productive of dangerous discontents & Animosities – Be it Ordained that nopurchases or Contracts for the Sale of Lands made since the fourteenth day of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred & seventy five or which may hereafter be made with or of the said Indians within the Limits of this State, shall be binding on the said Indians, or deemed valid, unless made under the Authority and with the Consent of the Legislature of this State. S ECT. 38. And whereas we are required by the Benevolent Principles of rational Liberty not only to expel civil Tyranny but also to guard against that Spiritual Oppression & Intolerance wherewith the Bigotry & Ambition of weak & wicked Priests & Princes have scourged Mankind[:] This Convention doth further in the name and by the Authority of the Good People of this State Ordain determine and declare that the free Exercise & Enjoyment of Religious Profession and Worship without discrimination or preference, shall forever hereafter be allowed within this State to all mankind. Provided that the Liberty of Conscience hereby Granted shall not be so Construed as to excuse Acts of Licenciousness, or justify Practices inconsistant with the Peace or Safety of this State. S ECT. 39. And whereas the Ministers of the Gospel are by their Profession dedicated to the Service of God & the Cure of Souls, & ought not to be diverted from the Great Duties of their Function; therefore no minister of the65 Gospel or Priest of any denomination whatsoever shall at any time hereafter under any Pretence or Discription whatever, be eligible to, or capable of holding any civil or military Office or place within this State.
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1777) S ECT. 40. And whereas it is of the utmost Importance to the Safety of every State that it should always be in a Condition of Defence and it is the Duty of every man who enjoys the Protection of Society to be prepared and willing to defend it; This Convention therefore in the name and by the Authority of the Good People of this State doth Ordain determine and declare, that the militia of this State at all Times hereafter, as well in Peace as in war, shall be armed and disciplined, and in Readiness for Service. That all such of the Inhabitants of this State being of the People called Quakers as from Scruples of Conscience may be averse to the bearing of Arms, be therefrom excused by the Legislature, and do pay to the State such sums of money in Lieu of their personal Service, as the same may in the Judgment of the Legislature be worth; And that a proper magazine of warlike Stores proportionate66 to the number of Inhabitants be forever hereafter at the Expence of this State and by Acts of the Legislature established maintained and continued in every County in this State. S ECT. 41. And this Convention doth further Ordain determine and declare in the name and by the Authority of the Good People of this State that Trial by Jury in all Cases in which it hath heretofore been used in the Colony of New York shall be established and remain inviolate forever. And that no Acts of Attainder shall be passed by the Legislature of this State for Crimes other than those committed before the Termination of the present War; And that such Acts shall not work a Corruption of Blood. And further that the Legislature of this State shall at no Time hereafter institute any new Court or Courts but such as shall proceed According to the Course of the Common Law. S ECT. 42. And this Convention doth further in the name & by the Authority of the
Good People of this State, ordain determine and declare that it shall be in the discretion of the Legislature to naturalize all such persons and in such manner as they shall think proper; Provided all such of the persons so to be by them naturalized, as being born in parts beyond sea67 , & out of the United States of America, shall come to settle in & become Subjects of this State, shall take an Oath of Allegiance to this State, and Abjure and renounce all Allegiance and Subjection to all & every foreign King, Prince, Potentate and State in all matters ecclesiastical as well as civil. By Order LEONARD GANSEVOORT, Presidt . P. T.68
1
Verified by The Constitution of the State of New-York, Fish-Kill: Printed by Samuel Loudon, M.DCC.LXXVII [1777], 33 p., and corrected according to the original manuscript preserved in the New York State Archives at Albany, NY. Also checked against The Constitution of the State of New-York, Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by Styner and Cist, MDCCLXXVII [1777], 32 p., and the versions published in The Revised Statutes of the State of New-York, As Altered by the Legislature; Including the Statutory Provisions of a General Nature, Passed from 1828 to 1835 Inclusive; With References to Judicial Decisions. Prepared by and Published Under the Superintendence of the Late Revisers, In Three Volumes, I, Albany: Printed on Steam Presses by Packard and Van Benthuysen, 1835, 20–33, in Journals of the Provincial Congress, Provincial Convention, Committee of Safety and Council of Safety of the State of New-York, 1775–1776– 1777, I, Albany: Printed by Thurlow Weed, Printer to the State, 1842, 892–898, in Manual for the Use of the Convention to Revise the Constitution of the State of New York, Convened at Albany, June 1, 1846. Prepared Pursuant to Order of the Convention, by the Secretaries, Under Supervision of a Select Committee, New York: Walker and Craighead, 1846, 43–68, in The Constitution of the State of New York, With Notes, References and Annotations, Together with the Articles of Confederation, Constitution of the United States, New York State Constitutions of 1777, 1821, 1846, Unamended and As Amended and in Force in 1894, With an Index of the Revised Constitution and the Constitution of the United States, ed. by Robert
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N EW YORK C. Cumming, Owen L. Potter and Frank B. Gilbert, 2nd ed., Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1899, 42–55, in Charles Z. Lincoln, The Constitutional History of New York From the Beginning of the Colonial Period to the Year 1905, Showing the Origin, Development, and Judicial Construction of the Constitution, 5 vols., Rochester, NY: The Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company, 1906, I, 162–188, and in William A. Polf, 1777. The Political Revolution and New York’s First Constitution, Albany: New York State Bicentennial Commission, 1977, 44–61. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the original manuscript as preserved, for the missing part according to the Loudon print. Italics are used when emphasis is given in the manuscript. Obvious typographical errors have been tacitly corrected and are not annotated. The Constitution was adopted by the convention on April, 20, 1777, and went into effect immediately without being submitted to the people (cf. Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 558). It was amended once in 1801 (q.v.), and was replaced in 1821 by the second constitution of New York (q.v.). 2 In Convention Manual, 44, “answer”. 3 In Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 892, “Resolved, therefore”. 4 In Convention Manual, 45, “power”. 5 In 1899 edition, 43, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 165, word missing. 6 In 1899 edition, 43, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 165, “foregoing”. 7 In Convention Manual, 45–46, “resolution”. 8 In 1899 edition, 43, “committee”. 9 According to a letter by John M. Kesson to Secretary of State Joseph C. Yates, August 29, 1821, attached to the original manuscript, he handed over the original to Yates on this day with all but the introductory part of the Preamble missing, i.e. starting from “Whereas the present Government” through the end, and with sect. 27 and 28 missing also. The first part of the missing Preamble, up to “diligently to carry the same into Execution” is included in the original manuscript as an unidentified printed sheet, used here for making corrections. 10 In Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 166 [cf. ibid., 108–114], and in Polf, 1777, 47, text of the Declaration of Independence missing. 11 In Revised Statutes, I, 22, in Convention Manual, 46, and in 1899 edition, 44, “those”. 12 In Revised Statutes, I, 22, in Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 893, in Convention Manual, 46, and in 1899 edition, 44, “a new”. 13 In Loudon print, 8, in Philadelphia print, 7, and in Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 893, “the”. 14 In “Declaration of Independence,” in: The Federal and State Constitutions, Colonial Charters, and Other Organic Laws of the United States, compiled under an order of the United States Senate by Ben. Perley
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Poore, 2 vols., 2nd ed., Washington: Government Printing Office, 1878, I, 4, “Systems”. 15 In 1899 edition, 44, “into a”. 16 In “Declaration of Independence,” in: The Federal and State Constitutions, ed. by Poore, I, 4, and in 1899 edition, 45, “migration”. 17 In “Declaration of Independence,” in: The Federal and State Constitutions, ed. by Poore, I, 4, “legislature”. 18 Ibid., “armed troops”. 19 In Revised Statutes, I, 23, in Convention Manual, 48, and in 1899 edition, 45, word missing. 20 In Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 893, “benefit”. 21 In Loudon print, 11, in Philadelphia print, 10, and in Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 893, “among”. 22 In “Declaration of Independence,” in: The Federal and State Constitutions, ed. by Poore, I, 5, “attention”. 23 Ibid., “connections”. 24 In Revised Statutes, I, 24, in Convention Manual, 51, in 1899 edition, 46, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 166, “with the”. 25 In Convention Manual, 51, “in support of”. 26 In Philadelphia print, 12, and in Convention Manual, 51, “to”. 27 In manuscript, “§ 1”. 28 In 1899 edition, 47, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 167, “set”. 29 In Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 894, “on”. 30 In Convention Manual, 53, “proportion”. 31 In Loudon print, 15, in Philadelphia print, 15, in Revised Statutes, I, 25, in Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 894, in Convention Manual, 53, in 1899 edition, 47, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 169, and in Polf, 1777, 49, here and in the subsequent three cases phrasing adjusted to “The county of” and all four inserted at the end of the list. 32 In 1899 edition, 48, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 169, “as”. 33 In Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 170, “election”. 34 Ibid., 172, word missing. 35 In Convention Manual, 56, in 1899 edition, 49, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 172, “and that”. 36 In Convention Manual, 56, “viz”. 37 Ibid., 57, “to them shall”. 38 In Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 895, in Convention Manual, 57, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 174, “nor”. 39 In Loudon print, 21, in Philadelphia print, 20, in Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 895, in 1899 edition, 50, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 174, and in Polf, 1777, 53, word missing. 40 In Revised Statutes, I, 28, in Convention Manual, 58, in 1899 edition, 50, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 174, “hereafter”. 41 In Loudon print, 22, in Philadelphia print, 21, in
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1777) Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 895, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 175, and in Polf, 1777, 53, word missing. 42 In 1899 edition, 50, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 175, “prorogation”. 43 In Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 896, “crime”. 44 In Revised Statutes, I, 29, in Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 896, in Convention Manual, 59, in 1899 edition, 51, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 176, “session”. 45 In Revised Statutes, I, 29, in Convention Manual, 59, in 1899 edition, 51, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 176, “vote”. 46 In Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 896, “when”. 47 In Loudon print, 24, in Philadelphia print, 23, in Revised Statutes, I, 29, in Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 896, in Convention Manual, 60, in 1899 edition, 51, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 177, and in Polf, 1777, 55, “further”. 48 In Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 896, word missing. 49 In enrolling the Constitution sect. 27 and 28 had been accidentally left out and since there was insufficient space to add them on, the proofreaders marked the position (“X°”) for insertion of a separate sheet containing them. This sheet, however, was not in the possession of John Kesson when handing the manuscript over to Secretary Yates. 50 In Revised Statutes, I, 30, in Convention Manual, 62, in 1899 edition, 52, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 179, word missing. 51 In Revised Statutes, I, 30, in 1899 edition, 52, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 180, “constitution”. 52 In Philadelphia print, 25, in Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 896, and in Convention Manual, 62, word missing. 53 In Revised Statutes, I, 30, in 1899 edition, 52, and
in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 180, “the”. 54 In Loudon print, 27, in Philadelphia print, 26, in Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 896, and in Polf, 1777, 57, “in”. 55 In Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 897, “a writ”. 56 In Revised Statutes, I, 31, in Convention Manual, 63, in 1899 edition, 53, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 182, “the”. 57 In Convention Manual, 64, “further”. 58 In Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 897, “accused”. 59 In 1899 edition, 53, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 183, “misdemeanor”. 60 In Loudon print, 28, in Philadelphia print, 27, in Revised Statutes, I, 31, in Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 897, in Convention Manual, 64, in 1899 edition, 53, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 183, and in Polf, 1777, 58, “counsel”. 61 In Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 897, word missing. 62 In Revised Statutes, I, 32, in Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 897, in Convention Manual, 65, in 1899 edition, 54, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 184, “further”. 63 In Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 897, last two words missing. 64 In 1899 edition, 54, “same”. 65 In Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 897, word missing. 66 In 1899 edition, 55, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 187, “proportioned”. 67 In 1899 edition, 55, “the sea”. 68 In Loudon print, 33, in Philadelphia print, 32, in Revised Statutes, I, 33, in Journals of the Provincial Congress, I, 898, in Convention Manual, 68, in 1899 edition, 55, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 188, and in Polf, 1777, 61, “Pres. pro tem.”.
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Amendments of 1801 In Convention of the Delegates of the State of New York1
ALBANY,2 Whereas the Legislature of this state, by their Act passed the sixth day of April last, did propose to the citizens of this state, to elect by ballot, Delegates to meet in Convention, “for the purpose of considering the parts of the Constitution of this state, respecting the number of the3 Senators and members of Assembly in this state, and with power to reduce and limit the number of them as the said Convention might deem proper: – and also, for the purpose of considering and determining the true construction of the twenty-third article of the Constitution of this state, relative to the right of nomination to office.” And whereas the people of this state have elected the members of this Convention for the purposes4 above expressed; and this Convention having maturely considered the subjects thus submitted to their determination, do, in the name and by the authority of the People of this state, ordain, determine and declare: First. That the number of the members of the Assembly hereafter to be elected shall be one hundred, and shall never exceed one hundred and fifty. Second. That the Legislature at their next session shall apportion the said one hundred members of the Assembly among the several counties of this state, as nearly as may be, according to the number of Electors, which shall be found to be in each county by the Census directed to be taken in the present year. Third. That from the first Monday in July
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next, the number of the Senators shall be permanently thirty-two, and that the present number of Senators shall be reduced to thirty-two in the following manner; that is to say, the seats of the eleven Senators composing the first class, whose time of service will expire on the first Monday in July next, shall not be filled up: And out of the second class, the seats of one Senator from the Middle District, and of one Senator from the Southern District, shall be vacated by the Senators of those Districts belonging to that class, casting lots among themselves: Out of the third class, the seats of two Senators from the Middle District, and of one Senator from the Eastern District, shall be vacated in the same manner: Out of the fourth class, the seats of one Senator from the Middle District, of one Senator from the Eastern District, and of one Senator from the Western District, shall be vacated in the same manner: and if any of the said classes shall neglect to cast lots, the Senate shall in such case proceed to cast lots for such class or classes so neglecting: And that eight Senators shall be chosen at the next election in such districts as the Legislature shall direct, for the purpose of apportioning the whole number of Senators amongst the four Great Districts of this state, as nearly as may be, according to the number of Electors qualified to vote for Senators, which shall be found to be in each of the said Districts by the Census above mentioned, which eight Senators so to be chosen shall form the first class. Fourth. That from the first Monday in
A MENDMENTS OF 1801 July next, and on the return of every Census thereafter, the number of the Assembly shall be increased at the rate of two members for every year, until the whole number shall amount to one hundred and fifty; and that upon the return of every such Census, the Legislature shall apportion the Senators and members of the Assembly amongst the Great Districts and Counties of this state, as nearly as may be, according to the number of their respective Electors: Provided, that the Legislature shall not be prohibited by any thing herein contained, from allowing one member of Assembly to each county heretofore erected within this state. Fifth. And this Convention do further, in the name and by the authority of the People of this state, ordain, determine and declare, that by the true construction of the twentythird article of the Constitution of this state, the right to nominate all officers, other than those who by the Constitution are directed to be otherwise appointed, is vested concurrently in the person administering the government of this state for the time being, and in each of the members of the Council of Appointment. BY ORDER,5 A. BURR, President of the Convention, and Delegate from Orange County. Attest,
1
Verified by Journal of the Convention of the State of New-York: Began and Held at the City of Albany, on the 13th Day of October, 1801, Albany: Printed by John Barber, Printer to the Convention, M,DCCC,I [1801], 39–41, and checked against the versions published in The Revised Statutes of the State of New-York, As Altered by the Legislature; Including the Statutory Provisions of a General Nature, Passed from 1828 to 1835 Inclusive; With References to Judicial Decisions. Prepared by and Published Under the Superintendence of the Late Revisers, In Three Volumes, I, Albany: Printed on Steam Presses by Packard and Van Benthuysen, 1835, 36, in The Constitution of the State of New York, With Notes, References and Annotations, Together with the Articles of Confederation, Constitution of the United States, New York State Constitutions of 1777, 1821, 1846, Unamended and As Amended and in Force in 1894, With an Index of the Revised Constitution and the Constitution of the United States, ed. by Robert C. Cumming, Owen L. Potter and Frank B. Gilbert, 2nd ed., Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1899, 56–57, and in Charles Z. Lincoln, The Constitutional History of New York From the Beginning of the Colonial Period to the Year 1905, Showing the Origin, Development, and Judicial Construction of the Constitution, 5 vols., Rochester, NY: The Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company, 1906, I, 189–191. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Convention Journal. On October 27, 1801, the Convention adopted the amendments and ordered “That the said articles [in addition to and explanatory of the Constitution of this state] be engrossed” (Convention Journal, 39). They were not submitted to the people. The Constitution of 1777 (q.v.) received no further amendments. 2 In 1899 edition, 56, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 189, “October 27, 1801” added. 3 In 1899 edition, 56, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 189, word missing. 4 In 1899 edition, 56, “purpose”. 5 In Convention Journal, 41, rest missing.
JAMES VAN INGEN, JOSEPH CONSTANT, Secretaries.
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Constitution of New York (1821) Constitution of the State of New-York1
W E, THE PEOPLE of the state of NewYork, acknowledging with gratitude the grace and beneficence of God, in permitting us to make choice of our form of government, do establish this Constitution.
ARTICLE I S ECT. 1. The legislative power of this state, shall be vested in a senate, and an assembly. S ECT. 2. The senate shall consist of thirty two members. The senators shall be chosen for four years, and shall be freeholders. The assembly shall consist of one hundred and twenty eight members, who shall be annually elected. S ECT. 3. A majority of each house, shall constitute a quorum to do business. Each house shall determine the rules of its own proceedings, and be the judge of the qualifications of its own members. Each house shall choose its own officers; and the senate shall choose a temporary president, when the lieutenant governor shall not attend as president, or shall act as governor. S ECT. 4. Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and publish the same, except such parts as may require secrecy. The doors of each house, shall be kept open, except when the public welfare shall require secrecy. Neither house shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than two days.
S ECT. 5. The state shall be divided into eight districts, to be called Senate districts, each of which shall choose four senators. The first district, shall consist of the counties of Suffolk, Queens, Kings, Richmond, and New York. The second district shall consist of the counties of West Chester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan. The third district shall consist of the counties of Greene2 , Columbia, Albany, Rensselaer, Schoharie and Schenectady. The fourth district shall consist of the counties of Saratoga, Montgomery, Hamilton, Washington, Warren, Clinton, Essex, Franklin and St. Lawrence. The fifth district shall consist of the counties of Herkimer, Oneida, Madison, Oswego, Lewis and Jefferson. The sixth district shall consist of the counties of Delaware, Otsego, Chenango, Broome, Cortland, Tompkins, and Tioga. The seventh district shall consist of the counties of Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Ontario. The eighth district shall consist of the counties of Steuben, Livingston, Monroe, Genesee, Niagara, Erie, Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauque3 . And as soon as the senate shall meet, after the first election to be held in pursuance of this Constitution, they shall cause the senators to be divided by lot into four classes, of eight in each, so that every district shall have one senator of each class; the classes to be numbered, one, two, three and four. And
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N EW YORK the seats of the first class shall be vacated at the end of the first year; of the second class at the end of the second year; of the third class at the end of the third year; of the fourth class at the end of the fourth year; in order that one senator be annually elected, in each senate district. S ECT. 6. An enumeration of the inhabitants of the state, shall be taken under the direction of the legislature, in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty five, and at the end of every ten years thereafter; and the said districts shall be so altered by the legislature, at the first session after the return of every enumeration, that each senate district shall contain, as nearly as may be, an equal number of inhabitants, excluding aliens, paupers, and persons of colour not taxed: and shall remain unaltered, until the return of another enumeration, and shall at all times consist of contiguous territory; and no county shall be divided in the formation of a senate district. S ECT. 7. The members of the Assembly shall be chosen by counties and shall be apportioned among the several counties of the4 state, as nearly as may be, according to the numbers5 of their respective inhabitants, excluding aliens, paupers, and persons of colour not taxed. An apportionment of members of assembly shall be made by the legislature, at its first session, after the return of every enumeration; and when made shall remain unaltered until another enumeration shall have been taken. But an apportionment of members of the assembly, shall be made by the present legislature according to the last enumeration, taken under the authority of the United states, as nearly as may be. Every county heretofore established and separately organized, shall always be entitled to one member of the assembly; and no new county shall hereafter be erected, unless its population shall entitle it to a member.
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S ECT. 8. Any bill may originate in either house of the legislature; and all bills passed by one house, may be amended by the other. S ECT. 9. The members of the legislature shall receive for their services a compensation, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the public treasury; but no increase of the compensation shall take effect during the year in which it shall have been made. And no law shall be passed increasing the compensation of the members of the legislature, beyond the sum of three dollars a day. S ECT. 10. No member of the legislature shall receive any civil appointment from the governor and senate, or from the legislature, during the term for which he shall have been elected. S ECT. 11. No person being a member of congress, or holding any judicial or military office under the United States, shall hold a seat in the legislature. And if any person shall, while a member of the legislature, be elected to congress, or appointed to any office, civil or military, under the government of the United States; his acceptance thereof shall vacate his seat. S ECT. 12. Every bill, which shall have passed the senate and assembly, shall, before it become a law, be presented to the governor; if he approve, he shall sign it; but if not, he shall return it with his objections, to that house in which it shall have originated; who shall enter the objections at large on their journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such reconsideration, two thirds of the members present shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent together with the objections to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered; and if approved by two thirds of the members present, it shall become a law. But in all such cases, the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons voting for and against
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1821) the bill, shall be entered on the journal6 of each house, respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the governor, within ten days (sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the legislature shall by their adjournment prevent its return; in which case it shall not be a law. S ECT. 13. All officers holding their offices during good behavior may be removed by joint resolution of the two houses of the legislature, if two thirds of all the members elected to the assembly, and a majority of all the members elected to the senate concur therein. S ECT. 14. The political year shall begin on the first day of January; and the legislature shall every year assemble on the first tuesday of January, unless a different day shall be appointed by law. S ECT. 15. The next election for governor, lieutenant governor, senators and members of assembly shall commence on the first monday of November one thousand eight hundred and twenty two; and all subsequent elections shall be held at such time in the month of October or November, as the legislature shall by law provide. S ECT. 16. The governor, lieutenantgovernor, senators, and members of assembly first elected under this constitution, shall enter on the duties of their respective offices on the first day of January one thousand eight hundred and twenty three, and the governor, lieutenant-governor, senators, and members of assembly now in office shall continue to hold the same, until the first day of January one thousand eight hundred and twenty three, and no longer.
ARTICLE II S ECT. 1. Every male citizen of the age of twenty one years, who shall have been an inhabitant of this state one year preceding any election, and for the last six months a resident of the town or county where he may offer his vote; and shall have within the year next7 preceding the election paid a tax to the state or county, assessed upon his real or personal property; or shall by law be exempted from taxation; or being armed and8 equipped according to law, shall have performed within that year military duty in the militia of this state, or who shall be exempted from performing militia9 duty, in consequence of being a fireman in any city, town, or village, in this state; and also every male citizen of the age of twenty one years, who shall have been for three years next preceding such election, an inhabitant of this state, and for the last year a resident in the town or county where he may offer his vote, and shall have been within the last year assessed to labor upon10 the public11 highways, and shall have performed the labor, or paid an equivalent therefor, according to law, shall be entitled to vote in the town or ward where he actually resides, and not elsewhere, for all officers that now are, or hereafter may be, elective by the people; but no man of colour, unless he shall have been for three years a citizen of this state, and for one year next preceding any election, shall be seised and possessed of a freehold estate, of the value of two hundred and fifty dollars, over and above all debts and incumbrances charged thereon; and shall have been actually rated and paid a tax thereon, shall be entitled to vote at any such election. And no person of colour shall be subject to direct taxation, unless he shall be seised and possessed of such real estate as aforesaid. S ECT. 2. Laws may be passed, excluding from the right of suffrage persons who
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N EW YORK have been, or may be, convicted of infamous crimes. S ECT. 3. Laws shall be made for ascertaining by proper proofs, the citizens who shall be entitled to the right of suffrage, hereby established. S ECT. 4. All elections by the citizens shall be by ballot, except for such town officers as may, by law, be directed to be otherwise chosen.
ARTICLE III S ECT. 1. The Executive power shall be vested in a governor. He shall hold his office for two years: and a lieutenant governor shall be chosen at the same time, and for the same term. S ECT. 2. No person except a native citizen of the United States shall be eligible to the office of governor; nor shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not be a freeholder, and shall not have attained the age of thirty years, and have been five years a resident within this state; unless he shall have been absent during that time on public business of the United States, or of this state. S ECT. 3. The governor and lieutenant governor shall be elected at the times and places of choosing members of the legislature. The persons respectively having the highest number of votes for governor, and lieutenant governor, shall be elected; but in case two or more shall have an equal and the highest number of votes, for governor, or for lieutenant governor, the two houses of the legislature, shall, by joint ballot, choose one of the said persons, so having an equal and the highest number of votes, for governor, or lieutenant governor. S ECT. 4. The governor shall be general and commander in chief of all the militia,
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and admiral of the navy of the state. He shall have power to convene the legislature (or the senate only,) on extraordinary occasions. He shall communicate by message to the legislature, at every session, the condition of the state; and recommend such matters to them, as he shall judge expedient. He shall transact all necessary business with the officers of government, civil and military. He shall expedite all such measures, as may be resolved upon by the legislature, and shall take care that the laws are faithfully executed. He shall, at stated times, receive for his services a compensation which shall neither be increased, nor diminished, during the term for which he shall have been elected. S ECT. 5. The governor shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons, after conviction, for all offences, except treason, and cases of impeachment. Upon convictions for treason: he shall have power to suspend the execution of the sentence until the case shall be reported to the legislature at its next meeting; when the legislature shall either pardon, or direct the execution of the criminal, or grant a farther12 reprieve. S ECT. 6. In case of the impeachment of the governor, or his removal from office, death, resignation, or absence from the state, the powers and duties of the office shall devolve upon the lieutenant governor, for the residue of the term, or until the governor absent, or impeached, shall return, or be acquitted. But when the governor shall, with the consent of the legislature, be out of the state in time of war, at the head of a military force thereof, he shall still continue commander in chief of all the military force of the state. S ECT. 7. The lieutenant governor shall be president of the senate, but shall have only a casting vote therein. If during a13
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1821) vacancy of the office of governor, the lieutenant governor shall be impeached, displaced, resign, die, or be absent from the state, the president of the senate shall act as governor, until the vacancy shall be filled, or the disability shall cease.
ARTICLE IV S ECT. 1. Militia officers shall be chosen, or appointed, as follows: captains, subalterns, and non-commissioned officers shall be chosen, by the written votes of the members of their respective companies. Field officers of regiments and separate battalions, by the written votes of the commissioned officers of the respective regiments, and separate battalions. Brigadier generals, by the field officers of their respective brigades. Major generals, brigadier generals, and commanding officers of regiments, or separate battalions, shall appoint the staff officers of14 their respective divisions, brigades, regiments or separate battalions. S ECT. 2. The governor shall nominate, and with the consent of the senate appoint, all major generals, brigade inspectors, and chiefs of15 the staff departments, except the Adjutant general, and Commissary general. The adjutant general shall be appointed by the governor. S ECT. 3. The legislature shall, by law, direct the time, and manner, of electing militia officers, and of certifying their elections to the governor. S ECT. 4. The commissioned officers of the militia shall be commissioned by the governor; and no commissioned officer shall be removed from office, unless by the senate, on the recommendation of the governor, stating the grounds on which such removal is recommended, or by the decision of a court martial, pursuant to law. The present officers of the militia, shall hold
their commissions16 , subject to removal, as before provided. S ECT. 5. In case the mode of election and appointment of militia officers hereby17 directed, shall not be found conducive to the improvement of the militia, the legislature may abolish the same, and provide by law for their appointment and removal, if two thirds of the members present in each house, shall concur therein. S ECT. 6. The secretary of state, comptroller, treasurer, attorney general, surveyor general, and commissary general, shall be appointed as follows: the senate and assembly shall each openly nominate one person for the said offices respectively, after which they shall meet together, and if they shall agree in their nominations, the person18 so nominated shall be appointed to the office for which he shall be nominated. If they shall disagree, the appointment shall be made by the joint ballot of the senators and members of assembly. The Treasurer shall be chosen annually. The secretary of state, comptroller, attorney general, surveyor general, and commissary general, shall hold their offices for three years, unless sooner removed by concurrent resolution of the senate and assembly. S ECT. 7. The governor shall nominate, by message, in writing, and with the consent of the senate, shall appoint, all judicial officers, except justices of the peace, who shall be appointed in manner following, that is to say; the board of supervisors in every county in this state, shall at such times as the legislature may direct, meet together, and they or a majority of them so assembled, shall nominate so many persons as shall be equal to the number of justices of the peace to be appointed in the several towns in the respective counties. And the judges of the respective county courts, or a majority of them, shall also meet and nominate a
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N EW YORK like number of persons; and it shall be the duty of the said board19 of supervisors and judges of county courts, to compare such nominations, at such time and place, as the legislature may direct: and if on such comparison the said boards of supervisors and judges of county courts shall agree in their nominations, in all, or in part, they shall file a certificate of the nominations in which they shall agree in the office of the clerk of the county, and the person or persons named in such certificates shall be justices of the peace: and in case of disagreement in whole or in part it shall be the farther20 duty of the said boards of supervisors and judges respectively, to transmit their said nominations, so far as they disagree in the same, to the governor, who shall select from the said nominations, and appoint, so many justices of the peace as shall be requisite to fill the vacancies. Every person appointed a justice of the peace shall hold his office for four years, unless removed by the county court, for causes particularly assigned by the judges of the said court: and no justice of the peace shall be removed, until he shall have notice of the charges made against him, and an opportunity of being heard in his defence. S ECT. 8. Sheriffs, and clerks of counties, including the register and clerk21 of the city and county of New York, shall be chosen by the electors of the respective counties, once in every three years, and as often as vacancies shall happen. Sheriffs shall hold no other office, and be ineligible for the next three years, after the termination of their offices. They may be required by law, to renew their security, from time to time; and in default of giving such new security, their offices shall be deemed vacant. But the county shall never be made responsible for the acts of the sheriff: and the governor may remove any such sheriff, clerk or register, at any time within the three years for which he
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shall be elected, giving to such sheriff, clerk, or register, a copy of the charge against him, and an opportunity of being heard in his defence, before any removal shall be made. S ECT. 9. The clerks of courts, except those clerks, whose appointment is provided for in the preceding section, shall be appointed by the courts of which they respectively are clerks; and district attornies, by the county courts. Clerks of courts, and district attornies, shall hold their offices for three years, unless sooner removed by the courts appointing them. S ECT. 10. The mayors of all the cities in this state shall be appointed annually, by the common councils of the respective cities. S ECT. 11. So many coroners as the legislature may direct, not exceeding four in each county, shall be elected in the same manner as sheriffs, and shall hold their offices for the same term, and be removable in like manner. S ECT. 12. The governor shall nominate, and with the consent of the senate appoint, masters, and examiners in chancery; who shall hold their offices for three years, unless sooner removed by the senate, on the recommendation of the governor. The registers22 , and assistant registers, shall be appointed by the chancellor, and hold their offices during his pleasure. S ECT. 13. The clerk of the court23 of oyer and terminer, and general sessions of the peace, in and for the city and county of New York, shall be appointed by the court of general sessions of the peace in said city, and hold his office during the pleasure of the said court: and such clerks, and other officers of courts, whose appointment is not herein provided for, shall be appointed by the several courts, or by the governor, with the consent of the senate, as may be directed by law.
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1821) S ECT. 14. The special justices, and the assistant justices, and their clerks, in the city of New York, shall be appointed by the common council of the said city; and shall hold their offices for the same term that the justices of the peace in the other counties of this24 state hold their offices, and shall be removable in like manner. S ECT. 15. All officers, heretofore elective by the people, shall continue to be elected; and all other officers whose appointment is not provided for by this constitution, and all officers whose offices may be hereafter created by law, shall be elected by the people, or appointed as may by law be directed. S ECT. 16. Where the duration of any office is not prescribed by this constitution, it may be declared by law; and if not so declared, such office shall be held during the pleasure of the authority making the appointment.
ARTICLE V S ECT. 1. The court for the trial of impeachments, and the correction of errors, shall consist of the president of the senate, the senators, the chancellor25 , and the26 justices of the supreme court, or the major part of them; but when an impeachment shall be prosecuted against the chancellor, or any justice of the supreme court, the person so impeached shall be suspended from exercising his office, until his acquittal; and when an appeal from a decree in chancery shall be heard, the chancellor shall inform the court of the reasons for his decree, but shall have no voice in the final sentence: and when a writ of error shall be brought, on a judgment of the supreme court, the justices of that court shall assign the reasons for their judgment, but shall not have a voice for its affirmance, or reversal.
S ECT. 2. The assembly shall have the power of impeaching all civil officers of this state, for mal and corrupt conduct27 in office, and for28 high crimes and misdemeanors29 : but a majority of all the members elected, shall concur in an impeachment. Before the trial of an impeachment, the members of the court shall take an oath or affirmation, truly and impartially to try and determine the charge in question, according to evidence, and no person shall be convicted, without the concurrence of two thirds of the members present. Judgment, in cases of impeachment, shall not extend farther30 than the removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit, under this state; but the party convicted, shall be liable to indictment, and punishment, according to law. S ECT. 3. The chancellor, and justices of the supreme court, shall hold their offices during good behavior, or until they shall attain the age of sixty years. S ECT. 4. The supreme court shall consist of a chief justice, and two justices, any of whom may hold the court. S ECT. 5. The state shall be divided by law, into a convenient number of circuits, not less than four, nor exceeding eight, subject to alteration by the legislature, from time to time, as the public good may require; for each of which, a circuit judge shall be appointed, in the same manner, and hold his office by the same tenure, as the justices of the supreme court; and who shall possess the powers of a justice of the supreme court at chambers; and in the trial of issues joined in the supreme court; and in courts of oyer and terminer, and jail31 delivery. And such equity powers may be vested in the said circuit judges, or in the county courts, or in such other subordinate courts, as the legislature may, by law direct,
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N EW YORK subject to the appellate jurisdiction of the chancellor. S ECT. 6. Judges of the county courts, and recorders of cities, shall hold their offices for five years, but may be removed by the senate, on the recommendation of the governor, for causes to be stated in such32 recommendation. nor33
S ECT. 7. Neither the chancellor, justices of the supreme court, nor any circuit judge34 ,35 shall hold any other office, or public trust. All votes for any elective office, given by the legislature, or the people, for the chancellor, or a justice of the supreme court, or circuit judge, during his continuance in his judicial office, shall be void.
ARTICLE VI S ECT. 1. Members of the legislature, and all officers executive and judicial, except such inferior officers as may by law be exempted, shall, before they enter on the duties of their respective offices, take and subscribe the following oath, or affirmation: I do solemnly swear (or affirm as the case may be) that I will support the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the state of New-York; and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of –––––– according to the best of my ability. And no other oath, declaration, or test, shall be required, as a qualification for any office, or public trust.
ARTICLE VII S ECT. 1. No member of this state shall be disfranchised, or deprived of any of the rights or privileges secured to any citizen thereof, unless by the law of the land, or the judgment of his peers.
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S ECT. 2. The trial by jury, in all cases in which it has been heretofore used, shall remain inviolate forever; and no new court shall be instituted, but such as shall proceed according to the course of the common law, except such courts of equity as the legislature36 is herein authorized to establish. S ECT. 3. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed in this state, to all mankind; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured, shall not be so construed, as to excuse acts37 of licentiousness, or justify practices, inconsistent with the peace, or safety of this state. S ECT. 4. And whereas the ministers of the gospel, are, by their profession, dedicated to the service of God, and the cure of souls, and ought not to be diverted from the great duties of their functions: Therefore, no minister of the gospel, or priest of any denomination whatsoever, shall at any time hereafter, under any pretence, or description whatever, be eligible to, or capable of, holding any civil, or military office, or place, within this state. S ECT. 5. The militia of this38 state, shall at all times hereafter, be armed and disciplined, and39 in readiness for service; but all such inhabitants of this state, of any religious denomination whatever, as from scruples of conscience, may be averse to bearing arms, shall be excused therefrom, by paying to the state an equivalent in money; and the legislature shall provide by law, for the collection of such equivalent, to be estimated according to the expense, in time and money, of an ordinary, able bodied militia man. S ECT. 6. The privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases40 of rebellion, or inva-
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1821) sion, the public safety may require its suspension. S ECT. 7. No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, (except in cases of impeachment, and in cases of the militia, when in actual service; and the land and naval forces in time of war, or which this state may keep, with the consent of congress, in time of peace, and in cases41 of petit larceny, under the regulation of the legislature;) unless on presentment, or indictment, of a grand jury; and in every trial on impeachment, or indictment, the party accused shall be allowed counsel, as in civil actions. No person shall be subject for the same offence, to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall he be compelled, in any criminal case, to be a witness against himself; nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. S ECT. 8. Every citizen may freely speak, write, and publish, his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; and no law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech, or of the press. In all prosecutions or indictments for libels, the truth may be given in evidence to the jury; and if it shall appear to the jury, that the matter charged as libellous is true, and was published with good motives, and for justifiable ends, the party shall be acquitted; and the jury shall have the right to determine the law and the fact. S ECT. 9. The assent of two thirds of the members elected to each branch of the legislature, shall be requisite to every bill appropriating the public monies, or property, for local, or private purposes, or creating, continuing, altering, or renewing, any body politic or corporate.
S ECT. 10. The proceeds of all lands belonging to this state, except such parts thereof as may be reserved, or appropriated to public use, or ceded to the United States, which shall hereafter be sold or disposed of, together with the fund, denominated the common school fund, shall be and remain, a perpetual fund; the interest of which shall be inviolably appropriated, and applied to the support of common schools, throughout this state. Rates of toll, not less than those agreed to, by the canal commissioners, and set forth in their report, to the legislature, of42 the twelfth of March, one thousand eight hundred and twenty one, shall be imposed on43 , and collected from all parts of the navigable communications44 between the great western and northern lakes, and the Atlantic ocean, which now are, or hereafter shall be made and completed: And the said tolls, together with the duties on the manufacture of all salt, as established by the act of the fifteenth of April, one thousand eight hundred and seventeen; and the duties on goods sold at auction, excepting therefrom the sum of thirty three thousand, five hundred dollars, otherwise appropriated by the said act; and the amount of the revenue, established by the act of the legislature of the thirtieth of March, one thousand eight hundred and twenty, in lieu of the tax upon steamboat passengers; shall be and remain inviolably appropriated and applied to the completion of such navigable communications, and to the payment of the interest, and reimbursement of the capital, of the money already borrowed, or which hereafter shall he borrowed, to make and complete the same. And neither the rates of toll on the said navigable communications; nor the duties on the manufacture of salt aforesaid; nor the duties45 on goods sold at auction, as established by the act of the fifteenth of April, one thousand eight hundred and seventeen; nor the amount of the revenue, established by the act of March the thirtieth,
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N EW YORK one thousand eight hundred and twenty, in lieu of the tax upon steam boat passengers, shall be reduced, or diverted, at any time, before the full and complete payment of the principal and interest of the money borrowed, or to be borrowed as aforesaid. And the legislature shall never sell, or dispose of, the Salt springs, belonging to this state, nor the lands46 contiguous thereto, which may be necessary, or convenient for their use; nor the said navigable communications, or any part, or section thereof; but the same shall be, and remain, the property of this state. S ECT. 11. No lottery shall hereafter be authorized in this state; and the legislature shall pass laws to prevent the sale of all lottery tickets within this state, except in lotteries already provided for by law. S ECT. 12. No purchase or contract for the sale of lands in this state, made since the fourteenth day of October, one thousand seven hundred and seventy five, or which may hereafter be made, of, or with, the Indians, in this state, shall be valid, unless made under the authority, and with the consent, of the legislature. S ECT. 13. Such parts of the common law, and of the acts of the legislature of the colony of New-York, as together did form the law of the said colony, on the nineteenth day of April, one thousand seven hundred and seventy five, and the resolutions of the congress of the said colony, and of the convention of the state of New York in force on the twentieth day of April, one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven, which have not since expired, or been repealed, or altered; and such acts of the legislature of this state, as are now in force, shall be and continue the law of this state, subject to such alterations, as the legislature shall make, concerning the same. But all such parts of the common law, and such of the
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said acts or parts thereof, as are repugnant to this47 constitution, are hereby abrogated. S ECT. 14. All grants of land, within this state, made by the King of Great Britain, or persons acting under his authority, after the fourteenth day of October, one thousand seven hundred and seventy five, shall be null and void; but nothing contained in this constitution, shall affect any grants of land within this state, made by the authority of the said King or his predecessors, or shall annul any charters to bodies politic and corporate, by him or them made, before that day; or shall affect any such grants or charters, since made by this state, or by persons acting under its authority; or shall impair the obligation48 of any debts contracted by the state, or individuals, or bodies corporate, or any other rights of property, or any suits, actions, rights of action, or other proceedings in courts of justice.
ARTICLE VIII S ECT.1. Any amendment, or amendments, to this constitution, may be proposed in the senate or assembly, and if the same shall be agreed to, by a majority of the members elected to each of the two houses, such proposed amendment, or amendments, shall be entered on their journals, with the yeas and nays taken thereon, and referred to the legislature, then next to be chosen, and shall be published for three months previous to the time of making such choice, and if, in the legislature next chosen as aforesaid, such proposed amendment, or amendments, shall be agreed to, by two thirds of all the members elected to each house, then it shall be the duty of the legislature, to submit such proposed amendment, or amendments, to the people, in such manner, and at such time, as the legislature shall prescribe; and if the people shall approve, and ratify
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1821) subscribe, an oath, or affirmation, to support this51 constitution, so far as the same shall then be in force. Sheriffs, clerks of counties, and coroners, shall be elected, at the election hereby directed to commence on the first monday of November, in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty two52 , but they shall not enter on the duties of their offices, before the first day of January, then next following. The Commissions of all persons, holding civil offices on the last day of December, one thousand eight hundred and twenty two, shall expire on that day: but the officers then in commission, may respectively continue to hold their said offices, until new appointments, or elections shall take place, under this constitution.
such amendment, or amendments, by a majority of the electors, qualified to vote for members of the legislature, voting thereon, such amendment, or amendments, shall become part of the constitution.
ARTICLE IX S ECT. 1. This constitution shall be in force, from the last day of December, in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty two; but all those parts of the same which relate to the right of suffrage; the division of the state into senate districts; the number of members of the assembly, to be elected in pursuance of this constitution; the apportionment of members of assembly; the elections49 hereby directed to commence on the first monday of November, in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty two; the continuance of the members of the present legislature in office until the first day of January, in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty three; and the prohibition against authorizing lotteries; the prohibition against appropriating the public monies, or property, for local, or private50 purposes; or creating, continuing, altering, or renewing, any body politic, or corporate, without the assent of two thirds of the members elected to each branch of the legislature; shall be in force, and take effect, from the last day of February next. The members of the present legislature, shall, on the first monday of March next, take and
S ECT. 2. The existing laws relative to the manner of notifying, holding, and conducting elections, making returns, and canvassing votes, shall be in force, and observed in respect to the elections, hereby directed to commence on the first monday of November, in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty two; so far as the same are applicable. And the present legislature shall pass such other and farther53 laws, as may be requisite, for the execution of the provisions of this constitution, in respect to elections. D ONE, In Convention, at the Capitol in the city of Albany, the tenth day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty one, and of the independence of the United States of America the forty sixth.
In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names. DANIEL D. TOMPKINS President, and Delegate from the county of Richmond54 JOHN F. BACON 55 SAM[UE]L S. GARDINER Secretaries
}
DELEGATES56 Ezekiel Bacon Jirah Baker Elisha Barlow
COUNTIES Oneida & Oswego57 Rensselaer Dutchess
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N EW YORK DELEGATES Barak Beckwith V. Birdseye John Bowman Olney Briggs David Brinkerhoff David Buel jun. David Burroughs Matt’w. Carpenter Nathan Carver Ameri Case Salmon58 Child Daniel Clark Joseph Clyde Ela Collins John Cramer J. DuBois John Duer Jacobus Dyckman A. Eastwood Ogden Edwards Jas. Fairlie Jason Fenton Augustus F. Ferris Joel Frost John Hallock jun. James L. Hogeboom Parley E. Howe Ransom Hunt Isaac Hunting H. Huntington Timothy Hurd Rufus King John Knowles Sanders Lansing Jno. L. Lawrence John Lefferts Alexander Livingston Peter R Livingston James M’Call Peter Millikin Usher H. Moore Peter Jay Munro Samuel Nelson William Park
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COUNTIES Madison Onondaga & Oswego Monroe Schoharie Cayuga Rensselaer Genesee Tioga Clinton & Franklin Onondaga & Oswego Saratoga Ulster & Sullivan Otsego Lewis Saratoga Ulster & Sullivan Orange New York Onondaga & Oswego New York New York St. Lawrence Cayuga Putnam Orange Rensselaer Onondaga & Oswego Otsego Dutchess Oneida & Oswego59 Steuben & Allegany Queens Madison Herkimer New York Kings Washington & Warren Dutchess Steuben & Allegany Orange Suffolk Westchester Cortland Otsego
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1821) DELEGATES William Paulding jun. Jarvis K. Pike Nathaniel Pitcher Augustus Porter Charles Pumpelly Jacob Radcliff John Reeve John Richards Jeremy Rockwell Edward Rogers Erastus Root Rob’t. S Rose Jonathan Ward Elizur Webster James Hunter John Z. Ross Samuel Russell Ebenezer Sage Nathan Sanford Reuben Sanford Abraham H. Schenck Nath’l. Seaman Jonas Seely Peter Sharpe Alex’r. Sheldon Joshua Smith Richard Smith Asa Starkweather Hiram Steele Jacob Sutherland Philetus Swift Nathan Taylor Egbert Ten Eyck Wm. Townsend Jehiel Tuttle M. V. Buren Joshua Van Fleet Samuel G Verbryck John W. Woods P. H. Wendover H. Wheaton Melancton Wheeler N. Williams Peter Stagg
COUNTIES New York Chenango Washington & Warren Erie Niagara Chautauque & Cattaraugus60 Broome New York Rensselaer Washington & Warren Saratoga Madison Delaware Seneca Westchester Genesee Ulster & Sullivan Genesee Erie Niagara Chautauque & Cattaraugus61 Suffolk New York. Essex Dutchess Queens Seneca New York Montgomery Suffolk Tompkins Schoharie Jefferson Schoharie Ontario Chenango Jefferson Washington & Warren Greene Otsego Ontario Rockland Rensselaer New York New York Washington & Warren Oneida & Oswego62 New York
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N EW YORK DELEGATES Richard Townley Ja[me]s Rosebrugh James Tallmadge jun. {signed January 14, 1822}63 B. Woodward Sherman Wooster Henry Yates jun., Samuel Young, Micah Brooks {signed Nov. 19, 1821}64 W[illia]m Irving Dodge {signed January 7, 1822}65 David Tripp {signed Jany . 9, 1822}66
1 Verified by Constitution of the State of New-York, As Amended, Albany: Printed by Cantine and Leake, Printers to the State, 1821, 24 p., and corrected according to the engrossed manuscript preserved in the New York State Archives at Albany, N.Y. Also checked against the versions as published in Journal of the Convention of the State of New-York. Begun and Held at the Capitol in the City of Albany, on the Twenty-Eighth Day of August, 1821, Albany: Printed by Cantine & Leake, Printers to the State, 1821, 524–556, in Reports of the Proceedings and Debates of the Convention of 1821, Assembled for the Purpose of Amending the Constitution of the State of New-York: Containing All the Official Documents, Relating to the Subject, and Other Valuable Matter, By Nathaniel H. Carter and William L. Stone, Reporters; and Marcus T. C. Gould, Stenographer, Albany: Printed and Published by E. and E. Hosford, 1821, 659–668, in Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Forty-Sixth Session of the Legislature, Begun at the City of Albany the first day of January, and continued till April 24, 1823. Together with The Constitution of the said State, As Adopted in 1821; and The Forms under the Election Law of 1822, Albany: Printed by Leake and Croswell, Printers to the State, 1823, iiixv, in Manual for the Use of the Convention to Revise the Constitution of the State of New York, Convened at Albany, June 1, 1846. Prepared Pursuant to Order of the Convention, by the Secretaries, Under Supervision of a Select Committee, New York: Walker and Craighead, 1846, 73–93, in The Constitution of the State of New York, With Notes, References and Annotations, Together with the Articles of Confederation, Constitution of the United States, New York State Constitutions of 1777, 1821, 1846, Unamended and As Amended and in Force in 1894, With an Index of the Revised Constitution and the Constitution of the United States, ed. by Robert C. Cumming, Owen L. Potter and Frank
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COUNTIES Tompkins Livingston Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County Orange Herkimer Schenectady Saratoga Ontario Montgomery Otsego
B. Gilbert, 2nd ed., Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1899, 58–69, in Charles Z. Lincoln, The Constitutional History of New York From the Beginning of the Colonial Period to the Year 1905, Showing the Origin, Development, and Judicial Construction of the Constitution, 5 vols., Rochester, NY: The Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company, 1906, I, 192–221, and in the internet at http://www.courts.state.ny.us/history/pdf/ Library/1821_New_York_Constitution.pdf. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the engrossed manuscript. Italics were used to represent emphasis given in the manuscript. Curly brackets appear where square brackets were used in the manuscript. The Convention adopted the Constitution on November 10, 1821, and it was ratified by the people on January 15–17, 1822, by a vote of 74,732 to 41,402 (cf. Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 754). In total, it was amended eight times: twice in 1826 (q.v.), twice in 1833 (q.v.), once in 1835 (q.v.), once in 1839 (q.v.), and twice in 1845 (q.v.), before it was replaced by the third constitution of New York of 1846 (q.v.). 2 In Convention Manual, 74, “Green”. 3 In engrossed manuscript, “Chatauque”; in 1899 edition, 59, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 194, and in internet publication, “Chautauqua”. 4 In Convention Manual, 75, “this”. 5 Ibid., “number”. 6 Ibid., 76, “journals”. 7 In 1899 edition, 60, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 198, and in internet publication, “next year”. 8 In Convention Debates, 661, and in Convention Manual, 78, “or”. 9 In Convention Debates, 661, “military”. 10 In Convention Manual, 78, “on”. 11 In Convention Debates, 661, word missing. 12 In Session law print, vi, and in Convention Manual, 80, “further”.
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1821) 13
In Convention Manual, 80, “the”. Ibid., 81, “to”. 15 Ibid., “in”. 16 In Session law print, vii, in Convention Manual, 81, in 1899 edition, 62, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 203, and in internet publication, “commission”. 17 In Convention Manual, 81, word missing. 18 In Convention Journal, 535, and in Convention Debates, 662, “persons”. 19 In Convention Manual, 82, “boards”. 20 Ibid., “further”. 21 Ibid., 83, “clerks”. 22 In 1899 edition, 64, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 207, and in internet publication, “register”. 23 In Convention Manual, 84, “courts”. 24 Ibid., “in the”. 25 Ibid., 85, “chancellors”. 26 In Convention Journal, 539, word missing. 27 In Convention Manual, 85, “practices”. 28 Ibid., word missing. 29 In Convention Journal, 540, “, and for high crimes and misdemeanors” missing. 30 In Convention Manual, 85, “further”. 31 In separate 1821 print, 15, in Convention Journal, 541, in Convention Debates, 664, in Session law print, ix, in 1899 edition, 65, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 211, and in internet publication, “gaol”. 32 In Convention Manual, 86, “the”. 33 In Convention Journal, 541, “and”. 34 In Convention Manual, 86, “judges”. 35 In Convention Journal, 541, “nor any circuit judge,” missing. 36 In Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 212, “legislation”. 37 In Convention Manual, 87, “any acts”. 38 Ibid., “the”. 39 In internet publication, “aid”. 40 In Convention Manual, 88, in 1899 edition, 66, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 214, and in internet publication, “case”. 41 In Convention Manual, 88, “case”. 42 Ibid., 89, “on”. 43 Ibid., “upon”. 44 Ibid., “communication”. 45 Ibid., “duty”. 46 Ibid., 90, “land”. 47 Ibid., 91, “the”. 48 Ibid., “obligations”. 49 Ibid., 92, “election”. 50 In internet publication, “prints”. 51 In separate 1821 print, 20, and in Convention Debates, 667, “the”. 52 In 1899 edition, 69, “twenty-one”. 53 In separate 1821 print, 21, in Convention Journal, 14
550, in Convention Debates, 667, in Session law print, xii, in Convention Manual, 93, in 1899 edition, 69, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 221, and in internet publication, “further”. 54 In Convention Manual, 93, “, and Delegate from the county of Richmond” missing. 55 In Convention Journal, 551–553, yeas (98) and nays (8) on the adoption of the constitution by the convention inserted. In Convention Manual, 93,in 1899 edition, 69, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 221, and in internet publication, rest missing. 56 In separate 1821 print, 21, and in Session law print, xiii, “Delegates / Names – Counties”; in Convention Journal, 553, “Names”; in Convention Debates, 668, “Delegates, who signed the amended constitution” instead of column headings. Names arranged as in engrossed manuscript. 57 In separate 1821 print, 21, in Convention Journal, 553, and in Convention Debates, 668, “& Oswego” missing. 58 In Convention Debates, 668, “Salman”. 59 In separate 1821 print, 22, in Convention Journal, 554, and in Convention Debates, 668, “& Oswego” missing. 60 In separate 1821 print, 23, in Convention Journal, 555, in Convention Debates, 668, and in Session law print, xiv, “Erie, Niagara, &c.”. 61 In separate 1821 print, 23, in Convention Journal, 555, in Convention Debates, 668, and in Session law print, xiv, “Erie, Niagara, &c.”. 62 In separate 1821 print, 24, in Convention Journal, 556, and in Convention Debates, 668, “& Oswego” missing. 63 In separate 1821 print, 21–24, in Convention Journal, 553–556, and in Convention Debates, 668, name missing; in Session law print, xiv, without comment. Tallmadge did not take part in the final vote (cf. Convention Journal, 551–553). 64 In separate 1821 print, 21–24, in Convention Journal, 553–556, and in Convention Debates, 668, name missing, though he voted for the adoption of the constitution (cf. Convention Journal, 551). In Session law print, xiii, without comment. 65 In separate 1821 print, 21–24, in Convention Journal, 553–556, and in Convention Debates, 668, name missing; in Session law print, xiii, without comment. Dodge did not take part in the final vote (cf. Convention Journal, 551–553). 66 In separate 1821 print, 21–24, in Convention Journal, 553–556, and in Convention Debates, 668, name missing; in Session law print, xiv, without comment. Tripp did not take part in the final vote (cf. Convention Journal, 551–553).
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First Amendment of 1826 State of New York1
IN SENATE,
tion of this state as is inconsistent with this amendment, be abrogated.
January 10th, 1826. W HEREAS the Senate of this state did at the last session of the legislature pass a resolution in the words following, to wit: Resolved, That the following amendment be proposed to the constitution of this state, and that the same be referred to the legislature next to be chosen, and published in pursuance of the provisions of the first section of the eighth article of the said constitution: That the people of this state in their several towns shall, at their annual election, and in such manner as the legislature shall direct, elect by ballot their justices of the peace, and the justices so elected in any town, shall immediately thereafter meet together, and in the2 presence of the supervisor and town clerk of the said town, be divided by lot into four classes, of one in each class, and be numbered one, two, three and four; and the office of number one shall expire at the end of the first year, of number two at the end of the second year, of number three at the end of the third year, and of number four at the end of the fourth year, in order that one justice may thereafter be annually elected; and that so much of the seventh section of the fourth article of the constitu-
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1
Verified by An Act To Submit to the People of this State Certain Amendments Proposed to the Constitution. Passed April 17, 1826, Albany: Printed by Packard & Van Benthuysen, 1826, 3. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in 1826 print. After having been approved of by the Assembly on March 6, 1826, the amendment was submitted to the people by act of April 17, 1826, and ratified by the people on November 6–8, 1826. The amendment was first proposed and approved by the legislature in 1825. Checked also against the versions published in The Revised Statutes of the State of New-York, As Altered by the Legislature; Including the Statutory Provisions of a General Nature, Passed from 1828 to 1835 Inclusive; With References to Judicial Decisions. Prepared by and Published Under the Superintendence of the Late Revisers, In Three Volumes, I, Albany: Printed on Steam Presses by Packard and Van Benthuysen, 1835, 50, in The Constitution of the State of New York, With Notes, References and Annotations, Together with the Articles of Confederation, Constitution of the United States, New York State Constitutions of 1777, 1821, 1846, Unamended and As Amended and in Force in 1894, With an Index of the Revised Constitution and the Constitution of the United States, ed. by Robert C. Cumming, Owen L. Potter and Frank B. Gilbert, 2nd ed., Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1899, 70, in Charles Z. Lincoln, The Constitutional History of New York From the Beginning of the Colonial Period to the Year 1905, Showing the Origin, Development, and Judicial Construction of the Constitution, 5 vols., Rochester, NY: The Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company, 1906, I, 222–223. 2 In Revised Statutes, I, 50, in 1899 edition, 70, and in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 222, word missing.
Second Amendment of 1826 State of New York1
In Senate, January 16th, 1826. W HEREAS the Senate at the last session of the legislature did resolve that the following amendments be proposed to the constitution of this state, That so much of the first section of the second article of the constitution as prescribes the qualifications of voters, other than persons of color, be, and the same is hereby abolished, and that the following be substituted in the place thereof. Every male citizen of the age of twentyone years, who shall have been an inhabitant of this state one year next preceding any election, and for the last six months, a resident of the county where he may offer his vote, shall be entitled to vote in the town or ward where he actually resides, and not elsewhere, for all officers that now are or hereafter may be elective by the people.
1
Verified by An Act To Submit to the People of this State Certain Amendments Proposed to the Constitution. Passed April 17, 1826, Albany: Printed by
Packard & Van Benthuysen, 1826, 4. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in 1826 print. After having been approved of by the Assembly on March 4, 1826, the amendment was submitted to the people by act of April 17, 1826, and ratified by the people on November 6–8, 1826. The amendment was first proposed and approved by the legislature in 1825. Checked also against the versions published in The Revised Statutes of the State of New-York, As Altered by the Legislature; Including the Statutory Provisions of a General Nature, Passed from 1828 to 1835 Inclusive; With References to Judicial Decisions. Prepared by and Published Under the Superintendence of the Late Revisers, In Three Volumes, I, Albany: Printed on Steam Presses by Packard and Van Benthuysen, 1835, 50, in The Constitution of the State of New York, With Notes, References and Annotations, Together with the Articles of Confederation, Constitution of the United States, New York State Constitutions of 1777, 1821, 1846, Unamended and As Amended and in Force in 1894, With an Index of the Revised Constitution and the Constitution of the United States, ed. by Robert C. Cumming, Owen L. Potter and Frank B. Gilbert, 2nd ed., Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1899, 70, in Charles Z. Lincoln, The Constitutional History of New York From the Beginning of the Colonial Period to the Year 1905, Showing the Origin, Development, and Judicial Construction of the Constitution, 5 vols., Rochester, NY: The Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company, 1906, I, 222.
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First Amendment of 1833 State of New York1
In Senate, March 20th, 1833. Whereas the senate, at the last session of the legislature, did resolve that the following amendment be proposed to the constitution of this state: Resolved, That the duties on the manufacture of salt, as established by the act of the fifteenth of April, one thousand eight hundred and seventeen, and by the tenth section of the seventh article of the constitution of this state, may at any time hereafter be reduced by an act of the legislature of this state; but shall not, while the same is appropriated and pledged by the said section, be reduced below the sum of six cents upon each and every bushel; and the said duties shall remain inviolably appropriated and applied, as is provided by the said tenth section; and that so much of the said tenth section of the seventh article of the constitution of this state as is inconsistent with this amendment be abrogated.
1
Verified by Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Fifty-Sixth Session of the Legislature, Begun and Held at the City of Albany, The First Day of January, 1833, Albany: Printed by E. Croswell, Printer to the State, 1833, 513–514. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Session Law volume. The amendment was approved by the Assembly on April 19, 1833, and ratified by the people according to the
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law adopted April 29, 1833 (ibid., 382–384) in November 1833. The amendment had been first proposed by the legislature on April 19, 1831 (cf. Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Fifty-Fourth Session of the Legislature, Begun and Held at the City of Albany, The Fourth Day of January, 1831, Albany: Printed by E. Croswell, Printer to the State, 1831, 437). As it had failed to be approved by the required two-thirds majority in the subsequent legislature, it was reintroduced in 1832 and approved by the majority of both Houses on February 10 (Assembly) and 24 (Senate), 1832 (cf. Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Fifty-Fifth Session of the Legislature, Begun and Held at the City of Albany, The Third Day of January, 1832, Albany: Printed by E. Croswell, Printer to the State, 1832, 576–577). Checked also against the versions published in The Revised Statutes of the State of New-York, As Altered by the Legislature; Including the Statutory Provisions of a General Nature, Passed from 1828 to 1835 Inclusive; With References to Judicial Decisions. Prepared by and Published Under the Superintendence of the Late Revisers, In Three Volumes, I, Albany: Printed on Steam Presses by Packard and Van Benthuysen, 1835, 50, in The Constitution of the State of New York, With Notes, References and Annotations, Together with the Articles of Confederation, Constitution of the United States, New York State Constitutions of 1777, 1821, 1846, Unamended and As Amended and in Force in 1894, With an Index of the Revised Constitution and the Constitution of the United States, ed. by Robert C. Cumming, Owen L. Potter and Frank B. Gilbert, 2nd ed., Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1899, 70, in Charles Z. Lincoln, The Constitutional History of New York From the Beginning of the Colonial Period to the Year 1905, Showing the Origin, Development, and Judicial Construction of the Constitution, 5 vols., Rochester, NY: The Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company, 1906, I, 223. Art. VII, sect. 10 was again amended in 1835 (q.v.).
Second Amendment of 1833 State of New York1
In Senate, April 22d, 1833. Whereas the senate, at the last session of the legislature, did resolve that the following amendment be proposed to the constitution of this state: Resolved, At the end of the tenth section of the fourth article of the said constitution add the following words: “Except in the city of New-York, in which2 the mayor shall be chosen annually, by the electors thereof qualified to vote for the other charter officers of the said city, and at the time of the election of such officers.”
1
Verified by Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Fifty-Sixth Session of the Legislature, Begun and Held at the City of Albany, The First Day of January, 1833, Albany: Printed by E. Croswell, Printer to the State, 1833, 514–515. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Session Law volume. The amendment was approved by the Assembly on April 25, 1833, and ratified by the people according to the law adopted April 29, 1833 (ibid., 377–379) in November 1833. The amendment had been first proposed by the legislature on April 9, 1831 (cf. Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Fifty-Fourth Session of the Legislature, Begun and Held at the City of Albany, The Fourth Day of January, 1831, Albany: Printed by E. Croswell,
Printer to the State, 1831, 436). As it had failed to be approved by the required two-thirds majority in the subsequent legislature, it was reintroduced in 1832 and approved by the majority of both Houses on February 10 (Assembly) and 12 (Senate), 1832 (cf. Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Fifty-Fifth Session of the Legislature, Begun and Held at the City of Albany, The Third Day of January, 1832, Albany: Printed by E. Croswell, Printer to the State, 1832, 575–576). Checked also against the versions published in The Revised Statutes of the State of New-York, As Altered by the Legislature; Including the Statutory Provisions of a General Nature, Passed from 1828 to 1835 Inclusive; With References to Judicial Decisions. Prepared by and Published Under the Superintendence of the Late Revisers, In Three Volumes, I, Albany: Printed on Steam Presses by Packard and Van Benthuysen, 1835, 50, in The Constitution of the State of New York, With Notes, References and Annotations, Together with the Articles of Confederation, Constitution of the United States, New York State Constitutions of 1777, 1821, 1846, Unamended and As Amended and in Force in 1894, With an Index of the Revised Constitution and the Constitution of the United States, ed. by Robert C. Cumming, Owen L. Potter and Frank B. Gilbert, 2nd ed., Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1899, 71, in Charles Z. Lincoln, The Constitutional History of New York From the Beginning of the Colonial Period to the Year 1905, Showing the Origin, Development, and Judicial Construction of the Constitution, 5 vols., Rochester, NY: The Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company, 1906, I, 223. 2 In Revised Statutes, I, 50, and in 1899 edition, 71, “which city”.
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Amendment of 1835 State of New York1
In Assembly, February 20th, 1835. Whereas the legislature at its last session, (a majority of all the members elected to each of the two houses agreeing thereto,) did resolve, that the following amendment to the constitution of this state be proposed and referred to the legislature than next to be chosen: And whereas the said proposed amendment has been published for three months previous to the time of making such choice, Resolved, That this assembly, (two-thirds of all the members elected voting in the affirmative,) do agree to the said proposed amendment, in the words following, to wit: “Whenever a sufficient amount of money shall be collected and safely invested for the reimbursement of such part as may then be unpaid of the money borrowed for the construction of the Erie and Champlain canals, the tenth section of the seventh article of the constitution of this state, so2 far as it relates to the amount of duties on the manufacture of salt, and the amount of duties on goods sold at auction, shall cease and determine: and thereafter the duties on goods sold at auction, excepting therefrom the sum of thirty-three thousand five hundred dollars, otherwise appropriated by the act of the fifteenth of April, one thousand eight hundred and seventeen, and the duties on the manufacture of salt, shall be restored to the general fund.”
1
Verified by Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Fifty-Eighth Session of the Legislature, Begun
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and Held at the City of Albany, The Sixth Day of January, 1835, Albany: Printed by E. Croswell, Printer to the State, 1835, 363–364. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Session Law volume. Obvious typographical errors have been tacitly corrected. The amendment was approved by the Senate on March 5, 1835, and ratified by the people according to the law adopted April 23, 1835 (ibid., 156–158) in November 1835. The amendment was first proposed by the legislature on May 1 (Assembly) and 5 (Senate), 1834 (cf. Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the FiftySeventh Session of the Legislature, Begun and Held at the City of Albany, The Seventh Day of January, 1834, Albany: Printed by E. Croswell, Printer to the State, 1834, 592–593). Checked also against the versions published in The Constitution of the State of New York, With Notes, References and Annotations, Together with the Articles of Confederation, Constitution of the United States, New York State Constitutions of 1777, 1821, 1846, Unamended and As Amended and in Force in 1894, With an Index of the Revised Constitution and the Constitution of the United States, ed. by Robert C. Cumming, Owen L. Potter and Frank B. Gilbert, 2nd ed., Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1899, 71, in Charles Z. Lincoln, The Constitutional History of New York From the Beginning of the Colonial Period to the Year 1905, Showing the Origin, Development, and Judicial Construction of the Constitution, 5 vols., Rochester, NY: The Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company, 1906, I, 224. In the context of the debate over what was to become the first amendment of 1833 (q.v.) a first proposal for this amendment was adopted, on April 16 and 25, 1832, which failed to be confirmed by the subsequent legislature, and which differed from the final version of 1834/35: “The duties of the manufacture of salt, as established by the act of the fifteenth of April, 1817, or as may be established by any amendment to the constitution, and the duties on goods sold at auction as now established, excepting therefrom the sum of thirty-three thousand five hundred dollars otherwise appropriated by the said act, shall hereafter be and remain inviolably appropriated and applied to defraying the expenses of administering the government of this state; nor shall the duties on the manufacture of salt aforesaid, nor the duties on goods sold at auction as established as aforesaid, be at any time hereafter reduced, or diverted from the aforesaid object, until the
A MENDMENT OF 1835 full and complete payment of the principal and interest of the money borrowed to make and complete the Erie and Champlain canals” (Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Fifty-Fifth Session of the Legislature, Be-
gun and Held at the City of Albany, The Third Day of January, 1832, Albany: Printed by E. Croswell, Printer to the State, 1832, 579–580). 2 In 1899 print, 71, “as”.
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Amendment of 1839 State of New York1
In Assembly, March 19th, 1838. Whereas the house of assembly, at the last session of the legislature, passed a resolution (a majority of all the members elected to the said house voting in favor thereof,) as follows, to wit: Resolved, (if the senate concur,) That the following amendments be proposed to the constitution of this state and referred to the legislature next to be chosen, and published in pursuance of the first section of the eighth article of the constitution, to wit: “Mayors of the several cities in this state may be elected annually by the male inhabitants entitled to vote for members of the common council2 of such cities respectively, in such manner as the legislature shall by law provide; and the legislature may from time to time make such provision by law for the election of any one or more of such mayors: but until such provision be3 made by law, such mayor4 (excepting5 the mayor of the city of New-York,) shall be appointed in the manner now prescribed6 by the constitution of this state; and so much of the tenth section of article fourth of the constitution of this state, as is inconsistent with this amendment, is hereby abrogated.” And whereas the senate, at the said last session, concurred with the assembly in their resolution, by a majority of all the members elected to that body voting in favor thereof: And whereas the said proposed amendment was entered by the senate and assembly on their journals with the yeas and nays taken thereon, and has been referred to the present legislature, pursuant to the
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first section of the eighth article of the constitution: And whereas the said proposed amendment has been published pursuant to the said article: Now, therefore, it is Resolved, That the assembly do agree to the said amendment, two-thirds of all the members elected to that body voting in favor thereof. 1
Verified by Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Sixty-First Session of the Legislature, Begun and Held at the City of Albany, The Second Day of January, 1838, Albany: Printed by E. Croswell, Printer to the State, 1838, 338. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Session Law volume. The amendment was approved by the Senate on March 27, 1838, and ratified by the people according to the law adopted May 3, 1839 (Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Sixty-Second Session of the Legislature, Begun and held at the City of Albany, The First Day of January, 1839, Albany: Printed by E. Croswell, Printer to the State, 1839, 295–297) in November 1839. The amendment was first proposed by the legislature on May 14 (Assembly) and 15 (Senate), 1837 (cf. Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Sixtieth Session of the Legislature, Begun and Held at the City of Albany, The Third Day of January, 1837, Albany: Printed by E. Croswell, Printer to the State, 1837, 560–561). Checked also against the versions published in The Constitution of the State of New York, With Notes, References and Annotations, Together with the Articles of Confederation, Constitution of the United States, New York State Constitutions of 1777, 1821, 1846, Unamended and As Amended and in Force in 1894, With an Index of the Revised Constitution and the Constitution of the United States, ed. by Robert C. Cumming, Owen L. Potter and Frank B. Gilbert, 2nd ed., Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1899, 71, in Charles Z. Lincoln, The Constitutional History of New York From the Beginning of the Colonial Period to the Year 1905, Showing the Origin, Development, and Judicial Construction of the Constitution, 5 vols., Rochester, NY: The Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company, 1906, I, 224. 2 In 1899 print, 71, “councils”.
A MENDMENT OF 1839 3 4
In Session Law volume, 1839, 295, “shall be”. In 1899 print, 71, “mayors”.
5 6
Ibid., “except”. In Session Law volume, 1839, 295, “provided”.
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First Amendment of 1845 State of New York1
In Senate, February 4th, 1845. Whereas, the following amendment to the constitution of this state was at the last session of the legislature proposed in the senate, viz: “No property qualification shall be required to render a person eligible to, or capable of holding any office or public trust in this state.” And whereas, the said proposed amendment was then agreed to by a majority of the members elected to each of the two houses and entered on the journals with the yeas and nays taken thereon and referred to the present legislature then next to be chosen. And whereas, the said proposed amendment has been published three months previous to the time of making such choice. Resolved, That the senate do agree to the said proposed amendment. This resolution having been read the third time, two-thirds of all the members elected to the senate voting in favor thereof, Resolved, That the resolution do pass.
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1
Verified by Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Sixty-Eighth Session of the Legislature, Begun and Held at the City of Albany, The Seventh Day of January, 1845, Albany: Printed by C. Van Benthuysen and Co., 1845, 445–446. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Session Law volume. The amendment was approved by the Assembly on April 10, 1845, and ratified by the people in November 1845. The amendment was first proposed by the legislature on April 19 (Senate) and May 6 (Assembly), 1844 (cf. Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the SixtySeventh Session of the Legislature, Begun and Held at the City of Albany, The Second Day of January, 1844, Albany: Printed by C. Van Benthuysen and Co., 1844, 543). Checked also against the version published in Charles Z. Lincoln, The Constitutional History of New York From the Beginning of the Colonial Period to the Year 1905, Showing the Origin, Development, and Judicial Construction of the Constitution, 5 vols., Rochester, NY: The Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company, 1906, I, 225. The amendment is missing in The Constitution of the State of New York, With Notes, References and Annotations, Together with the Articles of Confederation, Constitution of the United States, New York State Constitutions of 1777, 1821, 1846, Unamended and As Amended and in Force in 1894, With an Index of the Revised Constitution and the Constitution of the United States, ed. by Robert C. Cumming, Owen L. Potter and Frank B. Gilbert, 2nd ed., Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1899, 71.
Second Amendment of 1845 State of New York1
Resolved, That the resolution do pass.
In Senate, February 4th, 1845. Whereas, the following amendment to the constitution of this state was at the last session of the legislature proposed in the senate, viz: “No judicial officer shall be removed by the joint resolution of the two houses of the legislature, or by the senate on the recommendation of the governor, unless the cause of such removal shall be entered on the journal of both houses, or of the senate, as the case may be; and such officer against whom the legislature or the senate may be about to proceed, shall be serve with notice thereof, accompanied with a copy of the causes alleged for his removal, at least twenty days before the day on which either house shall act thereupon, and shall have an opportunity to be heard in his defence before any question shall be taken upon such removal; and the yeas and nays shall be entered upon the journals of the senate, or houses, as the case may be.” And whereas, the said proposed amendment was then agreed to by a majority of the members elected to each of the two houses, and entered on the journals, with the yeas and nays taken thereon, and referred to the present legislature, then next to be chosen. And whereas, the said proposed amendment has been published three months previous to the time of making such choice. Resolved, That the senate do agree to the said proposed amendment. This resolution having been read the third time, two-thirds of all the members elected to the senate voting in favor thereof,
1
Verified by Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Sixty-Eighth Session of the Legislature, Begun and Held at the City of Albany, The Seventh Day of January, 1845, Albany: Printed by C. Van Benthuysen and Co., 1845, 446–447. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Session Law volume. The amendment was approved by the Assembly on April 10, 1845, and ratified by the people in November 1845. The amendment was first proposed by the legislature on April 19 (Senate) and May 3 (Assembly), 1844 (cf. Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the SixtySeventh Session of the Legislature, Begun and Held at the City of Albany, The Second Day of January, 1844, Albany: Printed by C. Van Benthuysen and Co., 1844, 542). Checked also against the version published in Charles Z. Lincoln, The Constitutional History of New York From the Beginning of the Colonial Period to the Year 1905, Showing the Origin, Development, and Judicial Construction of the Constitution, 5 vols., Rochester, NY: The Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company, 1906, I, 224–225. The amendment is missing in The Constitution of the State of New York, With Notes, References and Annotations, Together with the Articles of Confederation, Constitution of the United States, New York State Constitutions of 1777, 1821, 1846, Unamended and As Amended and in Force in 1894, With an Index of the Revised Constitution and the Constitution of the United States, ed. by Robert C. Cumming, Owen L. Potter and Frank B. Gilbert, 2nd ed., Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1899, 71. In 1844, the legislature had proposed four additional amendments. On March 21, 1844, the assembly proposed, the senate concurring on April 15: “Amendment No. 1: The pledges and guarantees of the act entitled, ‘An act to provide for paying the debts and preserving the credit of the state,’ passed March 29, 1842, are hereby confirmed; and the revenues specified therein shall be applied to the purposes therein specified, including the repayment to the United States deposit fund, and to the common school fund, of all moneys of the said funds, which have been, or shall be invested in pursuance of the said act, in such equal annual sums as will be sufficient to pay in full, both principal and interest, all
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N EW YORK the debts and liabilities of this state, as they existed at the time of the passage of the said act; and also all the debts and liabilities of the state, authorized by said act to be created and incurred, and which have been created und incurred by authority of, and pursuant to said act, in the period of twenty-two and a half years from the time said act was passed and took effect; and the legislature shall not divert any part of the revenues appropriated by the said act, requisite to pay in full, both principal and interest, all the debts and liabilities of the state hereinbefore specified, within the fixed period of time, and in the equal annual sums hereinbefore expressed, from the purposes to which they are hereinbefore directed to be applied. – Amendment No. 2: The legislature shall not in any manner create any debt or debts, liability or liabilities, of the state, direct or contingent, which shall singly or in the aggregate, at any time, exceed one million dollars, except to repel invasion, or suppress insurrection, unless the same shall be authorized by a law for some single object or work, to be distinctly specified therein; and such law shall impose and provide for the collection of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the interest of such debt or liability as it falls due, and also to pay and discharge the principal of such debt or liability within eighteen years from the time of contracting thereof; and no such law shall take effect until it shall, at a general election, have been submitted to the people, and have received the sanction of a majority of all the votes cast for and against it at such election. And on the final passage of every such bill, in either house of the legislature, the question shall be taken by ayes and nays duly entered on the journal, and shall be, ‘Shall this bill pass, and ought the same to receive the sanction of the people;’ and the assent of a majority of the
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members elected to each house of the legislature shall be requisite to the passage of such bill; and such law shall be irrepealable until such debt or liability, and the interest theron, are fully paid and discharged; and the moneys arising from any loans or stocks creating such debt or liability, shall be applied to the object or work specified in the act authorizing such debt or liability, or for the payment of such debt or liability, and to no other purpose whatever. Where a debt or liability on the part of the state shall be created to repel invasion or suppress insurrection, the moneys arising from the loans or stock creating such debt or liability, shall be applied to the purpose for which the same were raised, or for the repayment of such debt or liability, and to no other purpose whatever.” – On April 17, 1844, the senate proposed, the assembly concurring on May 7: “Amendment: The court of chancery shall consist of the chancellor and three associate chancellors, any of whom may hold the court. The said associate chancellors shall have the same powers, be appointed in the same manner, hold their offices by the same tenure, and be subject to the same disqualifications as to holding any other office or public trust, or receiving votes for any elective office, as the chancellor.” – On the same days they approved another amendment: “Amendment: Two additional justices of the supreme court shall be appointed, who shall have the same powers, be appointed in the same manner, hold their offices by the same tenure, and be subject to the same disqualification as to holding any other office or trust, or receiving votes for any elective office, as the other justices of that court” (Session Law volume, 1844, 538–541). None of these four proposed amendments received the constitutionally required two-thirds majority in the subsequent legislature.
Constitution of New York (1846) The Constitution of the State of New-York1
W E THE P EOPLE of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings, D O E STABLISH this Constitution.
ARTICLE I2 S ECT. 1. No member of this State shall be disfranchised, or deprived of any of the rights or privileges secured to any citizen thereof, unless by the law of the Land, or the judgment of his peers. S ECT. 2. The trial by jury in all cases in which it has been heretofore used, shall remain inviolate, forever; but a jury trial may be waived by the parties in all civil cases in the manner to be3 prescribed by law. S ECT. 3. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be4 allowed in this State to all mankind; And no person shall be rendered incompetent to be a witness on account of his opinions5 on matters of religious belief; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licenciousness, or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of this State. S ECT. 4. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when, in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require its suspension. S ECT. 5. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor
shall cruel and unusual punishments be inflicted, nor shall witnesses be unreasonably detained. S ECT. 6. No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime (except in cases of impeachment, and in cases of6 Militia when in actual7 service; and the land and naval forces in time of war, or which this state may keep with the consent of Congress in time of peace; and in cases of petit larceny, under the regulation of the Legislature,) unless on presentment or indictment of a Grand jury, and in any trial in any Court whatever8 the party accused shall be allowed to appear and defend in person and with counsel as in civil actions. No person shall be subject to be twice put in jeopardy for the same offence; nor shall he be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself; nor be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. S ECT. 7. When private property shall be taken for any public use the compensation to be made therefor, when such compensation is not made by the State, shall be ascertained by a jury or by not less than three commissioners appointed by a court of record, as shall be prescribed by law. Private roads may be opened in the9 manner to be prescribed by law; but in every case the necessity of the road and the amount of all damage to be sustained by the opening thereof, shall be first determined by a jury
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N EW YORK of freeholders and such amount, together with the expenses of the proceeding shall be paid by the person to be benefited. S ECT. 8. Every citizen may freely speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; and no law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speach or of10 the press. In all criminal prosecutions or indictments for libels11 , the truth may be given in evidence to the jury; and if it shall appear to the jury, that the matter charged as libellous is true, and was published with good motives, and for justifiable ends, the party shall be acquitted; and the jury shall have the right to determine the law and the fact. S ECT. 9. The assent of two thirds of the members elected to each branch of the Legislature, shall be requisite to every bill appropriating the public moneys or property for local or private purposes. S ECT. 10. No law shall be passed abridging the right of the People peaceably to assemble and to12 petition the Government, or any department thereof, nor shall any divorce be granted, otherwise than by due judicial proceedings; nor shall any lottery hereafter be authorized or any sale of lottery tickets allowed within this State. S ECT. 11. The people of this State, in their right of Sovereignty are deemed to possess the original and ultimate property in and to all lands within the jurisdiction of the State: and all lands the title to which shall fail, from a defect of heirs, shall revert, or escheat to the people. S ECT. 12. All feudal tenures of every description, with all their incidents are declared to be abolished, saving however all rents and services certain which at any time heretofore have been lawfully created or reserved.
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S ECT. 13. All lands within this State, are declared to be allodial, so that, subject only to the liability to escheat, the entire and absolute property is vested in the owners, according to the nature of their respective estates. S ECT. 14. No lease or grant of agricultural land, for a longer period than twelve years, hereafter made, in which shall be reserved any rent or service of any Kind, shall be valid. S ECT. 15. All fines, quarter sales, or other like restraints upon alienation13 reserved in any grant of land, hereafter to be made, shall be void. S ECT. 16. No purchase or contract for the sale of lands in this State, made since the fourteenth day of October, One thousand seven hundred and seventy five; or which may hereafter be made, of, or with the Indians, shall be valid, unless made under the authority, and with the consent of the Legislature. S ECT. 17. Such parts14 of the common law, and of the acts of the Legislature of the Colony of New York, as together did form the law of the said Colony, on the nineteenth day of April, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five, and the resolutions of the Congress of the said Colony, and of the convention of the State of New York, in force on the twentieth day of April, one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven, which have not since expired, or been repealed or altered; and such acts of the Legislature of this State as are now in force, shall be and continue the law of this State, subject to such alterations as the Legislature shall make concerning the same. But all such parts of the Common law, and such of the said acts, or parts thereof, as are repugnant to this Constitution, are hereby abrogated; and the Legislature, at its first session after
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1846) the adoption of this Constitution, shall appoint three Commissioners, whose duty it shall be to reduce into a written and systematic code the whole body of the law of this State, or so much and such parts thereof as to the said Commissioners shall seem practicable and expedient. And the said Commissioners shall specify such alterations and amendments therein as they shall deem proper, and they shall at all times make reports of their proceedings to the Legislature, when called upon to do so; and the Legislature shall pass laws regulating the tenure of office, the filling of vacancies therein, and the compensation of the15 said commissioners; and shall also provide for the publication of the said code, prior to its being presented to the Legislature for adoption. S ECT. 18. All grants of land within this State, made by the King of Great Britain, or persons acting under his authority, after the fourteenth day of October, one thousand seven hundred and seventy five, shall be null and void; but nothing contained in this Constitution shall affect any grants of land within this State, made by the authority of the said King or his predecessors, or shall annul any charters to bodies politic and corporate, by him or them made, before that day; or shall affect any such grants or charters since made by this State, or by persons acting under its authority; or shall impair the obligation of any debts contracted by the16 State, or individuals, or bodies corporate, or any other rights of property, or any suits, actions, rights of action, or other proceedings in Courts of justice.
ARTICLE II17 S ECT. 1. Every male citizen of the age of twenty one years who shall have been a citizen for ten days, and an inhabitant of this
State one year next preceding any18 election, and for the last four months a resident of the county where he may offer his vote, shall be entitled to vote at such election, in the election district of which he shall at the time be a resident, and not elsewhere, for all officers that now are or hereafter may be elective19 by the people; but such citizen shall have been for thirty days next preceding the election a resident of the district from which the officer is to be chosen, for whom he offers his vote. But no man of color, unless he shall have been for three years a citizen of this state and for one year next preceding any election, shall have been seized and possessed of a freehold estate of the value of two hundred and fifty dollars over and above all debts and incumbrances charged thereon, and shall have been actually rated and paid a tax thereon, shall be entitled to vote at such election. And no person of color shall be subject to direct taxation unless he shall be seized and possessed of such real estate as20 aforesaid21 . S ECT. 2. Laws may be passed excluding from the right of suffrage all persons who have been or may be convicted of bribery, of22 larceny, or of any infamous crime; and for depriving every person who shall make or become directly or indirectly interested in any bet or wager, depending upon the result of any election from the right to vote at such election. S ECT. 3. For the purpose of voting, no person shall be deemed to have gained or lost a residence, by reason of his presence or absence, while employed in the service of the United States; nor while engaged in the navigation of the waters of this State, or of the United States, or of the high Seas; nor while a student of any seminary of learning; nor while kept at any alms house, or other asylum, at public expense; nor while confined in any public prison.
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N EW YORK S ECT. 4. Laws shall be made for ascertaining by proper proofs the citizens who shall be entitled to the right of suffrage hereby established. S ECT. 5. All elections by the citizens shall be by ballot, except for such town officers as may by law be directed to be otherwise chosen.
ARTICLE III23 S ECT. 1. The Legislative power of this State shall be vested in a Senate and Assembly. S ECT. 2. The Senate shall consist of thirty-two members, and the Senators shall be chosen for two years. The assembly shall consist of one hundred and twenty eight members, who shall be annually elected. S ECT. 3. The State shall be divided into thirty-two, Districts to be called Senate districts, each of which shall choose one Senator. The districts shall be numbered from one to thirty-two inclusive. District number One (1) shall consist of the Counties of Suffolk, Richmond, and Queens. District number Two (2) shall consist of the County of Kings. Districts24 number Three (3). number Four (4). number Five (5) and number Six (6), shall consist of the city and County of New York. And the board of Supervisors of said City and County shall, on or before the first day of May One thousand eight hundred and forty seven, divide the said City and County into the number of Senate Districts, to which it is entitled, as near as may be of an equal number of inhabitants, excluding aliens and persons of color not taxed, and consisting of convenient and Contiguous territory; and no assembly district shall be divided in the formation of a Senate district. The Board of Supervisors,
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when they shall have completed such division, shall cause certificates thereof, stating the number and boundaries of each district and the population thereof, to be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State, and of the Clerk of the said City and County. District number Seven (7) shall consist of the counties of Westchester, Putnam and Rockland. District number Eight (8) shall consist of the counties of Dutchess25 and Columbia. District number Nine (9) shall consist of the counties of Orange and Sullivan. District number ten (10) shall consist of the Counties of Ulster and Greene. District number Eleven (11) shall consist of the counties of Albany and Schenectady. District number Twelve (12) shall consist of the county of Rensselaer. District number Thirteen (13) shall consist of the Counties of Washington and Saratoga. District number Fourteen (14) shall consist of the counties of Warren, Essex and Clinton. District number Fifteen (15) shall consist of the counties of St. Lawrence and Franklin. District number Sixteen (16) shall consist of the counties of Herkimer, Hamilton, Fulton and Montgomery. District number Seventeen (17) shall consist of the Counties of Schoharie and Delaware. District number Eighteen (18) shall consist of the counties of Otsego and Chenango. District number Nineteen (19) shall consist of the County of Oneida. District number Twenty (20) shall consist of the Counties of Madison and Oswego. District number Twenty one26 (21) shall consist of the Counties of Jefferson and Lewis. District number Twenty two (22) shall consist of the County of Onondaga.
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1846) District number Twenty three (23) shall consist of the Counties of Cortland, Broome and Tioga. District number Twenty four (24) shall consist of the counties of Cayuga and Wayne. District number Twenty five (25) shall consist of the counties of Tompkins, Seneca and Yates. District number Twenty six (26) shall consist of the counties of Steuben and Chemung. District number Twenty seven (27) shall consist of the County of Monroe27 . District number Twenty eight (28) shall consist of the counties of Orleans, Genesee and Niagara. District number Twenty nine (29) shall consist of the Counties of Ontario and Livingston. District number Thirty (30) shall consist of the Counties of Allegany and Wyoming. District number Thirty one (31) shall consist of the county of Erie. District number Thirty two (32) shall consist of the counties of Chautauque28 and Cattaraugus. S ECT. 4. An enumeration of the inhabitants of the State shall be taken, under the direction of the Legislature, in the year One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, and at the end of every ten years thereafter; and the said districts shall be so altered by the Legislature, at the first session after the return of every enumeration, that each Senate district shall contain, as nearly as may be, an equal number of inhabitants, excluding aliens, and persons of color not taxed; and shall remain unaltered until the return of another enumeration, and shall at all times consist of contiguous territory; and no county shall be divided in the formation of a Senate District, except such county shall be equitably entitled to two or more Senators. S ECT. 5. The members of assembly shall
be apportioned among the several counties of this State, by the Legislature, as nearly as may be, according to the number of their respective inhabitants, excluding aliens and persons of color not taxed, and shall be chosen by single districts. The several boards of Supervisors in such counties of29 this State, as are now entitled to more than one member of assembly, shall assemble on the first Tuesday of January next, and divide their respective counties into Assembly districts equal to the number of members of assembly to which such counties are now severally entitled by law, and shall cause to be filed in the offices30 of the Secretary of State and the clerks of their respective counties, a description of such Assembly districts, specifying the number of each district and the population thereof, according to the last preceding State enumeration, as near as can be ascertained. Each Assembly district shall contain, as nearly as may be, an equal number of inhabitants, excluding aliens and persons of color not taxed, and shall consist of convenient and contiguous territory; but no town shall be divided in the formation of assembly districts. The Legislature, at its first Session after the return of every enumeration, shall reapportion the members of assembly among the several counties of this State, in manner aforesaid, and the boards of Supervisors in such counties as may be entitled, under such reapportionment, to more than one member, shall assemble at such time as the Legislature making such reapportionment shall prescribe, and divide such counties into Assembly districts, in the manner herein directed; and the apportionment and districts so to be made, shall remain unaltered until another enumeration shall be taken under the provisions of the preceding section. Every county heretofore established and separately organized, except the county of Hamilton, shall always be entitled to one
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N EW YORK member of the assembly, and no new county shall be hereafter31 erected, unless its population shall entitle it to a member. The county of Hamilton shall elect with the county of Fulton, until the population of the county of Hamilton shall, according to the ratio, be entitled to a member. S ECT. 6. The members of the Legislature shall receive for their services, a sum not exceeding three dollars a32 day, from the commencement of the Session; but such pay shall not exceed in the aggregate, three hundred dollars for33 per diem allowance, except in34 proceedings for impeachment. The limitation as to the aggregate compensation shall not take effect until the year One thousand eight hundred and forty eight35 . When convened in extra Session by the Governor, they shall receive three dollars per day. They shall also receive the sum of one dollar for every ten miles they shall travel, in going to and returning from their place of meeting, on the most usual route. The Speaker of the assembly shall, in virtue of his office receive an additional compensation equal to one third of his per diem allowance as a member. S ECT. 7. No member of the Legislature shall receive any civil appointment within this State, or to the Senate of the United States, from the Governor, the Governor and Senate, or from the Legislature, during the term36 for which he shall have been elected; and all such appointments, and all votes given for any such member, for any such office or appointment, shall be void. S ECT. 8. No person being a member of Congress, or holding any judicial or military office under the United States, shall hold a Seat in the Legislature. And if any person shall, after his election as a member of the Legislature, be elected to Congress, or appointed to any Office, civil or military,
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under the Government of the United States, his acceptance thereof shall vacate his seat. S ECT. 9. The elections of Senators and members of assembly, pursuant to the provisions of this Constitution, shall be held on the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November, unless otherwise directed by the Legislature. S ECT. 10. A majority of each house shall constitute a quorum to do business. Each house shall determine the rules of its own proceedings, and be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members, shall choose its own officers; and the Senate shall choose a temporary president, when the Lieutenant Governor shall not attend as president, or shall act as Governor. S ECT. 11. Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and publish the same, except such parts as may require secrecy. The doors of each house shall be kept open, except when the public welfare shall require secrecy. Neither house shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than two days. S ECT. 12. For any speech or debate in either house of the Legislature, the members shall not be questioned in any other place. S ECT. 13. Any bill may originate in either house of the Legislature, and all bills passed by one house may be amended by the other. S ECT. 14. The enacting clause of all bills shall be “The people of the State of New York, represented in Senate and assembly, do enact as follows,” and no law shall be enacted except by bill. S ECT. 15. No bill shall be passed unless by the assent of a majority of all the
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1846) members elected to each branch of the Legislature, and the question upon the final passage shall be taken immediately upon its last reading, and the yeas and nays entered on the journal. S ECT. 16. No private or local bill, which may be passed by the Legislature, shall embrace more than one subject, and that shall be expressed in the title. S ECT. 17. The Legislature may confer upon the boards of Supervisors of the several counties of the State, such further37 powers of local legislation and administration38 as they shall from time to time prescribe.
ARTICLE IV39 S ECT. 1. The Executive power shall be vested in a Governor, who shall hold his office for two years: a Lieutenant Governor shall be chosen at the same time, and for the same term. S ECT. 2. No person, except a citizen of the United States, shall be eligible to the Office of Governor, nor shall any person be eligible to that office, who shall not have attained the age of thirty40 years, and who shall not have been five years next preceding his election, a resident within this State. S ECT. 3. The Governor and LieutenantGovernor shall be elected at the times and places of41 choosing members of the Assembly. The persons respectively having the highest number of votes for Governor and Lieutenant-Governor, shall be elected; but in case two or more shall have an equal and the highest number of votes for Governor, or for Lieutenant-Governor, the two houses of the Legislature, at its next annual Session, shall, forthwith, by joint ballot, choose one of the said persons so having an equal and
the highest number of votes for Governor or Lieutenant-Governor. S ECT. 4. The Governor shall be commander-in-chief of the Military and Naval forces of the State. He shall have power to convene the Legislature (or the Senate only) on extraordinary occasions. He shall communicate by message to the Legislature, at every session, the condition of the State, and recommend such matters to them as he shall judge expedient. He shall transact all necessary business with the officers of42 government, civil and military. He shall expedite all such measures as may be resolved upon by the Legislature, and shall take care that the laws are faithfully executed. He shall, at stated times, receive for his services a compensation to be established by law, which shall neither be increased nor diminished after his election and43 during his continuance in office. S ECT. 5. The Governor shall have the power to grant reprieves, commutations and pardons after conviction, for all offences except treason and cases of impeachment, upon such conditions, and with such restrictions and limitations, as he may think proper, subject to such regulation44 as may be provided by law relative to the manner of applying for pardons. Upon conviction for45 treason, he shall have power to suspend the execution of the Sentence, until the case shall be reported to the Legislature at its next meeting, when the Legislature shall either pardon, or commute the sentence, direct the execution of the Sentence, or grant a further46 reprieve. He shall annually communicate to the Legislature each case of reprieve, commutation or pardon granted; stating the name of the47 convict, the crime of which he was convicted, the sentence and its date, and the date of the commutation, pardon or reprieve. S ECT. 6. In case of the impeachment of
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N EW YORK the Governor, or his removal from office, death, inability to discharge the powers and duties of the Said office, resignation, or absence from the State, the powers and duties of the Office shall devolve upon the Lieutenant Governor for the residue of the term, or until the disability shall cease. But when the Governor shall, with the consent of the Legislature, be out of the State in time of war, at the head of a military force thereof, he shall continue commander-in-chief of all the military force of the State. S ECT. 7. The Lieutenant-Governor shall possess the same qualifications of eligibility for office as the Governor. He shall be President of the Senate, but shall have only48 a casting vote therein. If during a vacancy of the office of Governor, the LieutenantGovernor shall be impeached, displaced, resign, die, or become incapable of performing the duties of his Office, or be49 absent from the State, the President of the Senate shall act as Governor until the vacancy be50 filled, or the disability shall cease. S ECT. 8. The Lieutenant-Governor shall, while acting as such, receive a compensation which shall be fixed by law, and which shall not be increased or diminished during his continuance in Office. S ECT. 9. Every bill which shall have passed the Senate and Assembly, shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the Governor: if he approve, he shall sign it; but if not, he shall return it with his objections to that house, in which it shall have originated; who shall enter the objections at large on their51 journal and proceed to reconsider it. If after such reconsideration, two-thirds of the members present shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered; and if approved by two-thirds of all the members present, it shall become a
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law, notwithstanding the objections of the Governor. But in all such cases, the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the members voting for and against the bill, shall be entered on the journal of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the Governor within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the Legislature shall, by their adjournment, prevent its return; in which case it shall not be a law.
ARTICLE V52 S ECT. 1. The Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer and AttorneyGeneral shall be chosen at a general election, and shall hold their offices for two years. Each of the Officers in this Article named (except the Speaker of the Assembly), shall at stated times, during his continuance in office, receive for his services, a compensation, which shall not be increased or diminished during the term for which he shall have been elected; nor shall he receive, to his use, any fees or perquisites of office, or other compensation. S ECT. 2. A53 State Engineer and Surveyor shall be chosen at a general election, and shall hold his office two years, but no person shall be elected to said office who is not a practical engineer. S ECT. 3. Three Canal Commissioners shall be chosen at the general election which shall be held next after the adoption of this Constitution, one of whom shall hold his office for one year, one for two years, and one for three years. The Commissioners of the Canal Fund shall meet at the Capitol on the first Monday of January, next after such election, and determine by lot which of said Commissioners54 shall hold his office for one year, which for two, and which for
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1846) three years;55 and there shall be elected annually, thereafter, one Canal Commissioner, who shall hold his office for three years. S ECT. 4. Three Inspectors of State Prisons, shall be elected at the general election which shall be held next after the adoption of this Constitution, one of whom shall hold his office for one year, one for two years, and one for three years. The Governor, Secretary of State, and Comptroller, shall meet at the Capitol on the first Monday of January next succeeding such election, and determine by lot which of said Inspectors shall hold his office for one year, which for two, and which for three years;56 and there shall be elected annually thereafter one Inspector of State Prisons, who shall hold his office for three years: said Inspectors shall have the charge and Superintendence of the State Prisons, and shall appoint all the officers therein. All vacancies in the office of such Inspector shall be filled by the Governor, till the next election. S ECT. 5. The Lieutenant-Governor, Speaker of the Assembly, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney-General, and State Engineer and Surveyor, shall be the Commissioners of the Land Office. The Lieutenant-Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer and AttorneyGeneral, shall be the Commissioners of the Canal Fund. The Canal Board shall consist of the Commissioners of the Canal Fund, the State Engineer and Surveyor, and the Canal Commissioners. S ECT. 6. The powers and duties of the respective boards, and of the several Officers in this Article mentioned, shall be such as now are or hereafter may be prescribed by law. S ECT. 7. The Treasurer may be suspended from Office by the Governor, during the recess of the Legislature, and until thirty
days after the commencement of the next session of the Legislature, whenever it shall appear to him that such Treasurer has, in any particular, violated his duty. The Governor shall appoint a competent person to discharge the duties of the Office, during such suspension of the Treasurer. S ECT. 8. All offices for the weighing, guaging, measuring, culling or inspecting any merchandize, produce, manufacture or commodity whatever, are hereby abolished, and no such office shall hereafter be created by law; but nothing in this section contained, shall abrogate any office created for the purpose of protecting the public health or the interests of the State in its property, revenue, tolls, or purchases, or of supplying the people with correct standards of weights and measures, or shall prevent the creation of any office for such purposes hereafter.
ARTICLE VI57 S ECT. 1. The Assembly shall have the power of impeachment, by the vote of a58 majority of all the members elected. The court for the trial of impeachments, shall be composed of the President of the Senate, the Senators, or a major part of them, and the judges of the court of appeals or the major part of them. On the trial of an impeachment against the Governor, the LieutenantGovernor shall not act as a member of the court. No judicial officer shall exercise his office after he shall have been impeached, until he shall have been acquitted. Before the trial of an impeachment, the members of the court shall take an oath or affirmation, truly and impartially to try the impeachment according to59 evidence; and no person shall be convicted, without the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present. Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further60 than to removal from office, or removal from Office and disqualification
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N EW YORK to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under this State; but the party impeached shall be liable to indictment, and punishment according to law. S ECT. 2. There shall be a court of appeals, composed of eight judges, of whom four shall be elected by the electors of the State for eight years, and four selected from the class of Justices of the Supreme Court having the shortest time to serve. Provision shall be made by law, for designating one of the number elected, as chief judge, and for selecting such Justices of the Supreme Court, from time to time, and for so classifying those elected61 , that one shall be elected every second year. S ECT. 3. There shall be a Supreme Court having general jurisdiction in law and equity. S ECT. 4. The State shall be divided into eight judicial districts, of which the City of New York shall be one; the others to be bounded by county lines and to be compact and equal in population as nearly as may be. There shall be four Justices of the Supreme Court in each district, and as many more in the district composed of the City of New York, as may from time to time be authorised by law, but not to exceed in the whole such number in proportion to its population, as shall be in conformity with the number of such judges in the residue of the State in proportion to its population. They shall be classified so that one of the justices of each district shall go out of office at the end of every two years. After the expiration of their terms under such classification, the term of their office shall be eight years. S ECT. 5. The Legislature shall have the same powers to alter and regulate the jurisdiction and proceedings in law and equity, as they have heretofore possessed.
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S ECT. 6. Provision may be made by law for designating from time to time one or more of the said justices, who is not a judge of the Court of Appeals, to preside at the general terms62 of the said Court to be held in the several districts. Any three or more of the said Justices, of whom one of the said justices so designated shall always be one, may hold such general terms. And63 any one or more of the justices may hold special terms and circuit courts, and any one of them may preside in courts of Oyer and terminer in any county. S ECT. 7. The Judges of the Court of Appeals and Justices of the Supreme Court shall severally receive at stated times for their services, a compensation to be established by law, which shall not be increased or diminished during their continuance in office. S ECT. 8. They shall not hold any other office or public trust. All votes for either of them, for any elective office (except that of Justice of the Supreme Court, or judge of the Court of appeals), given by the Legislature or the people, shall be void. They shall not exercise any power of appointment to public office. Any male citizen of the age of twenty one years, of good moral character, and who possesses the requisite qualifications of learning and ability, shall be entitled to admission to practice in all the courts of this State. S ECT. 9. The classification of the Justices of the Supreme Court; the times and place of holding the terms of the Court of appeals, and of the general and Special terms of the Supreme Court within the several districts, and the circuit courts and courts of Oyer and terminer within the several Counties, shall be provided for by law. S ECT. 10. The testimony in equity cases shall be taken in like manner as in cases at law.
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1846) S ECT. 11. Justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the Court of Appeals, may be removed by concurrent resolution of both houses of the Legislature, if two-thirds of all the members elected to the Assembly and a majority of all the members elected to the Senate concur therein. All judicial officers, except those mentioned in this section, and except justices of the peace, and64 judges and justices of inferior Courts not of record may be removed by the Senate on the recommendation of the Governor; but no removal shall be made by virtue of this Section, unless the cause thereof be entered on the journals, nor unless the party complained of, shall have been served with a copy of the complaint against him, and shall have had an opportunity of being heard in his defence. On the question of removal, the ayes and noes shall be entered on the journals. S ECT. 12. The judges of the court of Appeals shall be elected by the electors of the State, and the Justices of the Supreme Court by the electors of the several judicial districts, at such times as may be prescribed by law. S ECT. 13. In case the office of any judge of the Court of Appeals, or Justice of the Supreme Court, shall become vacant before the expiration of the regular term for which he was elected, the vacancy may be filled by appointment by the Governor, until it shall be supplied at the next general election of Judges, when it shall be filled by election for the residue of the unexpired term. S ECT. 14. There shall be elected in each of the Counties of this State, except the city and county of New York, one County judge, who shall hold his Office for four years. He shall hold the County Court, and perform the duties of the Office of Surrogate. The County Court shall have such jurisdiction in
cases arising in justices Courts, and in special cases, as the Legislature may prescribe; but shall have no original civil jurisdiction except in such special cases. The County Judge, with two Justices of the peace to be designated according to law, may hold courts of Sessions, with such criminal jurisdiction as the Legislature shall prescribe, and perform such other duties as may be required by law. The County Judge shall receive an annual Salary, to be fixed by the board of Supervisors, which shall be neither increased nor65 diminished during his continuance in office. The justices of the peace, for services in courts of sessions, shall be paid a per diem allowance out of the County Treasury. In counties having a population exceeding forty thousand, the Legislature may provide for the election of a separate officer to perform the duties of the office of Surrogate. The Legislature may confer equity jurisdiction in special cases upon the County judge. Inferior local courts, of civil and criminal jurisdiction may be established by the Legislature in cities; and such courts; except for the cities of New York and Buffalo, shall have an uniform organization and jurisdiction in such cities. S ECT. 15. The Legislature may, on application of the board of Supervisors provide for the election of local officers, not to exceed two in any county, to discharge the duties of County Judge and of Surrogate, in cases of their inability or of a vacancy, and to exercise such other powers in special cases as may be provided by law. S ECT. 16. The Legislature may reorganize the judicial districts at the first session after the return of every enumeration under this Constitution, in the manner provided for in the fourth section of this article and at no other time; and they may, at such session,
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N EW YORK increase or diminish the number of districts, but such increase or diminution shall not be more than one district at any one time. Each district shall have four Justices of the Supreme Court; but no diminution of the districts shall have the effect to remove a Judge from office. S ECT. 17. The electors of the several towns, shall, at their annual town meeting, and in such manner as the Legislature may direct, elect justices of the peace, whose term of office shall be four years. In case of an election to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of a full term they shall hold for the residue of the unexpired term. Their number and classification may be regulated by law. Justices of the peace and Judges or66 Justices of inferior Courts not of record and their clerks may be removed after due notice and an opportunity of being heard in their defence by such county, city or State courts as may be prescribed by law, for causes to be assigned in the order of removal. S ECT. 18. All judicial officers of cities and villages, and all such judicial officers as may be created therein by law, shall be elected at such times and in such manner as the Legislature may direct. S ECT. 19. Clerks67 of the several counties of this State shall be clerks of the Supreme Court, with such powers and duties as shall be prescribed by law. A clerk for68 the Court of Appeals, to be ex-officio clerk of the Supreme Court, and to keep his office at the seat of Government, shall be chosen by the electors of the State; he shall hold his office for three years, and, his compensation shall be fixed by law and paid out of the public treasury. S ECT. 20. No Judicial Officer, except Justices of the peace shall receive to his own use, any fees or perquisites of office.
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S ECT. 21. The Legislature may authorise the judgments, decrees and decisions of any local inferior court of record of original civil jurisdiction, established in a city, to be removed for review directly into the Court of Appeals. S ECT. 22. The Legislature shall provide for the speedy publication of all statute laws, and of such judicial decisions as it may deem expedient. And all laws and judicial decisions shall be free for publication by any person. S ECT. 23. Tribunals of conciliation may be established, with such powers and duties as may be prescribed by law; but such tribunals shall have no power to render judgment to be obligatory on the parties, except they voluntarily submit their matters in difference and agree to abide the judgment, or assent thereto, in the presence of such tribunal, in such cases as shall be prescribed by law. S ECT. 24. The Legislature at its first Session after the adoption of this constitution, shall provide for the appointment of three Commissioners, whose duty it shall be to revise, reform, simplify and abridge the rules of69 practice, pleadings, forms and proceedings of the Courts of record of this State, and to report thereon to the Legislature, subject to their adoption and modification from time to time. S ECT. 25. The Legislature at its first session after the adoption of this Constitution, shall provide for the organization of the Court of Appeals, and for transferring to it the business pending in the Court for the Correction of Errors, and for the allowance of writs of error and appeals to the Court of Appeals, from the judgments and decrees of the present Court of Chancery and Supreme Court, and of the courts that may be organized under this Constitution.
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1846)
ARTICLE VII70 S ECT. 1. After paying the expenses of collection, Superintendence and ordinary repairs, there shall be appropriated and set apart in each fiscal year out of the revenues of the State Canals, in each year,71 commencing on the first day of June, one thousand eight hundred and forty six, the sum of one million and three hundred thousand dollars until the first day of June One thousand eight hundred and fifty five72 , and from that time the sum of one million and seven hundred thousand dollars in each fiscal year, as a sinking fund to pay the interest and redeem the principal of that part of the State debt called the Canal debt, as it existed at the time first aforesaid, and including three hundred thousand dollars then to be borrowed, until the same shall be wholly paid; and the principal and income of the said sinking fund shall be sacredly applied to that purpose. S ECT. 2. After complying with the provisions of the first Section of this article, there shall be appropriated and set apart out of the surplus revenues of the State Canals, in each fiscal year, commencing on the first day of June, One thousand eight hundred and forty six, the sum of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars, until the time when a sufficient sum shall have been appropriated and set apart, under the said first section, to pay the interest and extinguish the entire principal of the Canal debt; and after that period, then the sum of one million and five hundred thousand Dollars in each fiscal year, as a sinking fund, to pay the interest and redeem the principal of that part of the state debt called the General Fund debt, including the debt for loans of the State credit to rail road Companies which have failed to pay the interest thereon, and also the Contingent debt on State Stocks loaned to incorporated Companies which have hitherto
paid the interest thereon, whenever and as far as any part thereof may become a charge on the Treasury or General Fund, until the same shall be wholly paid; and the principal and income of the said last mentioned sinking fund shall be sacredly applied to the purpose aforesaid; and if the payment of any part of the monies to the said sinking fund shall at any time be deferred, by reason of the priority recognized in the first Section of this article, the sum so deferred with quarterly interest thereon, at the then current rate, shall be paid to the last mentioned Sinking Fund, as soon as it can be done73 consistently with the just rights of the creditors holding said Canal debt. S ECT. 3. After paying the said expenses of Superintendence74 and repairs of the Canals, and the sums75 appropriated by the first and second Sections of this Article, there shall be76 paid out of the surplus revenues of the Canals, to the Treasury of the State, on or before the thirtieth day of September, in each year, for the use and benefit of the General Fund, such sum, not exceeding Two hundred thousand dollars, as may be required to defray the necessary expenses of the State; and the remainder of the revenues of the said Canals, shall in each fiscal year, be applied, in such manner as the Legislature shall direct, to the completion of the Erie Canal enlargement, and the Genesee Valley and Black River Canals, until the said Canals shall be completed. If at any time after the period of eight years from the adoption of this Constitution, the revenues of the State, unappropriated by this article, shall not be sufficient to defray the necessary expenses of the government, without continuing or laying a direct tax, the Legislature may, at its discretion, supply the deficiency, in whole or in part, from the surplus revenues of the Canals, after Complying with the provisions of the first two sections of this article, for paying
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N EW YORK the interest and extinguishing the principal of the Canal and General Fund debt; but the sum thus appropriated from the surplus revenues of the Canals77 shall not exceed annually three hundred and fifty thousand dollars, including the sum of two hundred thousand dollars, provided for by this section for the expenses of the government, until the General Fund debt shall be extinguished, or until the Erie Canal enlargement and Genesee Valley and Black River Canals shall be completed, and after that debt shall be paid, or the said Canals shall be completed, then the sum of six hundred and seventy two thousand five hundred dollars, or so much thereof as shall be necessary, may be annually appropriated to defray the expenses of the government. S ECT. 4. The claims of the State against any incorporated company to pay the interest and redeem the principal of the Stock of the State loaned or advanced to such company, shall be fairly enforced, and not released or compromised; and the moneys arising from such claims shall be set apart and applied as part of the sinking fund provided in the second section of this article. But the time limited for the fulfilment of any condition of any release or compromise heretofore made or provided for, may be extended by law. S ECT. 5. If the sinking funds, or either of them provided in this article, shall prove insufficient to enable the State, on the credit of such fund, to procure the means, to satisfy the claims of the creditors of the State as they become payable, the Legislature shall, by equitable taxes, so increase the revenues of the said Funds as to make them, respectively, sufficient perfectly to preserve the public faith. Every contribution or advance to the Canals, or their debt, from any source, other than their direct revenues, shall, with quarterly interest, at the rates then current, be repaid into the Treasury,
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for the use of the State, out of the Canal revenues as soon as it can be done consistently with the just rights of the creditors holding the said Canal debt. S ECT. 6. The Legislature shall not sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any of the Canals of the State; but they shall remain the property of the State and under its management, forever. S ECT. 7. The Legislature shall never sell or dispose of the Salt Springs, belonging to this78 State. The lands contiguous thereto and which may be necessary and convenient for the use of the Salt Springs, may be sold by authority of law and under the direction of the Commissioners of the land Office, for the purpose of investing the moneys arising therefrom in other lands alike convenient; but by such sale and purchase the aggregate quantity of these lands shall not be diminished. S ECT. 8. No moneys shall ever be paid out of the Treasury of this State, or any of its funds, or any of the funds under its management, except in pursuance of an appropriation by law; nor unless such payment be made within two years next after the passage of such appropriation act; and every such law making a new appropriation, or continuing or reviving an appropriation, shall distinctly specify the sum appropriated, and the object to which it is to be applied; and it shall not be sufficient for such law to refer to any other law to fix such sum. S ECT. 9. The credit of the State shall not, in any manner, be given or loaned to, or in aid of any individual association79 or corporation. S ECT. 10. The State may, to meet casual deficits or failures in revenues, or for expenses not provided for, contract debts, but such debts, direct and contingent, singly or
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1846) in the aggregate, shall not at any time, exceed one million of Dollars; and the moneys arising from the loans creating such debts, shall be applied to the purpose for which they were obtained, or to repay the debt so contracted, and to no other purpose whatever. S ECT. 11. In addition to the above limited power to contract debts, the State may contract debts to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, or defend the State in war; but the money arising from the contracting of such debts shall be applied to80 the purpose for which it was raised, or to repay such debts, and to no other purpose whatever. S ECT. 12. Except the debts specified in the tenth and eleventh sections of this article, no debt shall be hereafter81 contracted by or on behalf of this State, unless such debt shall be authorised by a law, for some single work or object, to be distinctly specified therein; and such law shall impose and provide for the collection of a direct annual tax to pay, and sufficient to pay the interest on such debt as it falls due, and also to pay and discharge the principal of such debt within eighteen years from the time of the contracting thereof. No such law shall take effect until it shall, at a general election have been submitted to the people, and have received a majority of all the votes cast for and against it, at such election. On the final passage of such bill in either house of the Legislature, the question shall be taken by ayes and noes, to be duly entered on the journals82 thereof, and shall be: “Shall this bill pass, and ought the same to receive the sanction of the people”? The Legislature may at any time, after the approval of such law by the people, if no debt shall have been contracted in pursuance thereof, repeal the same; and may at any time, by law, forbid the contracting of any further83 debt or liability under such
law; but the tax imposed by such act, in proportion to the debt and liability which may have been contracted, in pursuance of such law, shall remain in force and be irrepealable, and be annually collected, until the proceeds thereof shall have made the provision84 herein before specified to pay and discharge the interest and principal of such debt and liability. The money arising from any loan or stock creating such debt or liability, shall be applied to the work or object specified in the act authorising such debt or liability, or for the repayment of such debt or liability, and for no other purpose whatever. No such law shall be submitted to be voted on, within three months after its passage, or at any general election, when any other law, or any bill, or any amendment to the Constitution shall be submitted to be voted for or85 against. S ECT. 13. Every law which imposes, continues or revives a tax, shall distinctly state the tax and the object to which it is to be applied; and it shall not be sufficient to refer to any other law to fix such tax or object. S ECT. 14. On the final passage, in either house of the Legislature, of every act which imposes, continues, or revives a tax, or creates a debt or charge, or makes, continues or revives any appropriation of public or trust money or property, or releases, discharges, or commutes any claim or demand of the State, the question shall be taken by ayes and noes, which shall be duly entered on the journals, and three fifths of all the members elected to either house, shall, in all such cases, be necessary to constitute a quorum therein.
ARTICLE VIII86 S ECT. 1. Corporations may be formed under general laws; but shall not be created
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N EW YORK by special act, except for municipal purposes, and in cases where in the judgment of the Legislature, the objects of the corporation cannot be attained under general laws. All general laws and special acts passed pursuant to this Section, may be altered from time to time or repealed. S ECT. 2. Dues from Corporations shall be secured by such individual liability of the corporators and other means as may be prescribed by law. S ECT. 3. The term corporations87 as used in this article shall be construed to include all associations and joint stock companies having any of the powers or88 privileges of corporations not possessed by individuals or partnerships. And all corporations shall have the right to sue and shall be subject to be sued in all courts in like cases as natural persons. S ECT. 4. The Legislature, shall have no power to pass any act granting any special charter for banking purposes; but corporations or associations may be formed for such purposes under general laws. S ECT. 5. The Legislature shall have no power to pass any law sanctioning in any manner, directly or indirectly, the suspension of specie payments, by any person, association or corporation issuing bank notes of any description. S ECT. 6. The Legislature shall provide by law for the registry of all bills or notes, issued or put in circulation as money, and shall require ample security for the redemption of the same in specie. S ECT. 7. The stockholders in every corporation and joint stock association for banking purposes issuing bank notes or any kind of paper credits to circulate as money, after the first day of January, One thousand eight hundred and fifty, shall be individually
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responsible to the amount of their respective share or shares of stock in any such corporation or association, for all its debts and liabilities of every kind, contracted after the89 said first day of January, One thousand eight hundred and fifty. S ECT. 8. In case of the insolvency of any bank or banking association, the bill holders thereof shall be entitled to preference in payment, over all other creditors of such bank or association. S ECT. 9. It shall be the duty of the Legislature to provide for the organization of cities and incorporated villages and to restrict their power of taxation, assessment, borrowing money, contracting debts, and loaning their credit, so as to prevent abuses in assessments, and in contracting debts90 by such municipal corporations.
ARTICLE IX91 S ECT. 1. The capital of the Common School Fund; the capital of the Literature Fund, and the capital of the United States deposite Fund, shall be respectively preserved inviolate. The revenue92 of the said Common School Fund shall be applied to the support of93 Common Schools; the revenue94 of the said Literature fund shall be applied to the support of academies, and the sum of twenty five thousand dollars of the revenues of the United States Deposite Fund shall each year be appropriated to and made part95 of the Capital of the said Common School Fund.
ARTICLE X96 S ECT. 1. Sheriffs, Clerks of counties, including the register and clerk of the City and County of New York, coroners, and district attornies, shall be chosen, by the electors of the respective counties, once in
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1846) every three years and as often as vacancies shall happen. Sheriffs shall hold no other office, and be ineligible for the next three years after the termination of their offices. They may be required by law, to renew their security, from time to time; and in default of giving such new security, their offices shall be deemed vacant. But the county shall never be made responsible for the acts of the Sheriff. The Governor may remove any Officer, in this Section mentioned, within the term for which he shall have been elected; giving to such officer a copy of the charges against him, and an opportunity of being heard in his defence. S ECT. 2. All county officers whose election or appointment is not provided for, by this Constitution, shall be elected by the electors of the respective Counties or appointed by the boards97 of Supervisors, or other County authorities, as the Legislature shall direct. All city, town and Village officers, whose election or appointment is not provided for by this constitution, shall be elected by the electors of such cities, towns and Villages, or of some98 division thereof, or appointed by such authorities thereof, as the Legislature shall designate for that purpose. All other Officers, whose election or appointment is not provided for by this Constitution, and all officers whose offices may hereafter be created by law, shall be elected by the people, or appointed, as the Legislature may direct. S ECT. 3. When the duration of any office, is not provided by this Constitution, it may be declared by law, and if not so declared, such office shall be held, during the pleasure of the authority making the appointment. S ECT. 4. The time of electing all officers named in this article shall be prescribed by law.
S ECT. 5. The Legislature shall provide for filling vacancies in office, and in case of elective Officers, no person appointed to fill a vacancy shall hold his office by virtue of such appointment longer than the commencement of the political year next succeeding the first annual election after the happening of the vacancy. S ECT. 6. The political year and legislative term, shall begin on the first day99 of January; and the Legislature shall, every year100 assemble on the first Tuesday in January, unless a different day shall101 be appointed by law. S ECT. 7. Provision102 shall be made by law for the removal for misconduct or malversation in office of all officers (except judicial) whose powers and duties are not local or103 legislative and who shall be elected at general elections, and also for supplying vacancies created by such removal104 . S ECT. 8. The Legislature may declare the cases in which any office shall be deemed vacant when105 no provision is made for that purpose in this Constitution.
ARTICLE XI106 S ECT. 1. The militia of this State, shall at all times hereafter, be armed and disciplined and in readiness for service; but all such inhabitants of this State of any religious denomination whatever as from scruples of conscience may be averse107 to bearing arms, shall be excused therefrom upon such Conditions as shall108 be prescribed by law. S ECT. 2. Militia officers shall be chosen, or appointed, as follows: Captains, Subalterns, and non commissioned officers shall be chosen by the written votes of the109 members of their respective Companies.
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N EW YORK Field officers of regiments and separate battalions by the written votes of the commissioned officers of the respective regiments and separate battalions; brigadier Generals and brigade Inspectors by the Field officers of their respective brigades; major generals, brigadier generals and commanding officers of regiments or separate battalions, shall appoint the Staff officers to their respective divisions, brigades, regiments or separate battalions. S ECT. 3. The Governor shall nominate, and with the consent of the Senate, appoint all major generals and the Commissary general. The adjutant general and other chiefs of staff departments, and the aids de camp110 of the commander in chief, shall be appointed by the Governor, and their commissions shall expire with the time for which the Governor shall have been elected. The Commissary general shall hold his office for two years. He shall give security for the faithful execution of the duties of his office in such manner and amount as shall be prescribed by law. S ECT. 4. The Legislature shall, by law, direct the time and manner of electing militia officers, and of certifying their elections to the Governor. S ECT. 5. The commissioned officers of the militia shall be commissioned by the Governor; and no commissioned officer shall be removed from office, unless by the Senate on the recommendation of the Governor, stating the grounds on which such removal is recommended, or by the decision of a court martial, pursuant to law. The present officers of the militia shall hold their commissions subject to removal, as before provided. S ECT. 6. In case the mode of election and appointment of militia officers hereby directed, shall not be found111 conducive to
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the improvement of the militia, the Legislature may abolish the same, and provide by law for their appointment and removal, if two thirds of the members present in each house shall concur therein.
ARTICLE XII112 S ECT. 1. Members of the Legislature, and all Officers, executive and judicial, except such inferior officers as may be by law exempted, shall, before they enter on the duties of their respective offices, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that I will support the constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of New York; and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office113 of –––––– according to the best of my ability.” And no other oath, declaration, or test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust.
ARTICLE XIII114 S ECT. 1. Any amendment or amendments to this Constitution may be proposed in the Senate and Assembly; and if the same shall be agreed to by a majority of the members elected to each of the two houses, such proposed amendment or amendments shall be entered on their journals with the yeas and nays taken thereon, and referred to the Legislature to be chosen at the next general election of Senators, and shall be published for three months previous to the time of making such choice, and if in the Legislature so next chosen, as aforesaid, such proposed amendment or amendments, shall be agreed to, by a majority, of all the members elected to each house, then it shall be the duty of the Legislature to submit such proposed amendment or amendments to the people, in such manner and at such time115
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1846) as the Legislature shall prescribe; and if the people shall approve and ratify such amendment or amendments, by a majority of the electors qualified to vote for members of the Legislature, voting thereon, such amendment or amendments shall become part of the Constitution. S ECT. 2. At the general election to be held in the year eighteen hundred and sixty six, and in each twentieth year thereafter, and also at such time as the Legislature may by law provide, the question “Shall there be a Convention to revise the Constitution, and amend the same”? shall be decided by the electors qualified to vote for members of the Legislature; and in case a majority of the electors so qualified, voting at such election116 , shall decide in favor of a Convention for such purpose, the Legislature at its next session, shall provide by law for the election of delegates to such convention.
ARTICLE XIV117 S ECT. 1. The first election of Senators and members of assembly, pursuant to the provisions of this constitution, shall be held on the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November, one thousand eight hundred and forty seven. The Senators and members of assembly who may be in office on the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and forty seven, shall hold their offices118 until and including the thirty first day of December following, and no longer. S ECT. 2. The first election of Governor and Lieutenant Governor under this Constitution, shall be held on the tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November, one thousand eight hundred and forty eight; and the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor in office when this Constitution shall take effect, shall hold their respective offices until
and including the thirty first day of December of that year. S ECT. 3. The Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney General, District Attorneys119 , Surveyor-General, canal Commissioners and inspectors of State prisons, in office when this Constitution shall take effect, shall hold their respective Offices until and including the thirty first day of December, one thousand eight hundred and forty seven, and no longer. S ECT. 4. The first election of judges and clerk of the court of appeals, justices of the Supreme court, and county Judges, shall take place at such time between the first tuesday of April and the Second tuesday of June, one thousand eight hundred and forty seven, as may be prescribed by law. The said courts shall respectively enter upon their duties, on the first Monday of July, next thereafter; but the term of office of said Judges, clerk and Justices as declared by this Constitution, shall be deemed to commence on the first day of January one thousand eight hundred and forty eight. S ECT. 5. On the first Monday of July, one thousand eight hundred and forty seven, jurisdiction of all suits and proceedings then pending in the present Supreme Court and Court of Chancery, and all suits and proceedings originally commenced and then pending in any court of Common Pleas, (except in the city and County of New York), shall become vested in the Supreme court hereby established. Proceedings pending in courts of Common Pleas and in suits originally commenced in Justices courts, shall be transferred to the County courts provided for in this Constitution, in such manner and form and under such regulation120 as shall be provided121 by law. The courts of Oyer and terminer hereby established shall in their respective counties have
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N EW YORK jurisdiction, on and after the day last mentioned of all indictments and proceedings then pending in the present courts of Oyer and terminer, and also of all indictments and proceedings then pending in the present Courts of general Sessions of the peace, except in the City of New York and except in cases of which the Courts of Sessions hereby established may lawfully take cognizance; and of such indictments and proceedings122 the123 courts124 of sessions hereby established shall have jurisdiction on and after the day last mentioned. S ECT. 6. The Chancellor and the present Supreme Court shall, respectively, have power to hear and determine any of such suits and proceedings ready on the first monday of July one thousand eight hundred and forty seven, for hearing or decision, and shall, for their services therein, be entitled to their present rates of compensation until the first day of July, one thousand eight hundred and forty eight, or until all such suits and proceedings shall be sooner heard and determined. Masters in Chancery may continue to exercise the functions of their office125 in the Court of Chancery, so long as the Chancellor shall continue to exercise the functions of his office under the provisions of this Constitution. And the Supreme Court hereby established, shall also have power to hear and determine such of said suits and proceedings as may be prescribed by law. S ECT. 7. In case any vacancy shall occur in the Office of chancellor or Justice of the present Supreme Court, previously to the first day of July, one thousand eight hundred and forty eight the Governor may nominate, and126 by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint a proper person to fill such vacancy. Any Judge of the court of appeals or Justice of the Supreme court, elected under this Constitution, may receive and hold Such appointment.
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S ECT. 8. The offices of chancellor, Justice of the existing Supreme Court, circuit Judge, Vice chancellor, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Judge of the existing County courts of each county, Supreme Court commissioner, master in chancery, examiner in chancery, and Surrogate, (except as herein otherwise provided) are abolished, from and after the first Monday of July One thousand eight hundred and forty seven, (1847). S ECT. 9. The Chancellor, the Justices of the present Supreme Court, and the circuit Judges, are hereby declared to be severally eligible to any office at the first election under this Constitution. S ECT. 10. Sheriffs, Clerks127 of Counties (including the register and clerk of the city and county of New York) and128 Justices of the peace and coroners, in office when this constitution shall take effect, shall hold their respective offices until the expiration of the term for which they were respectively elected. S ECT. 11. Judicial officers in office when this constitution shall take effect, may continue to receive such fees and perquisites of office as are now authorised by law, until the first day of July, one thousand eight hundred and forty seven, notwithstanding the provisions of the twentieth Section of the Sixth Article of this Constitution. S ECT. 12. All local courts established in any city or village including the Superior Court, Common Pleas, Sessions and129 Surrogates Courts of the city and county of New York shall remain until otherwise directed by the Legislature with their present powers and jurisdictions130 ; and the Judges of such courts and any clerks thereof in office on the first day of January one thousand eight hundred and forty seven shall continue in office until the expiration of their terms of office, or until the Legislature shall otherwise direct.
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1846) S ECT. 13. This Constitution shall be in force from and including the first day of January One thousand eight hundred and forty seven, except as is131 herein otherwise provided.
United States of America the Seventy first.132
D ONE, I N C ONVENTION, at the Capitol in the city of Albany the Ninth day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty six, and of the Independence of the
JOHN TRACY President and Delegate from the County of Chenango. JAMES F. STARBUCK SecreH. W. STRONG taries.133 FR. SEGER134
DELEGATES135 Robert Campbell Jr. George C. Clyde Charles P. Kirkland Samuel Richmond Federal Dana John Miller Robert C. Nicholas Ornon Archer Peter Yawger Moses Taggart Stephen Allen John T. Harrison Daniel John Shaw John J. Wood Julius Candee B. S. Brundage Geo. W. Patterson Wm. B. Wright Absalom Bull Benj. F. Bruce W. Maxwell John Youngs John L. Stephens Campbell P. White W. G. Angel Harry Backus Geo. S. Mann Cyrus H. Kingsley Enoch Strong Robt. H. Morris David Munro Russell Parish
COUNTY Steuben, Columbia, Oneida, Genesee, Madison, Cortland, Ontario, Wayne, Cayuga, Genesee, New York, Richmond, Cayuga, Rockland, Oneida, Steuben, Chautauque, Sullivan, Erie, Madison, Chemung, Tompkins, New York, New York, Allegany, Monroe, New York, Onondaga, Monroe, New York, Onondaga, Lewis,
I N WITNESS WHEREOF we have hereunto subscribed our names.
DELEGATES Gouv. Kemble Samuel J. Tilden Elijah Spencer Elijah Rhoades Hen. C. Murphy John Nellis Elisha W. Sheldon Henry Nicoll Wm. H. Van Schoonhoven E. M. McNeil136 Arphaxed Loomis Charles H. Ruggles John K. Porter J. L. Riker James Tallmadge William Taylor George W. Tuthill Abram Witbeck Perry Warren Geo. A. Simmons137 L. B. Shepard Tunis G. Bergen Albert L. Baker Ansel Bascom John Bowdish Hervey Brayton Isaac Burr James M. Cook B. F. Cornell George A. S. Crooker Lewis Cuddeback Robert Dorlon
COUNTY Putnam, New York, Yates, Onondaga, Kings, Montgomery, Cayuga, New York, Rensselaer, Jefferson, Herkimer, Dutchess, Saratoga, Queens, Dutchess, Onondaga, Orange, Rensselaer, Rensselaer, Essex, New York, Kings, Washington, Seneca, Montgomery, Oneida, Delaware, Saratoga, New York, Cattaraugus, Orange, Greene,
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Aaron Salisbury C. Swackhamer Horatio N. Taft Solomon Townsend D. D. Campbell138 Levi S. Chatfield139 Frederick F. Backus John H. Hunt Wm. S. Conely Allen Ayrault John J. Taylor Jonah Sanford Jno. Leslie Russel D. R. Floyd Jones C. C. Cambreleng C. T. Chamberlain Andrew W. Young A. W. Danforth Edward Dodd Peter K. DuBois Joseph R. Flanders James C. Forsyth John Gebhard Jun. Thomas B. Sears David B. St. John
Erie, Kings, Wayne, New York, Schenectady, Otsego, Monroe, New York, New York, Livingston Tioga, St. Lawrence, St. Lawrence, New York, Suffolk, Allegany, Wyoming, Jefferson, Washington, Dutchess, Franklin, Ulster, Schoharie, Tompkins, Otsego,
1 Verified by Constitution of the State of New-York, As Adopted in Convention, Oct. 9, 1846, And Address of the Convention to the People, Together with the Present Constitution, New-York: Published by James S. Burnton, 274 Bowery; Albany: From the Steam Press of Carroll & Cook, Printers to the Convention, 1846, 1–32, and corrected according to the engrossed manuscript preserved in the New York States Archives at Albany, N.Y. Also checked against the version as published in Journal of the Convention of the State of New-York, Begun and Held at the Capitol in the City of Albany, On the First Day of June, 1846, Albany: Carroll and Cook, Printers to the Convention, 1846, 1517–1546, in Report of the Debates and Proceedings of the Convention for the Revision of the Constitution of the State of New-York, 1846, Reported by William G. Bishop and William H. Attree, Albany: Printed at the Office of the Evening Atlas, 1846, 7–15, in Documents of the Convention of the State of New York, 1846, II, Albany: Carroll & Cook, Printers to the Convention, 1846, 1–32, as The Constitution of the State of NewYork, As Revised By the Convention of 1846, Albany:
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Geo. G. Graham A. S. Greene Ira Harris Orris Hart Alonzo Hawley Michael Hoffman William Hotchkiss, Abel Huntington Edward Huntington J. L. Hutchinson John Hyde Peter Shaver David S. Waterbury William Kernan Ch. O’Conor Rich. P. Marvin H. K. Willard Bishop Perkins James Powers Benjamin Stanton L. Stetson Aaron Ward Alvah Worden Amos Wright William Penniman140
Ulster, Jefferson, Albany, Oswego, Cattaraugus, Herkimer, Warren, Suffolk, Oneida Fulton & Hamilton Broome, Albany, Delaware, Steuben, New York, Chautauque, Albany, St. Lawrence, Greene, Albany, Clinton, Westchester, Ontario, Erie, Orleans
Gould, Banks & Gould, Law Booksellers, New York: Banks, Gould & Co., [s.a.], 16 p., as The Constitution of the State of New York, As Approved by the People, November 3, 1846, New York: Published by Bell & Gould, 1846, 32 p., in Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Second Meeting of the Seventieth Session of the Legislature, Begun and Held the Eighth Day of September, 1847, at the City of Albany. Also the Constitution, II, Albany: Charles Van Benthuysen, Public Printer, 1847, 385–412, as The Constitution of the State of New-York, Adopted November 3, 1846; Together with Marginal Notes and a Copious Index Prepared by I. R. Elwood, Esq., late Clerk of the Senate, Albany: Weed, Parsons & Co., Public Printers, 1849, 38 p., in Constitution of the State of New York, Adopted in 1846, With a Comparative Arrangement of the Constitutional Provisions of Other States, Classified By Their Subjects, Prepared under the Direction of a Committee of the New York Constitutional Convention of 1867, by Franklin B. Hough, Albany: Weed, Parsons & Company, Printers, 1867, 239 p., in The Constitution of the State of New York, With Notes, References and
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1846) Annotations, Together with the Articles of Confederation, Constitution of the United States, New York State Constitutions of 1777, 1821, 1846, Unamended and As Amended and in Force in 1894, With an Index of the Revised Constitution and the Constitution of the United States, ed. by Robert C. Cumming, Owen L. Potter and Frank B. Gilbert, 2nd ed., Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1899, 72–94, in Charles Z. Lincoln, The Constitutional History of New York From the Beginning of the Colonial Period to the Year 1905, Showing the Origin, Development, and Judicial Construction of the Constitution, 5 vols., Rochester, NY: The Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company, 1906, I, 226–280, and in the internet at http://www.courts.state.ny.us/ history/pdf/Library/1846_Constitution.pdf. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the engrossed manuscript. Deviations in printed versions resulting from obvious printing errors have been ignored. Italics signify emphasized passages in the manuscript. The Convention adopted the Constitution on October 9, 1846, and submitted it to the people who ratified it on November 3, 1846, by a vote of 221,528 to 92,436, while a separate proposal granting equal suffrage to colored people was rejected by 85,306 to 223,834 (cf. Lincoln, Constitutional History, II, 213). The Constitution of 1846 replaced the Constitution of 1821 (q.v.) and remained in force until 1894 when it was replaced by the fourth Constitution of New York. Before the Civil War it was amended only once, in 1854 (q.v.), amendments in 1850 (q.v.) and 1860 (q.v.) failing to secure passage. A new constitution was drafted in 1867 which also failed. Only that part thoroughly amending art. VI of the 1846 constitution was adopted in 1869, while further amendments were introduced between 1864 and 1894 (cf. also J. Hampden Dougherty, Constitutional History of the State of New York, New York: Neale, 1915, esp. 158–204). 2 In Bell & Gould print, 1, “Bill of Rights” added as heading. 3 In Hough edition, 4, last two words missing. 4 In Albany 1849 print, 4, “be forever”. 5 In Bell & Gould print, 1, “opinion”. 6 In Convention Journal, 1517, in Banks and Gould print, 3, in Bell & Gould print, 1, and in Albany 1849 print, 4, “of the”. 7 In Hough edition, 15, “active”. 8 In Banks and Gould print, 3, “whatsoever”. 9 In Session Law print, II, 386, “a”. 10 In Hough edition, 19, word missing. 11 In Convention Debates, 7, and in Bell & Gould print, 2, “libel”. 12 In Hough edition, 22, word missing. 13 In 1899 edition, 73, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 230, and in internet publication, “alienations”. 14 In Albany 1849 print, 6, “part”. 15 In Session Law print, II, 388, word missing. 16 In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 4, in Convention
Journal, 1520, in Convention Debates, 8, in Convention Documents, II, 4, in Banks and Gould print, 4, in Bell & Gould print, 3, in Albany 1849 print, 7, in Hough edition, 27, in 1899 edition, 74, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 232, and in internet publication, “this”. 17 In Bell & Gould print, 3, “The Elective Franchise” added as heading. 18 In Hough edition, 30, “an”. 19 In 1899 edition, 74, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 232, and in internet publication, “elected”. 20 In Convention Debates, 8, word missing. 21 In Hough edition, 31, added “: Provided, that in time of war no elector in the actual military service of the United States, in the army or navy thereof, shall be deprived of his vote by reason of his absence from the State, and the Legislature shall have power to provide the manner in which, and the time and place at which such absent electors may vote, and for the canvass and returns of their votes in the election districts in which they respectively reside or otherwise”. 22 In Bell & Gould print, 4, in Hough edition, 35, in 1899 edition, 75, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 233, and in internet publication, word missing. 23 In Bell & Gould print, 4, “Legislative” added as heading. 24 In Hough edition, 51, in 1899 edition, 75, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 234, and in internet publication, “District”. 25 In internet publication, “Duchess”. 26 In Hough edition, 52, last two words missing. 27 In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 7, in Convention Journal, 1522, and in Convention Documents, II, 7, “Munroe”. 28 In 1899 edition, 76, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 236, and in internet publication, “Chautauqua”. 29 In Hough edition, 54, “in”. 30 Ibid., “office”. 31 In Albany 1849 print, 12, in 1899 edition, 77, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 238, and in internet publication, “hereafter be”. 32 In 1899 edition, 77, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 238, and in internet publication, “per”. 33 In 1899 edition, 77, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 238, and in internet publication, word missing. 34 In Bell & Gould print, 7, “in the”. 35 In Convention Debates, 9, and in Bell & Gould print, 7, “until 1848”. 36 In Hough edition, 64, “time”. 37 In Bell & Gould print, 8, “farther”. 38 Ibid., “powers, local, legislative and administrative,”. 39 Ibid., “Executive” added as heading. 40 In Albany 1849 print, 14, “thirty-five”. 41 In Hough edition, 82, “for”. 42 In Session Law print, II, 394, “of the”. 43 In Hough edition, 84, in 1899 edition, 79, in Lin-
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N EW YORK coln, Constitutional History, I, 242, and in internet publication, “or”. 44 In Hough edition, 86, “regulations”. 45 In 1899 edition, 80, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 243, and in internet publication, “of”. 46 In Bell & Gould print, 9, “farther”. 47 In Hough edition, 87, “each”. 48 In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 11, in Convention Documents, II, 11, and in Albany 1849 print, 15, “only have”. 49 In Hough edition, 90, in 1899 edition, 80, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 244, and in internet publication, “he be”. 50 In Hough edition, 90, “shall be”. 51 In Albany 1849 print, 16, “the”. 52 In Bell & Gould print, 10, “Administrative” added as heading. 53 In Convention Debates, 10, and in Bell & Gould print, 10, “the”. 54 In Bell & Gould print, 10, “Canal Commissioners”. 55 Ibid., preceding part of sentence in square brackets. 56 Ibid., preceding part of sentence in square brackets. 57 Ibid., 11, “The Judiciary” added as heading. 58 In Convention Debates, 10, in Session Law print, II, 397, in Hough edition, 107, in 1899 edition, 82, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 248, and in internet publication, “the”. 59 In 1899 edition, 82, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 248, and in internet publication, “to the”. 60 In Bell & Gould print, 11, “farther”. 61 In Hough edition, 110, “selected”. 62 Ibid., 118, “term”. 63 In 1899 edition, 83, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 251, and in internet publication, word missing. 64 In Bell & Gould print, 13, word missing. 65 In Hough edition, 138, “or”. 66 In Albany 1849 print, 22, “and”. 67 In Convention Debates, 11, in Banks and Gould print, 9, and in Bell & Gould print, 14, “The clerks”. 68 In Session Law print, II, 400, in Hough edition, 147, in 1899 edition, 85, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 257, and in internet publication, “of”. 69 In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 18, in Convention Journal, 1533, in Convention Debates, 11, in Convention Documents, II, 18, in Banks and Gould print, 9, in Bell & Gould print, 15, in Session Law print, II, 401, and in Albany 1849 print, 23, “and”. 70 In Bell & Gould print, 15, “Finance” added as heading. 71 In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 18, in Convention Journal, 1533, in Convention Debates, 11, in Convention Documents, II, 18, in Banks and Gould print, 9, in Bell & Gould print, 15, in Session Law print, II, 401, and in Albany 1849 print, 24, last three words missing. 72 In Albany 1849 print, 24, “forty-five”. 73 In Bell & Gould print, 16, “one”. 74 In Hough edition, 155, “collection, superinten-
148
dence”. In Bell & Gould print, 16, “sum”. 76 In Hough edition, 155–156, instead of rest of section as adopted in 1846 the amended version of 1854 (q.v.), though with minor deviations, “appropriated and set apart in each fiscal year out of the surplus revenues of the canals, as a sinking fund, a sum sufficient to pay the interest as it falls due, and extinguish the principal within eighteen years of any loan made under this section; and if the said sinking fund shall not be sufficient to redeem any part of the principal at the stipulated times of payment, or to pay any part of the interest of such loans as stipulated, the means to satisfy any such deficiency shall be procured on the credit of the said sinking fund. After complying with the foregoing provisions, there shall be paid annually out of said revenues, into the treasury of the State, two hundred thousand dollars, to defray the necessary expenses of government. The remainder shall, in each fiscal year, be applied to meet the appropriations for the enlargement and completion of the canals mentioned in this section, until the said canals shall be completed. In each fiscal year thereafter the remainder shall be disposed of in such manner as the Legislature may direct; but shall at no time be anticipated or pledged for more than one year in advance. The Legislature shall, annually, during the next four years, appropriate to the enlargement of the Erie, the Oswego, the Cayuga and Seneca canals, and to the completion of the Black River and Genesee Valley canals, and for the enlargement of the locks of the Champlain canal, whenever, from dilapidation or decay, it shall be necessary to rebuild them, a sum not exceeding two millions two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The remainder of the revenues of the canals, for the current fiscal year in which such appropriation is made, shall be applied to meet such appropriation; and if the same shall be deemed insufficient, the Legislature shall, at the same session, provide for the deficiency by loan. The Legislature shall also borrow one million five hundred thousand dollars, to refund to the holders of the canal revenue certificates issued under the provisions of chapter four hundred and eighty-five of the laws of the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one, the amount received into the treasury thereon; but no interest to accrue after July first, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, shall be paid on such certificates. The provisions of section twelve of this article, requiring every law for borrowing money to be submitted to the people, shall not apply to the loans authorized by this section. No part of the revenues of the canals, or of the funds borrowed under this section, shall be paid or applied upon or in consequence of any alleged contract made under chapter four hundred and eighty-five of the Laws of the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one, except to pay for work done or materials furnished prior to the first day of June, one thousand eight 75
C ONSTITUTION OF N EW YORK (1846) hundred and fifty-two. The rates or toll on persons and property transported on the canals shall not be reduced below those for the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, except by the Canal Board, with the concurrence of the Legislature. All contracts for work or materials on any canal shall be made with the person who shall offer to do or provide the same at the lowest price, with adequate security for their performance.” 77 In Bell & Gould print, 16, “canal”. 78 In Albany 1849 print, 26, “the”. 79 In Convention Debates, 12, in Banks and Gould print, 10, in Bell & Gould print, 17, in 1899 edition, 87, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 264, and in internet publication, “individual, association”. 80 In 1899 edition, 88, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 265, and in internet publication, “for”. 81 In Bell & Gould print, 17, “hereafter be”. 82 In 1899 edition, 88, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 265, and in internet publication, “journal”. 83 In Bell & Gould print, 18, “farther”. 84 In 1899 edition, 88, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 266, and in internet publication, “provisions”. 85 In 1899 edition, 88, word missing. 86 In Bell & Gould print, 18, “Corporations” added as heading. 87 In Hough edition, 170, in 1899 edition, 89, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 267, and in internet publication, “corporation”. 88 In Hough edition, 170, “and”. 89 In 1899 edition, 89, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 268, and in internet publication, word missing. 90 In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 24, in Convention Journal, 1539, in Convention Debates, 13, in Convention Documents, II, 24, in Banks and Gould print, 11, in Bell & Gould print, 19, in Session Law print, II, 406, in Hough edition, 175, in 1899 edition, 90, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 269, and in internet publication, “debt”. 91 In Bell & Gould print, 19, “Education” added as heading. 92 In Hough edition, 178, in 1899 edition, 90, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 269, and in internet publication, “revenues”. 93 In Convention Debates, 13, “of the”. 94 In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 24, in Convention Journal, 1539, in Convention Debates, 13, in Convention Documents, II, 24, in Banks and Gould print, 11, in Bell & Gould print, 19, in Albany 1849 print, 30, in Hough edition, 178, in 1899 edition, 90, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 269, and in internet publication, “revenues”. 95 In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 24, in Convention Journal, 1539, in Convention Documents, II, 24, in Banks and Gould print, 11, in Bell & Gould print, 19, in Albany 1849 print, 30, in Hough edition, 178, in 1899 edition, 90, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 269, and in internet publication, “a part”.
96
In Bell & Gould print, 20, “Local Officers” added as heading. 97 In Hough edition, 189, “Board”. 98 In internet publication, “sonic”. 99 In Banks and Gould print, 11, word missing. 100 In Bell & Gould print, 20, last two words missing. 101 Ibid., “may”. 102 In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 25, in Convention Journal, 1540, in Convention Documents, II, 25, and in Albany 1849 print, 31, “Provisions”. 103 In Bell & Gould print, 20, “and”. 104 Ibid., “removals”. 105 In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 25, in Convention Journal, 1540, in Convention Documents, II, 25, in Banks and Gould print, 11, in Bell & Gould print, 21, and in Albany 1849 print, 31, “where”. 106 In Bell & Gould print, 21, “Militia” added as heading. 107 In 1899 edition, 91, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 272, and in internet publication, “adverse”. 108 In Bell & Gould print, 21, “may”. 109 Ibid., word missing. 110 In Hough edition, 203, “Aides-de-Camp”; in 1899 edition, 91, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 272, and in internet publication, “aide-de-camp”. 111 In 1899 edition, 91, word missing. 112 In Bell & Gould print, 22, “Oaths” added as heading. 113 In Convention Debates, 13, in Banks and Gould print, 12, and in Bell & Gould print, 22, last three words missing. 114 In Bell & Gould print, 22, “Amendments” added as heading. 115 In 1899 edition, 92, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 274, and in internet publication, “times”. 116 In Hough edition, 212, “elections”. 117 In Bell & Gould print, 22, “Miscellaneous” added as heading. 118 In 1899 edition, 93, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 275, and in internet publication, “office”. 119 In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 28, in Convention Journal, 1543, in Convention Debates, 14, in Convention Documents, II, 28, in Albany 1849 print, 34, and in Hough edition, 219, “District-Attorney”. 120 In Convention Debates, 14, in Hough edition, 221, in 1899 edition, 93, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 277, and in internet publication, “regulations”. 121 In Hough edition, 221, “provided for”. 122 In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 28, in Convention Journal, 1543, in Convention Debates, 14, in Convention Documents, II, 28, and in Albany 1849 print, 35, “proceeding”. 123 In Session Law print, II, 411, and in Hough edition, 222, “as the”. 124 In 1899 edition, 93, “court”. 125 In Hough edition, 224, in 1899 edition, 93, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 278, and in internet
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N EW YORK publication, “offices”. internet publication, “amid”. 127 In Convention Debates, 14, “and clerks”. 128 In Banks and Gould print, 13, and in Bell & Gould print, 24, word missing. 129 In Convention Debates, 14, word missing. 130 Ibid., and in Bell & Gould print, 24, “jurisdiction”. 131 In Hough edition, 226, in 1899 edition, 94, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 280, and in internet publication, word missing. 132 In Convention Journal, 1545, rest missing. 133 In Session Law print, II, 412, in Albany 1849 print, 37, in Hough edition, 226, in 1899 edition, 94, in Lincoln, Constitutional History, I, 280, and in internet publication, list of signers missing. 134 In Convention Debates, 14, in Banks and Gould print, 13, and in Bell & Gould print, 25, order of two last names reversed. 135 List of signers as in enrolled manuscript. In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 31–32, in Convention Debates, 14–15, in Convention Documents, II, 31–32, in Banks and Gould print, 13, and in Bell & Gould print, 25–26, only names of signers. Headings and coun126 In
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ties generally missing. Additionally listed, however, Wm. C. Bouck and John W. Brown, delegates from Schoharie and Orange, respectively, whose signatures do not appear in the engrossed manuscript. 136 In Banks and Gould print, 13, and in Bell & Gould print, 25, “McNiel”. 137 In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 31–32, in Convention Debates, 14–15, in Convention Documents, II, 31–32, in Banks and Gould print, 13, and in Bell & Gould print, 25, name missing. 138 In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 31–32, in Convention Debates, 14–15, in Convention Documents, II, 31–32, in Banks and Gould print, 13, and in Bell & Gould print, 26, name missing. 139 In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 31–32, in Convention Debates, 14–15, in Convention Documents, II, 31–32, in Banks and Gould print, 13, and in Bell & Gould print, 26, name missing. 140 In Burnton, Carroll & Cook print, 31–32, in Convention Debates, 14–15, in Convention Documents, II, 31–32, in Banks and Gould print, 13, and in Bell & Gould print, 26, name missing.
Failed Amendment of 1850
Joint Resolution of the Senate and Assembly, Amending the Constitution of the State of New York1
State of New York In Senate, March 20, 1850. Whereas, The following amendment to the constitution of this state was, at the last session of the legislature, proposed in the senate, viz: “In case of the impeachment of the governor, or his removal from office, death, inability to discharge the power and duties of said office, resignation or absence from the state, the powers and duties of the office shall devolve upon the lieutenant governor, for the residue of the term, or until the disability shall cease, or if there shall be a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor, or if the lieutenant governor be under impeachment, or be absent from the state, or incapable of performing the duties of his office, then the powers and duties of governor shall devolve upon the president of the senate; or if there be no president of the senate at the time, then upon the speaker of the assembly, for the residue of the term of the said governor or until the disability shall cease. But when the governor shall, with the consent of the legislature, be out of the state in time of war, at the head of a military force, he shall continue commander-in-chief of all the military force in the state. And, whereas, the said proposed amendment was then agreed to by a majority of the
members elected to each of the two houses, and was entered on their journals, with the ayes and nays taken thereon and referred to the legislature then to be chosen” at the next general election of senators. And, whereas, the said proposed amendment has been duly published three months previous to the time of making such choice. Resolved, That the senate do agree to the said proposed amendment.
1
Verified by Laws of the State of New York, Passed at the Seventy-Third Session of the Legislature, Begun the First Day of January, and Ended the Tenth Day of April, 1850, at the City of Albany, with Marginal Notes and a General Index, and the Names and Residences of the Judges, Surrogates, County Clerks, Sheriffs, and District Attorneys of the State of New York, Albany: Little & Company, Law Booksellers, 1850, 819–820. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Session Law volume. The amendment was approved by the Assembly on March 25, 1850. The amendment was first proposed by the legislature on April 11, 1849 (cf. Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Seventy Second Session of the Legislature, Begun the Second Day of January, and Ended the Eleventh Day of April, 1849, at the City of Albany, Troy: Albert W. Scribner and Albert West, Printers, 1849, 734–735). According to Charles Z. Lincoln, The Constitutional History of New York From the Beginning of the Colonial Period to the Year 1905, Showing the Origin, Development, and Judicial Construction of the Constitution, 5 vols., Rochester, NY: The Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company, 1906, II, 226, the amendment was never submitted to the people as the submission act failed in the assembly.
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Amendment of 1854 Concurrent Resolution in Relation to Amendment to the Constitution1
Whereas, the following amendment to the constitution of this state was at the last session of the Legislature proposed, viz: Substitute for section three of article seven the following: After paying the said expenses of collection, superintendence and repairs of the canals, and the sums appropriated by the first and second sections of this article, there shall be appropriated and set apart in each fiscal year, out of the surplus revenues of the canals, as a sinking fund, a sum sufficient to pay the interest as it falls due, and extinguish the principal within eighteen years, of any loan made under this section; and if the said sinking fund shall not be sufficient to redeem any part of the principal at the stipulated times of payment, or to pay any part of the interest of such loans as stipulated, the means to satisfy any such deficiency shall be procured on the credit of the said sinking fund. After complying with the foregoing provisions, there shall be paid annually out of said revenues, into the treasury of the state, two hundred thousand dollars, to defray the necessary expenses of government. The remainder shall, in each fiscal year, be applied to meet appropriations for the enlargement and completion of the canals mentioned in this section, until the said canals shall be completed. In each fiscal year thereafter the remainder shall be disposed of in such manner as the Legislature may direct; but shall at no time be anticipated or pledged for more than one
152
year in advance. The Legislature shall annually, during the next four years, appropriate to the enlargement of the Erie, the Oswego, the Cayuga and Seneca canals, and to the completion of the Black River and Genesee Valley canals, and for the enlargement of the locks of the Champlain canal, whenever from dilapidation or decay it shall be necessary to rebuild them, a sum not exceeding two millions two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The remainder of the revenues of the canals for the current fiscal year in which such appropriation is made shall be applied to meet such appropriation; and if the same shall be deemed insufficient, the Legislature shall, at the same session, provide for the deficiency by loan. The Legislature shall also borrow one million and five hundred thousand dollars, to refund to the holders of the canal revenue certificates, issued under the provisions of chapter four hundred and eighty-five of the Laws of the year one thousand eight hundred and fiftyone, the amount received into the treasury thereon; but no interest, to accrue after July first, one thousand eight hundred and fiftyfive, shall be paid on such certificates. The provisions of section twelve of this article, requiring every law for borrowing money to be submitted to the people, shall not apply to the loans authorized by this section. No part of the revenues of the canals, or of the funds borrowed under this section, shall be paid or applied upon or in consequence of any alleged contract made under chapter four hundred and eighty-five of the Laws
A MENDMENT OF 1854 of the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one, except to pay for work done or materials furnished prior to the first day of June, one thousand eight hundred and fiftytwo. The rates of toll on persons and property transported on the canals shall not be reduced below those for the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, except by the canal board with the concurrence of the Legislature. All contracts for work or materials on any canal shall be made with the person who shall offer to do or provide the same at the lowest price, with adequate security for their performance. And whereas, the said proposed amendment was then agreed to by a majority of the members elected to each of the two houses, and entered on the journals, with the ayes and nays taken thereon, and referred to the Legislature to be chosen at the next general election of senators then ensuing. And whereas, the said proposed amendment has been duly published for three months previous to making such choice, in pursuance of the provisions of the first section of the thirteenth article of the constitution. Resolved (if the Assembly concur), that the Senate do agree to the said proposed amendment.
1
Verified by Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Seventy-Seventh Session of the Legislature, Begun the Third Day of January, and Ended the Seventeenth Day of April, 1854, at the City of Albany, Albany: Weed, Parsons & Co., Printers, 1854, 1103– 1105. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Session Law volume. The amendment was approved by both houses on January 4, 1854, and ratified by the people according to the law adopted January 20,
1854 (ibid., 11–15) in a special election on February 15, 1854. The amendment was first proposed in a special session on June 14 (Assembly) and 15 (Senate), 1853 (cf. Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Seventy-Sixth Session of the Legislature. The Regular Session Begun on the Fourth Day of January, and Ended the Thirteenth Day of April, 1853; and the Special Session Begun the Fourteenth Day of April, and (after a Recess from the 15th of April to the 24th of May) Ended the Twenty-First Day of July, 1853, at the City of Albany, Albany: Weed, Parsons & Co., Printers, 1853, 1263–1265). Checked also against the version published in Charles Z. Lincoln, The Constitutional History of New York From the Beginning of the Colonial Period to the Year 1905, Showing the Origin, Development, and Judicial Construction of the Constitution, 5 vols., Rochester, NY: The Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company, 1906, I, 319–321. On April 1, 1853, the assembly had proposed, the senate concurring on April 12, another amendment: “Resolved (if the Senate concur), That section two of article two of the constitution of this state be amended by inserting therein, immediately after the word ‘election,’ where it first occurs in said section, as follows: ‘or who shall pay, give or receive, or promise to pay or give any money or other property, or valuable consideration, with intent to influence any elector in giving his vote, or to deter any elector from voting.’ Also, by adding at the end of said section as follows: ‘or from holding any office voted for at such election. Laws may also be passed for determining in a summary manner at the polls any question affecting the right of any person to vote thereat,’ so that said section two, as amended, shall read as follows: ‘Laws may be passed excluding from the right of suffrage all persons who have been or may be convicted of bribery, or larceny, or of any infamous crime, and for depriving every person who shall make or become, directly or indirectly, interested in any bet or wager depending upon the result of any election, or who shall pay, give or receive, or promise to pay or give money or other property, or valuable consideration, with intent to influence any elector in giving his vote, or to deter any elector from voting, from the right to vote at such election, or from holding any office voted for at such election. Laws may also be passed for determining in a summary manner at the polls any question affecting the right of any person to vote at such election’ (Session Law volume, 1853, 1262–1263). The proposed amendment was not readopted by the subsequent legislature.
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Failed Amendment of 1860 Concurrent Resolution in Relation to Amendment of the Constitution1
Whereas, At the last session of the legislature the following amendment to the constitution was proposed, viz: That section one of article two of the constitution of this state be amended by striking out the following words, “But no man of color, unless he shall have been for three years a citizen of this state, and for one year next preceding any election shall have been seised and possessed of a freehold estate of the value of two hundred and fifty dollars, over and above all debts and incumbrances charged thereon, and shall have been actually rated and paid a tax thereon, shall be entitled to vote at such election, and no person of color shall be subject to direct taxation unless he shall be seised and possessed of such real estate aforesaid.” And whereas, the said proposed amendment was then agreed to by a majority of the members elected to each of the two houses, and was entered on their journals, with the ayes and nays taken thereon, and referred to the legislature to be chosen at the next general election of senators then ensuing. And whereas, the said proposed amendment has been duly published for three months previous to making such choice, in pursuance of the provisions of the first section of the thirteenth article of the constitution, Resolved (if the senate concur), That the assembly do agree to the proposed amendment. 1
Verified by Laws of the State of New York, Passed at the Eighty-Third Session of the Legislature, Begun Jan-
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uary Third, and Ended April Seventeenth, 1860, in the City of Albany, Albany: Weed, Parsons and Company, 1860, 1077–1078. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Session Law volume. The amendment was approved by the Assembly on February 10, and by the Senate on March 17, 1860. The amendment was first proposed by the legislature on March 23 (Assembly) and April 8 (Senate), 1859 (cf. Laws of the State of New York, Passed at the Eighty-Second Session of the Legislature, Begun January Fourth, and Ended April Nineteenth, 1859, in the City of Albany, Albany: W. C. Little & Company, Law Booksellers, 515 Broadway, 1859, 1209). Pursuant to a law adopted on April 13, 1860 (cf. Session Law volume, 1860, 597–598), the amendment was submitted to the people, who, according to Charles Z. Lincoln, The Constitutional History of New York From the Beginning of the Colonial Period to the Year 1905, Showing the Origin, Development, and Judicial Construction of the Constitution, 5 vols., Rochester, NY: The Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company, 1906, II, 232, rejected it on November 6, 1860, by a majority of 140,429 votes. On February 10, 1859, the senate had proposed, the assembly concurring on March 19, another amendment: “Resolved (if the assembly concur), That the following amendments be proposed to the constitution of this state: From and after the third Tuesday of June, eighteen hundred and sixty, the court of appeals shall consist of six judges, to be chosen by the electors of this state. The four judges who may then be in office by previous election or appointment, shall continue to hold until the expiration of their respective terms. On the third Tuesday of May, eighteen hundred and sixty, an election shall be held, at which two judges of said court shall be chosen, whose terms shall commence on the third Tuesday of June, eighteen hundred and sixty. The term of one of them shall expire in nine years from the thirty-first day of December following, and of the other in eleven years from the same time. At the general election in the year eighteen hundred and sixty-one, and in every second years thereafter, unless the legislature shall by law appoint a different day, one judge of said court shall be chosen for a term of twelve years from and after the thirty-first day of December, next after such election. Four judges shall constitute a quorum. In case of the absence or inability to serve, of
FAILED A MENDMENT OF 1860 any judge or judges, the governor may appoint one or more justices of the supreme court to serve for the time being. Section seven of article six of the constitution is hereby abrogated, and the following provision substituted: The judges of the court of appeals and the justices of the supreme court shall receive, at stated times, for their services, a compensation, to be established by law, and which shall not be increased or diminished at less intervals than once in six years; the provision made for such compensation, by act of the legislature,
in the year eighteen hundred and fifty-seven, shall apply to judges and justices then in office, as well as those thereafter elected or appointed, and the same shall be deemed to have taken effect accordingly from the first day of January, eighteen hundred and fifty-eight. Section fourteen of article six of the constitution is amended as follows: The county court shall have such original and appellate jurisdiction as the legislature may prescribe” (Session Law volume, 1859, 1206–1207). The proposed amendment was not readopted by the subsequent legislature.
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Declaration of Rights of North Carolina (1776) A Declaration of Rights made by the representatives of the Freemen of the State of North Carolina1
S ECT. 12 . That all Political Power is vested in and derived from the People only. S ECT. 2. That the people of this State ought to have the Sole and exclusive right of regulating the Internal Government and Police thereof. S ECT. 3. That no man or set of men are intitled to exclusive or separate Emoluments or Privileges from the Community but in consideration of Public Services. S ECT. 4. That the Legislative, Executive, and Supreme Judicial powers of Government, ought to be for ever separate and distinct from each other. S ECT. 5. That all power of suspending Laws, or the Execution of Laws by any Authority, without consent of the Representatives of the People is injurious to their rights and ought not to be exercised. S ECT. 6. That Elections of members to serve as Representatives in General Assembly ought to be free. S ECT. 7. That in all criminal Prosecutions every man has a right to be informed of the accusation against him and to confront the accusers and Witnesses with other Testimony and shall not be compelled to give Evidence against himself. S ECT. 8. That no Freeman shall be put to answer any criminal Charge but by Indictment, Presentment or Impeachment.
S ECT. 9. That no Freeman shall be convicted of any crime but by the Unanimous Verdict of a Jury of good and lawful men in open Court as heretofore used. S ECT. 10. That excessive Bail, should not be required nor excessive Fines imposed, nor cruel or unusual Punishments inflicted. S ECT. 11. That General Warrants whereby any Officer, or Messenger may be commanded to Search suspected places, without Evidence of the Fact committed or to seize any person or persons not named whose Offence is not Particularly described and supported by Evidence are dangerous to Liberty and ought not to be granted. S ECT. 12. That no Freeman ought to be taken imprisoned or Disseissed of his Freehold, Liberties or Privileges, or outlawed or exiled, or in any manner destroyed or deprived of his Life Liberty or Property but by the Law of the Land. S ECT. 13. That every Freeman restrained of his Liberty is intitled to a remedy to enquire into the Lawfulness thereof and to remove the same if unlawful and that such remedy ought not to be denied or delayed. S ECT. 14. That in all controversies at Law respecting property the ancient mode of Trial by Jury is one of the best Securities of the rights of the People, and ought to remain Sacred and inviolable.
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N ORTH C AROLINA S ECT. 15. That the Freedom of the Press is one of the great Bulwarks of Liberty and therefore ought never to be restrained. S ECT. 16. That the People of this State ought not to be Taxed or made subject to the payment of any Impost or duty without the Consent of themselves or their representatives in General Assembly freely given. S ECT. 17. That the people have a right to bear Arms for the defence of the State, and as standing Armies in time of peace are dangerous to Liberty, they ought not to be kept up; and that the military should be kept under strict subordination to and governed by the civil power. S ECT. 18. That the people have a right to assemble together to consult for their common good, to instruct their representatives and to apply to the Legislature for redress of Grievances. S ECT. 19. That all men have a natural and unalienable right to worship Almighty God, according to the dictates of their own consciences and understandings3 . S ECT. 20. That for redress of Grievances, and for amending and Strengthening the Laws Elections ought to be often held. S ECT. 21. That a frequent recurrence to Fundamental Principles is absolutely necessary to preserve the Blessings of Liberty. S ECT. 22. That no hereditary Emoluments Privileges or honors ought to be granted or conferred in this State. S ECT. 23. That Perpetuities and monopolies are contrary to the genius of a free State, and ought not to be allowed. S ECT. 24. That retrospective Laws punishing Facts committed before the Existence of such Laws and by them only declared criminal are oppressive unjust and
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incompatible with Liberty, Wherefore no Ex post Facto law ought to be made. S ECT. 25. The property of the Soil in a free Government being one of the essential rights of the collective body of the People it is necessary, in order to avoid future disputes that the Limits of the state should be ascertained with precision, and as the former temporary line between North and South Carolina, was confirmed and extended by commissioners appointed by the Legislatures of the two States agreeable to the Order of the late King George the second in Council, – that Line and that only should be esteemed the southern Boundary of this State, as follows,4 that is to say Beginning on the Sea Side at a Cedar Stake at or near the mouth of Little river, being the southern Extremity of Brunswick County and running from thence a North West Course through the Boundary house which stands in thirty three degrees fifty six minutes to thirty five degrees North latitude, and from thence a West Course so far as is mentioned in the Charter of King Charles the second to the late proprietors of Carolina – Therefore all the Territory5 Seas, Waters, and harbours, with their Appurtenances, lying between the line above described and the Southern line of the State of Virginia which begins on the Sea Shore in thirty six degrees thirty minutes north latitude, and from thence runs West agreeable to the said Charter of King Charles, are the right and property of the people of this State to be held by them in Sovereignty: – any partial line without the consent of the Legislature of this State, at any time thereafter directed, or laid out in any wise notwithstanding: Provided always that this declaration of right shall not prejudice any nation or nations of Indians from enjoying such hunting grounds as may have been, or hereafter shall be secured to them by any former or future Legislature of this State, and provided also
D ECLARATION OF R IGHTS OF N ORTH C AROLINA (1776) that it shall not be construed so as to prevent the Establishment of one or more Governments westward of this State by consent of the Legislature and Provided further that nothing herein contained shall affect the Titles or possessions of Individuals holding or claiming under the Laws heretofore inforce or grants heretofore made by the late King George the third or his Predecessors or the late Lords Proprietors or any of them. December the seventeenth day Anno Dom. One thousand seven hundred and seventy six – Read the third time and ratified in Open Congress. R[ICHARD] CASWELL President JA[MES] GREEN, JUN. Sec[retar]y6
1
Verified by The Journal of the Proceedings of the Provincial Congress of North-Carolina, Held at Halifax the 12th Day of November, 1776. Together with The Declaration of Rights, Constitution, & Ordinances of Congress. Published by Authority, Newbern: Printed by James Davis, Printer to the Honourable the General Assembly, 1777, 3–4, and corrected according to the original manuscript, located in the North Carolina
State Archives, Raleigh, NC. Checked also against the version published in Proceedings and Debates of the Convention of North-Carolina, Called to Amend The Constitution of the State, Which Assembled At Raleigh, June 4, 1835. To Which are Subjoined The Convention Act and the Amendments to the Constitution, Together with the Votes of the People, Raleigh: Printed by Joseph Gales and Son, 1836, 409–411. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the handwritten original. In contrast to the Journal of the Provincial Congress and later reprints, the original manuscript clearly differentiates between the Declaration of Rights, three times read and ratified on December 17, 1776, and the Constitution, ratified the subsequent day. Whereas the Delaware Constitution of 1776, art. 30, declared the Declaration of Rights inviolate, and the Maryland Declaration of Rights of 1776, sect. 42, includes the subsequent constitution, the Constitution of North Carolina, sect. 44, stipulates “[t]hat the Declaration of Rights is hereby declared to be part of the Constitution”. Nevertheless, it was the last state convention to separately ratify the Declaration of Rights and the Constitution.- In Convention Debates, 409, initial “A” missing. 2 In the original manuscript paragraphs were counted as sections. 3 In Davis print, 4, and in Convention Debates, 410, “and Understandings” missing. 4 In Davis print, 4, “as follows,” missing. 5 In Convention Debates, 411, “territories”. 6 In Davis print, 4, date with signatures missing.
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Constitution of North Carolina (1776) The Constitution or form of Government agreed to and Resolved upon by the Representatives of the Freemen of the State of North Carolina elected and chosen for that particular purpose in Congress assembled at Halifax the eighteenth day of December in the Year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and seventy six1
Whereas Allegiance and Protection are in their nature reciprocal, and the one should of right be refused, when the other is withdrawn, And whereas George the third King of Great Britain, and late Sovereign of the British American Colonies, hath not only withdrawn from them his Protection, but by an Act of the British Legislature, declared the Inhabitants of these States out of the Protection of the British Crown, and all their Property found upon the high Seas, liable to be seized and confiscated to the uses mentioned in the said Act, and the said George the third has also sent Fleets and Armies to prosecute a cruel war against them for the purpose of reducing the Inhabitants of the said Colonies to a State of Abject Slavery. In Consequence whereof all Government under the said King within the said Colonies hath ceased and a Total dissolution of Government in many of them hath taken place; And whereas the Continental Congress having considered the Premises and other previous Violations, of the rights of the good People of America have therefore declared, that the thirteen United Colonies are of right wholly absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown or any other Foreign Jurisdiction whatsoever and that the said Colonies now are and forever shall be free
and Independant States, wherefore in our present State in Order to prevent Anarchy and confusion, it becomes necessary that a2 Government should be established in this State. Therefore we the Representatives of the Freemen of North Carolina chosen and Assembled in Congress for the Express purpose of framing a Constitution under the authority of the people most conducive to their Happiness and Prosperity, do declare that a Government for this State shall be established in manner and form following, towit: S ECT. 13 . That the Legislative Authority shall be vested in two distinct Branches, both dependant on the People, towit, a Senate and house of Commons. S ECT. 2. That the Senate shall be composed of representatives annually chosen by Ballot, one from each County in the4 State. S ECT. 3. That the house of Commons shall be composed of Representatives, annually chosen by Ballot, two for each County, and one for each of the Towns of Edenton, New Bern, Wilmington Salisbury Hil[l]sborough and Halifax. S ECT. 4. That the Senate and house of Commons assembled for the purpose of
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N ORTH C AROLINA Legislation, shall be denominated the General Assembly. S ECT. 5. That each member of the Senate, shall have usually resided in the County in which he is chosen for one year immediately preceeding his Election, and for the same time shall have possessed and continue to possess in the County which he represents not less than three hundred Acres of Land in Fee. S ECT. 6. That each member of the house of Commons shall have usually resided in the County, in which he is chosen for one Year immediately preceeding his Election & for six months shall have possessed and continue to possess in the County which represents not less than one hundred Acres of Land in Fee or for the Term of his own Life. S ECT. 7. That all Freemen of the age of twenty one Years, who have been Inhabitants of any one County within the State twelve months immediately preceeding day of any Election and possessed of a Freehold within the same County of Fifty Acres of Land for six months next before and at the day of Election shall be entitled to vote for a member of the Senate. S ECT. 8. That all Freemen of the age of twenty one Years, who have been Inhabitants of any County within this5 State twelve months immediately preceeding the day of any Election, and shall have paid Public Taxes, shall be intitled to vote for members of the house of Commons for the County in which he resides. S ECT. 9. That all Persons possessed of a Freehold in any Town in this State having a right of Representation, and also all Freemen who have been Inhabitants of any such Town twelve months next before and at the day of Election, and shall have paid Public Taxes, shall be intitled to vote for
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a member to represent such Town in the house of Commons; Provided always, That this Section shall not intitle any Inhabitant of such Town to vote for members of the House of Commons for the County in which he may reside, nor any Freeholder in such County who resides without or beyond the Limits of such Town to vote for a member for said Town. S ECT. 10. That the Senate and house of Commons when met shall each have power to choose a Speaker and other their Officers be judges of the Qualifications and Elections of their members sit upon their own Adjournments6 from day to day and prepare Bills to be passed into Laws, the two houses shall direct Writs of Election, for supplying intermediate vacancies and shall also jointly by Ballot adjourn themselves to any future day and place. S ECT. 11. That all Bills shall be read three times in each house before they pass into Laws, and be signed by the Speaker of both houses. S ECT. 12. That every Person who shall be chosen a member of the Senate or house of Commons, or appointed to any Office or place of Trust before taking his Seat or entering upon the Execution of his Office shall take an Oath to the State and all Officers shall also take an Oath of Office. S ECT. 13. That the General Assembly shall by joint Ballot of both Houses appoint Judges of the Supreme Courts of Law and Equity Judges of Admiralty and Attorney General who shall be commissioned by the Governor and hold their Offices during good behavior. S ECT. 14. That the Senate and house of Commons shall have power to appoint the Generals and Field Officers of the militia and all Officers of the Regular Army of this State.
C ONSTITUTION OF N ORTH C AROLINA (1776) S ECT. 15. That the Senate and house of Commons jointly at their first meeting after each annual Election shall by Ballot Elect a Governor for one year, who shall not be Eligible to that Office longer than three Years in six successive Years. That no person under thirty Years of Age, and who has not been a resident in this State above five Years, and having in the State a Freehold in Lands and Tenements above the value of One thousand pounds shall be Eligible as Governor. S ECT. 16. That the Senate and house of Commons jointly at their first meeting, after each annual Election shall by Ballot Elect seven persons to be a Council of State for one Year, who shall advise the Governor in the Execution of his Office, and that four members shall be a Quorum, their advice and proceedings shall be entered in a journal to be kept for that purpose only, and signed by the members present to any part of which any member present may enter his dissent; and such Journal shall be laid before the General Assembly when called for by them. S ECT. 17. That there shall be a Seal of this State which shall be kept by the Governor, and used by him as occasion may require and shall be called the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina and be affixed to all Grants and Commissions. S ECT. 18. That7 the Governor for the time being shall be Captain General and Commander in Chief8 of the militia, and in the recess of the General Assembly shall have power, by and with the advice of the Council of State to embody the militia for the Public safety. S ECT. 19. That the Governor for the time being shall have power to draw for and apply9 such Sums of money as shall be voted by the General Assembly for the Contingencies of Government and be accountable
to them for the same. He also may by and with the advice of the Council of State, lay Embargoes or prohibit the Exportation of any Commodity for any Term not exceeding thirty days, at any one time, in the recess of the General Assembly and shall have the power of granting Pardons and Reprieves10 except where the Prosecutions11 shall be carried on by the General Assembly or the Law shall otherwise direct in which case he may in the recess grant a reprieve until the next sit[t]ing of the General Assembly, and may exercise all the other Executive powers of Government, Limited and restrained as by this Constitution is mentioned, and according to the Laws of the State, and on his death inability or absence from the State the Speaker of the Senate for the time being & in case of his death inability or absence, from the State, the Speaker of the House of Commons, shall Exercise the powers of the12 Governor after such death or during such absence or inability of the Governor or Speaker of the Senate or until a new nomination is made by the General Assembly. S ECT. 20. That in every case where any Officer the right of whose appointment is by this Constitution vested in the General Assembly, shall during their recess die or his Office by other means become vacant, the Governor shall have power with the advice of the Council of State to fill up such vacancy by granting a Temporary Commission, which shall expire at the end of the next Session of the General Assembly. S ECT. 21. That the Governor, Judges of the Supreme Courts13 of Law and Equity, Judges of Admiralty and Attorney General shall have adequate Salaries during their continuance in Office. S ECT. 22. That the General Assembly shall by joint Ballot of both Houses annually appoint a Treasurer or Treasurers for this State.
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N ORTH C AROLINA S ECT. 23. That the Governor and other Officers offending against the State by violating any part of this Constitution, maladministration or Corruption, may be prosecuted on the Impeachment of the General Assembly or14 presentment of the Grand Jury of any Court of Supreme Jurisdiction in this State. S ECT. 24. That the General Assembly shall by joint Ballot of both houses Triennially appoint a Secretary for this State. S ECT. 25. That no persons who heretofore have been or hereafter may be receivers of the15 Public monies shall have a Seat in either house of General Assembly or be Eligible to any Office in this State, until such person shall have fully accounted for and paid into the Treasury all Sums for which they may be accountable and liable. S ECT. 26. That no Treasurer shall have a Seat in either the16 Senate, house of Commons or Council of State during his continuance in that Office or before he shall have finally settled his accounts with the Public for all monies which may be in his Hands, at the Expiration of his . . . Office belonging to the State and hath paid the same into the Hands of the succeeding Treasurer. S ECT. 27. That no Officer in the regular Army or Navy in the Service and pay of the United States of this or any other State nor any Contractor or agent for supplying such army or navy with Cloathing or provisions shall have a Seat in either the Senate, house of Commons or Council of State, or be Eligible thereto, and any member of the Senate house of Commons or Council of State being appointed to and accepting of such Office shall thereby vacate his Seat. S ECT. 28. That no member of the Council of State shall have a Seat either in the Senate or house of Commons.
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S ECT. 29. That no Judge of the Supreme Court of Law or Equity or Judge of Admiralty, shall have a Seat in the Senate house of Commons or Council of State. S ECT. 30. That no Secretary of this State Attorney General or Clerk of any Court of record, shall have a Seat in the Senate house of Commons or Council of State. S ECT. 31. That no Clergyman or Preacher of the Gospel of any denomination, shall be capable of being a member of either the Senate house of Commons or Council of State while he Continues in the exercise of the Pastoral Function. S ECT. 32. That no person who shall deny the being of God or the truth of the Protestant Religion, or the divine authority either of the old or new Testament, or who shall hold Religious Principles incompatible with the Freedom and safety of the State, shall be capable of holding any Office or place of Trust or Profit in the Civil department within this State. S ECT. 33. That the Justices of the peace within the17 respective Counties in this State, shall in future be recommended to the Governor for the time being by the representatives in General Assembly, and the Governor shall commission them accordingly: and the Justices when so Commissioned shall hold their Offices during good behavior and shall not be removed from Office by the General Assembly unless for misbehavior absence or inability. S ECT. 34. That there shall be no Establishment of any one Religious Church or denomination in this State in preference to any other neither shall any person on any pretence whatsoever be compelled to attend any place of worship contrary to his own Faith or Judgment, nor be obliged to pay for the purchase of any Glebe or the Building
C ONSTITUTION OF N ORTH C AROLINA (1776) of any house of Worship or for the maintenance of any Minister or Ministry, contrary to what he believes right, or has voluntarily and personally engaged to Perform, but all persons shall be at Liberty to exercise their own mode of worship, provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed to exempt Preachers of Treasonable or Seditious discourses from Legal Trial and punishment. S ECT. 35. That no person in the State shall hold more than one Lucrative Office at any one time, Provided that no Appointment in the militia or to18 the Office of a Justice of the peace shall be considered as a lucrative Office. S ECT. 36. That all Commissions and Grants shall run in the name of the State of North Carolina and bear Test and be signed by the Governor, all writs shall run in the same manner, and bear Test and be signed by the Clerks of the respective Courts, Indictments shall conclude against the peace and dignity of the State. S ECT. 37. That the Delegates for this State to the Continental Congress while necessary shall be chosen annually by the General Assembly by Ballot but may be superceeded in the mean time in the same manner and no person shall be Elected to serve in that Capacity for more than three Years successively. S ECT. 38. That there shall be a Sheriff Coroner or Coroners and Constables in each County within this State. S ECT. 39. That the Person of a Debtor where there is not a strong Presumption of Fraud shall not be continued in prison after delivering up bona fide, all his Estate real and personal for the use of his Creditors in such manner as shall be hereafter
regulated by Law, all Prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient Sureties, unless for Capital Offences when the proof is Evident or presumption great. S ECT. 40. That every Foreigner who comes to settle in this State, having first taken an Oath of Allegiance to the same may purchase or by other just means acquire hold and transfer Land or other real Estate; and after one Years residence shall be deemed a Free Citizen. S ECT. 41. That a School or Schools shall be established by the Legislature, for the convenient instruction of Youth, with such Salaries to the masters paid by the Public as may enable them to instruct at Low prices: and all useful learning shall be duly encouraged and promoted in one or more universities. S ECT. 42. That no purchase of Lands shall be made of the Indian natives, but on behalf of the Public, by authority of the General Assembly. S ECT. 43. That the Future Legislature of this State shall regulate intails in such a manner as to prevent perpetuities. S ECT. 44. That the declaration of rights is hereby declared to be part of the Constitution of this State, and ought never to be violated on any pretence whatever19 . S ECT. 45. That any member of either house of the General Assembly shall have Liberty to dissent from and protest against any act or resolve which he may think injurious to the Public or any Individual and have the reasons of his dissent entered on the Journals. S ECT. 46. That neither house of the General Assembly shall proceed upon Public Business, unless a Majority of all the members of such house are actually present and that upon a motion made and seconded the
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N ORTH C AROLINA Yeas and Nays upon any Question shall be taken and entered on the Journals, and that the Journals of the proceedings of both houses of the General Assembly shall be printed and made Public immediately after their adjournment. This Constitution is not intended to preclude the present Congress from making a Temporary Provision for the well Ordering of this State, until the General Assembly shall establish Government agreeable to the mode herein before prescribed20 . R[ICHARD] CASWELL President. December the Eighteenth One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Six, Read the third time and ratified in open Congress. JA[ME]S21 GREEN jun. Sec[retar]y.
1
Verified by The Journal of the Proceedings of the Provincial Congress of North-Carolina, Held at Halifax the 12th Day of November, 1776. Together with The Declaration of Rights, Constitution, & Ordinances of Congress. Published by Authority, Newbern: Printed by James Davis, Printer to the Honourable the General Assembly, 1777, 5–9, and corrected according to the original manuscript, located in the North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, NC. Checked also against the version published in Proceedings and Debates of the Convention of North-Carolina, Called to Amend The Constitution of the State, Which Assembled At Raleigh, June 4, 1835. To Which are Subjoined The Convention Act and the Amendments to the Constitution, Together with the Votes of the People, Raleigh: Printed by Joseph Gales and Son, 1836, 412–418. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the handwritten original. The constitution was ratified by the Provincial Congress on December 18, 1776, and went into
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effect immediately without being submitted to the people. The Declaration of Rights had been ratified separately the preceding day (q.v.). Both the Declaration of Rights and the Constitution remained in effect until being replaced in 1861 by a new constitution. A previous attempt in the deeply sectionalized state to replace it by way of a convention called forth by twenty-four western counties failed in 1823 (q.v.). However, the democratic impulse it represented bore fruit in the convention of 1835, which substantially amended the constitution (q.v.), and, to a lesser degree, after an initial failure in 1851, with the amendment of 1857 (q.v.) (cf. Hugh Talmage Lefler and Albert Ray Newsome, The History of a Southern State: North Carolina, Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 1954, 332–368; also Frank Nash, “The North Carolina Constitution of 1776 and Its Makers,” in: The James Sprunt Historical Publications Published Under the Direction of the North Carolina Historical Society, 11/2 [1912], 7–23, and John V. Orth, “North Carolina Constitutional History,” in: North Carolina Law Review, 70 [1992], 1759–1796). 2 In Davis print, 5, word missing. 3 In the original manuscript paragraphs were counted as sections. 4 In Convention Debates, 413, “this”. 5 In Davis print, 6, “the”. 6 In Convention Debates, 414, “adjournment”. 7 In Davis print, 7, word missing. 8 In the original manuscript, “Cheif”. 9 In Convention Debates, 415, “supply”. 10 In Davis print, 7, “Repreives”. 11 Ibid., and in Convention Debates, 415, “Prosecution”. 12 In Davis print, 7, word missing. 13 Ibid., “Court”. 14 In Convention Debates, 415, word missing. 15 In Davis print, 7, word missing. 16 Ibid., word missing. 17 Ibid., 8, “their”. 18 Ibid., word missing. 19 Ibid., 9, “whatsoever”. 20 Ibid., “described”. 21 Ibid., preceded by the words “By Order.”.
Amendments of 1835 Proposed Amendments1
Whereas the General Assembly of NorthCarolina, by an act, passed the sixth day of January, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-five, entitled “an act concerning a Convention to amend the Constitution of the State,” and by an act, supplemental thereto, passed on the eighth day of January, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-five, did direct that polls should be opened in every election precinct throughout the State, for the purpose of ascertaining whether it was the will of the freemen of North Carolina that there should be a Convention of Delegates, to consider of certain amendments proposed to be made in the Constitution of said State; and did further direct, that, if a majority of all the votes polled by the freemen of North Carolina should be in favor of holding such Convention, the Governor should, by Proclamation, announce the fact, and thereupon the freemen aforesaid should elect delegates to meet in Convention at the City of Raleigh, on the first Thursday in June, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-five, to consider of the said amendments: And whereas a majority of the freemen of North Carolina did, by their votes at the polls so opened, declare their will that a Convention should be had to consider of the amendments proposed, and the Governor did, by Proclamation, announce the fact that their will had been so declared, and an election for delegates to meet in Convention as aforesaid was accordingly had: Now, therefore, we, the delegates of the good people of North Carolina, having assembled in Convention,
at the city of Raleigh, on the first Thursday in June, one thousand eight hundred and thirty five, and having continued in session from day to day, until the eleventh of July, one thousand eight hundred and thirtyfive, for the more deliberate consideration of said amendments, do now submit to the determination of all the qualified voters of the State, the following amendments in the Constitution thereof, that is to say
ARTICLE I Section 1 § 1. The Senate of this State shall consist of fifty Representatives, biennially chosen by ballot, and to be elected by districts; which districts shall be laid off by the General Assembly, at its first session after the year one thousand eight hundred and forty one; and afterwards, at its first session after the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty one; and then every twenty years thereafter, in proportion to the public taxes paid into the Treasury of the State by the citizens thereof; and the average of the public taxes paid by each county into the Treasury of the State, for the five years preceding the laying off of the districts, shall be considered as its proportion of the public taxes, and constitute the basis of apportionment: Provided, That no county shall be divided in the formation of a Senatorial district. And when there are one or more counties, having an excess of taxation above the ratio to form a Senatorial district, adjoining a county or
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N ORTH C AROLINA counties deficient in such ratio, the excess or excesses aforesaid shall be added to the taxation of the county or counties deficient; and if, with such addition, the county or counties receiving it shall have the requisite ratio, such county and counties each shall constitute a Senatorial district. § 2. The House of Commons shall be composed of one hundred and twenty Representatives, biennially chosen by ballot, to be elected by counties according to their federal population, that is, according to their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole number of free persons, including those bound to service for a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons; and each county shall have at least one member in the House of Commons, although it may not contain the requisite ratio of population. § 3. This apportionment shall be made by the General Assembly, at the respective times and periods when the districts for the Senate are herein before directed to be laid off; and the said apportionment shall be made according to an enumeration to be ordered by the General Assembly, or according to the Census which may be taken by order of Congress, next preceding the period of making such apportionment. § 4. In making the apportionment in the House of Commons, the ratio of representation shall be ascertained by dividing the amount of Federal population of2 the State, after deducting that comprehended within those counties which do not severally contain the one hundred and twentieth part of the entire Federal population aforesaid, by the number of Representatives less than the number assigned to the said counties. To each county containing the said ratio, and not twice the said ratio, there shall be assigned one representative; to each county
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containing twice, but not three times the said ratio, there shall be assigned two Representatives, and so on progressively, and then the remaining Representatives shall be assigned severally to the counties having the largest fractions.
Section 2 § 1. Until the first Session of the General Assembly which shall be had after the year eighteen hundred and forty-one, the Senate shall be composed of members to be elected from the several districts herein after named, that is to say, the 1st district shall consist of the counties of Perquimons and Pasquotank; the 2d district, of Camden and Currituck; the 3d district, of Gates and Chowan; the 4th district, Washington and Tyrrell; the 5th district, Northampton; the 6th district, Hertford; the 7th district, Bertie; the 8th district, Martin; the 9th district, Halifax; the 10th district, Nash; the 11th district, Wake; the 12th district, Franklin; the 13th district, Johnston; the 14th district, Warren; the 15th district, Edgecomb; the 16th district, Wayne; the 17th district, Greene and Lenoir, the 18th district, Pitt; the 19th district, Beaufort and Hyde; the 20th district, Carteret and Jones; the 21st district, Craven; the 22d district, Chatham; the 23d district, Granville; the 24th district, Person, the 25th district, Cumberland; the 26th district, Sampson; the 27th district, New Hanover; the 28th district, Duplin; the 29th district, Onslow; the 30th district, Brunswick, Bladen and Columbus; the 31st district, Robeson and Richmond; the 32d district, Anson, the 33d district, Cabarrus; the 34th district, Moore and Montgomery; the 35th district, Caswell; the 36th district, Rockingham; the 37th district, Orange; the 38th district, Randolph; the 39th district, Guilford; the 40th district, Stokes; the 41st district, Rowan; the 42d district, Davidson; the 43d district, Surry; the 44th district, Wilkes and Ashe; the 45th
A MENDMENTS OF 1835 district, Burke and Yancy; the 46th district, Lincoln; the 47th district, Iredell; the 48th district, Rutherford; the 49th district, Buncombe, Haywood and Macon; and the 50th district, Mecklenburg; each district to be entitled to one Senator. § 2. Until the first session of the General Assembly after the year eighteen hundred and forty-one, the House of Commons shall be composed of members elected from the counties in the following manner, viz: The counties of Lincoln and Orange shall elect four members each. The counties of Burke, Chatham, Granville, Guilford, Halifax, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Rutherford, Surry, Stokes, and Wake shall elect three members each. The counties of Anson, Beaufort, Bertie, Buncombe, Cumberland, Craven, Caswell, Davidson, Duplin, Edgecomb, Franklin, Johnston, Montgomery, New Hanover, Northampton, Person, Pitt, Randolph, Robeson, Richmond, Rockingham, Sampson3 , Warren, Wayne and Wilkes shall elect two members each, The counties of Ashe, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Columbus, Chowan, Currituck, Carteret, Cabarrus, Gates, Greene, Haywood, Hertford, Hyde, Jones, Lenoir, Macon, Moore, Martin, Nash, Onslow, Pasquotank, Perquimons, Tyrrell, Washington and Yancy shall elect one member each.
Section 3 § 1. Each member of the Senate shall have usually resided in the district for which he is chosen for one year immediately preceding his election, and for the same time shall have possessed and continue to possess in the district which he represents not less than three hundred acres of land in fee. § 2. All free men of the age of twentyone years, (except as is hereinafter declared)
who have been inhabitants of any one district within the State twelve months immediately preceding the day of any election, and possessed of a freehold within the same district of fifty acres of land for six months next before and at the day of election, shall be entitled to vote for a member of the Senate. § 3. No free Negro, free mulatto, or free person of mixed blood, descended from negro ancestors to the fourth generation inclusive (though one ancestor of each generation may have been a white person,[)] shall vote for members of the Senate or House of Commons.
Section 4 § 1. In the election of all officers whose appointment is conferred on the General Assembly by the Constitution, the vote shall be viva voce. § 2. The General Assembly shall have power to pass laws regulating the mode of appointing and removing Militia officers. § 3. The General Assembly shall have power to pass general laws regulating divorce and alimony, but shall not have power to grant a divorce or secure alimony in any individual case. § 4. The General Assembly shall not have power to pass any private law, to alter the name of any person, or to legitimate any persons not born in lawful wedlock, or to restore to the rights of citizenship any person convicted of an infamous crime; but shall have power to pass general laws regulating the same. § 5. The General Assembly shall not pass any private law, unless it shall be made to appear that thirty days notice of application to pass such law shall have been given, under such directions and in such manner as shall be provided by law.
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N ORTH C AROLINA § 6. If vacancies shall occur by death, resignation or otherwise, before the meeting of the General Assembly, writs may be issued by the Governor, under such regulations as may be prescribed by law. § 7. The General Assembly shall meet biennially, and at each biennial session shall elect, by joint vote of the two Houses, a Secretary of State, Treasurer and Council of State, who shall continue in office for the term of two years.
January next after his election, having previously taken the oaths of office in presence of the members of both branches of the General Assembly, or before the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who, in case the Governor elect should be prevented from attendance before the General Assembly, by sickness or other unavoidable cause, is authorised to administer the same.
ARTICLE III ARTICLE II Section 1 § 1. The Governor shall be chosen by the qualified voters for the members of the House of Commons, at such time and places as members of the General Assembly are elected. § 2. He shall hold his office for the term of two years from the time of his installation, and until another shall be elected and qualified; but he shall not be eligible more than four years in any term of six years. § 3. The returns of every election for Governor shall be sealed up and transmitted to the seat of Government, by the returning officers, directed to the Speaker of the Senate, who shall open and publish them in the presence of a majority of the members of both Houses of the General Assembly. The person having the highest number of votes, shall be Governor; but if two or more shall be equal and highest in votes, one of them shall be chosen Governor by joint vote of both Houses of the General Assembly. § 4. Contested elections for Governor shall be determined by both Houses of the General Assembly, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law. § 5. The Governor elect shall enter on the duties of the office on the first day of
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§ 1. The Governor, Judges of the Supreme Court, and Judges of the Superior Courts, and all other officers of this State, (except Justices of the Peace and Militia officers,) may be impeached for wilfully violating any Article of the Constitution, mal-administration or corruption. § 2. Judgment, in cases4 of Impeachment, shall not extend further than to removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under this State; but the party convicted, may, nevertheless, be liable to indictment, trial, judgment and punishment according to law. § 3. The House of Commons shall have the sole power of impeachment. The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments; no person shall be convicted upon any impeachment, unless two thirds of the Senators present shall concur in such conviction; and before the trial of any impeachment, the members of the Senate shall take an oath or affirmation truly and impartially to try and determine the charge in question according to evidence.
A MENDMENTS OF 1835
Section 2
ARTICLE IV
§ 1. Any Judge of the Supreme Court, or of the Superior Courts, may be removed from office for mental or physical inability, upon a concurrent resolution of two-thirds of both branches of the General Assembly. The Judge, against whom the Legislature may be about to proceed, shall receive notice thereof, accompanied by a copy of the causes alleged for his removal, at least twenty days before the day on which either branch of the General Assembly shall act thereon.
Section 1
§ 2. The Salaries of the Judges of the Supreme Court, or of the Superior Courts, shall not be diminished during their continuance in office.
Section 3 Upon the conviction of any Justice of the Peace, of any infamous crime, or of corruption and mal-practice in office, the commission of such Justice shall be thereby vacated, and he shall be forever disqualified from holding such appointment.
Section 4 The General Assembly, at its first session after the year one thousand eight hundred & thirty-nine, and from time to time thereafter, shall appoint an Attorney General, who shall be commissioned by the Governor, and shall hold his office for the term of four years; but if the General Assembly should hereafter extend the term during which Solicitors of the State shall hold their offices, then they shall have power to extend the term of office of the Attorney General to the same period.
§ 1. No Convention of the People shall be called by the General Assembly, unless by the concurrence of two-thirds of all the members of each House of the General Assembly. § 2. No part of the Constitution of this State shall be altered, unless a Bill to alter the same shall have been read three times in each House of the General Assembly, and agreed to by three-fifths of the whole number of members of each House respectively; nor shall any alteration take place until the Bill so agreed to shall have been published six months previous to a new election of members to the General Assembly. If after such publication, the alteration proposed by the preceding General Assembly, shall be agreed to in the first session thereafter by two thirds of the whole representation in each House of the General Assembly, after the same shall have been read three times on three several days in each House, then the said General Assembly shall prescribe a mode by which the Amendment or Amendments may be submitted to the qualified voters of the House of Commons throughout the State; and if, upon comparing the votes given in the whole State, it shall appear that a majority of the voters have approved thereof, then, and not otherwise, the same shall become a part of the Constitution.
Section 2 The Thirty-second section of the Constitution shall be amended to read as follows: No person who shall deny the being of God, or the truth of the Christian Religion, or the divine authority of the Old or New Testament, or who shall hold religious principles incompatible with the freedom or safety of
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N ORTH C AROLINA the State, shall be capable of holding any office or place of trust or profit in the civil department within this State.
EDMUND B. FREEMAN, Secretary of the Convention. JOSEPH D. WARD, Assistant Secretary.
Section 3 § 1. Capitation tax shall be equal throughout the State upon all individuals subject to the same. § 25 . All free males over the age of twenty one years, and under the age of forty-five years, and all slaves over the age of twelve years, and under the age of fifty years, shall be subject to Capitation tax, and no other person shall be subject to such tax; provided that nothing herein contained shall prevent exemptions of taxable polls as heretofore prescribed by law in cases of bodily infirmity.
Section 4 No person who shall hold any office or place of trust or profit under the United States, or any department thereof, or under this State, or any other State or Government, shall hold or exercise any other office or place of trust or profit under the authority of this State, or be eligible to a seat in either House of the General Assembly: Provided, that nothing herein contained shall extend to officers in the Militia or Justices of the Peace.6 Ratified in Conven- tion, this eleventh day NATH’L. of July, in the year of MACON, our Lord, one thou- Prest. sand eight hundred and thirty-five.
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1 Verified by The Constitution of North Carolina, Adopted December 17, 1776; And the Amendments Thereto, Submitted to the People by the Convention Which Assembled At Raleigh, June 4th, 1835; Together With an Ordinance For Carrying the Same Into Effect, Raleigh: Printed by J. Gales & Son, Printers to the Convention, 1835, 15–23, and checked against the versions published in Journal of the Convention, Called By the Freemen of North-Carolina, To Amend the Constitution of the State, Which Assembled In the City of Raleigh, on the 4th of June, 1835, And Continued in Session Until the 11th day of July thereafter, Raleigh: Printed by J. Gales & Son, Printers to the Convention, 1835, 95–101, and in Proceedings and Debates of the Convention of North-Carolina, Called to Amend The Constitution of the State, Which Assembled At Raleigh, June 4, 1835. To Which are Subjoined The Convention Act and the Amendments to the Constitution, Together with the Votes of the People, Raleigh: Printed by Joseph Gales and Son, 1836, 418– 424 (“Amendments To the Constitution, As Ratified By the People”). Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in The Constitution of North Carolina. Obvious typographical errors have been tacitly corrected. The amendments were submitted to the people in November 1835. In a clearly sectional vote, the eastern part of the state by and large rejecting and the west supporting them, they were adopted by 26,771 to 21,606 votes (cf. Convention Debates, 425). 2 In Convention Journal, 96, “in”. 3 In Convention Debates, 421, “Sampon”. 4 Ibid., 422, “case”. 5 In Raleigh print, 23, number missing. 6 In Convention Journal, 101, rest missing.
Amendment of 1857 An Act to Amend the Constitution of the State of North-Carolina1
S ECT. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of North-Carolina, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, (two-thirds of the whole number of members of each house concurring) That the second clause of the third section of the first article of the amended constitution, ratified by the people of North-Carolina, on the second Monday of November, in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and thirty-five, shall be amended to read as follows: “Every free white man of the age of twenty-one years, being a native or naturalized citizen of the United States, and who has been an inhabitant of the State for twelve months immediately preceding the day of any election, and shall have paid public taxes, shall be entitled to vote for a member of the Senate for the district in which he resides.”
1
Verified by Public Laws of the State of NorthCarolina, Passed by the General Assembly, At its Session of 1856-‘57: Together With the Comptroller’s Statement of Public Revenue and Expenditure, Raleigh: Holden & Wilson, Printers to the State, 1857, 12–13. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Session Law volume. The amendment was adopted by the General Assembly on December 11, 1856, after having first been adopted by the legislature on February 3, 1855 (Public Laws of the State of North-Carolina, Passed by the General Assembly, At its Session of 1854-‘55: Together With the Comptroller’s Statement of Public Revenue and Expenditure, Raleigh: Holden & Wilson, Printers to the State, 1855, 22). It was ratified by the people in 1857 and became part of the constitution. Agitation for constitutional reform at the expense of the slave-holding east had been intense in the preceding years (cf. Report of the Minority of the Committee on Amendments to the Constitution, with a Bill, Raleigh: Thos. J. Lemay, Printer to the State, 1850), and an identical amendment had in fact passed the legislature on January 24, 1851 (Laws of the State of North-Carolina, Passed by the General Assembly, At the Session of 1850-‘51, Raleigh: Star Office – T. J. Lemay, State Printer, 1851, 58–59), though it failed to be approved by the subsequent legislature, as constitutionally required.
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Failed Constitution of North Carolina (1823)
Proposed New Constitution1
The Constitution, or Form of Government of North-Carolina S ECT. 1. The Legislative authority shall be vested in two distinct branches, both dependent on the people, to wit, a Senate and House of Representatives. S ECT. 2. That the Senate shall be composed of Representatives chosen by ballot, every two years, in manner hereinafter directed. S ECT. 3. That the House of Representatives shall be composed of members, chosen by ballot, every two years, in manner hereinafter directed. S ECT. 4. That the Senate and House of Representatives, assembled for the purpose of legislation, shall be denominated the General Assembly. S ECT. 5. That each member of the Senate shall be a free white man, a citizen of the United States, shall have attained to the age of twenty-five years, and shall have usually resided in the district in which he is chosen for one year immediately preceding his election, and for the same time shall have possessed, and continue to possess, in the district which he represents, not less than three hundred acres of land in fee, or real estate in fee of the value of six hundred dollars. S ECT. 6. That each member of the House of Representatives shall be a free white man, a citizen of the United States, shall have attained to the age of twenty-one
years, and shall have usually resided in the county in which he is chosen, for one year immediately preceding his election, and for six months shall have possessed, and continue to possess, in the county which he represents, not less than one hundred acres of land in fee or for the term of his own life, or a freehold of the value of three hundred dollars. S ECT. 7. That all free white men of the age of twenty-one years, who have been inhabitants of any one county within the State, twelve months immediately preceding the day of any election, and possessed of a freehold, within the same county, of fifty acres of land, or of the value of fifty dollars, for six months next before and at the day of election, shall be entitled to vote for a member of the Senate. S ECT. 8. That all free white men of the age of twenty-one years, who have been inhabitants of any one county within the State, twelve months immediately preceding the day of any election, and shall have paid public taxes, shall be entitled to vote for members of the House of Representatives, for the county in which he resides. S ECT. 9. That the Senate and House of Representatives, when met, shall each have power to choose a Speaker, and other their officers: be judges of the qualifications and elections of their members; sit upon their own adjournments from day to day; and prepare bills to be passed into laws. The two Houses shall direct writs of election, for supplying intermediate vacancies.
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N ORTH C AROLINA S ECT. 10. That all bills shall be read three times in each House, before they pass into laws, and be signed by the Speakers of both Houses. S ECT. 11. That every person, who shall be chosen a member of the Senate or House of Representatives, or appointed to any office or place of trust, before taking his seat, or entering upon the execution of his office, shall take an oath to the State; and all officers shall also take an oath of office. S ECT. 12. That the General Assembly shall, by joint ballot of both Houses, appoint Judges of the Supreme and Superior Courts of Law and Equity, and an Attorney-General, who shall be commissioned by the Governor, and hold their offices during good behaviour. S ECT. 13. The Executive authority of this State shall be vested in a Governor; who shall be elected by joint ballot of both Houses of the General Assembly, and shall hold his office for two years: He shall be at least thirty years of age, a citizen of the United States, shall have resided in the State for five years immediately preceding his election, and own and possess in the State, a freehold of at least two thousand dollars in value; and no person shall be elected Governor for more than two terms in succession. S ECT. 14. That there shall be a Seal of this State, which shall be kept by the Governor, and used by him as occasion may require; and shall be called the Great Seal of the State of North-Carolina, and be affixed to all grants and commissions. S ECT. 15. The Governor for the time being shall be Captain General and Commander in Chief of the militia; and in the recess of the General Assembly, shall have power to embody the militia for the public safety. S ECT. 16. The Governor for the time being shall have power to draw for and apply
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such sums of money as shall be voted by the General Assembly, for the contingencies of government, and be accountable to them for the same: He shall have the power of granting pardons and reprieves, except where the prosecution shall be carried on by the General Assembly, or the law shall otherwise direct; in which case he may in the recess grant a reprieve until the next sitting of the General Assembly: and may exercise all the other executive powers of government, limited and restricted as by this Constitution is mentioned, and according to the laws of the State. And on his death, inability, or absence from the State, the Speaker of the Senate, for the time being, and in case there be no Speaker of the Senate at such time, then the person who was last Speaker of the Senate, and in case of his death, inability, or absence from the State, the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and in case there be no Speaker of the House of Representatives at such time, then the person who was last Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall exercise the power of government, after such death, or during such absence or inability of the Governor, or Speaker, or person as aforesaid, or until a new nomination is made by the General Assembly. S ECT. 17. In every case, where any officer, the right of whose appointment is vested in the General Assembly, or in the Governor and Senate, whose office shall, by death, resignation, removal, or other means, be vacant during the recess of the General Assembly, the Governor shall have power to fill such vacancy, by granting a temporary commission, which shall expire at the end of the next session of the General Assembly. S ECT. 18. That the Governor, Judges of the Supreme and Superior Courts of Law and Equity, and Attorney-General, shall have adequate salaries, during their continuance in office.
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N ORTH C AROLINA (1823) S ECT. 19. The General assembly shall, by joint ballot of both Houses, every two years, elect a Treasurer, Secretary of State, and Comptroller of public accounts. S ECT. 20. That the Governor, and other officers, offending against the State, by violating any part of this Constitution, maladministration, or corruption, may be prosecuted, on the impeachment of the House of Representatives. S ECT. 21. That no persons who have heretofore or hereafter may be receivers of public moneys, shall have a seat in either House of General Assembly, or be eligible to any office in this State, until such persons shall have fully accounted for or paid into the Treasury, all sums for which they may be answerable and liable. S ECT. 22. That no Treasurer shall have a seat, either in the Senate or House of Representatives, during his continuance in that office; or before he shall have finally settled his accounts with the public, for all the moneys which may be in his hands at the expiration of his office, belonging to the State, and hath paid the same into the hands of the succeeding Treasurer. S ECT. 23. No officer, either civil, military or naval, in the service of the United States, or any other State or Country, shall be entitled to a seat in the Senate or House of Representatives. S ECT. 24. No Judge of the Supreme or Superior Courts of Law and Equity of this State, shall be entitled to a seat in the Senate or House of Representatives. S ECT. 25. No Secretary of State, Comptroller, Attorney-General, SolicitorGeneral, Solicitors of the Superior Courts of Law, or Clerk of any Court of Record in this State, shall be entitled to a seat in the Senate or House of Representatives.
S ECT. 26. That no clergyman or preacher of the Gospel, of any denomination, shall be capable of being a member of either the Senate or House of Representatives, while he continues in the exercise of the pastoral function. S ECT. 27. That no person who shall deny the being of God, or the truth of the Protestant Religion, or the divine authority of either the Old or New Testaments, or who shall hold religious principles incompatible with the freedom and safety of the State, shall be capable of holding any office, or place of trust or profit, in the civil department, within this State. S ECT. 28. Justices of the Peace within their respective counties in this State, shall be appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; and the said justices when so appointed, shall be commissioned by the Governor, and shall hold their offices during good behaviour, but they may be removed from office for corruption, misdemeanor, inability, or absence from the State, by the General Assembly. S ECT. 29. General officers of the militia shall be appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate: Field officers of the militia shall be elected by the regiment to which they belong; and company militia officers shall be elected by the Companies to which they belong; and that said officers so appointed shall be commissioned by the Governor. S ECT. 30. That there shall be no establishment of any one religious church or denomination in this State, in preference to any other; neither shall any person, on any pretence whatsoever, be compelled to attend any place of worship contrary to his own faith or judgment, nor be obliged to pay for the purchase of any glebe, or the building of any house of worship, or for the maintenance of any minister or ministry, contrary
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N ORTH C AROLINA to what he believes right, or has voluntarily and personally engaged to perform; but all persons shall be at liberty to exercise their own mode of worship: Provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed to exempt preachers of treasonable or seditious discourses, from legal trial and punishment. S ECT. 31. That no person in the State shall hold more than one lucrative office at any one time: Provided that no appointment in the militia, or the office of a justice of the peace, shall be considered as a lucrative office. S ECT. 32. That all commissions and grants shall run in the name of the State of North-Carolina, and bear test and be signed by the Governor. All writs shall run in the same manner, and bear test and be signed by the Clerks of the respective Courts: Indictments shall conclude, against the peace and dignity of the State. S ECT. 33. That there shall be a sheriff, coroner or coroners and constables, in each county within this State. S ECT. 34. That the person of a debtor, where there is not a strong presumption of fraud, shall not be confined in prison, after delivering up, bona fide, all his estate, real and personal, for the use of his creditors, in such manner as shall be hereafter regulated by law. All prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offences, when the proof is evident or the presumption great. S ECT. 35. That a school or schools shall be established by the Legislature, for the convenient instruction of youth, with such salaries to the masters, paid by the public, as may enable them to instruct at low prices; and all useful learning shall be duly encouraged and promoted, in one or more universities.
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S ECT. 36. That the future Legislature of this State shall regulate entails in such a manner, as to prevent perpetuities. S ECT. 37. That the Declaration of Rights is hereby declared to be part of the Constitution of this State, and ought never to be violated on any pretence whatever. S ECT. 38. That any member of either House of General Assembly, shall have liberty to dissent from and protest against, any act or resolve, which he may think injurious to the public, or any individual, and have the reason of his dissent entered on the journals. S ECT. 39. That neither House of the General Assembly shall proceed upon public business, unless a majority of all the members of such house are actually present: And that, upon a motion made and seconded, the yeas and nays upon any question, shall be taken and entered on the journals: And that the journals of the proceedings of both Houses of the General Assembly shall be printed and made public, immediately after their adjournment. S ECT. 40. The General Assembly of this State shall convene at the Seat of Government once in every two years; but may be convened oftener by the Governor of the State, if, in his opinion, the public interest shall require it. S ECT. 41. Representatives shall be apportioned among the several counties and towns according to their respective numbers, which shall be determined, by adding to the whole number of free white persons, including those bound to service for a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. The actual enumeration shall be ascertained by the census taken in this State by the United States, unless otherwise directed by the Legislature; and if by them directed,
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N ORTH C AROLINA (1823) the enumeration shall be made every ten years. The number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every four thousand in each county or town; but each county shall have at least one Representative; and until the taking of the next census of the United States, or such actual enumeration under the authority of the Legislature, the several counties shall be entitled to elect the following number of Representatives; the counties of Ashe, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Currituck, Carteret, Columbus, Chowan, Cabarrus, Gates, Greene, Hyde, Hertford, Haywood, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, Moore, Onslow, Pasquotank, Perquimons, Richmond, Tyrrell, Nash, Craven, New-Hanover and Washington, shall be entitled each to one Representative: The counties of Anson, Buncombe, Burke, Beaufort, Bertie, Chatham, Caswell, Duplin, Edgecomb, Iredell, Franklin, Johnston, Montgomery, Northampton, Pitt, Person, Rockingham, Randolph, Robeson, Surry, Davidson, Sampson, Wayne, Wilkes, Cumberland and Warren, shall each be entitled to two Representatives: The counties of Guilford, Granville, Halifax, Mecklenburg, Rutherford, Stokes, Wake and Rowan, shall be entitled each to three Representatives: The county of Lincoln shall be entitled to four Representatives: The county of Orange to five Representatives; and the towns of Wilmington, Newbern and Fayetteville, and the city of Raleigh, each to one Representative. S ECT. 42. That all free white persons possessed of a freehold in any town in this State having a right of representation under this Constitution, and also all free white men, who have been inhabitants of any such town twelve months next before and at the day of election, and shall have paid public taxes, shall be entitled to vote for a member to represent such town in the House of Representatives. Provided always, that this section shall not entitle any inhabitant of
such town to vote for members of the House of Representatives for the county in which he may reside, nor any freeholder in such county, who resides without or beyond the limits of such town to vote for a member for said town; and provided also, that in the enumeration of numbers, the inhabitants of said towns so entitled to representation, shall not be considered as belonging to or attached to the county in which they are situated. S ECT. 43. Senators shall be apportioned by districts in the State, and according to numbers, in like manner as Representatives are apportioned. The number of Senators shall not exceed one for every ten thousand. The Legislature shall divide the State into the following Senatorial Districts: The counties of Haywood and Buncombe shall be entitled to one Senator; the county of Burke shall be entitled to one Senator; the county of Rutherford to one Senator; the counties of Ashe and Wilkes to one Senator; the county of Iredell one Senator; the county of Surry one Senator; the county of Lincoln one Senator; the county of Rowan one Senator; the counties of Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Montgomery, shall be entitled to two Senators; the county of Davidson one Senator; Rockingham one Senator; Stokes one Senator; Caswell one Senator; Randolph one Senator; Guilford one Senator; Chatham one Senator; Anson one Senator; Cumberland one Senator; Richmond and Moore one Senator; Orange and Person shall be entitled to two Senators; Granville one Senator: Wake one Senator; Johnston and Wayne one Senator; Warren one Senator; Halifax one Senator; Franklin and Nash one Senator; Bertie, Hertford and Martin shall be entitled to two Senators; Northampton one Senator; Chowan and Gates one Senator; Pasquotank and Perquimons one Senator; Camden and Currituck one Senator; Beaufort, Edgecombe and Pitt two Senators; Washington, Tyrrel and Hyde one Senator;
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N ORTH C AROLINA Craven one Senator; Greene, Lenoir and Jones one Senator; Carteret and Onslow one Senator; New-Hanover and Brunswick one Senator; Columbus and Robeson one Senator; and Bladen, Duplin and Sampson shall be entitled to two Senators; and no one county shall be entitled to more than one Senator, until after the next enumeration. S ECT. 44. The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of Impeachment. S ECT. 45. All Impeachments shall be tried by the Senate; and when sitting for that purpose, the Senators shall be on oath or affirmation. No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present. S ECT. 46. Upon conviction of any officer liable to Impeachment, judgment in such cases shall not extend further than removal from office, and disqualification to hold any office of honour, trust or profit under this State; and the party convicted may moreover be liable and subject to indictment, trial and punishment, according to law. S ECT. 47. All officers now filling any office or appointment, shall continue in the exercise of the rights and duties of their respective offices or appointments for the terms now by law authorized, unless by this constitution it is otherwise directed: And all laws in force at the time of making the several amendments to the constitution, and which are not inconsistent therewith; all rights, actions, prosecutions, claims and contracts, of any description, shall continue as if the said amendments had not been made. S ECT. 48. The City of Raleigh shall be the Seat of Government of this State, and the unalterable place of holding the future General Assemblies of the same, and the place of residence of the chief officers of the State.
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S ECT. 49. No part of this Constitution shall be altered, unless a Bill for that purpose, specifying the alterations intended to be made, shall have been read three times in the House of Representatives, and three times in the Senate, on three several days in each House, and agreed to by two-thirds of each House respectively; and when any such Bill shall be passed in manner aforesaid, the same shall be published at least three months previous to the next ensuing election for members of the General Assembly; and if such alterations, or any of them, so proposed, shall be agreed to during the first session thereafter, by two-thirds of each House of the General Assembly, after the same shall have been read three times, on three separate days, in each House, then the same shall become a part of this Constitution. Provided always, that nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to prevent the exercise of the unquestionable right of a majority of the free people of this State to alter or amend this Constitution.
1
Verified by The Proposed New Constitution of the State of North-Carolina, As agreed upon by the Convention assembled at Raleigh, on the 10th of November, 1823. Together with a Copy of the Present Constitution, Raleigh: Printed by J. Gales & Son, 1823, 15 p. Neither is a second print known to exist, nor is the original manuscript thought to have survived. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in The Proposed New Constitution. “Those parts which are italicised are the amendments proposed to the present Constitution” (The Proposed New Constitution, 15). Twentyfour counties had elected delegates, of which twenty were actually represented in the Convention. With one exception they all came from the Piedmont and Mountain regions of the State (cf. The Journal of a Convention Assembled at the City of Raleigh, on the 16th of November, 1823, To adopt such measures as were deemed necessary to procure an Amendment to the Constitution of North-Carolina, Raleigh: J. Gales & Son, State Printers, 1823, 3–4). The main object of the western counties was, obviously, to acquire equal representation, which would have conferred to them the majority of seats in both houses of the General Assembly, an attempt vehemently opposed by the eastern part of the State. The General Assembly refused
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF N ORTH C AROLINA (1823) to submit the proposed constitution to a popular vote (cf. Samuel A’Court Ashe, History of North Carolina,
2 vols., Greensboro, N.C.: Charles L. Van Noppen, 1925, II, 288).
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Constitution of Ohio (1802)
Verfassung von Ohio (1802)
Constitution of the State of Ohio1
Constitution des Staates Ohio1
We the people of the eastern division of the Territory of the United States, Northwest of the river Ohio, having the right of admission into the General Government, as a member of the union, consistent with the constitution of the United States, the ordinance of Congress of one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven2 , and the law of Congress, entitled, “An act to enable the people of the eastern division of the Territory of the United States North-west of the river Ohio, to form a Constitution and State Government, and for the admission of such State into the union, on an equal footing with the original States, and for other purposes,”3 in order to establish justice, promote the welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish the following constitution or form of government; and do mutually agree with each other to form ourselves into a free and independent State, by the name of the State of O HIO.
Wir das Volk der östlichen Abtheilung des Gebiets der V. St., nordwestlich von dem Ohio Flusse, nachdem wir, in Uebereinstimmung mit der Constitution der V. St. und der Verordnung des Congresses von ein tausend sieben hundert und sieben und achzig, laut eines Congreß Gesezes betitelt: „Eine Akte, das Volk der östl. Abtheilung des Gebiets der V. St. nordwestlich von dem Ohio Flusse zu berechtigen, eine Constitution und Staatsregierung zu bilden, und diesen Staat unter denselben Rechten und Bedingungen, wie der zuerst verbundenen Staaten, in die Vereinigung aufzunehmen, und andere Zwecke auszuführen;[“] das Recht erhalten haben als ein Glied der Bundesstaaten in die allgemeine Staatsregierung aufgenommen zu werden, verordnen und errichten nachfolgende Constitution oder Regierungsform, um dadurch Recht und Gerechtigkeit zu handhaben, allgemeine Wohlfahrt zu verbreiten und die Segnungen der Freiheit uns und unsern Nachkommen zu bewahren; und stimmen miteinander ueberein uns zu einem freien und unabhängigen Staate zu bilden, unter dem Namen der Staates von Ohio.
ARTICLE I4
ARTIKEL I
S ECT. 1. The legislative authority of this State shall be vested in a general assembly,
A BSCH . 1.2 Die Gesezgebende Gewalt dieses Staates soll einer General Assembley
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O HIO which shall consist of a senate and5 house of representatives, both to be elected by the people.
verliehen sein, welche bestehen solle aus einem Senat und einem Hause der Representanten, welche beide vom Volke zu erwählen sind.
S ECT. 2. Within one year after the first meeting of the general assembly, and within every subsequent term of four years, an enumeration of all the white male inhabitants, above twenty one years of age, shall be made in such manner as shall be directed by law; the number of representatives shall, at the several periods of making such enumeration, be fixed by the legislature and apportioned among the several counties, according to the number of white male inhabitants above twenty one years of age in each, and shall never be less than twenty-four nor greater than thirty-six, until the number of white male inhabitants above twenty-one years of age, shall be twenty two thousand and after that event at such ratio that the whole number of representatives shall never be less than thirty-six, nor exceed seventytwo.
A BSCH . 2. Innerhalb eines Jahres nach der ersten Zusammenkunft, der Gesezgebung (general assembly), und von dort an je nach Ablauf von 4 Jahren, soll eine Zählung aller weissen männlichen Einwohner, über dem Alter von 21 Jahren stattfinden, auf eine durch ein Gesez zu bestimmende Weise. Die Zahl der Representanten soll zu den verschiedenen Zeitpunkten, wo die Volkszählung statt findet, durch die Gesezgebung3 vestgesetzt, und auf die verschiedenen Caunties vertheilt werden, nach dem Verhältniß der Zahl der weissen männlichen Einwohner, in einem jeden derselben, und sie soll nie unter 24 und nicht über 36 sein, bis die Zahl der weissen männlichen Einwohner, über 21 Jahr alt, 22.000 beträgt; nach diesem aber soll die Zahl der Representanten nie unter 36. und nie über 72 sein.
S ECT. 3. The representatives shall be chosen annually by the citizens of each county, respectively, on the second Tuesday of October.
A BSCH . 3. Die Representanten sollen jährlich von den Bürgern ihrer betreffenden Caunties4 erwählt werden.
S ECT. 4. No person shall be a representative, who shall not have attained the age of twenty-five years, and be a citizen of the United States and an inhabitant of this State, shall also have resided within the limits of the county in which he shall be chosen one year next preceding his election unless he shall have been absent on the public business of the United States, or of this State, and shall have paid a state or county tax.
A BSCH . 4. Niemand soll als Representant erwählt werden, wenn er nicht 25 Jahre alt, ein Bürger der V. Staaten und ein Bewohner dieses Staates ist, und auch in dem Caunty, in welchem er erwählt werden soll, ein Jahr vor seiner Erwählung gewohnt hat, es sey denn, daß er in öffentlichen Geschäften der Ver. Staaten oder dieses Staates abwesend war, aber doch Staats und Caunty Taxe bezahlt hat.
S ECT. 5. The senators shall be chosen biennially, by the qualified voters for representatives; and on their being convened in consequence of the first election, they shall be divided by lot, from their respective counties or6 districts as near as can be, into two
A BSCH . 5. Die Senatoren sollen alle zwei Jahre durch dieselben Wähler, welche zur Wahl der Representanten berechtigt sind, erwählt werden, und wenn sie sich nach der ersten Wahl versammelt haben, so sollen sie, durch das Loos, nach ihren betreffenden
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1802) classes; the seats of the senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the first year, and of the second class at the expiration of the second year, so that one half thereof as near as possible, may be annually chosen forever thereafter.
Caunties oder Distrikten, in zwei möglichst gleiche Abtheilungen getheilt werden; die Size der Senatoren der ersten Abtheilung sollen nach Ablauf des ersten Jahrs, die der zweiten, nach Ablauf des zweiten Jahrs, erledigt werden, so daß in der Folge immer die Hälfte derselben, so nahe als möglich, jährlich erwählt werden kann.
S ECT. 6. The number of Senators shall, at the several periods of making the enumeration before-mentioned, be fixed by the legislature and apportioned among the several counties or districts to be established by law, according to the number of white male inhabitants of the age of twenty-one years in each, and shall never be less than one third nor more than one half of the number of representatives.
A BSCH . 6. Die Zahl der Senatoren soll jedesmal zur Zeit der vorerwähnten Zählungen durch die Gesezgebung bestimt, und auf die durch das Gesez zu errichtenden Caunties oder Distrikte vertheilt werden, nach dem Verhältniß der männlichen weissen Einwohner derselben, die über ein und zwanzig Jahre alt sind; sie soll nie geringer als ein Drittheil, und nie mehr als die Hälfte der Anzahl der Representanten sein.
S ECT. 7. No person shall be a senator who has not arrived at the age of thirty years and is a citizen of the United States, shall have resided two years in the county or district immediately preceeding the election, unless he shall have been absent on the public business of the United States, or of this state, and shall moreover have paid a state or county tax.
A BSCH . 7. Niemand kann Senator werden, wenn er nicht das Alter von 30 Jahren erreicht hat, ein Bürger der V. St. ist, und 2 Jahre zunächst vor der Wahl, in dem Caunty oder Distrikte gewohnt hat, es sei denn daß er in Geschäften der V. St. oder dieses Staates abwesend war; auch muß er eine Staats oder Caunty Taxe bezahlt haben.
S ECT. 8. The Senate and house of representatives, when assembled, shall each choose a speaker and its other officers, be judges of the qualifications and elections of its members, and sit upon its own adjournments, two thirds of each house shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day and compel the attendance of absent members.
A BSCH . 8. Der Senat sowohl als das Haus der Representanten sollen, wenn sie sich versammelt haben, ihre eigenen Sprecher und andere Beamten wählen, und Richter über die Fähigkeit, und Erwählung ihrer Mitglieder sein, und die Vertagung ihrer Sizung selbst bestimmen; zwei Drittheile jedes Hauses machen eine volle Zahl5 um Geschäfte vorzunehmen, in kleinerer Zahl können sie ihre Sizung von Tag zu Tag aufschieben, bis sie die abwesenden Glieder zum Erscheinen gezwungen haben.
S ECT. 9. Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings and publish them; the yeas and nays of the members, on any question shall at the desire of any two of them, be entered on the journals.
A BSCH . 9. Jedes Haus soll ein Tagebuch für seine Verhandlungen halten und dieselben bekannt machen; das Ja und Nein, auf irgend eine Frage, soll, wenn es von zwei Mitgliedern verlangt wird, in das Tagebuch
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O HIO eingetragen werden. S ECT. 10. Any two members of either house shall have liberty to dissent from and protest against any act or resolution, which they may think injurious to the public or any individual, and have the reasons of their dissent entered on the journals.
A BSCH . 10. Zwei Glieder eines der beiden Häuser haben das Recht, wenn sie bei irgend einem Akt oder Beschlusse anderer Ansicht sind und gegen dieselben sich verwahren wollen, weil sie dieselben für das Allgemeine oder für Einzelne für nachtheilig halten, diese ihre Protestation6 mit den Gründen dafür in das Tagebuch eintragen zu lassen.
S ECT. 11. Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behaviour, and with the concurrence of two-thirds expel a member, but not a second time for the same cause, and shall have all other powers necessary for a branch of the legislature, of a free and independent State.
A BSCH . 11. Jedes Haus hat seinen Geschäftsgang selbst zu ordnen, unordentliches Betragen seiner Mitglieder zu bestrafen, u. wen 2 Drittheile darüber einig sind, auszuschliessen, aber Bestrafung kan, um derselben Ursache willen, nicht zweimal stattfinden; überdiß soll ihnen jede weitere Gewalt eingeräumt sein, welche für einen Zweig der Gesezgebung eines freien u. unabhängigen Staates erforderlich ist.
S ECT. 12. When vacancies happen in either house, the governor or the person exercising the power of the governor, shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies.
A BSCH . 12. Wenn Stellen in einem der Häuser erledigt werden, so hat der Guvernör, oder die Person, welche die Stelle des Guvernörs vertritt, Erwählungsschreiben ergehen zu lassen, damit diese erledigten Stellen wieder besezt werden.
S ECT. 13. Senators and representatives shall in all cases, except treason, felony or breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during the session of the general assembly and in going to and returning from the same; and for any speech or debate in either house, they shall not be questioned in any other place.
A BSCH . 13. Senatoren und Representanten sollen in allen Fällen, Hochverrath, Criminal Verbrechen7 und Friedensbruch ausgenommen, von Verhaftung frei sein, sowohl während der Sizung der Gesezgebung8 , als auch auf ihrer Reise nach oder von derselben; und für Reden und Meinungsäusserungen in einem der Häuser an keinem andern Orte zur Rechenschaft gezogen werden.
S ECT. 14. Each house may punish, by imprisonment during their session, any person not a member who shall be guilty of disrespect to the house by any disorderly or contemptuous behaviour in their presence, provided such imprisonment shall not at any7 one time exceed twenty four hours.
A BSCH . 14. Jedes Haus kann während der Sizung9 irgend eine Person, die nicht Mitglied ist, und die einer Geringschäzung des Hauses, durch ungebührliches und verächtliches Betragen vor dem Hause, sich schuldig macht, mit Gefängniß bestrafen, nur darf die Gefangenschaft niemals länger als 24 Stunden dauern.
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1802) S ECT. 15. The doors of each house and of committees8 of the whole, shall be kept open except in such cases as in the opinion of the house require secrecy; neither house shall without the consent of the other adjourn for more than two days, nor to any other place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting.
A BSCH . 15. Die Thüren eines jeden Hauses so wie der Committeen des Ganzen sollen offen sein, solche Fälle ausgenommen, die nach der Meinung des Hauses Geheimhaltung erfordern; keines der Häuser soll sich, ohne Zustimmung des andern länger als zwei Tage vertagen, und seine Sizung nach einem andern Orte verlegen, als dem, wo beide Häuser ihre Sizung halten.
S ECT. 16. Bills may originate in either house, but may be altered, amended or rejected by the other.
A BSCH . 16. Gesezesvorschläge können von jedem Hause ausgehen, aber von dem andern verändert, verbessert, oder verworfen werden.
S ECT. 17. Every bill shall be read on three different days in each house, unless in case of urgency three fourths of the house where such bill is so depending9 , shall deem it expedient to dispense with this rule: And every Bill having passed both houses shall be signed by the speakers of their respective houses.
A BSCH . 17. Jeder Gesezvorschlag soll an drei verschiedenen Tagen in jedem der Häuser verlesen werden, es sei denn, daß in einem Fall der Noth, drei Viertheile des Hauses, in welchem derselbe anhängig ist, es für gut finden, von dieser Regel abzugehen; jeder Vorschlag, welcher von beiden Häusern angenommen ist, soll von den Sprechern der betreffenden Häuser unterschrieben werden.
S ECT. 18. The stile of the laws of this state shall be, “Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio.”
A BSCH . 18. Die Formel für die Geseze dieses Staates soll sein: “Sei es durch die Gesezgebung (general assembly) des Staates von Ohio zum Gesez gemacht.“
S ECT. 19. The legislature of this state shall not allow the following officers of government greater annual salaries than as follows, until the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, to wit: The governor not more than one thousand dollars. The judges of the supreme court not more than one thousand dollars each. The presidents10 of the courts11 of common pleas, not more than eight hundred dollars each. The secretary of state not more than five hundred dollars. The Auditor of public accounts not more than seven hundred and fifty dollars; the treasurer not more than four hundred and fifty dollars. No member of the legislature shall receive more than two dollars per day,
A BSCH . 19. Die Gesezgebung10 dieses Staates soll bis zum Jahre 1808 nachstehenden Regierungs-Beamten keine höhere Besoldung bewilligen, als: Dem Guvernör 1000 Thaler; den Richtern der höchsten Court jedem 1000 Thaler; den Presidenten der Courten of Common Pleas jedem 800 Thaler; dem Staats Secretär 500; dem Staats Auditor 750; dem Schazmeister 450; kein Mitglied der Gesezgebung soll so lange es der Gesezgebung beiwohnt mehr als 2 Thaler des Tages erhalten, ebenso nicht mehr für 25 Meilen die er bei seiner Hin und Rückreise zu machen hat.
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O HIO during his attendance on the legislature, nor more for every twenty-five miles he shall travel in going to and returning from the general assembly. S ECT. 20. No senator or representative shall, during the time for which he shall have been elected, be appointed to any civil office under this State, which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which shall have been increased during such time.
A BSCH . 20. Kein Senator oder Representant soll während der Dauer seiner Erwählung, irgend ein Civil Amt in diesem Staate erhalten, welches während dieser Zeit errichtet ist oder dessen Einkünfte während derselben erhöht wurden.
S ECT. 21. No money shall be drawn from the treasury but in consequence of appropriations made by law.
A BSCH . 21. Kein Geld soll, ohne gesezliche Bestimmung11 , aus der Schazkammer genommen werden.
S ECT. 22. An accurate statement of the receipts and expenditures of the public money, shall be attached to and published with the laws, annually.
A BSCH . 22. Genaue Angabe der Einnahmen und Ausgaben12 soll den Gesezen jedes Jahr beigefügt, und mit denselben bekannt gemacht werden.
S ECT. 23. The house of representatives shall have the sole power of impeaching, but a majority of all the members must concur in an impeachment. All impeachments shall be tried by the senate, and when sitting for that purpose, the senators shall be upon oath or affirmation to do justice according to law and evidence; no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the senators.
A BSCH . 23. Dem Hause der Representanten allein soll die Macht zustehen Anklagen zu erheben13 , aber eine Mehrheit aller Mitglieder muß bei der Anklage stattfinden14 ; alle Anklagen sind von dem Senate zu untersuchen, und die Senatoren, wenn sie in dieser Absicht sich versammeln durch Eid oder Betheurung zu verpflichten, streng dem Gesez und den beweisenden Umständen gemäs, Recht zu sprechen; aber blos von zwei Drittheilen der Senatoren, die mit einander übereinstimmen, kann das „Schuldig“ ausgesprochen werden.
S ECT. 24. The governor and all other civil officers under this state shall be liable to impeachment for any misdemeanor in office, but judgment in such cases12 shall not extend further than removal from office and disqualification to hold any office of honor, profit or trust under this state. The party whether convicted or acquitted, shall nevertheless be liable to indictment, trial, judgment and punishment according to law.
A BSCH . 24. Der Guvernör und alle andern Civil Beamten dieses Staates sind bei Vergehen im Amte der Anklage unterworfen, aber es soll, in diesen Fällen, nicht weiter erkannt werden als auf Amtsentsezung und Unfähigkeits Erklärung irgend ein Ehrenamt, Amt des Zutrauens, oder ein einträgliches Amt in diesem Staate zu begleiten. Die Parthei soll, sie mag nun schuldig erfunden oder losgesprochen werden, dessen ungeachtet einer Anklage15 , Verhör, Urtheil und Bestrafung nach den Gesezen unterworfen sein.
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1802) S ECT. 25. The first session of the general assembly shall commence on the first Tuesday of March next, and forever after the general assembly shall meet on the first monday of December in every year, and at no other period unless directed by law, or provided for by this constitution.
A BSCH . 25. Die erste Sizung der Gesezgebung16 soll am ersten Dienstag des nächsten März ihren Anfang nehmen; später aber soll die Gesezgebung sich immer am ersten Montag im December17 versammeln, und nie zu einer andern Zeit, es wäre denn, daß ein Gesez es anders bestimmte oder bei besondern Fällen, welche in unserer18 Constitution bezeichnet sind.
S ECT. 26. No judge of any court of law or equity, secretary of state, attorney general, register, clerk of any court of record, sheriff or collector, member of either house of congress, or person13 holding any office under the authority of the United States, or any lucrative office under the authority of this state (provided that appointments in the militia or justices14 of the peace, shall not be considered lucrative offices) shall be eligible as a candidate for or have a seat in the general assembly.
A BSCH . 26. Kein Richter irgend eines Gerichtshofes oder Kanzeleigerichtes, Staats Secretär, General Anwald, Registrator, Schreiber einer Court von Urkunden19 , Scheriff oder Einnehmer, kein Mitglied eines Hauses im Congreß oder Person die ein Amt der V. St. oder ein einträgliches Amt in diesem Staate begleitet, (wobei aber zu bemerken, daß Anstellungen bei der Miliz oder das Amt des Friedensrichters nicht zu den einträglichen Aemtern gezählt werden) ist für die Gesezgebung20 wählbar, oder kann einen Siz in derselben haben.
S ECT. 27. No person shall be appointed to any office within any county, who shall not have been a citizen and inhabitant therein one year next before his appointment15 , if the county shall have been so long erected; but if the county shall not have been so long erected, then within the limits of the county or counties out of which it shall have been taken.
A BSCH . 27. Niemand soll in irgend einem Caunty ein Amt erhalten, wenn er nicht ein Jahr zuvor Bürger und Bewohner desselben gewesen ist, wenn anders das Caunty so lange errichtet war; ist aber das Caunty noch nicht so lange errichtet, dan gilt diese von den Grenzen des Cauntys oder der Caunties, aus welchen dieses entstanden ist.
S ECT. 28. No person who heretofore hath been or hereafter may be a collector or holder of public monies, shall have a seat in either house of the general assembly, until such person shall have accounted for and paid into the treasury, all sums for which he may be accountable or liable.
A BSCH . 28. Kein früherer oder künftiger Einnehmer oder Aufbewahrer öffentlicher Gelder kann einen Siz in einem der beiden Häuser der Gesezgebung erhalten, so lange er nicht über alle Summen für die er verantwortlich ist, Rechnung abgelegt und dieselben an die Schazkammer bezahlt hat.
ARTICLE II16
ARTIKEL II
S ECT. 1. The supreme executive power of this State shall be vested in a Governor.
A BSCH . 1. Die höchste vollziehende Gewalt dieses Staates soll dem Guvernör übertragen werden.
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O HIO S ECT. 2. The governor shall be chosen by the electors of the members of the general assembly, on the second Tuesday of October, at the same places and in the same manner that they shall respectively vote for members thereof. The returns of every election for governor, shall be sealed up and transmitted to the seat of government, by the returning officers, directed to the speaker of the senate, who shall open and publish them in the presence of a majority of the members of each house of the general assembly; the person having the highest number of votes shall be governor, but if two or more shall be equal and highest in votes, one of them shall be chosen governor by joint ballot of both houses of the general assembly. Contested elections for governor, shall be determined by both houses of the general assembly, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law.
A BSCH . 2. Der Guvernör wird von denselben Wahlmännern erwählt, wie die Mitglieder der Gesezgebung, am zweiten Dienstag im Oktober, an dem nemlichen Orte und auf die nemliche Weise wie diese. Die Wahlberichte von jeder Guvernörs Wahl sind durch die Wahlbeamten versiegelt und addressirt an den Sprecher des Senats nach dem Regierungssize zu senden, wo sie der Sprecher in Gegenwart einer Mehrheit der Glieder beider Häuser zu öffnen und bekannt zu machen hat;21 wenn aber meh[rere] von denen, welche die meisten Stimmen haben, gleich viele Stimmen zählen, so soll einer von diesen, durch Abstimmung beider Häuser der Gesezgebung22 , zum Guvernör erwählt werden. Bestrittene Guvernörs Wahlen sollen auch beide Häuser der Gesezgebung, auf eine durch ein Gesez zu bestimmende Weise, entscheiden.
S ECT. 3. The first governor shall hold his office until the first Monday of December, one thousand eight hundred and five, and until another governor shall be elected and qualified to office, and forever after, the governor shall17 hold his office for the term of two years, and until another governor shall be elected and qualified, but he shall not be eligible more than six years in any term of eight years. He shall be at least18 thirty years of age, and have been a citizen of the United States twelve years, and an inhabitant of this State four years next preceeding his election.
A BSCH . 3. Der erste Guvernör soll sein Amt bis zum ersten Montag des Monats December 1805 und bis ein neuer Guvernör gewählt und beeidigt ist, begleiten; nachher aber soll er sein Amt jedesmal zwei Jahre und bis der neue Guvernör erwählt und beeidigt ist, begleiten; niemand aber soll während eines Zeitraums von acht Jahren länger als 6 Jahre wählbar sein. Der Guvernör soll wenigstens dreissig Jahre alt, zwölf Jahre Bürger der V. St. und vier Jahre vor der Wahl Bürger23 dieses Staates gewesen sein.
S ECT. 4. He shall, from time to time, give to the general assembly information of the state of the government, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall deem expedient.
A BSCH . 4. Der Gouvernör hat der Gesezgebung von Zeit zu Zeit Bericht über den Zustand der Regierung abzustatten, und derselben Maasregeln, deren Einführung er für zweckmäßig hält, zur Berathung vorzulegen.
S ECT. 5. He shall have the power to grant reprieves and pardons after conviction, except in cases of impeachment.
A BSCH . 5. Er soll das Recht haben bei Verurtheilungen Aufschub zu gestatten und zu begnadigen, ausgenommen bei Anklagen (durch das Haus der Representanten.)24
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1802) S ECT. 6. The governor shall, at stated times, receive for his services19 , a compensation which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the term for which he shall have been elected.
A BSCH . 6. Der Guvernör soll zu vestgesezten Zeiten eine Belohnung25 für seine Dienste erhalten, welche aber, während des Zeitraums für den er erwählt ist, weder vermehrt noch vermindert werden darf.
S ECT. 7. He may require information in writing, from the officers in the executive department, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices, and shall take care20 that the laws be faithfully executed.
A BSCH . 7. Er kann von den Beamten des Departaments der vollziehenden Gewalt über irgend einen Gegenstand, der in ihren Geschäftskreis gehört schriftliche Mittheilungen und Erklärungen26 fordern, und er soll überhaupt dafür sorgen, daß die Geseze streng27 vollzogen werden.
S ECT. 8. When any officer, the right of whose appointment is by this constitution, vested in the general assembly, shall during the recess die, or his office by any means become vacant, the governor shall have power to fill such vacancy, by granting a commission which shall expire at the end of the next session of the legislature.
A BSCH . 8. Sollte irgend ein Beamter, der, nach dieser Constitution, von der Gesezgebung aufzustellen ist, während der Zeit, daß diese nicht versammelt ist,28 sterben oder sein Amt durch andere Umstände erledigt werden, so kommt dem Guvernör das Recht zu, eine Bestallung für dieses Amt zu ertheilen,29 welche aber nicht länger gültig ist, als bis zur Beendigung der nächsten Sizung der Gesezgebung30 .
S ECT. 9. He may on extraordinary occasions, convene the general assembly by proclamation, and shall state to them, when assembled, the purposes for which they shall have been convened.
A BSCH . 9. Er darf, bei ausserordentlichen Veranlassungen, die Gesezgebung einberufen,31 und hat wenn sie zusammengekommen ist, die Gründe für ihre Einberufung vorzulegen.
S ECT. 10. He shall be commander in chief of the army and21 navy of this State, and of the militia, except when they shall be called into the service of the United States.
A BSCH . 10. Er ist der Befehlshaber der Land- und Seemacht, so wie der Miliz, ausgenommen, wenn sie zum Dienste der V. St. berufen ist.
S ECT. 11. In case of disagreement between the two houses with22 respect to the time of adjournment, the governor shall have the power to adjourn the general assembly to such23 time as he thinks proper, provided it be24 not a period beyond the annual meeting of the legislature.
A BSCH . 11. Sollten die beiden Häuser der Gesezgebung unter sich uneinig sein, über die Zeit ihrer Vertagung, so steht es dem Guvernör zu, sie so lange zu vertagen, als es ihm gut denkt; nur darf die Vertagung nicht über die Zeit der gewöhnlichen Versammlung der Gesezgebung32 hinausgeschoben werden.
S ECT. 12. In case of the death, impeachment, resignation or removal of the governor from office, the speaker of the senate shall exercise the office of governor, until he be
A BSCH . 12. Bei Todesfällen, Anklagen33 , Abdankung oder Absezung des Guvernörs, soll der Sprecher des Senats dessen Amt verwalten, so lange bis er entlassen34
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O HIO acquitted or another governor shall be duly qualified. In case of the impeachment of the speaker of the Senate, or his death, removal from office, resignation or absence from the state, the speaker of the house of representatives shall succeed to the office and exercise the duties thereof, until a governor shall be elected and qualified. S ECT. 13. No member of congress, or person holding any office under the united States, or this State shall execute the office of governor.
oder ein anderer Guvernör angestellt sein wird35 . Sollte aber der Sprecher des Senats in Anklagstand versezt sein, sterben, entsezt werden, seinem Amte entsagen oder von dem Staate abwesend sein, so soll der Sprecher des Representanten Hauses das Amt des Guvernörs so lange verwalten, bis wieder ein Guvernör erwählt und beeidigt sein wird. A BSCH . 13. Kein Mitglied des Congresses, oder irgend eine Person, die in einem Amte der V. St. oder dieses Staates stehet, kann zum Guvernörs-Amte gelangen.
S ECT. 14. There shall be a seal of this state, which shall be kept by the governor and used by him officially and shall be called, “The Great Seal of the State of Ohio.”
A BSCH . 14. Ein Staatssiegel zur Aufbewahrung und Gebrauch36 des Guvernörs soll angefertigt, und genannt werden: “Das große Siegel des Staates Ohio.“
S ECT. 15. All grants and commissions shall be in the name and by the authority of the State of Ohio, sealed with the seal, signed by the governor, and counter-signed by the secretary.
A BSCH . 15. Alle und jede Rechtsverleihungen und Anstellungen37 sollen ertheilt werden im Namen und aus Auftrag des Staates Ohio, gesiegelt und neben der Unterschrift des Guvernörs auch mit des Staatssecretairs versehen sein.
S ECT. 16.25 A secretary of state shall be appointed by a joint ballot of the senate and house of representatives, who shall continue in office three years, if he shall so long behave himself well. He shall keep a fair register of all the official acts and proceedings of the governor, and shall, when required, lay the same and all papers, minutes and vouchers relative thereto, before either branch of the legislature, and shall perform such other duties as shall be assigned him by law.
A BSCH . 16. Der Staatssecretair wird vom Senat und Haus der Representanten gemeinschaftlich erwählt u. bleibt wenn er sich gut beträgt, drei Jahre im Amte; er hat neben andern Pflichten, welche ihm das Gesez auflegt, insbesondere ein Verzeichnis aller Verfügungen38 des Guvernörs zu führen und dieselben, nebst allen darauf Bezug habenden Papieren, Plänen und Entwürfen, sobald es verlangt wird, jedem der beiden Zweige der Gesetzgebung vorzulegen.
ARTICLE III26
ARTIKEL III
S ECT. 1. The judicial power of this state, both as to matters of law and equity, shall be vested in a supreme court, in courts of common pleas for each county, in justices of the peace, and in such other courts as the
A BSCH . 1. Die Gerichtsverwaltung39 dieses Staates, sowohl was das Rechts, als Kanzlei Wesen anbelangt, soll einer Supreme Court, Courten of common pleas für jedes Caunty, den Friedensrichtern und an-
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1802) legislature may, from time to time establish.
dern Gerichten, welche die Gesezgebung etwa errichten mag, übertragen sein.
S ECT. 2. The supreme Court shall consist of three Judges any27 two of whom shall be a quorum: they shall have original and appellate jurisdiction both in common law and Chancery, in such cases as shall be directed by law, provided that nothing herein contained shall prevent the General Assembly from adding another Judge to the supreme court after the term of five years. In which case the Judges may divide the State into two circuits within which any two of the Judges may hold a Court.
A BSCH . 2. Die Supreme Court soll aus drei Richtern bestehen von denen zwei zu Geschäften berechtigt sein sollen40 . Diese sollen Untersuchungs- und ApellationsRichter, sowohl für das Rechts- als Kanzlei Wesen sein. Hiebei bleibt es aber der Gesezgebung unbenommen, nach Verlauf von fünf Jahren dieser Supreme Court noch einen weitern Richter hinzu zufügen, und sollte dieses geschehen, so haben die Richter den Staat in zwei Hälften41 zu theilen, in welchen je zwei dieser Richter eine Court halten können.
S ECT. 3. The several courts of common pleas shall consist of a president and associate judges. The State shall be divided, by law, into three circuits; there shall be appointed in each circuit a president of the courts, who, during his continuance in office, shall reside therein. There shall be appointed in each county, not more than three nor less than two associate judges, who, during their continuance in office, shall reside therein. The president and associate judges, in their respective counties, any three of whom shall be a quorum, shall compose the court of common pleas, which court shall have common law and chancery jurisdiction in all such cases as shall be directed by law; provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed to prevent the legislature from increasing the number of circuits and presidents, after the term of five years.
A BSCH . 3. Courten of common pleas sollen aus einem Presidenten und Gehülfsrichtern42 bestehen. Der Staat soll in drei gesezlich bestimmte Kreise getheilt werden, in jedem Kreise soll ein President der Courten angestellt werden, welcher, so lange sein Amt dauert, darin wohnen solle. In jedem Caunty sollen Hülfsrichter nicht weniger als zwei, und nicht mehr als drei angestellt werden, welche in dem Caunty wohnen müssen, so lange sie in ihrem Amte stehen. Der President und die Hülfsrichter, der betreffenden Cauntys, von denen drei ein quorum ausmachen, bilden die Court of common pleas, welche Court die gewöhnliche Gesez und Kanzlei Gerichtsbarkeit, nach der im Gesez bestimmten Weise, auszuüben hat. Nur soll hiebei nicht verstanden werden, als ob der Gesezgebung das Recht nicht zustände nach Verlauf von fünf Jahren die Anzahl der Kreise und Presidenten zu vermehren.
S ECT. 4. The judges of the supreme court and courts of common pleas, shall have complete criminal jurisdiction, in such cases and in such manner as may be pointed out by law.
A BSCH . 4. Die Richter der Supreme Court und der Courten of common pleas haben das Recht des peinlichen Gerichts43 , in Fällen, welche im Geseze näher anzugeben, und für welche die Verfahrungsweise in demselben vorgeschrieben werden soll.
S ECT. 5. The court of common pleas, in each county, shall have jurisdiction of
A BSCH . 5. Zu dem Gerichtswesen der Courten of common pleas gehören Testa-
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O HIO all probate and testamentary matters, granting administration, the appointment28 of guardians, and such other cases as shall be prescribed by law.
mente und Bestätigungsacte, Anordnung von Administratoren und Einsezung von Pflegern44 , und andere Angelegenheiten, welche das Gesez bestimmen mag.
S ECT. 6. The judges of the court of common pleas shall, within their respective counties, have the same powers with the judges of the supreme court to issue writs of certiorari to the justices of the peace, and to cause their proceedings to be brought before them, and the like right and justice to be done.
A BSCH . 6. Die Richter der Court of common pleas haben in ihren Cauntys, sowohl als die Richter der Supreme Court, das Recht Friedensrichter zu bestätigen45 deren Verfügungen zu untersuchen, und überhaupt auf dieselbe Weise Recht und Gerechtigkeit auszuüben.
S ECT. 7. The judges of the supreme court, shall, by virtue of their offices, be conservators of the peace throughout the state; The presidents29 of the courts30 of common pleas, shall, by virtue of their offices, be conservators of the peace in their respective circuits, and the judges of the court31 of common pleas, shall, by virtue of their offices, be conservators of the peace in their respective counties.
A BSCH . 7. Die Richter der Supreme Court sind verpflichtet, Frieden im ganzen Staate zu erhalten; die Presidenten der Courten of common pleas in ihren Kreisen, und die Richter dieser Courten in ihren Caunties.
S ECT. 8. The judges of the supreme court, the presidents32 and the associate judges of the courts of33 common pleas, shall be appointed by a joint ballot of both houses of the General Assembly, and shall hold their offices for the term of seven years, if so long they behave well. The judges of the supreme court, and the Presidents34 of the courts of common pleas, shall, at stated times, receive for their services an adequate compensation, to be fixed by law, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office, but they shall receive no fees or perquisites of office, nor hold any other office of profit or trust under the authority of this state or the united states.
A BSCH . 8. Die Richter der Supreme Court, Presidenten und Richter46 der Courten of common pleas werden von den beiden Häusern der Gesezgebung durch gemeinschaftliche Wahl für eine Amtsdauer von sieben Jahren ernannt, wenn sie sich während derselben ordentlich betragen. Die Richter der Supreme Court und die Presidenten der Courten of common pleas sollen für ihre Dienste eine gewisse gesezlich bestimmte Besoldung erhalten, welche nicht geschmälert werden darf so lange sie im Amte sind; aber sie sollen ausser dieser keine Gebühren oder Nebenverdienste beziehen, noch ein anderes Amt mit dem eine Besoldung oder Kasse verbunden ist, in diesem Staate oder von den V. St. begleiten dürfen.
S ECT. 9. Each court shall appoint its own clerk for the term of seven years, but no person shall be appointed clerk, except pro tempore, who shall not produce to the court appointing him, a certificate from a majority
A BSCH . 9. Jede Court soll einen eigenen Schreiber auf die Dauer von sieben Jahren erwählen, dieser kann aber nur auf unbestimmte Zeit angestellt werden, bis er Zeugnisse von der Mehrheit der Richter der Su-
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1802) of the judges of the supreme court, that they judge him to be well qualified to execute the duties of the office of clerk to any court of the same dignity with that for which he offers himself. They shall be removable for breach of good behaviour, at any time, by the judges of the respective courts.
preme Court beibringt, daß er fähig sei das Amt, um das er sich bewirbt, bei jeder Court gleichen Ranges zu versehen. Solche Schreiber können, wegen unordentlichen Betragens zu jeder Zeit durch die Richter der betreffenden Court, ihres Amtes entsezt werden.
S ECT. 10. The supreme court shall be held once a year in each county, and the courts of common pleas shall be holden in each county, at such times and places as shall be prescribed by law.
A BSCH . 10. Die Supreme Court soll in jedem Caunty des Jahrs einmal, und die Courten of common pleas solchen Orten u. Zeiten, wie dieses durch ein Gesez bestimt wird, gehalten werden.
S ECT. 11. A competent number of Justices of the peace shall be elected by the qualified electors in each township in the several counties, and shall continue in office three years, whose powers and duties shall, from time to time be regulated and defined by law.
A BSCH . 11. In jedem Taunschip der verschiedenen Caunties soll eine hinreichende Zahl von Friedensrichtern durch die wahlfähigen Wahlmänner für die Amtsdauer von drei Jahren erwählt werden, deren Pflichten und Amtsgewalt von Zeit zu Zeit durch das Gesez bestimmt und geordnet werden sollen.
S ECT. 12. The stile of all process shall be, “The State of Ohio;” all prosecutions shall be carried on in the name and by the authority of the state of Ohio, and all indictments shall conclude against the peace and dignity of the same.
A BSCH . 12. Die Formel für alle Prozesse soll sein: “Der Staat von Ohio.“ Alle Klagen sollen im Namen und auf Befehl des Staates eingeleitet und geführt werden, und bei allen Endurtheilen soll es heissen, gegen den Frieden und die Würde dieses Staates.
ARTICLE IV35
ARTIKEL IV
S ECT. 1. In all elections, all white male inhabitants, above the age of twenty-one years, having resided in the state one year next preceeding the election, and who have paid or are charged with a state or county tax, shall enjoy the right of an elector, but no person shall be entitled to vote except in the county or district in which he shall actually reside at the time of the election.
A BSCH . 1. Bei allen Wahlen, soll allen47 männlichen Einwohnern über 21 Jahren, wenn sie ein Jahrlang vor der Wahl in dem Staate gewohnt, eine Staats- oder Caunty Taxe bezahlt haben, oder wenn eine solche von ihnen gefordert wird, das Wahlrecht zustehen; aber niemand soll ein Recht haben, in einem andern Caunty oder Districte zu stimmen, als in dem, in welchem er zur Zeit der Wahl, sich wirklich niedergelassen hat.
S ECT. 2. All elections shall be by ballot.
A BSCH . 2. Alle Wahlen geschehen durch Ballotiren48 .
S ECT. 3. Electors shall in all cases, except treason, felony or breach of the peace,
A BSCH . 3. Wahlmänner sollen, Verrath, Criminal Verbrechen und Friedensbruch
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O HIO be privileged from arrest, during their attendance at elections, and in going to and returning from the same.
ausgenommen, von Verhaftung frei sein, so lange sie der Wahl beiwohnen, zu derselben gehen oder davon zurückkehren.
S ECT. 4. The legislature shall have full power to exclude from the privilege of electing, or of36 being elected, any person convicted of bribery, perjury, or any other infamous crime.
A BSCH . 4. Personen, welche der Bestechung, des Meineids oder eines andern groben Verbrechens überführt sind, kan die Gesezgebung Vorrechtes des Erwählens und Erwähltwerdens für verlustig erklären.
S ECT. 5. Nothing contained in this article, shall be so construed as to prevent white male persons above the age of twenty-one years, who are compelled to labour on the roads of their respective townships or counties, and who have resided one year in the state, from having the right of an elector.
A BSCH . 5. Nichts in diesem Artikel soll aber, und darf so gedeutet und ausgelegt werden, daß dadurch irgend eine weiße Person männlichen Geschlechts, wenn sie über 21 Jahre alt zur Strassen Arbeit in ihrem betreffenden Taunschip oder Caunty verpflichtet49 ist, ein Jahr im Staate gewohnt hat, von dem Wahlrecht auszuschliessen.
ARTICLE V37
ARTIKEL V
S ECT. 1. Captains and subalterns in the militia, shall be elected by those persons38 in their respective company districts subject to military duty.
A BSCH . 1. Hauptleute und Subaltern Officiere der Miliz sollen von den Militairpflichtigen der Compagnie ihres Distrikts erwählt werden.
S ECT. 2. Majors shall be elected by the captains and subalterns of the battalion.
A BSCH . 2. Die Majore werden von den Hauptleuten und Subaltern Officieren ihres Battaillons erwählt.
S ECT. 3. Colonels shall be elected by the majors, captains and subalterns of the regiment.
A BSCH . 3. Der Oberst50 wird von den Majoren, Hauptleuten und Officieren des Regiments erwählt.
S ECT. 4. Brigadiers general39 shall be elected by the commissioned officers of their respective brigades.
A BSCH . 4. Brigade Generäle werden von den ordentlich bestallten (commissioners) Officieren51 ihrer Brigade erwählt.
S ECT. 5. Majors general and quartermasters general shall be appointed by joint ballot of both houses of the legislature.
A BSCH . 5. General Majore und General Quartiermeister werden von den beiden Häusern der Gesezgebung durch Ballotiren, Stimmzettel52 ernannt.
S ECT. 6. The governor shall appoint the adjutant general. The majors general shall appoint their aids and other division staff officers. The brigadiers general shall appoint their brigade majors and other brigade staff officers. The commanding officers of regi-
A BSCH . 6. Der Guvernör ernennt den General Adjutanten, die General Majors ihre Adjutanten und andere Divisions Staabs Officiere; die53 Brigade-Majors und andere Brigade Staabs Officiere. Die commandierenden Officiere von Regimentern haben
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1802) ments shall appoint their adjutants, quartermasters and other regimental staff officers; and the captains and subalterns shall appoint their non-commissioned officers and musicians.
ihre Adjutanten, Quartiermeister und andere Staabs Officiere ihres Regiments zu erwählen, die Hauptleute54 ihre unbestallten55 Officiere und Musikanten.
S ECT. 7. The Captains and subalterns of the artillery and cavalry shall be elected by the persons enrolled in their respective corps, and the majors and colonels shall be appointed in such40 manner as shall be directed by law; the colonels shall appoint their regimental staff, and the captains and subalterns their non-commissioned officers and musicians.
A BSCH . 7. Die Hauptleute und Unterofficiere der Artillerie und Cavallarie werden von der Mannschaft ihres Corps erwählt, die Majore und Obersten dagegen werden nach dem Geseze ernannt. Die Obersten ernennen ihren Regiments Staab, die Hauptleute ihre Unterofficiere56 und Musikanten.
ARTICLE VI41
ARTIKEL VI
S ECT. 1. There shall be elected in each county one sheriff and one coroner, by the citizens thereof, who are qualified to vote for members of the assembly; they shall be elected at the time and place of holding elections for members of42 assembly; they shall continue in office two years, if they shall so long behave well, and until successors be chosen and duly qualified; provided, that no person shall be eligible as sheriff for a longer term than four years, in any term of six years.
A BSCH . 1. In jedem County soll von den Bürgern, welche berechtigt sind bei der Wahl der Mitglieder der Gesezgebung57 Stimmen abzugeben, ein Scheriff und Coroner erwählt werden; diese Wahl soll zur nemlichen Zeit und an dem nemlichen Orte statt finden wo und wann die Wahl für die Gesezgebung gehalten wird; sie sollen, wenn sie sich klaglos betragen, 2 Jahre im Amte bleiben und bis ihre Nachfolger erwählt und beeidigt sind: Aber niemand kann, in einem Zeitraume von sechs Jahren, länger als 4 Jahre Scheriff sein.
S ECT. 2. The State treasurer and auditor shall be triennially appointed by a joint ballot of both houses of the legislature.
A BSCH . 2. Der Staatsschazmeister und Staats Auditor sollen, durch Wahlzettel58 der beiden Häuser der Gesezgebung, alle drei Jahre erwählt werden.
S ECT. 3. All town and township officers shall be chosen annually, by the inhabitants thereof, duly qualified to vote for members of the43 assembly, at such time and place as may be directed by law.
A BSCH . 3. Alle Stadt und Taunschip Beamten sollen jährlich, an gesezlich bestimmten Pläzen und zu gesezlichen Zeiten durch diejenigen Bewohner derselben, welche zur Erwählung der gesezgebenden Körper59 berechtigt sind, erwählt werden.
S ECT. 4. The appointment44 of all civil officers, not otherwise directed by this constitution, shall be made in such manner as may be directed by law.
A BSCH . 4. Für Ernennung aller Civil Beamten, von denen in dieser Constitution nicht die Rede ist, sollen besondere gesezliche Verordnungen getroffen werden.
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O HIO
ARTICLE VII45
ARTIKEL VII
S ECT. 1. Every person who shall be chosen or appointed to any office of46 trust or profit, under the authority of this state, shall, before the entering on the execution thereof, take47 an oath or affirmation to support the constitution of the united States and of this State, and also an oath of office.
A BSCH . 1. Jede Person, welche ein Amt das Zutrauen erfordert, oder das einen Gehalt abwirft, in diesem Staate erhält, soll vor seinem Amtsantritt, nicht nur schwören, die Constitution der V. St. sowohl, als dieses Staates aufrechthalten zu wollen, sondern auch einen Amtseid ablegen.
S ECT. 2.48 Any elector who shall receive any gift or reward for his vote, in meat, drink, money, or otherwise, shall suffer such punishment as the laws49 shall direct, and any person who shall, directly or indirectly, give, promise, or bestow, any such reward to be elected, shall thereby be rendered incapable, for two years, to serve in the office for which he was elected, and be subject to such other punishment as shall be directed by law.
A BSCH . 2. Ein Wahlmann, welcher eine Belohnung oder Geschenk, sei es in Speise60 , Getränk oder Geld61 annimmt, soll auf eine durch ein Gesez62 zu bestimmende Weise bestraft werden; wer aber unmittelbar oder mittelbar eine Belohnung anbietet, oder wirklich gewährt63 , um vermittelst derselben gewählt zu werden, soll für zwei Jahre untüchtig sein für das Amt, welches er erhielt, und noch mit andern Strafen, wie sie das Gesez verschreibt, belegt werden.
S ECT. 3.50 No new county shall be established by the general assembly, which shall reduce the county or counties, or either of them, from which it shall be taken, to less contents than four hundred square miles, nor shall any county be laid off of less contents. Every new county, as to the right of suffrage and representation shall be considered as a part of the county or counties from which it was taken until entitled by numbers to the right of representation.
A BSCH . 3. Die Gesezgebung soll kein neues Caunty errichten, wenn dadurch ein oder mehrere Caunties, von denen dieses genommen werden soll, einen geringeren Flächeninhalt als 400 Quadrat Meilen erhalten würden; auch soll keines von geringerem Umfang ausgelegt werden. Jedes neue Caunty, soll was das Wahlrecht und seine Stellvertretung, (Representation) anbelangt, so lange als ein Theil des oder der Caunties betrachtet werden, von denen es zusammengesezt wurde, bis es die für das Recht der Stellvertretung erforderliche Einwohnerzahl hat.
S ECT. 4.51 Chillicothe shall be the seat of government until the year one thousand eight hundred and eight. No money shall be raised until the year one thousand eight hundred and nine by the legislature of this state, for the purpose of erecting public buildings for the accommodation of the legislature.
A BSCH . 4. Chillicothe soll, bis zum Jahre 1808 Regierungssiz sein. Bis zum Jahre 1809 soll kein Geld erhoben werden64 , um Gebäude für die Gesezgebung zu errichten.
S ECT. 5.52 That after the year one thousand eight hundred and six, whenever two
A BSCH . 5. Wenn, nach dem Jahre 1806, zwei Drittheile der Gesezgebung es für
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1802) thirds of the general assembly shall think it necessary, to amend or change this constitution, they shall recommend to the electors at the next election for members to the general assembly, to vote for or against a convention; and if it shall appear that a majority of the citizens of the state, voting for representatives, have voted for a convention, the general assembly shall, at their next session, call a convention, to consist of as many members as there be in the general assembly, to be chosen in the same manner, at the same place and by the same electors that choose the general assembly, who shall meet within three months after the said election, for the purpose of revising, amending, or changing the constitution; but no alteration of this constitution shall ever take place so as to introduce slavery or involuntary servitude into this State.
nothwendig erachten sollten diese Constitution zu verbessern oder zu verändern, so solle sie den Wahlmännern anempfehlen, bei der nächsten Wahl für die Gesezgebung, für oder gegen eine Convention zu stimmen; ergiebt sich, daß die Mehrheit derselben für die Constitution65 gestimmt hat, so hat die Gesezgebung bei ihrer nächsten Sizung66 eine Convention zu berufen, welche aus so vielen Gliedern besteht als die Gesezgebung zählt; erwählt werden die Conventionsglieder an demselben Plaze, auf dieselbe Weise und von denselben Wahlmännern, wie die Glieder der Gesezgebung, und haben sich innerhalb drei Monaten nach der Wahl zu versammeln, um die Constitution zu verbessern oder zu verändern67 ; aber nie darf durch eine vorgenommene Veränderung Sklaverei oder gezwungene Knechtschaft68 eingeführt werden.
S ECT. 6.53 That the limits and boundaries of this state be ascertained, it is declared, that they are as hereafter mentioned that is to say, bounded on the East by the Pennsylvania line, on the South by the Ohio river to the mouth of the Great Miami river, on the West by the line drawn due North from the mouth of the Great Miami54 aforesaid, and on the North by an East and West line55 drawn through the Southerly extreme of Lake Michigan, running East, after intersecting the due North line aforesaid, from the Mouth of the great Miami until it shall intersect Lake Erie or the territorial line, and thence with the same through Lake Erie to the Pennsylvania line aforesaid; provided always, and it is hereby fully understood and declared by this convention, that if the Southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan should extend so far South, that a line drawn due East from it, should not intersect Lake Erie, or if it should intersect the said Lake Erie East of the mouth of the Miami river of the Lake, then and in that case56 , with the assent of the57 Congress
A BSCH . 6. Die Grenzen dieses Staates sollen folgende sein: Oestlich bilden die Grenzen, die Grenzlinie von Pennsylvanien; und69 der Ohio Fluß bis zur Mündung des großen Miami Flusses; westlich die Linie, welche gerade nördlich von der Mündung des Großen Miami Flusses hinläuft; nördlich die Linie welche ost-westlich an der südlichen Grenze des Michigan Sees läuft und dann östlich sich hinziehet, nachdem sie die bereits angegebene nördliche Linie durchschnitten, welche von der Mündung der großen Miami [läuft,] bis sie den Erie See oder die Linie des Territoriums durch schneidet und dann mit dieser durch den Erie See nach der Grenzlinie von Pennsylvanien läuft. Hiebei aber behält sich die Convention ausdrücklich vor, daß wenn die südliche Krümmung oder Ende des Michigan Sees sich so weit südlich erstrecken sollte daß die Linie, welche von demselben gerade östlich gezogen wird, den Erie See entweder gar nicht, oder östlich von der Mündung der Miami durchschneiden sollte, dann, mit Bewilligung des Congresses der V.
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O HIO of the United States58 , the Northern boundary of this state shall be established by, and extended to, a direct line running from the Southern extremity of Lake Michigan, to the most Northerly cape of the Miami bay, after intersecting the due North line from the mouth of the Great Miami river as aforesaid, thence Northeast to the territorial line, and by the said territorial line to the Pennsylvania line.
St. die Grenzlinie dieses Staates so errichtet würde, daß sie bis zu einer Linie, die von dem südlichen Ende des Michigan Sees bis zu dem nördlichen Vorgebirge der Miami Bucht läuft, nachdem sie die gerade nördliche Linie von der Mündung des genannten Grossen Miami Flusses durchschnitten hat, von dort aber nördlich nach der TerritorialLinie und durch diese bis zur Grenzlinie von Pennsylvanien.
ARTICLE VIII59
ARTIKEL VIII
That the general, great and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and forever unalterably established, We declare,
Damit die allgemeinsten, wichtigsten und wesentlichsten Grundsätze der Freiheit und einer freien Regierung erkannt und als solche unabänderlich vestgestellt bleiben, so erklären wir:
S ECT. 1. That all men are60 born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and unalienable rights, amongst which are the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety; and every free republican government being founded on their sole authority and organized for the great purpose of protecting their rights and liberties, and securing their independence; to effect these ends, they have at all times, a complete power to alter, reform, or abolish their government, whenever they may deem it necessary.
A BSCH . 1. Daß alle Menschen frei und gleich70 geboren sind, und von Natur mit gewissen unveräusserlichen Rechten begabt, unter welche wir insbesondere zählen: das Recht Leben und Freiheit zu geniessen und zu vertheidigen, Eigenthum zu erwerben und dessen Besiz zu vertheidigen71 , und nach dem Besiz ungestörten Glücks und Wohlergehens zu streben72 ; und da jede freie republikanische Regierung einzig und allein auf ihr eigenes Gutachten und Macht und für den erhabenen Zweck Recht und Freiheit zu beschüzen und ihre eigene Unabhängigkeit zu sichern gegründet ist, so steht der Republik, um diese Zwecke zu erreichen auch jeder Zeit unläugbar die Macht zu, diese Regierungsform so bald sie es für dienlich hält zu ändern oder aufzuheben73 .
S ECT. 2. There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in this state, otherwise than for the punishment of crimes, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted; nor shall any male person, arrived at the age of twenty-one years, or female person, arrived at the age of eighteen years, be held to serve any person as a servant under61 pretence of indenture, or otherwise
A BSCH . 2. Daß in diesem Staat soll weder Sklaverei noch gezwungene Dienstbarkeit74 stattfinden soll, es sei denn Strafbarkeit wegen begangener Verbrechen, deren die Angeschuldigten vollständig überführt sein müssen; eben so wenig soll jemand, männlichen Geschlechts über 21 und weiblichen Geschlechts über 18 Jahre alt, unter dem Vorwande eines Vertrags, oder auf an-
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1802) unless such person shall enter into such indenture while in a state of perfect freedom and on62 condition of a bona fide consideration, received or to63 be received for their service, except as before excepted; nor shall any indenture of any negro or mulatto hereafter made and executed out of the state, or if made in the state where the term of service64 exceeds one year, be of the least validity, except those given in the case of apprenticeships.
dere Weise, als Dienstbothe zu dienen gehalten sein, es sei denn daß solche Person einen solchen Vertrag, im Zustande vollkommener Freiheit, unter der75 Bedingung bereits erhaltener oder noch zu erhaltender Entschädigung eingehet. Auch soll von dieser Zeit an kein Vertrag oder Kauf76 über einen Schwarzen77 oder Mulatten, ausser dem Staate oder in dem Staate abgeschlossen, Gültigkeit haben, wenn die Dienstzeit ein Jahr übersteigt, es sei denn Lehrzeit zur Erlernung eines Handwerkes.
S ECT. 3. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God, according to the dictates of conscience; that no human authority can in any case whatever, controul or interfere with the rights of conscience; that no man shall be compelled to attend, erect, or support any place of worship, or to maintain any ministry against his consent; and that no preference shall ever65 be given by law to any religious society or mode of worship; and no religious test shall be required as a qualification to any office of trust or profit. But religion, morality and knowledge being essentially necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of instruction shall forever be encouraged by legislative provision, not inconsistent with the rights of conscience.
A BSCH . 3. Daß allen Menschen das ihnen von Natur zukommende Recht Gott den Allmächtigen, so wie es ihnen ihr Gewissen vorschreibt, zu verehren unverlezlich zusteht, daß daher keiner Macht in der Welt zustehe, das Recht der Gewissensfreiheit auf irgend eine Weise zu beschränken oder streitig zu machen; daß niemand gezwungen werden soll an irgend einem Orte der Gottesverehrung zu erscheinen oder ein Haus für dieselbe errichten zu helfen, und die Geistlichen, wenn nicht freiwillig, zu unterhalten; daß keine religiöse Gesellschaft oder Art der Gottesverehrung78 durch das Gesez bevorzugt oder begünstigt werden solle; daß kein Religionseid, als Bedingung oder Befähigung für ein öffentliches Amt das Zutrauen erfordert und79 mit einem Gehalt verbunden ist, verlangt werden solle. Da aber Religion, Moralität und Wissenschaft80 wesentliche Mittel einer guten Regierung und der Wohlfahrt des Menschen81 sind, so sollen Schulen und Unterrichts-Anstalten82 , welche mit der Gewissensfreiheit nicht in Widerspruch stehen, durch besondere Geseze dauernd begründet und stets befördert werden.
S ECT. 4. Private property ought and shall ever be held inviolate, but always subservient to the public welfare, provided a compensation in money be made to the owner.
A BSCH . 4. Das Eigenthum von Privatpersonen soll stets heilig und83 unverletzlich sein, es sey denn, daß es zur Beförderung des allgemeinen Besten verlangt wird, in diesem Falle aber muß dem Eigenthümer eine angemessene Entschädigung in Geld bezahlt werden.
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O HIO S ECT. 5. That the people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions, from unwarrantable searches and seizures, and that general warrants whereby an officer may be commanded to search suspected places, without probable evidence of the fact committed, or to seize any person or persons not named, whose offences are not particularly described and without oath or affirmation, are dangerous to liberty and shall not be granted.
A BSCH . 5. Personen, Häuser, Papiere und Eigenthum soll sicher sein vor unrechtmäsigen Nachsuchungen und Beschlagnahme, und sollen von keinem Beamten Vollmachten zu Hausaussuchungen ertheilt werden, ohne genügende Beweise des begangenen Verbrechens, auch soll durchaus keine Verhaftung von Personen statt finden, wenn deren Namen und Verbrechen nicht ausdrücklich angegeben und beschworen84 sind, weil dadurch die Freiheit gefährdet wird.
S ECT. 6. That the printing presses shall be open and free to every citizen, who wishes to examine the proceedings of any branch of government, or the conduct of any public officer, and no law shall ever restrain the right thereof; every citizen has an indisputable right to speak, write, or print, upon any subject as he thinks proper, being liable for the abuse of that liberty. In prosecutions for any publication respecting the official conduct of men in a public capacity, or where the matter published is proper for public information, the truth thereof may always be given in evidence; and in all indictments for libels, the jury shall have a66 right to determine the law and the facts, under the direction of the court as in other cases.
A BSCH . 6. Die Presse soll jedem Bürger offen stehen85 , welcher das Verfahren irgend eines Zweiges der Regierung oder das Betragen eines Beamten untersucht zu wissen wünscht86 ; und dieses Recht soll niemals durch ein Gesetz beschränkt oder verkürzt werden; Jeder87 hat das unbestreitbare Recht über irgend einen Gegenstand seine Ansicht und Meinung auszusprechen, zu schreiben oder in Druck zu geben, nur wird er verantwortlich für Mißbrauch derselben. Bei Untersuchung wegen Veröffentlichung in Betreff des Betragens von öffentlichen Beamten, oder bei andern Bekanntmachungen zur Belehrung des Publikums soll der Sachbestand als Beweis und Zeugniß gelten, und soll es ausser dem Sachbestand keines Zeugnisses bedürfen88 . Bei allen Klagen wegen Schmähschriften soll die Jury, unter Leitung der Court, wie in allen andern Fällen, Zeugen abhören und den richterlichen Ausspruch ertheilen89 .
S ECT. 7. That all courts shall be open, and every person for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person or reputation, shall have remedy by the due course of law, and right and justice administered without denial or delay.
A BSCH . 7. Alle Courten sollen offen sein; und jedem soll für Schaden, der ihm an seinem Land, Gut, Person oder Ehre zugefügt wurde, auf ordentlichem gerichtlichem Wege ohne Aufschub90 oder Zögerung, Recht und Gerechtigkeit verschafft werden.
S ECT. 8. That67 the right of trial by jury shall be inviolate.
A BSCH . 8. Das Recht eines Verhörs durch ein Geschworen Gericht (jury) soll unverletzt jedem zustehen.
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1802) S ECT. 9. That no power of suspending, laws shall be exercised, unless by the legislature.
A BSCH . 9. Daß der Gesetzgebung allein das Recht zukomme Gesetze aufzuheben91 .
S ECT. 10. That no person arrested or confined in jail, shall be treated with unnecessary rigor, or be put to answer any criminal charge, but by presentment, indictment or impeachment.
A BSCH . 10. Daß kein Verhafteter oder Gefangener mit unnöthiger Strenge behandelt oder durch andere Mittel zum Geständniß vor Gericht angehalten werden soll, als durch Vorhaltung der Thatsachen und Anklage oder Beschuldigung vor dem Gerichte.
S ECT. 11. That in all criminal prosecutions, the accused hath a right to be heard by himself and his68 counsel, to demand the nature and cause of the accusation69 against him, and to have a copy thereof, to meet the witnesses face to face; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favour; and in prosecutions by indictment or presentment, a speedy public trial, by an impartial jury of the county or district in which the offence shall have been committed, and shall not be compelled to give evidence against himself, nor shall he be twice70 put in jeopardy for the same offence.
A BSCH . 11. Daß der Angeklagte bei allen Criminal Untersuchungen das Recht hat sich persönlich und durch einen RechtsAnwald zu vertheidigen; eine Abschrift der gegen ihn vorgebrachten Klage oder Beschuldigung zu verlangen, dem Ankläger92 gegenüber gestellt zu werden; Zwangsbefehle zu fordern um Zeugen, die er zu seinen Gunsten zu haben glaubt, herbeizuschaffen; auf jede Anklage oder Angabe ein baldiges öffentliches Verhör durch ein unpartheiisches Geschworen Gericht von dem Caunty oder Distrikte, in welchem das Verbrechen begangen worden sein soll, anzusprechen; daß Niemand gezwungen werden kann Zeugniß gegen sich selbst abzulegen, auch niemand um desselben Vergehens willen zweimal in Untersuchung93 gezogen werden darf.
S ECT. 12. That all persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offences, where the proof is evident or the presumption great71 , and the privilege of the writ of Habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in72 case of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it.
A BSCH . 12. Daß Jedermann auf gehörig gesicherte Bürgschaft freigegeben werden muß, ausser bei Criminal Verbrechen, wenn dieselben erwiesen94 sind oder stark gegründeter Verdacht vorhanden ist; daß die Rechtswohlthat der Habeas corpus Akte niemals aufgehoben95 werde, es wäre denn, daß die Sicherheit des Staates es erforderte bei Aufruhr oder Angriffen von einem auswärtigen Feinde.
S ECT. 13. Excessive bail shall not be required, excessive fines shall not be imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments73 inflicted.
A BSCH . 13. Es sollen keine allzuhohen Bürgschaften gefordert, keine übertriebenen Strafen auferlegt und keine ungewöhnliche oder grausame Züchtigung angewendet werden.
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O HIO S ECT. 14. All penalties shall be proportioned to the nature of the offence. No wise legislature will affix the same punishment to the crimes of theft, forgery and the like, which they do to those of murder and treason. When the same undistinguishing74 severity is exerted against all offences, the people are led to forget the real distinction in the crimes themselves, and to commit the most flagrant with as little compunction as they do the lightest75 offences. For the same reasons a multitude of sanguinary laws are both impolitic and unjust: the true design of all punishments76 being to reform not to exterminate mankind.
A BSCH . 14. Die Strafen sollen jederzeit der Beschaffenheit des Verbrechens angemessen sein. Keine weise Gesetzgebung wird Diebstähle, Fälschung u. d. g. mit der gleichen Strafe belegen wie Mord und Hochverrath. Würde bei Bestrafung des Verbrechens kein Unterschied stattfinden, so würde eben so wenig ein Unterschied bei Verübung derselben gemacht96 und die größten Verbrechen verübt werden ohne daß sie mehr Bedenklichkeit erregten, als die leichtesten Vergehen. Aus demselben Grunde sind auch viele Gesetze mit Blut geschrieben nicht allein unklug, sondern sogar unerlaubt97 , denn die Absicht der Strafe ist Besserung, nicht Vertilgung des Menschen.
S ECT. 15. The person of a debtor, where there is not strong presumption of fraud, shall not be continued in prison after delivering up his estate for the benefit of his creditor or creditors, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law.
A BSCH . 15. Niemand soll wegen Schulden in gefängliche Haft gebracht98 werden, wenn nicht gegründeter Verdacht des Betrugs vorhanden ist, und der Schuldner seinem oder seinen Gläubigern sein Vermögen überliefert, wie dieses das Gesetz erfordert.
S ECT. 16. No ex post facto law, nor any law impairing the validity of contracts, shall ever be made, and no conviction shall work corruption of blood nor77 forfeiture of estate.
A BSCH . 16. Kein Gesetz soll rückwirkend sein, oder die Gültigkeit eines früher eingegangenen Contrakts beeinträchtigen; kein begangenes Verbrechen für die Blutsverwandte Entehrung, oder Beschlagnahme des Vermögens, zur Folge haben.
S ECT. 17. That no person shall be liable to be transported out of this state, for any offence committed within78 the state.
A BSCH . 17. Niemand soll wegen eines Vergehens, das er in diesem Staate begangen, aus dem Staate verwiesen werden.
S ECT. 18. That a frequent recurrence to the fundamental principles of civil government, is absolutely necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty.
A BSCH . 18. Daß häufige Rückblicke auf die Hauptgrundsätze des Civil Gouvernements, nothwendiges Erforderniß für Erhaltung der Segnungen der Freiheit seien.
S ECT. 19. That the people have a right to assemble together, in a peaceable manner, to consult for their common good to instruct their representatives, and to apply to the legislature for79 redress of grievances.
A BSCH . 19. Daß das Volk das Recht hat, sich friedlich zu versammeln, um sein gemeinschaftliches Wohl zu berathen, seinen Stellvertretern Vorschriften zu ertheilen99 , und Bittschriften an die Gesetzgebung zu verfassen um Abstellung von Beschwerden.
S ECT. 20. That the people have a right to bear arms for the defence of themselves and
A BSCH . 20. Daß das Volk das Recht hat Waffen zu seiner eigenen und der Verthei-
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1802) the state; and as standing armies, in time of peace, are dangerous to liberty, they shall not be kept up, and that the military shall be kept under strict subordination to the civil power.
digung des Staates zu tragen; daß keine stehende Armee gehalten werde, weil diese zur Zeit des Friedens der Freiheit gefährlich wird; jede Zeit soll daher aber auch das Militär zu strengem Gehorsam gegen die bürgerliche Obrigkeit verpflichtet sein.
S ECT. 21. That no person in this state, except such as are employed in the army or navy of the United States, or militia in actual service, shall be subject to corporal punishment under the military law.
A BSCH . 21. Niemand in diesem Staate, ausgenommen Soldaten der Land und Seemacht der Vereinigten Staaten und der Miliz, wenn sie im activen Dienste ist, soll körperlicher Züchtigung nach den Militairgesezen ausgesetzt sein.
S ECT. 22. That no soldier in time of peace, be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war but in the manner prescribed by law.
A BSCH . 22. Kein Soldat soll zur Zeit des Friedens in einem Hause, ohne Genehmigung des Eigenthümers einquartirt werden, auch nicht in Kriegszeiten, ausser so wie dieses im Gesetze vorgeschrieben ist.
S ECT. 23. That the levying taxes by the poll, is grievous and oppressive, therefore, the legislature shall never levy a poll tax for county or state purposes.
A BSCH . 23. Daß Erhebung von Taxen durch Kopfsteuer hart und drückend sei, und daher die Gesezgebung niemals zu Staat oder Caunty Zwecken eine solche auferlegen solle.
S ECT. 24. That no hereditary emoluments, privileges or honors, shall ever be granted or conferred by this state.
A BSCH . 24. Daß niemals Erblichkeit des Einkommens, der Vorrechte oder Ehrenstellen in diesem Staate eingeführt werden dürfe.
S ECT. 25. That no law shall be passed to prevent the poor in the several counties and townships within this state, from an equal participation in the schools, academies, colleges and universities within this state, which are endowed, in whole or in part, from the revenue arising from the80 donations made by the United States for the support of schools and colleges; and the doors of the said schools81 academies and universities, shall be open for the reception of scholars, students82 and teachers of every grade, without any distinction or preference whatever; contrary to the intent for which the83 said donations were made.
A BSCH . 25. Daß nie ein Gesez Gültigkeit erlangen könne, wodurch Arme in den verschiedenen Caunties oder Taunschips dieses Staates von der gleichen Theilnahme an Schulen, Akademien, höheren Schulen oder100 Universitäten in diesem Staate ausgeschlossen werden, wenn diese ganz oder theilweise gegründet sind und unterhalten werden durch Einkünfte, welche von den Stiftungen101 der Ver. Staaten für Schulen und Collegien herrühren; die Thüren dieser Schulen, Academien und Universitäten sollen vielmehr allen Schülern, Studenten und Lehrern jedes Standes, ohne allen Vorzug oder Unterschied, offen stehen, weil jenes dem Zweck der Stiftung geradezu entgegen wäre.
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O HIO S ECT. 26. That laws shall be passed by the legislature, which shall secure to each and every denomination of religious societies, in each surveyed township which now is or may hereafter be formed in the state, an equal participation, according to their number of adherents, of the profits arising from the land granted by congress for the support of religion, agreeably to the ordinance or act of congress making the appropriation.
A BSCH . 26. Daß die Gesezgebung Gesetze erlassen solle, wodurch religiösen Gesellschaften von jeder Benennung nach der Anzahl ihrer Anhänger, in jedem bereits errichteten oder noch zu errichtenden Taunschip, ihr gebührender Antheil an dem Gewinn von dem Lande, welches der Congreß, nach einer besondern Verordnung zur Unterstützung und Beförderung der Religion verwilligt hat, zugesichert wird.
S ECT. 27. That every association of persons when regularly formed within this state and having given themselves a name, may on application to the legislature, be entitled to receive letters of incorporation, to enable them to hold estates, real and personal, for the support of their schools, academies, colleges universities and for other purposes.
A BSCH . 27. Daß jede regelmäßig gebildete Gesellschaft, die einen eigenen Namen führt, auf Ansuchen bei der Gesetzgebung Incorporations-Schreiben erhalten solle, kraft der sie liegendes and anderes Eigenthum zur Errichtung von Schulen, Akademien, Collegien, Universitäten und anderen Zwecken, besitzen kann.
S ECT. 28. To guard against the transgressions84 of the high powers which we have delegated, we declare, that all powers not hereby delegated, remain with the people.
A BSCH . 28. Um vor Mißbrauch der hohen Gewalt, welche wir durch diese Constitution ertheilt haben, zu verwahren, so erklären wir, daß alle und jede Gewalt, welche hiedurch nicht besonders an Jemand übertragen ist, dem Volke vorbehalten bleibt.
SCHEDULE
ANHANG102
S ECT. 1. That no evils or inconveniences may arise from the change of a territorial government to a permanent state government, it is declared by this convention, that all rights, suits, actions, prosecutions, claims and contracts, both as it respects individuals and bodies85 corporate, shall continue as if no change had taken place in this86 government.
A BSCH . 1. Damit durch die Umänderung der Gebiets-Regierung in eine bleibende Staatsregierung keine Unbequemlichkeiten und Nachtheile entstehen mögen, so erklärt diese Convention hiermit, daß alle Rechtsansprüche, Gesuche, Klagen, Processe, Forderungen und Verträge, sowohl von Privaten als Corporationen, eben so fortdauern sollen, wie wenn keine Regierungsveränderung statt gefunden hätte.
S ECT. 2. All fines, penalties and forfeitures, due and owing to the Territory of the United States North-west of the river ohio, shall inure to the use of the State. All bonds executed to the Governor, or any other officer in his official capacity, in the Territory, shall pass over to the governor or the87 other
A BSCH . 2. Alle Strafgelder, und Bussen103 , welche das Gebiet der Verreinigten Staaten nordwestlich vom Ohio Fluße einzunehmen hat, sollen dem Staate anheimfallen. Alle Verschreibungen ausgestellt von dem Gouvernör oder einem andern Beamten, in deren Eigenschaft als Beamten des Gebiets,
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1802) officers of the state and their successors in office, for the use of the state, or by him or them to be respectively assigned over to the use of those concerned, as the case may be.
sollen an den Guvernör oder die Beamten des Staates und ihre Amtsnachfolger zum Besten des Staates oder durch jene Beamten zum Nutzen derer, die sie angehen, überschrieben werden.
S ECT. 3. The governor, secretary and judges, and all other officers under the territorial government, shall continue in the exercise of the duties of their respective departments, until the said offices88 are superseded under the authority of this constitution.
A BSCH . 3. Der Guvernör, Secretär, Richter und andere104 Beamten der Gebietsregierung sollen in der Ausübung ihrer Amtspflichten in ihren betreffenden Distrikten105 bleiben, bis diese Aemter nach Verordnung dieser Constitution aufgehoben sind.
S ECT. 4. All laws and parts of laws, now in force in this territory, not inconsistent with this constitution, shall continue and remain in full effect until repealed by the legislature, except so much of the Act, entitled, “An Act regulating the admission and practice of attornies and counsellors at law,” and of the act made amedatory thereto, as relates89 to the term of time which the applicant shall have studied law, his residence within the Territory and the term of time which he shall have practised as an attorney at law before he can be admitted to the degree of a counsellor at law.
A BSCH . 4. Alle Gesetze und Gesezes Abschnitte, welche gegenwärtig in diesem Gebiete in Kraft sind und mit dieser Constitution des Staates nicht in Widerspruch stehen, sollen in vollkommener Kraft und Wirkung bleiben, bis sie von der Gesezgebung wiederrufen werden, ausgenommen von der Akte betittelt „Eine Akte, die Aufnahme und Praxis der Anwälde und von deren Verbesserung dasjenige106 , was Bezug hat auf den Zeitraum welchen Rechtsgelehrte107 zu studiren und, den Ort, wo sie sich niederzulassen haben, und wie lange sie praktizirt108 haben müssen, ehe sie zu dem Grade eines Anwaldes109 zugelassen werden.
S ECT. 5. The governor of the state shall make use of his private seal until a state seal be procured.
A BSCH . 5. Der Gouvernör dieses Staates soll so lange, bis ein Staatssiegel angeschafft ist, von seinem Privatsiegel Gebrauch machen.
S ECT. 6. The president of the convention shall issue writs of election to the Sheriffs of the several counties, requiring them to proceed to the election of a governor, members of the general assembly, sheriffs and coroners, at the respective election districts in each county, on the second Tuesday of January next; which elections90 shall91 be conducted in the manner prescribed by the existing election laws of this92 territory: and the members of the general assembly, sheriffs and coroners93 then elected shall continue to exercise the duties of their respec-
A BSCH . 6. Der Präsident der Convention soll Ausschreiben zu einer Wahl an die Scherifs der verschiedenen Cauntys ergehen lassen und dieselben auffordern auf den 2ten Dienstag im Januar110 in den verschiedenen Wahldistrikten eines jeden Caunty die Wahl eines Guvernörs der Glieder für die Gesezgebung, Scherifs und Coroners anzuordnen, welche Wahlen nach der bestehenden Wahlordnung des Gebiets vorgenommen werden sollen; die bei dieser Wahl ernannten Glieder der Gesezgebung111 sollen dann, wie es in dieser Constitution vorgeschrieben ist, ihr
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O HIO tive offices, until the next annual or biennial election thereafter, as prescribed in this constitution and no longer.
Amt bis zu der nächsten jährlichen oder 2 jährlichen Wahl begleiten, aber nicht länger.
S ECT. 7. Until the first enumeration shall be made, as directed in the second section of the first article of this94 constitution: The County of Hamilton shall be entitled to four senators and eight representatives. The county of Clermont, one senator and two representatives. The County of Adams one senator and three representatives. The county of Ross, two senators and four representatives. The county of Fairfield, one Senator and two representatives. The county of Washington, two senators and three representatives. The county of Belmont, one senator and two representatives. The county of Jefferson, two senators and four representatives, and the county of Trumbull, one senator and two representatives.
A BSCH . 7. Bis die erste Volkszählung nach Vorschrift des 2ten Abschnittes des ersten Artikels in dieser Constitution, vorgenommen sein wird – soll Hamilton Caunty zu 4. Senatoren und 8 Representanten, Clermont Co. zu 1 Senator und 2 Representanten, Adams Co. zu 1 Senator und 3 Representanten, Roß Co. zu 2 Senatoren und 4 Representanten, Fairfield Co. zu 1 Senator und 2 Representanten, Washington Co. zu 2 Senatoren und 3 Representanten, Belmont Co. zu 1 Senator und 2 Representanten, Jefferson Co. 2 Senatoren und 4 Representanten und Trumbull Co. zu 2 Senatoren und 2 Representanten berechtigt sein.
Done in convention at Chillicothe the 29th day of November in the year of our Lord 1802 and of the Independence of the United States of America the twenty seventh.95
Geschehen bei der Convention zu Chillicothe den 29ten Tag des Monats November im Jahr unsers Herrn tausend achthundert und zwei, und dem sieben und zwanzigsten Jahr der Unabhängigkeits Erklärung112 der Ver. Staaten von Nordamerika.
In Testimony whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names.
Zur Beglaubigung haben wir unsern Namen eigenhändig unterzeichnet.
EDWARD TIFFIN, President and Representative from the County of Ross. Joseph Darlinton96 Israel Donalson Tho[ma]s Kirker James Caldwell Elijah Woods
Belmont County
Philip Gatch James Sargent
Henry Abrams Em[anue]l Carpenter
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Adams County
Clermont County Fairfield County
EDUARD TIFFIN, President. THOMAS SCOTT Secretair.
C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1802) John W. Browne Charles Willing Byrd Francis Dunlavy William Goforth John Kitchel Jeremiah Morrow John Paul John Reily John Smith John Willson97 Rudolph Bair98 George Humphrey John Milligan Nathan Updegraff Bazaleel Wells Michael Baldwin James Grubb Nath[anie]l Massie T.99 Worthington David Abbot Sam[ue]l Huntington
Hamilton County
Jefferson County
Ross County
Trumbull County Ephraim Cutler Benj[amin]. Ives Gilman Washington County c John M Intire Rufus Putnam Attest THOMAS SCOTT Secretary
1
Verified by Constitution of the State of Ohio; Done in Convention, Begun and Held at Chillicothe, on Monday the First Day of November, A. D. One Thousand Eight Hundred and Two, and of the Independence of the United States the Twenty-Seventh. Published by Authority, Chillicothe: From the Press of N. Willis, Printer to the Convention, 1802, 32 p., and corrected according to the enrolled manuscript preserved in the Ohio Historical Society at Columbus, OH. Also checked against the versions published in Letter From Thomas Worthington, Inclosing an Ordinance Passed by the Convention of the State of Ohio, Together With the Constitution, Formed and Agreed to be the Convention for the said State, and Sundry Propositions Submitted to the Congress of the United States. 23d December, 1802, [Washington?: s.n.], 1802, 7–31, in Acts of the State of Ohio, Passed and Revised, First Session of the Third General Assembly, Begun and Held
1
Verified by “Constitution des Staates Ohio,” in: Deutsches Gesezbuch: enthaltend, nebst der Unabhängigkeits-Erklärung und Verfassung der Vereinigten Staaten; die Verfassung und allgemeinen Geseze des Staates Ohio. Gesammelt und übersezt von Georg Walker, Germantown: Gedruckt bei Walker u. Espich, 1839, 29–45, 312. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Germantown print. Italics are used when emphasis is given in the Germantown print. Obvious typographical errors have been tacitly corrected. In editing the translation annotations have been inserted only when the translation is unclear or incomplete or the meaning of the original distorted. The idiosyncrasies of style, the result of the cultural encounter of a growing number of German immigrants with the rapidly changing American political landscape, have not been annotated. 2 The first four sections were forgotten by the printer
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O HIO at the Town of Chillicothe, December 3, 1804, and in the Third Year of the Said State. Also, the Constitution of the United States, Ordinance, Constitution of the State of Ohio, Laws of Congress, Report of Auditor and Treasurer, &c. Published by Authority, vol. I, Chillicothe: Printed by N. Willis, Printer to the State, 1805, xlii-lxviii, in George B. Okey and John H. Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio of 1802 and 1851, with Notes to the Decisions Construing Them, and References to the Constitutional Debates, Columbus, Ohio: Nevins & Myers, State Printers, 1873, 3–33, in Isaac Franklin Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, Amendments, and Proposed Amendments, including the Ordinance of 1787, the Act of Congress dividing the Northwest Territory, and the Acts of Congress creating and recognizing the State of Ohio. Complete original texts, with historical data, records of the vote cast, contemporary newspaper comment, detailed comparisons and historical introduction, Cleveland, Ohio: The Arthur H. Clark Company, 1912, 73–97, and as published on the internet by the Ohio Historical Society at http://www.ohiohistory.org/onlinedoc/ ohgovernment/constitution/cnst1802.html. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the enrolled manuscript. Italics are used when emphasis is given in the manuscript. Obvious errors in writing or typographical errors have been tacitly corrected and are not annotated. The constitution was adopted by the convention on November 29, 1802, and not submitted to the people. Congressed passed the act of admission on February 19, 1803 (U.S. Statutes at Large, 7th Congress, Sess. II, Ch. 7), making Ohio the 17th state of the Union (cf. generally, Barbara A. Terzian, “Ohio’s Constitutional Conventions and Constitutions,” in: The History of Ohio Law, ed. by Michael Les Benedict and John F. Winkler, 2 vols., Athens: Ohio University Press, 2004, I, 40–50; Randolph C. Downes, “Ohio’s First Constitution,” in: Northwest Ohio Quarterly, 25 [1952–53], 12–21). With increasing numbers of German immigrants to the state a German translation of the constitution (q.v.) was published in 1839. As the constitution only allowed for its emendation by way of convention, a proposal for a convention was submitted to the people, but rejected by them on October 12, 1819 by a vote of 29,315 to 6,987. A second proposal, however, was adopted on October 9, 1849, by a vote of 145,698 to 51,167 (cf. Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 98–99), leading to the second Constitution of Ohio of 1851 (q.v.). 2 “An Ordinance for the Government of the Territory of the United States, North-West of the River Ohio”, July 13, 1787, in: Laws of the Territory of the United States, North-West of the River Ohio, Passed at the first session, of the General Assembly, Begun and held at Cincinnati, on Monday, the sixteenth day of September, A. D. One thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine [. . . ] with an Appendix, Containing resolutions, the
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and appeared as an addendum to the book on p. 312. 3 In English original, “legislature”. 4 In German translation, “on the second Tuesday of October” missing. 5 In English original, “shall constitute a quorum”. 6 In English original, “dissent”. 7 In English original, “treason, felony”. 8 In English original, “session of the general assembly”. 9 In English original, “session”. 10 In English original, “legislature”. 11 In English original, “but in consequence of appropriations made by law”. 12 In German translation, “of the public money” missing. 13 In English original, “impeaching”. 14 In English original, “must concur in an impeachment”. 15 In English original, “indictment”. 16 In English original, “The first session of the general assembly”. 17 In German translation, “in every year” missing. 18 In English original, “this”. 19 In English original, “clerk of any court of record”. 20 In English original, “general assembly”. 21 In German translation, “the person having the highest number of votes shall be governor,” missing. 22 In English original, “by joint ballot of both houses of the general assembly”. 23 In English original, “inhabitant”. 24 In English original, “impeachment”. 25 In English original, “compensation”. 26 In English original, “information in writing”. 27 In English original, “faithfully”. 28 In English original, “during the recess”. 29 In English original, “to fill such vacancy, by granting a commission”. 30 In English original, “at the end of the next session of the legislature”. 31 In English original, “convene the general assembly by proclamation,”. 32 In English original, “a period beyond the annual meeting of the legislature”. 33 In English original, “impeachment”. 34 In English original, “acquitted”. 35 In English original, “shall be duly qualified”. 36 In German translation, “officially” missing. 37 In English original, “grants and commissions”. 38 In English original, “all official acts and proceedings”. 39 In English original, “The judicial power”. 40 In English original, “any two of whom shall be a quorum”. 41 In English original, “circuits”. 42 In English original, “associate judges”. 43 In English original, “complete criminal jurisdiction”.
V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1802) ordinance of Congress for the Government of the Territory [. . . ], Published by Authority, I, Cincinnati: From the press of Carpenter & Findlay, Printers to the Territory, 1800, 254–255 (art. V). An act of Congress of August 7, 1789 provided “certain provisions [. . . ] so as to adapt the same to the present Constitution of the United States,” U.S. Statutes at Large, 1st Congress, Sess. I, Ch. 8. 3 U. S. Statutes at Large, 7th Congress, Sess. I, Ch. 40. 4 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 3, and, in square brackets, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 73, title line “Of the Legislative Power” added. In Internet publication, “Of the Legislative Powers” added. 5 In Internet publication, “and a”. 6 Ibid., “and”. 7 Ibid., word missing. 8 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 76, “committee”. 9 Ibid., “is pending”. 10 Ibid., 77, “President”. 11 In Internet publication, “Court”. 12 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 8, and in Internet publication, “case”. 13 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 78, “persons”. 14 In Internet publication, “justice”. 15 Ibid., “appointments”. 16 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 9, in Internet publication, and, in square brackets, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 79, title line “Of the Executive” added. 17 In Internet publication, “shall the Governor”. 18 Ibid., instead of last two words “either”. 19 Ibid., “service”. 20 Ibid., word missing. 21 In Session Law print, l, “any”. 22 In Internet publication, “with the”. 23 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 81, “such a”. 24 In Internet publication, “is”. 25 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 10, in Internet publication, and, in square brackets, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 81, before section title line “Secretary of State” added. 26 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 11, in Internet publication, and, in square brackets, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 82, title line “Of the Judiciary” added. 27 In Internet publication, “and”. 28 Ibid., “appointments”. 29 Ibid., “President”. 30 In Constitution of the State of Ohio, 15, in Letter From Thomas Worthington, 17, and in Session Law print, liii, “court”. 31 In Internet publication, “Courts”.
44
In English original, “guardians”. In English original, “to issue writs of certiorari to the justices of the peace”. 46 In English original, “associate judges”. 47 In German translation, “white” missing. 48 In English original, “by ballot”. 49 In English original, “compelled”. 50 In English original, “Colonels”. 51 In English original, “commissioned officers”. 52 In English original, “by joint ballot”. 53 In German translation, “brigadiers general shall appoint their” missing. 54 In German translation, “and subalterns” missing. 55 In English original, “non-commissioned”. 56 In English original, “the captains and subalterns their non-commissioned officers”. 57 In English original, “assembly”. 58 In English original, “by a joint ballot”. 59 In English original, “to vote for members of the assembly”. 60 In English original, “meat”. 61 In English original, “money, or otherwise”. 62 In English original, “laws”. 63 In English original, “give, promise, or bestow”. 64 In German translation, “by the legislature of this state” missing. 65 In English original, “convention”. 66 In English original, “session”. 67 In English original, “revising, amending, or changing”. 68 In English original, “involuntary servitude”. 69 In German translation, “on the South” missing. 70 In English original, “equally free and independent”. 71 In English original, “protecting property”. 72 In English original, “pursuing and obtaining”. 73 In English original, “and every free republican government being founded on their sole authority and organized for the great purpose of protecting their rights and liberties, and securing their independence; to effect these ends, they have at all times, a complete power to alter, reform, or abolish their government, whenever they may deem it necessary”. 74 In English original, “involuntary servitude”. 75 In German translation, “bona fide” missing. 76 In English original, “any indenture”. 77 In English original, “negro”. 78 In German translation, “ever” missing. 79 In English original, “or”. 80 In English original, “knowledge”. 81 In English original, “happiness of mankind”. 82 In English original, “means of instruction”. 83 In English original, last two words missing. 84 In English original, “and without oath or affirmation”. 85 In English original, “be open and free”. 86 In English original, “wishes to examine”. 87 In English original, “every citizen”. 45
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O HIO 32
Ibid., “President”. In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 13, “of the”. 34 In Internet publication, “President”. 35 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 14, in Internet publication, and, in square brackets, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 84, title line “Of Elections and Electors” added. 36 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 15, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 85, and in Internet publication, word missing. 37 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 15, in Internet publication, and, in square brackets, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 85, title line “Of the Militia Officers” added. 38 In Internet publication, “person”. 39 Ibid., “Brigadier-generals”. 40 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 86, “such a”. 41 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 16, in Internet publication, and, in square brackets, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 86, title line “Of Civil Officers” added. 42 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 86, “of the”. 43 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 16, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 86, and in Internet publication, word missing. 44 In Internet publication, “appointments”. 45 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 16, in Internet publication, and, in square brackets, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 87, title line “Official Oaths” added. 46 In Internet publication, “or”. 47 Ibid., “taking”. 48 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 16, in Internet publication, and, in square brackets, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 87, before section title line “Bribery at Elections” added. 49 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 16, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 87, and in Internet publication, “law”. 50 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 17, in Internet publication, and, in square brackets, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 87, before section title line “Of New Counties” added. 51 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 17, in Internet publication, and, in square brackets, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 87, before section title line “Of the Seat of Government” added. 52 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 17, in Internet publication, and, in square brackets, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 88, before section title line “Of Amendments to the Constitution” added. 53 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 17, in Internet publication, and, in square brackets, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 88, before section title line “Boundaries of the State” added. 33
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88
In English original, last part of sentence missing. In English original, “have a right to determine the law and the facts”. 90 In English original, “denial”. 91 In English original, “power of suspending laws”. 92 In English original, “witnesses”. 93 In English original, “in jeopardy”. 94 In English original, “evident”. 95 In English original, “suspended”. 96 In English original, “the people are led to forget the real distinction in the crimes themselves”. 97 In English original, “unjust”. 98 In English original, “continued in prison”. 99 In English original, “to instruct their representatives”. 100 In English original, “colleges and”. 101 In English original, “donations”. 102 In English original, “Schedule”. 103 In English original, “All fines, penalties and forfeitures”. 104 In English original, “all other”. 105 In English original, “departments”. 106 In English original, “’An Act regulating the admission and practice of attornies and counsellors at law,’ and of the act made amendatory thereto”. 107 In English original, “applicant”. 108 In English original, “practiced as an attorney at law”. 109 In English original, “counselor at law”. 110 In German translation, “next” missing. 111 In German translation, “sheriffs and coroners” missing. 112 In English original, “of the Independence”. 89
C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1802) 54 In Internet publication, “river, on the West by the line drawn due North from the mouth of the Great Miami” missing. 55 Ibid., “line and”. 56 Ibid., “then in the case”. 57 Ibid., word missing. 58 This occurred with the act of Congress of June 15, 1836 (“An Act to establish the northern boundary line of the State of Ohio, and to provide for the admission of the State of Michigan into the Union, upon the conditions therein expressed”) which settled the boundary dispute with Michigan over the so-called Toledo strip, U.S. Statutes at Large, 24th Congress, Sess. I, Ch. 99. 59 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 18, in Internet publication, and, in square brackets, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 89, title line “Bill of Rights” added. 60 In Internet publication, word missing. 61 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 19, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 90, and in Internet publication, “under the”. 62 In Internet publication, “on a”. 63 In Letter From Thomas Worthington, 23, word missing. 64 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 90, “servitude”. 65 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 19, word missing. 66 Ibid., 23, and in Internet publication, “the”. 67 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 23, word missing. 68 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 92, word missing. 69 Ibid., “accusations”. 70 In Internet publication, “twice be”. 71 Ibid., “is great”. 72 Ibid., “the”. 73 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 92, and in Internet publication, “punishment”. 74 In Session Law print, lxii, in Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 26, and in Internet publication, “undistinguished”. 75 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 26, and in Internet publication, “slightest”. 76 In Internet publication, “punishment”. 77 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 26, and in Internet publication, “or”. 78 In Internet publication, “in”. 79 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 30, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 93, and in Internet publication, “for a”. 80 In Session Law print, lxiv, in Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 31, and in Internet publication, word missing. 81 In Internet publication, “and colleges; and the doors of the said schools” missing. 82 Ibid., “and students”.
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O HIO 83 In Session Law print, lxiv, in Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 31, and in Internet publication, word missing. 84 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 31, “transgression”. 85 In Internet publication, “body”. 86 Ibid., “the”. 87 Ibid., “and”. 88 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 32, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 95, and in Internet publication, “officers”. 89 In Internet publication, “related”. 90 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 96, and in Internet publication, “election”. 91 In Internet publication, “will”. 92 Ibid., “the”. 93 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 32, and in Internet publication, last three words missing. 94 In Internet publication, “the”. 95 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 92, rest missing. 96 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 33, and in Internet publication, “Darlington”. 97 In Constitution of the State of Ohio, 32, in Journal of the Convention, of the Territory of the United States North-west of the Ohio, Begun and Held at Chillicothe, on Monday the First Day of November, A. D. One Thousand Eight Hundred and Two, and of the Independence of the United States the Twenty-Seventh. Published by Authority, Chillicothe: From the Press of N. Willis, Printer to the Convention, 1802, 45, in Letter From Thomas Worthington, 31, in Session Law print, lxviii, and in Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 33, “Wilson”. In Internet publication, name missing. 98 In Constitution of the State of Ohio, 32, and in Letter From Thomas Worthington, 31, “Bear”. 99 In Session Law print, lxviii, in Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 33, and in Internet publication, ”Thomas”.
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Constitution of Ohio (1851)
Verfassung von Ohio (1851)
Constitution of the State of Ohio1
Verfassung des Staates Ohio1
We, the people of the State of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our2 common welfare, do establish this Constitution.
Wir, das Volk des Staates Ohio, Gott dem Allmächtigen für unsere Freiheit dankbar, stellen zur Sicherung ihrer Segnungen und zur Förderung unserer gemeinsamen Wohlfahrt, diese Verfassung fest.
ARTICLE I
ARTIKEL I
Bill of Rights
Grund-Rechte
S ECT. 1. All men are, by nature, free and independent, and have certain inalienable rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and seeking and obtaining happiness and safety.
A BSCH . 1. Alle Menschen sind von Natur frei und unabhängig und haben gewisse unveräusserliche Rechte, wozu gehören: Leben und Freiheit zu genießen und zu vertheidigen, Eigenthum zu erwerben, zu besitzen und zu wahren, Glück und Sicherheit zu erstreben und zu erlangen.
S ECT. 2. All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their equal protection and benefit, and they have the right to alter, reform, or abolish the same, whenever they may deem it necessary; and no special privileges or3 immunities shall ever be granted, that may not be altered, revoked, or repealed by the General Assembly.
A BSCH . 2. Alle politische Gewalt ruht im Volke. Die Regierung ist bestellt zu gleichem Schutz und Frommen; es hat das Recht, dieselbe zu ändern, umzugestalten oder abzuschaffen, so oft es dies für nöthig erachtet, und keine Sonder- oder Ausnahms-Rechte sollen je verliehen werden, die nicht von der General-Versammlung geändert, zurückgenommen oder widerrufen werden können.
S ECT. 3. The people have the right to assemble together, in a peaceable manner, to consult for their common good; to instruct their Representatives; and to petition
A BSCH . 3. Das Volk hat das Recht sich friedlich zu versammeln, um über sein Gemeinbestes zu berathen, seinen Repräsentanten Aufträge zu ertheilen und bei der Ge-
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O HIO the General Assembly for the redress of grievances.
neral-Versammlung um2 Abstellung der Beschwerden anzusuchen.
S ECT. 4. The people have the right to bear arms for their defence and security; but standing armies, in time of peace, are dangerous to liberty, and shall not be kept up; and the military shall be in strict subordination to the civil power.
A BSCH . 4. Das Volk hat das Recht zu seiner Vertheidigung und Sicherheit Waffen zu tragen; stehende Heere aber in Friedenszeiten sind der Freiheit gefährlich und sollen nicht aufrecht erhalten werden. Die Militärmacht soll der Civilmacht strenge untergeordnet sein.
S ECT. 5. The right of trial by jury shall be inviolate.
A BSCH . 5. Das Recht der Untersuchung durch ein Geschwornen-Gericht soll unverletzlich sein.
S ECT. 6. There shall be no slavery in this State; nor involuntary servitude, unless for the punishment of crime.
A BSCH . 6. Es soll in diesem Staate keine Sklaverei bestehen, auch keine unfreiwillige Dienstbarkeit, außer zur Bestrafung von Verbrechen.
S ECT. 7. All men4 have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own conscience. No person shall be compelled to attend, erect, or support any place of worship, or maintain any form of worship, against his consent; and no preference shall be given, by law, to any religious society; nor shall any interference with the rights of conscience be permitted. No religious test shall be required, as a qualification for office, nor shall any person be incompetent to be a witness on account of his religious belief; but nothing herein shall be construed to dispense with oaths and affirmations. Religion, morality, and knowledge, however, being essential to good government, it shall be the duty of the General Assembly to pass suitable laws, to protect every religious denomination in the peaceable enjoyment of its own mode of public worship, and to encourage schools, and the means of instruction.
A BSCH . 7. Alle Menschen haben ein natürliches und unverletzliches Recht, Gott den Allmächtigen nach der Stimme ihres eigenen Gewissens zu verehren. Niemand kann gezwungen werden, wider seine Zustimmung einen Platz zur Gottesverehrung zu besuchen, zu erbauen oder zu unterstützen, oder irgend3 eine Form zur4 Gottesverehrung aufrecht zu erhalten. Keiner religiösen Gesellschaft soll gesetzlich ein Vorzug eingeräumt, noch irgend eine Einmischung in die Rechte des Gewissens gestattet werden. Es soll kein religiöser Test als Befähigung zum Amte gefordert werden, und Niemand wegen seines religiösen Glaubens als Zeuge untüchtig sein; doch soll hieraus keineswegs die Beseitigung der Eide und eideskräftigen Bejahungen gefolgert werden. Da indeß Religion, Sittlichkeit und Aufklärung5 wesentlich sind für eine gute Regierung, so soll es die Pflicht der GeneralVersammlung sein, angemessene Gesetze zu erlassen, um jede religiöse Confession in der friedlichen Ausübung ihrer eigenen Weise der öffentlichen Gottesverehrung zu schützen, und Schulen und die Mittel zur Bildung6 zu fördern.
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1851) S ECT. 8. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless, in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety require5 it.
A BSCH . 8. Das Recht auf den Gerichtsbefehl für das Habeas Corpus soll nicht aufgehoben werden, außer in Fällen von Empörung und feindlichem Einfall, wenn es die öffentliche Sicherheit erheischt.
S ECT. 9. All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offences, where the proof is evident, or the presumption great. Excessive bail shall not be required; nor excessive fines imposed; nor cruel and unusual punishments6 inflicted.
A BSCH . 9. Alle Personen sollen gegen hinreichende Bürgschaft auf freien Fuß gestellt werden können, außer wegen Verbrechen, die die Todesstrafe nach sich ziehen, wenn der Beweis klar vorliegt, oder die Wahrscheinlichkeit sehr stark ist. Es sollen weder übermäßige Bürgschaften gefordert, noch übermäßige Strafen auferlegt, noch grausame und außergewöhnliche7 Strafen verhängt werden.
S ECT. 10. Except in cases of impeachment, and cases arising in the army and navy, or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger, and in cases of petit larceny and other inferior offences, no7 person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on presentment or indictment of a grand jury. In any trial, in any Court, the party accused shall be allowed to appear and defend in person and with counsel; to demand the nature and cause of the accusation against him, and to have a copy thereof; to meet8 the witnesses face to face, and to have compulsory process to procure the attendance of witnesses in his behalf, and a speedy public trial by an impartial jury of the county or district, in which the offence is alleged to have been committed; nor shall any person be compelled, in any criminal case, to be a witness against himself, or be twice put in jeopardy for the same offence.
A BSCH . 10. Niemand soll verbunden sein, sich wegen eines die Todesstrafe nach sich ziehenden oder sonst schändenden Verbrechens zu verantworten, es sei denn auf Anzeige oder Anklage eines Großgeschwornengerichts; ausgenommen hiervon sind Anklagen wegen Amtsverletzung, Straffälle in der Armee und8 der Marine oder der Bürgerwehr, wenn sie sich in wirklichem Dienste befindet, zur Zeit des Kriegs oder öffentlichen Gefahr, und Straffälle wegen einfachen Diebstahls und anderer geringerer Vergehen. In irgend einer Untersuchung oder9 irgend einem Gericht soll es der angeklagten Partei erlaubt sein, persönlich und mit einem Anwalt zu erscheinen und sich zu vertheidigen, den Charakter und die Ursache der Anschuldigung zu verlangen, sich eine Abschrift hievon ertheilen zu lassen, den Zeugen Angesicht zu Angesicht gegenüber zu stehen, ein Zwangsverfahren zur Beibringung seiner Vertheidigungs-Zeugen einzuleiten und eine ungesäumte Untersuchung durch ein unparteiisches Geschwornengericht in dem County oder Bezirke, wo das Vergehen verübt worden sein soll, zu haben; auch soll Niemand gezwungen werden, in einer Criminal-Sache Zeuge gegen sich selbst zu sein, oder zweimal wegen desselben Vergehens gerichtlich gefährdet werden. 217
O HIO S ECT. 11. Every citizen may freely speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of the right; and no law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech, or of the press. In all criminal prosecutions for libel, the truth may be given in evidence to the jury, and if it shall appear to the jury, that the matter charged9 as libellous is true, and was published with good motives, and for justifiable ends, the party shall be acquitted.
A BSCH . 11. Jeder Bürger ist befugt über alle Gegenstände seine Meinung frei auszusprechen, niederzuschreiben und zu veröffentlichen, ist aber für den Mißbrauch dieses Rechts verantwortlich; und kein Gesetz soll erlassen werden zur Beschränkung oder Schmälerung der Rede- oder Preßfreiheit. Zu allen Criminalklagen wegen Verläumdung10 darf von dem Geschwornengericht die Wahrheit erwiesen werden, und wenn es dem Geschwornengerichte erhellte, daß die als verläumderisch erklärten Punkte wahr sind, und aus guten Beweggründen und Endzwecken, die eine Rechtfertigung zulassen, veröffentlich worden, so soll die Partei freigesprochen werden.
S ECT. 12. No person shall be transported out of the State, for any offence committed within the same; and no conviction shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture of estate.
A BSCH . 12. Niemand soll aus dem Staate transportirt werden wegen einer in demselben verübten Rechtsverletzung; und keine Verurtheilung soll Anrüchigkeit der Familie11 oder Confiskation des Eigenthums zur Folge haben.
S ECT. 13. No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner; nor, in time of war, except in the manner prescribed by law.
A BSCH . 13. Kein Soldat soll in Friedenszeiten ohne Einwilligung des Eigenthümers in einem Hause einquartirt werden; ebensowenig in Kriegszeiten, außer in der gesetzlich vorgeschriebenen Weise.
S ECT. 14. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and possessions, against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated; and no warrant shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, particularly describing the place to be searched, and the person10 and things to be seized.
A BSCH . 14. Das Recht des Volkes auf Sicherheit der Person, des Hauses, der Papiere und Besitzungen gegen unbillige Aussuchung und Beschlagnahme soll12 nicht verletzt und kein Haft- oder Beschlags-Befehl13 erlassen werden, der sich nicht auf Wahrscheinlichkeit stützt, einen Eid oder eideskräftige Bejahung zu Grunde hat, und den zu durchsuchenden Platz und die in Haft zu nehmende Person und Dinge genau bezeichnet.
S ECT. 15. No person shall be imprisoned for debt in any civil action, on mesne or final process, unless in cases of fraud.
A BSCH . 15. Niemand soll in einer Civilklage, sei es in einem Inzident- oder endlichen Verfahren14 , wegen Schulden eingekerkert werden, außer in Fällen des Betrugs.
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1851) S ECT. 16. All courts shall be open, and every person, for an injury done him in his land, goods, person, or reputation, shall have remedy by due course of law; and justice administered without denial or delay.
A BSCH . 16. Alle Gerichte sollen offen sein, und Jeder, dem Nachtheil15 zugefügt wurde an seinem Land, seinen Gütern, seiner Person oder seinem guten Namen, soll Rechtshülfe haben nach gebührlichem Gesetzesverlaufe, und ihm ohne Weigerung oder Verzug Gerechtigkeit gewährt werden.
S ECT. 17. No hereditary emoluments, honors, or privileges, shall ever be granted or conferred by this State.
A BSCH . 17. Dieser Staat soll nie erbliche Einkünfte, Würden oder Rechte gewähren oder verleihen.
S ECT. 18. No power of suspending laws shall ever be exercised, except by the General Assembly.
A BSCH . 18. Das Recht, die Wirksamkeit der Gesetze aufzuheben, soll nie ausgeübt werden, außer von der General-Versammlung.
S ECT. 19. Private property shall ever be held inviolate, but subservient to the public welfare. When taken in time of war or other public exigency, imperatively requiring its immediate seizure or for the purpose of making or repairing roads, which shall be open to the public, without charge, a compensation shall be made to the owner, in money: and in all other cases, where private property shall be taken for public use, a compensation therefor shall first be made in money, or first secured by a deposit of money; and such compensation shall be assessed by a jury, without deduction for benefits to any property of the owner.
A BSCH . 1916 . Privat-Eigenthum soll stets als unverletzlich gelten, jedoch Zwecken der öffentlichen Wohlfahrt17 untergeordnet sein. Wird es in Kriegszeiten oder für einen anderen öffentlichen Nothfall, der dringend die ungesäumte Besitznahme erheischt, oder zur Anlegung oder Ausbesserung von Straßen, die dem Publikum zu kostenfreiem Gebrauche offen stehen, weggenommen, so soll dem Eigenthümer eine Geldentschädigung gegeben, und in allen andern Fällen, in denen man Privateigenthum zu öffentlichem Gebrauche wegnehmen will, hiefür vorerst eine Entschäd[ig]ung in Geld oder Sicherheit durch Hinterlegung einer Summe Geldes geleistet werden, und solche Entschädigung ist von einem Geschwornengericht zu bestimmen, ohne Abzug für Vortheile, welche dem Eigenthümer für irgend einen Theil seines Eigenthums zu Statten kommen mögen.
S ECT. 20. This enumeration of rights shall not be construed to impair or deny others retained by the people; and all powers, not herein delegated, remain with the people.
A BSCH . 20. Diese Aufzählung der Grundrechte soll nicht so ausgelegt werden, als würden dadurch andere dem Volke vorbehaltene Rechte geschmälert oder in Abrede gestellt; es verbleibt vielmehr dem Volke alle Gewalt, die hierin nicht abgetreten18 ist.
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O HIO
ARTICLE II
ARTIKEL II
Legislative
Gesetzgebende Gewalt
S ECT. 1. The Legislative power of this State shall be vested in a General Assembly, which shall consist of a Senate, and House of Representatives.
A BSCH . 1. Die gesetzgebende Gewalt dieses Staates soll einer General-Versammlung, bestehend aus einem Senat und19 Repräsentantenhause, übertragen sein.
S ECT. 2. Senators and Representatives shall be elected biennially, by the electors in the respective counties or districts, on the second Tuesday of October; their term of office shall commence on the first day of January next thereafter, and continue two years.
A BSCH . 2. Senatoren und Repräsentanten sollen alle zwei Jahre am zweiten Dienstag im October durch die Wähler in den betreffenden Counties oder Bezirken20 gewählt werden; ihre Amtszeit soll von dem nächstfolgenden ersten Januar beginnen und zwei Jahre dauern21 .
S ECT. 3. Senators and Representatives shall have resided in their respective counties, or districts, one year next preceding their election, unless they shall have been absent on the public business of the United States, or of11 this State.
A BSCH . 3. Senatoren und Repräsentanten sollen in ihren betreffenden Counties oder Bezirken ein Jahr lang unmittelbar vor ihrer Erwählung ansässig gewesen sein, es sei denn, sie wären in öffentlichen Geschäften der Vereinigten Staaten oder dieses Staates abwesend gewesen.
S ECT. 4. No person holding office under the authority of the United States, or any lucrative office under the authority of this State, shall be eligible to, or have a seat in, the General Assembly; but this provision shall not extend to township officers, justices of the peace, notaries public, or officers of the militia.
A BSCH . 4. Niemand, der unter Autorität der Vereinigten Staaten Beamter ist oder unter Autorität dieses Staates ein erträgliches22 Amt bekleidet, soll für die GeneralVersammlung wählbar sein oder einen Sitz in derselben haben; diese Vorschrift soll sich aber nicht ausdehnen auf Township-Beamte, Friedensrichter, öffentliche Notare oder Officiere der Bürgerwehr.
S ECT. 5. No person hereafter convicted of an embezzlement of the public funds, shall hold any office in this State; nor shall any person, holding public money for disbursement, or otherwise, have a seat in the General Assembly, until he shall have accounted for, and paid such money into the treasury.
A BSCH . 5. Niemand, der künftig der Unterschlagung öffentlicher Gelder überführt wird, soll ein Amt in diesem Staate bekleiden23 , und Niemand, der öffentliche Gelder zur Auszahlung oder zu sonstigem Zwecke in Händen hat, Sitz in der GeneralVersammlung nehmen, bevor er Rechnung gestellt und solches Geld in die Kasse gezahlt hat.
S ECT. 6. Each House shall be judge of the election, returns12 , and qualifications, of its own members; a majority of all the members elected to each House, shall be a
A BSCH . 6. Jedes Haus soll über die Wahlen, Wahlberichte und Amtsbefähigung seiner Mitglieder selbst Richter sein und eine Mehrheit aller für jedes Haus erwähl-
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1851) quorum to do business; but, a less number may adjourn from day to day, and compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties, as shall be prescribed by law.
ten Mitglieder ein Quorum zur Vornehmung von Geschäften bilden; eine geringere Anzahl aber kann sich von Tag zu Tag vertagen und abwesende Mitglieder in solcher Art und unter solchen Strafen, als gesetzlich vorgeschrieben werden wird, zur Beiwohnung zwingen.
S ECT. 7. The mode of organizing the House of Representatives, at the commencement of each regular session, shall be prescribed by law.
A BSCH . 7. Die Art und Weise der Organisation des Repräsentantenhauses bei Eröffnung jeder regelmäßigen Sitzung24 soll gesetzlich vorgeschrieben werden.
S ECT. 8. Each House, except as otherwise provided in this constitution, shall choose its own officers, may determine its own rules of proceeding13 , punish its members for disorderly conduct; and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member, but not the second time for the same cause; and, shall have all other powers, necessary to provide for its safety, and the undisturbed transaction of its business.
A BSCH . 8. Jedes Haus soll, ausgenommen wenn diese Verfassung etwas anderes bestimmt, seine eigenen Beamten wählen; es kann seine Geschäfts-Regeln selbst festsetzen, Mitglieder wegen ordnungswidrigen Betragens strafen und mit Beistimmung von zwei Drittheilen ein Mitglied ausschließen, jedoch nicht ein zweites Mal wegen derselben Ursache, und soll sonst alle25 Gewalt haben, die nothwendig ist, um für seine Sicherheit und die ungestörte Verrichtung seiner Geschäfte zu sorgen.
S ECT. 9. Each House shall keep a correct journal of its proceedings, which shall be published. At the desire of any two members, the yeas and nays shall be entered upon the journal; and, on the passage of every bill, in either House, the vote shall be taken by14 yeas and nays, and entered upon the journal; and no law shall be passed, in either House, without the concurrence of15 a majority of all the members elected thereto.
A BSCH . 9. Jedes Haus soll über seine Verhandlungen ein richtiges Tagebuch führen und dasselbe veröffentlichen. Auf Verlangen von zwei Mitgliedern sollen die Ja’s und Nein’s in das Tagebuch eingetragen, bei der endlichen Annahme jedes Gesetz-Vorschlags in einem wie dem anderen Hause die Abstimmung mit Ja’s und Nein’s vorgenommen und dieselben in dem Tagebuch vorgemerkt werden, und in keinem Haus soll ein Gesetz die endliche Genehmigung erhalten, wenn nicht eine Mehrheit aller für dasselbe erwählten Mitglieder beigestimmt hat.
S ECT. 10. Any member of either House shall have the right to protest against any act, or16 resolution thereof; and such protest, and the reasons17 therefor, shall, without alteration, commitment, or delay, be entered upon the journal.
A BSCH . 10. Jedes Mitglied in einem wie im anderen Hause soll das Recht haben, gegen ir[g]end eine Handlung oder einen Beschluß desselben Verwahrung einzulegen, und diese Verwahrung nebst Gründen ohne Aenderung, ohne Rückverweisung oder Aufschub dem Tagebuche einverleibt werden. 221
O HIO S ECT. 11. All vacancies which may happen in either House shall, for the unexpired term, be filled by election, as shall be directed by law.
A BSCH . 11. Alle Stellen, die sich in dem einen oder anderen Hause erledigt haben, sollen für die noch übrige Amtszeit nach gesetzlicher Verfügung durch Wahl besetzt werden.
S ECT. 12. Senators and Representatives, during the session18 of the General Assembly, and in going to, and returning from the same, shall be privileged from arrest, in all cases, except treason, felony, or breach of the peace; and for any speech, or debate, in either House, they shall not be questioned elsewhere.
A BSCH . 12. Senatoren und Repräsentanten sollen während der Sitzung der GeneralVersammlung, so wie auch26 auf ihrem Wege dahin und zurück in allen Fällen, Staatsverrath, peinliche Verbrechen oder Friedensbruch ausgenommen, von der Verhaftung frei sein, und wegen Reden oder Debatten in den Häusern an keinem anderen Platze zur Rede gestellt werden.
S ECT. 13. The proceedings of both Houses shall be public, except in cases which, in the opinion of two-thirds of those present, require secrecy.
A BSCH . 13. Die Verhandlungen beider Häuser sollen öffentlich sein, außer in solchen Fällen, welche nach dem Dafürhalten von zwei Drittheilen der anwesenden Mitglieder27 Geheimhaltung erheischen.
S ECT. 14. Neither House shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than two days, Sundays excluded; nor to any other place than that, in which the two Houses shall be in session.
A BSCH . 14. Kein Haus soll ohne Bestimmung28 des anderen länger als zwei Tage, Sonntage ausgenommen, seine Sitzung einstellen, und sich nach keinem anderen Platze vertagen, als dem, an welchem beide Häuser in Sitzung sind.
S ECT. 15. Bills may originate in either House; but may be altered, amended, or rejected in the other.
A BSCH . 15. Gesetz-Vorschläge können in jedem der beiden Häuser ihren Ursprung nehmen, dürfen aber von dem andern verändert, verbessert oder verworfen werden.
S ECT. 16. Every bill shall be fully and distinctly read, on three different19 days, unless, in case of urgency, three-fourths of the House, in which it20 shall be pending, shall dispense with this rule. No bill shall contain more than one subject, which shall be clearly expressed in its title; and no law shall be revived, or amended, unless the new act contain the entire act revived, or the section or sections21 amended22 ; and the section, or sections, so amended, shall be repealed.
A BSCH . 16. Jeder Gesetzvorschlag soll vollständig und deutlich an drei verschiedenen Tagen verlesen, von dieser Vorschrift jedoch in dringenden Fällen mit Zustimmung von drei Viertheilen des Hauses, welchem der Vorschlag vorliegt, Umgang genommen werden. Kein Gesetzvorschlag soll mehr als einen Gegenstand umfassen, und dieser in der Ueberschrift klar ausgesprochen werden. Kein Gesetz soll erneu[er]t oder verbessert werden, wenn nicht die neue Acte die ganze Acte, welche erneuert wird, oder die Abschnitte, welche verbessert worden sind, enthält, und der Abschnitt oder die Ab-
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1851) schnitte, welche in diesem Act verbessert worden sind, sollen widerrufen werden. S ECT. 17. The presiding officer of each House shall sign, publicly in the presence of the House over which he presides, while the same is in session, and capable of transacting business, all bills and joint resolutions passed by the General Assembly.
A BSCH . 17. Der vorsitzende Beamte eines jeden Hauses soll öffentlich in Gegenwart des Hauses29 , in welchem er den Vorsitz führt, während es in Sitzung und zur Vornahme von Geschäften fähig ist, alle Gesetzvorschläge und gemeinschaftlichen Beschlüsse, die von der General-Versammlung die endliche Genehmigung erhalten haben, unterzeichnen.
S ECT. 18. The style of the laws of this State shall be, “Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio.”
A BSCH . 18. Die Gesetze dieses Staats sollen unter folgender Formel erlassen werden: „Sei es zum Gesetze gemacht von der General-Versammlung des Staates Ohio.“
S ECT. 19. No Senator or Representative shall, during the term for which he shall have been23 elected, or24 for one year thereafter, be appointed to any civil office under this State, which shall be created or the emoluments of which, shall have been increased, during the term, for which he shall have been25 elected.
A BSCH . 19. Kein Senator oder Repräsentant soll während des Amts-Termins, für welchen er gewählt worden, oder während des darauf folgenden Jahres, zu irgend einem Civilamte dieses Staates ernannt werden, das innerhalb der Zeit, für welche er gewählt war, entweder neu geschaffen oder mit höheren Einkünften bedacht wurde.
S ECT. 20. The General Assembly, in cases not provided for in this constitution, shall fix the term of office and the compensation of all officers; but no change therein shall affect the salary of any officer during his existing term, unless the office be abolished.
A BSCH . 20. Die General-Versammlung soll in allen Fällen, wo diese Verfassung keine deßfalsige Verfügungen getroffen hat, den Amtstermin30 und die Bezahlung aller Beamten feststellen; keine Aenderung hierin aber soll auf den Gehaltsbezug eines Beamten während seines laufenden Amtstermins Einfluß haben, es sei denn, das Amt werde gänzlich abgeschafft.
S ECT. 21. The General Assembly shall determine, by law, before what authority, and in what manner, the trial of contested elections shall be conducted.
A BSCH . 21. Die General-Versammlung soll gesetzlich bestimmen, von welcher Behörde und in welcher Art die Untersuchung wegen bestrittener Wahlen geführt werden soll.
S ECT. 22. No money shall be drawn from the treasury, except in pursuance of a specific appropriation, made by law; and no appropriation shall be made for a longer period than two years.
A BSCH . 22. Es soll kein Geld aus der Staatskasse gezogen werden, außer in Folge ausdrücklicher, gesetzlich gemachter Verwilligung, und keine Verwilligung soll auf länger als zwei Jahre gemacht werden.
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O HIO S ECT. 23. The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment, but a majority of the members elected must concur therein. Impeachments shall be tried by the Senate; and the26 Senators, when sitting for that purpose, shall be upon oath or affirmation to do justice according to law and evidence. No person shall be convicted, without the concurrence of two-thirds of the Senators.
A BSCH . 23. Das Repräsentantenhaus soll allein die Gewalt haben, Klagen wegen Amtsverletzung zu erheben; es muß jedoch eine Mehrheit der erwählten Mitglieder damit übereinstimmen. Anklagen wegen Amtsverletzung sollen vom Senate untersucht werden, und die Senatoren, wenn sie zu diesem Zweck Sitzung halten, unter Eid oder eideskräftiger Bejahung stehen, dem Gesetze und Beweise gemäß Gerechtigkeit zu üben. Niemand soll verurtheilt werden ohne Beistimmung von zwei Drittheilen der Senatoren.
S ECT. 24. The Governor, Judges, and all State officers, may be impeached for any misdemeanor in office; but judgment27 shall not extend further than28 removal from office, and disqualification to hold any office, under the authority of this State. The party impeached, whether convicted or not, shall be liable to indictment, trial, and judgment, according to law.
A BSCH . 24. Der Gouverneur, die Richter und alle Staatsbeamten können wegen Mißverhaltens im Amte angeklagt werden; das Urtheil soll sich aber nicht weiter erstrecken, als auf Amts-Entsetzung und Unfähigkeits-Erklärung zur Bekleidung eines Amtes unter Autorität dieses Staates. Die wegen Amtsverletzung angeklagte Partei soll, ob überwiesen oder nicht, gleichwohl nach der Anklage durch das Groß-Geschwornengericht31 , der Untersuchung und Verurtheilung in Gemäßheit des Gesetzes unterworfen sein.
S ECT. 25. All regular sessions of the General Assembly shall commence on the first Monday of January, biennially. The first session, under this constitution, shall commence on the first Monday of January, one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
A BSCH . 25. Die regelmäßigen Sitzungen der General-Versammlung sollen alle32 zwei Jahre am ersten Montag im Januar beginnen. Die erste Sitzung unter dieser Verfassung soll am ersten Montag im Januar 1852 ihren Anfang nehmen.
S ECT. 26. All laws, of a general nature, shall have a uniform operation throughout the State; nor, shall any act, except such as relates to public schools, be passed, to take effect upon the approval of any other authority than the General Assembly, except, as otherwise29 provided in this constitution.
A BSCH . 26. Alle Gesetze von allgemeinem Charakter sollen eine gleichförmige Wirksamkeit im ganzen Staate haben, auch soll, mit Ausnahme der auf Gemeinschulen sich beziehenden, kein Gesetz erlassen werden, dessen Rechtskraft von der Genehmigung einer anderen Behörde als der General-Versammlung abhängt, außer wenn33 diese Verfassung eine andere Bestimmung enthält.
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1851) S ECT. 27. The election and appointment of all officers, and the filling of all vacancies, not otherwise provided for by this constitution, or the constitution of the United States, shall be made in such manner as may be directed by law; but no appointing power shall be exercised by the General Assembly, except as prescribed in this constitution, and in the election of30 United States Senators; and in these cases, the vote shall be taken “viva voce.”
A BSCH . 27. Die Erwählung und Anstellung aller Beamten, so wie die Besetzung aller erledigten Stellen soll, wenn diese Verfassung und die der Vereinigten Staaten nicht anders bestimmt, in der von dem Gesetze vorgeschriebenen Weise vorgenommen werden; die General-Versammlung soll jedoch die Gewalt, Beamte anzustellen, nicht ausüben, außer in Fällen, die in dieser Verfassung bezeichnet sind, und bei der Wahl der Ver. Staaten Senatoren; und in diesen Fällen sollen die Stimmen mündlich und offen abgegeben werden.
S ECT. 28. The General Assembly shall have no power to pass retro-active laws, or laws impairing the obligation of contracts; but may, by general laws, authorize courts to carry into effect, upon such terms as shall be just and equitable, the manifest intention of parties, and officers, by curing omissions, defects, and errors, in instruments and proceedings, arising out of their31 want of conformity with the laws of this State.
A BSCH . 28. Die General-Versammlung soll keine Gewalt haben, rückwirkende oder solche Gesetze zu erlassen, welche die Verbindlichkeit von Verträgen beeinträchtigen; doch kann sie durch allgemeine Gesetze die Gerichte ermächtigen, nach Maßgabe von Recht und Billigkeit die klare Absicht der Parteien und Beamten auszuführen, indem sie Unterlassungen, Gebrechen und Irrthümer in Dokumenten und Verhandlungen heilen, welche aus mangelnder Uebereinstimmung derselben mit den Gesetzen dieses Staates hervorgehen.
S ECT. 29. No extra compensation shall be made to any officer, public agent, or contractor, after the service shall have been rendered, or the contract entered into; nor, shall any money be paid, on any claim, the subject matter of which shall not have been provided for by pre-existing law, unless such compensation, or claim, be allowed by twothirds of the members elected to each branch of the General Assembly.
A BSCH . 29. Keinem Beamten, öffentlichen Agenten oder Contrahenten soll nach geleisteten Diensten, oder nachdem der Vertrag eingegangen war, eine besondere Vergütung gegeben, und kein Geld und keine Forderung soll bezahlt werden, für deren Begründung nicht schon durch ein vorausgegangenes Gesetz Vorsorge getroffen war, es sei denn, daß solche Vergütung oder Forderung von zwei Drittheilen der für jeden Zweig der General-Versammlung gewählten Mitglieder bewilligt werde.
S ECT. 30. No new county shall contain less than four hundred square miles of territory, nor, shall any county be reduced below that amount; and all laws creating new counties, changing county lines, or removing county seats, shall, before taking effect,
A BSCH . 30. Kein neues County soll weniger als vierhundert Quadrat-Meilen Flächenraum enthalten, und kein County auf einen kleineren Flächeninhalt als diesen verringert werden. Alle Gesetze, wodurch neue Counties gebildet, County Gränzen geän-
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O HIO be submitted to the electors of the several counties to be affected thereby, at the next general election after the passage thereof, and be adopted by a majority of all the electors voting at such election, in each of said32 counties; but any county now or hereafter containing one hundred thousand inhabitants, may be divided, whenever a majority of the voters, residing in each of the proposed divisions, shall approve of the law passed for that purpose;33 but, no town or city within the same, shall be divided, nor, shall either of the divisions contain less than twenty thousand inhabitants.
dert oder County Sitze verlegt werden, sollen, ehe sie in Kraft treten, den Wählern der verschiedenen Counties, die dabei betheiligt sind, bei der nächsten allgemeinen Wahl nach dem Gesetz-Erlasse vorgelegt, und in jedem der besagten Counties von einer Mehrheit aller Wähler, die bei solcher Wahl stimmten, angenommen werden. Zählt aber ein County nun oder später ein hundert tausend Einwohner, so kann es getheilt werden, wenn die Mehrheit der in jeder der vorgeschlagenen Abtheilungen wohnenden Stimmgeber das zu diesem Zweck erlassene Gesetz genehmigt. Es soll jedoch keine innerhalb des Countys liegende Stadt getheilt werden, auch soll keine dieser Abtheilungen weniger als zwanzig tausend Einwohner zählen.
S ECT. 31. The members and officers of the General Assembly shall receive a fixed compensation, to be prescribed by law, and no other allowance or perquisites34 , either in the payment of postage or otherwise; and no change in their compensation shall take effect during their term of office.
A BSCH . 31. Die Mitglieder und Beamten der General-Versammlung sollen eine festgesetzte, gesetzlich zu bestimmende Vergütung erhalten und keine andere Bewilligung oder Nebeneinkünfte, sei es durch Bezahlung von Postgeld oder auf sonstige Weise; und während ihrer Amtszeit darf keine Aenderung in ihrer Vergütung vorgenommen werden.
S ECT. 32. The General Assembly shall grant no divorce, nor, exercise any35 judicial power, not herein expressly conferred.
A BSCH . 32. Die General-Versammlung soll keine Ehescheidungen bewilligen und sonst keine richterliche Gewalt ausüben, welche hierin nicht ausdrücklich übertragen wird.
ARTICLE III
ARTIKEL III
Executive
Vollziehende Gewalt
S ECT. 1. The Executive Department shall consist of a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, and an Attorney General, who shall be chosen by the electors of the State, on the second Tuesday of October, and at the places36 of
A BSCH . 1. Der vollziehende Regierungszweig soll bestehen aus einem Gouverneur, Vice-Gouverneur, Staats-Secretär, Auditor, Schatzmeister und General-Anwalt, die von den Wählern des Staats am zweiten Dienstag im Oktober an den Plätzen, wo für Mit-
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1851) voting for members of the General Assembly.
glieder der General-Versammlung gestimmt wird, zu erwählen sind.
S ECT. 2. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Attorney General, shall hold their offices for two years; and the Auditor for four years. Their terms37 of office shall commence on the second Monday of38 January next after their election, and continue until their successors are elected and qualified.
A BSCH . 2. Der Gouverneur, Vice-Gouverneur, Staatssecretär, Schatzmeister und General-Anwalt sollen ihre Aemter zwei Jahre, der Auditor vier Jahre bekleiden. Ihre Amtstermine sollen mit dem zweiten Montag im Januar nach ihrer Wahl beginnen, und bis zur Erwählung und Einsetzung ihrer Nachfolger dauern.
S ECT. 3. The returns of every election for the officers, named39 in the foregoing section, shall be sealed up and transmitted to the seat of Government, by the returning officers, directed to the President of the Senate, who, during the first week of the session, shall open and publish them, and declare the result, in the presence of a majority of the members of each House of the General Assembly. The person having the highest number of votes shall be declared duly elected; but if any two or more shall be highest; and equal in votes, for the same office, one of them shall be chosen by the joint vote of both houses.
A BSCH . 3. Die Berichte der34 Wahl für die im vorhergehenden Abschnitte genannten Beamten sollen von dem Bericht erstattenden Beamten gesiegelt und an den Regierungssitz geschickt werden, unter der Adresse des Präsidenten des Senats, der sie in der ersten Woche der Sitzung zu öffnen und zu veröffentlichen hat und das Wahlergebniß in Gegenwart einer Mehrheit der Mitglieder von jedem Hause der General-Versammlung verkünden soll. Wer die höchste Stimmenzahl hat, soll als gehörig gewählt erklärt werden; stehen aber zwei oder mehr für dasselbe Amt sich gleich mit der höchsten Stimmenzahl, so soll einer derselben durch gemeinschaftliche Abstimmung beider Häuser gewählt werden.
S ECT. 4. Should there be no session of the General Assembly in January next after an40 election for any of the officers aforesaid, the returns of such election shall be made to the Secretary of State, and opened, and the result declared by the Governor, in such manner as may be provided by law.
A BSCH . 4. Findet keine Sitzung der General-Versammlung Statt im Januar nach der Wahl der vorbemerkten Beamten, so sollen die Berichte solcher Wahl an den Staats-Secretär gerichtet und von ihm geöffnet, und das Wahlergebniß von dem Gouverneur verkündet werden, in solcher Art und Weise, als gesetzlich bestimmt werden wird.
S ECT. 5. The supreme executive power of this State shall be vested in the Governor.
A BSCH . 5. Die höchste vollziehende Gewalt dieses Staates soll dem Gouverneur verliehen sein.
S ECT. 6. He may require information, in writing, from the officers in the executive department, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices; and shall see that the laws are faithfully executed.
A BSCH . 6. Er kann von den Beamten des vollziehenden Regierungszweiges über irgendeinen Gegenstand, der auf die Pflichten ihrer betreffenden Aemter Bezug hat, schriftliche Aufschlüsse verlangen, und soll
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O HIO sorgen, daß die Gesetze getreulich vollzogen werden. S ECT. 7. He shall communicate at every session, by message, to the General Assembly, the condition of the State, and recommend such measures as he shall deem expedient.
A BSCH . 7. Er soll der General-Versammlung bei jeder Sitzung durch Botschaft die Verhältnisse des Staats mittheilen und solche Maßregeln empfehlen, die ihm zweckmäßig scheinen.
S ECT. 8. He may, on extraordinary occasions, convene the General Assembly by proclamation, and shall state to both Houses, when assembled, the purpose for which they have been convened.
A BSCH . 8. Er kann, in außerordentlichen Fällen, die General-Versammlung durch Proklamation zusammenberufen, und soll beiden Häusern, wenn sie versammelt sind, den Zweck erklären, wozu er sie zusammenberufen hat.
S ECT. 9. In case of disagreement between the two Houses, in respect to the time of adjournment, he shall have power to adjourn the General Assembly to such time41 as he may think proper, but not beyond the regular meetings thereof.
A BSCH . 9. Wenn beide Häuser über die Zeit der Vertagung sich nicht einigen können, so soll der Gouverneur ermächtigt sein, sie bis zu einer ihm angemessen scheinenden Zeit zu vertagen, jedoch nicht länger, als bis zu ihrer regelmäßigen Versammlungszeit35 .
S ECT. 10. He shall be commander-inchief of the military and naval forces of the State, except when they shall be called into the service of the United States.
A BSCH . 10. Er soll Oberbefehlshaber der Land- und See-Macht des Staats sein, ausgenommen, wenn sie in den Dienst der Ver. Staaten gerufen wird.
S ECT. 11. He shall have power42 , after conviction, to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons, for all crimes and offences, except treason and cases of impeachment, upon such conditions as he may think proper; subject, however, to such regulations as to the manner of applying for43 pardons, as may be prescribed by law. Upon conviction44 for treason, he may suspend the execution of the sentence, and report the case to the General Assembly, at its next meeting, when the General Assembly shall either pardon, commute the sentence, direct its execution, or grant a further reprieve. He shall communicate to the General Assembly, at every regular session, each case of reprieve, commutation, or pardon granted, stating the name and crime of the45 convict, the sentence, its date, and the date of the
A BSCH . 11. Er soll ermächtigt sein, nach gefälltem Urtheile für36 alle Verbrechen und Vergehen, Staatsverrath und Amtsverletzungen ausgenommen, unter den ihm geeignet scheinenden Bedingungen, Strafaufschub, Strafverwandlung und Begnadigung zu gewähren, ist aber an die Anordnungen gebunden, welche über das Verfahren bei Anstellung37 von Begnadigungs-Gesuchen gesetzlich erlassen werden mögen. Bei Ueberführungen wegen Staatsverraths kann er den Vollzug des Urtheils verschieben und den Fall an die General-Versammlung bei ihrer nächsten Zusammenkunft berichten, die sodann entweder begnadigen, oder die Strafe verwandeln oder den Urtheilsvollzug anordnen oder weiteren Aufschub gewähren soll. Er soll der General-Versammlung bei jeder regelmäßigen Sitzung alle Strafaufschubs-,
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1851) commutation, pardon, or reprieve, with his reasons therefor.
Strafverwandlungs- oder Begnadigungs-Fälle mittheilen, und dabei den Namen und das Verbrechen des Verurtheilten, das Urtheil und Datum desselben, sowie Datum der Strafverwandlung, Begnadigung oder des Strafaufschubs unter Beifügung seiner Gründe angeben.
S ECT. 12. There shall be a seal of the State, which shall be kept by the Governor, and used by him officially; and shall be called “The Great Seal of the State of Ohio.”
A BSCH . 12. Es soll ein Staats-Siegel bestehen, von dem Gouverneur aufbewahrt, und38 von39 ihm amtlich gebraucht und das große Siegel des Staats Ohio genannt werden.
S ECT. 13. All grants and commissions shall be issued in the name, and by the authority, of the State of Ohio; sealed with the Great Seal; signed by the Governor, and countersigned by the Secretary of State.
A BSCH . 13. Alle Verleihungen und Bestallungen sollen im Namen und unter Autorität des Staats Ohio ausgefertigt, mit dem großen Siegel gesiegelt, von dem Gouverneur gezeichnet und von dem Staatssecretär gegengezeichnet werden.
S ECT. 14. No member of Congress, or other person holding office under the authority of this State, or of the United States, shall execute the office of Governor, except as herein provided.
A BSCH . 14. Kein Congreßmitglied oder sonstiger Beamter unter Autorität dieses Staates oder der Vereinigten Staaten soll das Gouverneurs-Amt ausüben, außer in den hierin vorgesehenen Fällen.
S ECT. 15. In case of the46 death, impeachment, resignation, removal, or other disability of the Governor, the powers and duties of the office, for the residue of the term, or until he shall be acquitted, or the disability removed, shall devolve upon the Lieutenant Governor.
A BSCH . 15. Wenn der Gouverneur stirbt, wegen Amtsverletzung angeklagt ist, sein Amt niederlegt, desselben entsetzt oder sonst amtsunfähig wird, so sollen die Gewalten und Obliegenheiten des Amts während des übrigen Termins, oder bis er frei gesprochen, oder die Amtsunfähigkeit beseitigt wird, auf den Vice-Gouverneur übergehen.
S ECT. 16. The Lieutenant Governor shall be President of the Senate, but47 shall vote only when the Senate is equally divided; and in case of his absence, or impeachment, or when he shall exercise the office of Governor, the Senate shall choose a President pro tempore.
A BSCH . 16. Der Vice-Gouverneur soll Präsident des Senats sein, aber nur dann stimmen, wenn der Senat gleich getheilt ist, und wenn er abwesend oder der Amtsverletzung angeklagt ist, oder das Amt des Gouverneurs verwaltet, so soll der Senat einen zeitweiligen Präsidenten wählen.
S ECT. 17. If the Lieutenant Governor, while executing the office of Governor, shall be impeached, displaced, resign or die, or otherwise become incapable of performing
A BSCH . 17. Wenn der Vice-Gouverneur während er das Amt des Gouverneurs verwaltet, wegen Amtsverletzung angeklagt oder entsetzt wird, wenn er sein Amt nieder-
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O HIO the duties of the office, the President of the Senate shall act as Governor, until the vacancy is filled, or the disability removed; and if the President of the Senate, for48 any of the above causes, shall be rendered incapable of performing the duties pertaining to the office of Governor, the same shall devolve upon the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
legt oder stirbt, oder sonst zur Erfüllung seiner Amtspflichten unfähig wird, so soll, bis die erledigte Stelle besetzt, oder die AmtsUnfähigkeit beseitigt ist, der Präsident des Senats als Gouverneur handeln; und sollte der Präsident des Senats aus einer der oben genannten40 Ursachen unfähig werden zur Erfüllung der dem Gouverneurs-Amte zukommenden Pflichten, so soll dasselbe auf den Sprecher des Repräsentantenhauses übergehen.
S ECT. 18. Should the office of Auditor, Treasurer, Secretary, or Attorney General, become vacant, for any of the causes specified in the fifteenth section of this article, the Governor shall fill the vacancy until the disability is removed, or a successor elected49 and qualified. Every such vacancy shall be filled by election, at the first general election that occurs more than thirty days after it shall have happened; and the person chosen shall hold the50 office for the full term fixed in the second section of this article.
A BSCH . 1841 . Wird das Amt des Auditors, Schatzmeisters, Secretärs oder General-Anwalts aus einem der Gründe, die in Abschnitt 15 dieses Artikels angeführt sind erledigt, so soll der Gouverneur die Stelle besetzen, bis die Amtsunfähigkeit beseitigt oder ein Nachfolger gewählt und in’s Amt eingeführt ist. Jede solche erledigte Stelle soll bei der ersten allgemeinen Wahl, die mehr als dreißig Tage nach erfolgter Erledigung Statt findet, besetzt werden; und jeder, der so erwählt worden, soll das Amt während des vollen, im zweiten Abschnitt dieses Artikels festgesetzten Termins bekleiden.
S ECT. 19. The officers mentioned in this article shall, at stated times, receive, for their services, a compensation to be established by law, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the period for which they shall have been elected.
A BSCH . 19. Die in diesem Artikel genannten Beamten sollen zu bestimmten Zeiten für ihre Dienstleistungen eine gesetzlich festzustellende Vergütung erhalten, die aber während des Termins, für welchen sie gewählt worden, weder vermehrt noch vermindert werden soll.
S ECT. 20. The officers of the executive department, and of the public State Institutions shall, at least five days preceding each regular session of the General Assembly, severally report to the Governor, who shall transmit such reports, with his message, to the General Assembly.
A BSCH . 20. Jeder Beamte des vollziehenden Regierungszweigs und der öffentlichen Staats-Anstalten soll wenigstens fünf Tage vor jeder regelmäßigen Jahres-Sitzung der General-Versammlung an den Gouverneur besonders berichten, der diese Berichte sammt seiner Botschaft der General-Versammlung überschicken soll.
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1851)
ARTICLE IV
ARTIKEL IV
Judicial
Richterliche Gewalt
S ECT. 1. The judicial power of the State shall be vested in a supreme court, in district courts, courts of common pleas, courts of probate, justices of the peace, and in51 such other courts, inferior to the supreme court, in one or more counties, as the General Assembly, may, from time to time establish.
A BSCH . 1. Mit der richterlichen Gewalt des Staates sollen bekleidet sein: ein Supreme-Gericht, Bezirks-Gerichte, Common Pleas-Gerichte, Probat Gerichte, Friedensrichter42 und solche andere dem Supremegerichte an Rang nachstehende Gerichte, als die Generalversammlung von Zeit zu Zeit einsetzen mag.
S ECT. 2. The supreme court shall consist of five judges, a majority of whom shall be necessary to form a quorum, or to52 pronounce a decision. It shall have original jurisdiction in quo warranto, mandamus, habeas corpus, and procedendo, and such appellate jurisdiction as may be provided by law. It shall hold at least one term in each year, at the seat of government, and such other terms, at the seat of government,53 or elsewhere, as may be provided by law. The Judges of the supreme court shall be elected, by the electors of the State at large.
A BSCH . 2. Das Supremegericht soll aus fünf Richtern bestehen und eine Mehrheit derselben nöthig sein, ein Quorum zu bilden oder eine Entscheidung zu geben. Es hat Gerichtsbarkeit in erster Instanz in43 quo warranto, mandamus, habeas corpus und procedendo und Appellationsgerichtsbarkeit in solcher Ausdehnung, als gesetzlich bestimmt werden mag. Es soll in jedem Jahre wenigstens einen Termin am Regierungsitze und nach Maßgabe gesetzlicher Vorschrift noch weitere Termine am Regierungssitze oder44 an andern Plätzen abhalten. Die Richter des Supremegerichts sollen von den Wählern des Staats im Allgemeinen gewählt werden.
S ECT. 3. The State shall be divided into nine common pleas districts, of which the county of Hamilton shall constitute one, of compact territory, and bounded by county lines; and each of said districts, consisting of three or more counties, shall54 be subdivided into three parts, of compact territory, bounded by county lines, and as nearly equal in population as practicable; in each of which, one Judge of the court of common pleas for said district, and residing therein, shall be elected by the electors of said subdivision55 . Courts of common pleas shall be held, by one or more of these Judges, in every county in the district, as often as may be provided by law; and more than one court, or sitting56 thereof, may be held at the same
A BSCH . 3. Der Staat soll in neun Common Pleas Bezirke mit zusammenhängendem von County-Linien begränztem Gebiete getheilt werden, und einen derselben45 soll Hamilton County bilden. Jeder der besagten aus drei oder mehr Counties bestehenden Bezirke soll wieder in drei Theile von zusammenhängendem durch County Linien begränztem Gebiet und einer möglichst gleichen Bevölkerung abgetheilt, und in jedem derselben von den Wählern solcher Unterabtheilungen ein Richter der Common Pleas Gerichts für besagten Bezirk46 , worin er wohnt, erwählt werden. Common Pleas Gerichte sollen von einem oder mehreren dieser Richter in jedem County so oft es das Gesetz vorschreibt, abgehalten werden
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O HIO time in each district.
und während eines solchen Sitzungstermins, können in demselben Bezirke zu47 gleicher Zeit mehrere Gerichtssitzungen Statt finden.
S ECT. 4. The jurisdiction of the courts of common pleas, and of the Judges thereof, shall be fixed by law.
A BSCH . 4. Die Gerichtsbarkeit der Common Pleas Gerichte und seiner Richter soll gesetzlich bestimmt werden.
S ECT. 5. District57 courts shall be composed of the Judges of the court of common pleas of the respective districts, and one of the Judges of the supreme court, any three of whom shall be a quorum, and shall be held in each county therein, at least once in each year; but, if it shall58 be found inexpedient to hold such court59 annually, in each county, of any district, the General Assembly may, for such district, provide that said court shall hold at least three annual sessions therein, in not less than three places: Provided, that the General Assembly may, by law, authorize the Judges of each district to fix the times of holding the courts therein.
A BSCH . 5. Bezirksgerichte sollen aus den Richtern der Common Pleas Gerichte der betreffenden Bezirke und einem Richter des Supremgerichts bestehen, wovon drei ein Quorum bilden. Sie sollen wenigstens einmal des Jahrs in jedem dazu gehörigen County abgehalten werden. Sollte sich aber die jährliche Abhaltung solcher Gerichte in jedem County eines Bezirks als unzweckmäßig ergeben, so mag die Generalversammlung bestimmen, daß besagtes Gericht in einem solchen Bezirke48 wenigstens drei jährliche Sitzungen an wenigstens drei Plätzen abhalte; es kann jedoch die Generalversammlung die Richter jedes Bezirks gesetzlich ermächtigen, die Zeit der darin abzuhaltenden Gerichtssitzungen festzusetzen.
S ECT. 6. The district court shall have like original jurisdiction with the supreme court, and such appellate jurisdiction as may be provided by law.
A BSCH . 6. Das Bezirksgericht soll mit dem Supremgericht gleiche Gerichtsbarkeit in erster Instanz und Appellationsgerichtbarkeit49 in solcher Ausdehnung, haben als gesetzlich vorgeschrieben werden wird.
S ECT. 7. There shall be established in each county, a Probate court, which shall be a court of record, open at all times, and holden by one Judge, elected by the voters60 of the county, who shall hold his office for the term of three years, and shall receive such compensation, payable out of the county treasury, or by fees, or both, as shall be provided by law.
A BSCH . 7. Es soll in jedem County ein Probatgericht errichtet werden, welches als ein protokollirendes Gericht50 gelten, zu allen Zeiten offen sein und von einem Richter bekleidet werden soll, der von den Stimmgebern des County’s gewählt wird. Derselbe soll sein Amt auf drei Jahre bekleiden und durch Besoldung aus der Countykasse oder durch Gebühren oder durch Beides eine gesetzlich zu bestimmende Vergütung erhalten.
S ECT. 8. The Probate court shall have jurisdiction in probate and testamentary matters, the appointment of administrators and guardians, the settlement of the61 accounts
A BSCH . 8. Das Probatgericht soll in Beglaubigungs- und letztwilligen Angelegenheiten, in der Aufstellung von Verwaltern und Vormündern, in der Rechnungs-
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1851) of executors, administrators, and guardians, and such jurisdiction in habeas corpus, the issuing of marriage licenses, and for the sale of land by executors, administrators and guardians, and such other jurisdiction, in any county, or counties, as may be provided by law.
ablage von Testamentsvollziehern, Verwaltern und Vormündern Gerichtsbarkeit haben, und in Bezug auf das Habeas Corpus, die Ausstellung von Heiraths-Erlaubnißscheinen, den Verkauf von Land durch Testaments-Vollzieher, Verwalter und Vormünder und andere Verrichtungen in einem County oder in Counties solche weitere Gerichtsbarkeit ausüben, als gesetzlich vorgeschrieben werden wird.51
S ECT. 9. A competent number of justices of the peace shall be elected, by the electors, in each township in the several counties. Their term of office shall be three years, and their powers and duties shall be regulated by law.
A BSCH . 9. Es soll von den Wählern in jedem Township der verschiedenen Counties eine hinreichende Anzahl Friedensrichter erwählt werden. Ihr Amtstermin soll drei Jahre dauern und ihre Gewalt und Obliegenheiten sollen gesetzlich bestimmt werden.
S ECT. 10. All Judges, other than those provided for in this62 constitution, shall be elected by the electors of the judicial district for which they may be created, but not for a longer term of office than five years.
A BSCH . 10. Alle in dieser Verfassung nicht genannten Richter sollen von den Wählern des Gerichtsbezirks, für welche sie bestellt werden mögen, erwählt werden, jedoch auf keinen längeren Amtstermin als fünf Jahre.
S ECT. 11. The Judges of the Supreme Court shall, immediately after the first election under this constitution, be classified by lot, so that one shall hold for the term of one year, one for two years, one for three years, one for four years, and one for five years; and, at all subsequent elections, the term of each of said Judges shall be for five years.
A BSCH . 11. Die Richter des Suprem Gerichts sollen unmittelbar nach der ersten Wahl, die unter dieser Constitution vorgenommen wird, durch das Loos in Klassen getheilt werden, so zwar, daß einer für ein, einer für zwei, einer für drei, einer für vier und einer für fünf Jahre im Amte bleibt. Bei allen folgenden Wahlen aber soll die Amtszeit eines jeden der besagten Richter fünf Jahre dauern.
S ECT. 12. The Judges of the courts63 of common pleas shall, while in office, reside in the district for which they are elected; and their term of office shall be for five years.
A BSCH . 12. Die Richter der Common Pleas Gerichte sollen, während sie im Amte sind, in dem Bezirke, für welchen sie erwählt worden, ansässig sein, und ihre Amtszeit soll fünf Jahre dauern.
S ECT. 13. In case the office of any Judge shall become vacant, before the expiration of the regular term for which he was elected, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the Governor, until a successor is elected and qualified; and such successor64 shall be
A BSCH . 13. Wird die Stelle eines Richters vor Ablauf der regelmäßigen Amtszeit, für welche er gewählt worden, erledigt, so soll die erledigte Stelle durch Anstellung von Seite des Gouverneurs besetzt werden, bis ein Nachfolger erwählt und ins Amt ein-
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O HIO elected for65 the unexpired term, at the first annual election that occurs more than thirty days after the vacancy shall have happened.
geführt ist. Solche Nachfolger sollen für die noch übrige Amtszeit bei der ersten jährlichen Wahl, die mehr als dreißig Tage nach eingetretener Erledigung Statt findet, erwählt werden.
S ECT. 14. The Judges of the supreme court, and of the court of common pleas, shall, at stated times, receive, for their services, such compensation as may be provided by law, which shall not be diminished, or increased, during their term of office; but they shall receive no fees or perquisites, nor hold any other office of profit or trust, under the authority of this State, or the United States. All votes for either of them, for any elective office, except a judicial office, under the authority of this State, given by the General Assembly, or the people, shall be void.
A BSCH . 14. Die Richter des Suprem und Common Pleas Gerichts sollen zu bestimmten Zeiten für ihre Dienstleistungen eine gesetzlich festzusetzende Vergütung erhalten, die während ihrer Amtszeit weder vermehrt noch vermindert werden darf; sie sollen aber keine Gebühren oder Nebenbezüge empfangen und kein anderes einträgliches oder Vertrauensamt unter Autorität dieses Staats oder der Vereinigten Staaten bekleiden. Alle Stimmen, welche zu Gunsten irgend einer derselben für ein Wahlamt mit Ausnahme eines richterlichen Amts unter Autorität dieses Staats, sei es von der Generalversammlung oder vom Volke, gegeben worden, sollen ungültig52 sein.
S ECT. 15. The General Assembly may increase, or diminish, the number of the Judges of the supreme court, the number of the66 districts of the court67 of common pleas, the number of Judges in any district, change the districts, or the68 subdivisions thereof, or establish other courts, whenever two-thirds of the members elected to each House shall concur therein; but, no such change, addition, or diminution, shall vacate the office of any Judge.
A BSCH . 15. Die General-Versammlung kann die Zahl der Richter des Suprem-Gerichts, die Zahl der Common Pleas GerichtsBezirke, und53 die Zahl der Richter in irgend einem Bezirke vermehren oder vermindern; sie kann die Bezirke oder deren Unterabtheilungen ändern oder andere Gerichte einsetzen, wenn zwei Drittheile der für jedes Haus erwählten Mitglieder ihre Zustimmung geben; aber keine in dieser Art vorgenommene Aenderung, Vergrößerung oder Verringerung soll das Amt eines Richters erledigen.
S ECT. 16. There shall be elected in each county, by the electors thereof, one clerk of the court of common pleas, who shall hold his69 office for the term of three years, and until his successor shall be elected and qualified. He shall, by virtue of his office, be clerk of all other courts of record held therein; but, the General Assembly may provide, by law, for the election of a clerk, with a like term of office, for each or any other of
A BSCH . 16. Es soll in jedem County von den Wählern desselben ein Schreiber des Common Pleas Gerichts gewählt werden, der sein Amt auf drei Jahre, und bis sein Nachfolger erwählt und ins Amt eingeführt ist, bekleiden soll. Er soll Kraft seines Amts, Schreiber aller anderen im County befindlichen protokollirenden Gerichte sein; die Generalversammlung kann jedoch gesetzliche Bestimmungen treffen, daß für jedes oder ir-
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1851) the courts of record, and may authorize the Judge of the Probate court to perform the duties of clerk for his court, under such regulations as may be directed by law. Clerks of Courts shall be removable70 for such cause, and in such manner, as shall be prescribed71 by law.
gend ein anders protokollirende Gericht ein Schreiber von gleicher Amtsdauer erwählt werde, und kann ferner den Richter des Probatgerichts ermächtigen, die Pflichten eines Schreibers in seinem Gerichte nach den Anordnungen, welche das Gesetz geben mag, zu verrichten. Gerichtsschreiber sollen aus solcher Ursache und in solcher Weise, wie gesetzlich bestimmt werden wird, ihrer Stellen entsetzt werden können.
S ECT. 17. Judges may be removed from office, by concurrent resolution72 of both Houses of the General Assembly, if twothirds of the members, elected to each House, concur therein; but, no such removal shall be made, except upon73 complaint, the substance of which, shall be entered on74 the journal, nor, until the party charged shall have had notice thereof, and an opportunity to be heard.
A BSCH . 17. Richter können durch übereinstimmenden Beschluß beider Häuser der Generalversammlung, wenn zwei Drittheile der für jedes Haus erwählten Mitglieder einwilligen, des Amtes entsetzt werden; aber nur auf erhobene Beschwerde, deren Hauptinhalt in das Tagebuch einzutragen ist, und wenn die beschuldigte Partei Nachricht hievon und Gelegenheit zur Vertheidigung erhalten hat.
S ECT. 18. The several Judges of the supreme court, of the common pleas, and of such other courts as may be created, shall, respectively, have and exercise such power and jurisdiction, at chambers, or otherwise, as may be directed by law.
A BSCH . 18. Die verschiedenen Richter des Supreme-, des Common Pleas- und anderer Gerichte, die gebildet werden mögen, sollen außer den regelmäßigen Gerichts-Sitzungen in ihren Amtszimmern54 oder in sonstiger Weise alle Gewalt und Gerichtsbarkeit haben und ausüben, als das Gesetz vorschreiben wird.
S ECT. 19. The General Assembly may establish courts of Conciliation, and prescribe their powers and duties; but such courts shall not render final judgment, in any case, except upon submission, by the parties, of the matter in dispute, and their agreement to abide75 such judgment.
A BSCH . 19. Die Generalversammlung kann Sühne Gerichte55 errichten und deren Gewalten und Obliegenheiten vorschreiben; solche Gerichte sollen aber keine endliche Entscheidung geben, es sei denn die Parteien bringen den Streitpunkt zur Vorlage und treffen das Uebereinkommen, sich dem Urtheile zu fügen.
S ECT. 20. The style of all process shall be, “The State of Ohio;” all prosecutions shall be carried on, in the name, and by the authority, of the State of Ohio; and all indictments shall conclude, “against the peace and dignity of the State of Ohio.”
A BSCH . 20. In allen Gerichtsbefehlen soll die Formel: „Der Staat Ohio“ als Gerichts-Styl gebraucht werden. Alle Criminalprozesse sollen im Namen und unter Autorität des Staats Ohio geführt werden und alle Anklagen des Groß-Geschwornengerichts
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O HIO mit den Worten schließen: „gegen den Frieden und die Würde des Staats Ohio.“
ARTICLE V Elective Franchise
ARTIKEL V Wahlfreiheit56
S ECT. 1. Every white male citizen of the United States, of the age of twenty-one years, who shall have been a resident of the State one year next76 preceding the election, and of the county, township, or ward, in which he resides, such time as may be provided by law, shall have the qualifications of an elector, and be entitled to vote at all elections.
A BSCH . 1. Jeder weiße männliche Bürger der Vereinigen Staaten, der ein und zwanzig Jahre alt ist, ein Jahr vor der Wahl im Staate, und während einer gesetzlich zu bestimmenden Zeit im County, dem Townschip oder der Ward, wo er sich befindet, ansässig gewesen ist, soll die Befähigung eines Wählers besitzen und bei allen Wahlen zu stimmen berechtigt sein.
S ECT. 2. All elections shall be by ballot.
A BSCH . 2. Alle Wahlen sollen mit Stimmzetteln vorgenommen werden.
S ECT. 3. Electors, during their attendance at elections, and in going to, and returning therefrom, shall be privileged from arrest, in all cases, except treason, felony, and breach of the peace.
A BSCH . 3. Wähler sollen, während sie den Wahlen beiwohnen, so wie auf ihrem Wege dahin und zurück, in allen Fällen, Staatsverrath, peinliche Verbrechen und Friedensbruch ausgenommen, von Verhaftung frei sein.
S ECT. 4. The General Assembly shall have power to exclude from the privilege of voting, or of being eligible to office, any person convicted of bribery, perjury, or other infamous crime.
A BSCH . 4. Die General-Versammlung soll die Gewalt haben Jeden, welcher der Bestechung, des Meineids oder eines andern schändenden Verbrechens überführt ist, von dem Stimmrechte oder der Wahlfähigkeit zu einem Amte auszuschlißen.
S ECT. 5. No person in the Military, Naval, or Marine service of the United States, shall, by being stationed in any garrison, or military, or naval station, within the State, be considered a resident of this State.
A BSCH . 5. Niemand, der im Dienste der Land- und Seemacht der Vereinigten Staaten steht, soll deswegen, weil er in einer Garnison oder auf einem Militär- oder Marineposten innerhalb das Staats stationirt ist, als in diesem Staate ansässig betrachtet werden.
S ECT. 6. No idiot, or insane person77 , shall be entitled to the privileges78 of an elector.
A BSCH . 6. Kein Blödsinniger oder Irre soll auf das Recht eines Wählers Anspruch haben.
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ARTICLE VI
ARTIKEL VI
Education
Erziehung
S ECT. 1. The principal of all funds, arising from the sale, or other disposition of lands, or other property, granted or entrusted to this State for educational and79 religious purposes, shall forever be preserved inviolate, and undiminished; and, the income arising therefrom, shall be faithfully applied to the specific objects of the original grants, or appropriations.
A BSCH . 1. Das Capital von allen Fonds, die aus dem Verkaufe oder sonstiger Veräußerung von Ländereien u. anderem dem Staate für Erziehungs- und religiöse Zwecke verliehenen oder anvertrauten Eigenthum herrühren, soll für immer unverletzt und57 ungemindert erhalten, und das Einkommen hieraus treulich zu den ausdrücklichen Endzwecken der ursprünglichen Verleihungen und Verwilligungen verwendet werden.
S ECT. 2. The General Assembly shall make such provisions, by taxation, or otherwise, as, with the income arising from the school trust fund, will secure a thorough and efficient system of common schools throughout the State; but, no religious or other sect, or80 sects,81 shall ever have any exclusive right to, or control of, any part of the school funds of this State.
A BSCH . 2. Die General Versammlung soll durch Besteuerung oder auf sonstige Weise Vorsorge treffen, daß unter Beihülfe des Einkommens aus dem Schul-PflegeFond ein tüchtiges und wirksames System von Gemein-Schulen durchgängig im Staate gesichert werde, aber nie soll eine religiöse oder andere Sekte oder Sekten ein ausschließliches Recht auf einen Theil des Schulfonds dieses Staates haben oder eine Kontrolle darüber führen.
ARTICLE VII
ARTIKEL VII
Public Institutions
Oeffentliche Anstalten
S ECT. 1. Institutions for the benefit of the insane, blind, and deaf and dumb, shall always be fostered and supported by the State; and be subject to such regulations as may be prescribed by the General Assembly.
A BSCH . 1. Anstalten zum Besten von Irren, Blinden und Taubstummen sollen stets vom Staate begünstigt und unterstützt und nach den Verordnungen, welche die General-Versammlung erlassen wird, gehandhabt werden.
S ECT. 2. The directors of the Penitentiary shall be appointed or elected in such a manner as the General Assembly may direct; and the trustees of the benevolent, and other State institutions, now elected by the General Assembly, and of such other State institutions as may be hereafter created, shall be appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; and,
A BSCH . 2. Die Direktoren des Zuchthauses sollen nach der Vorschrift, welche die General-Versammlung geben wird, angestellt oder erwählt, und die Vorsteher58 der wohlthätigen und sonstigen Staats-Anstalten, welche nun die General-Versammlung wählt, so wie die Vorsteher anderer59 , später gebildeter Staats-Anstalten, vom Gouverneur mit Beirath und Zustimmung des
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O HIO upon all nominations made by the Governor, the question shall be taken by82 yeas and nays, and entered upon the journals83 of the Senate.
Senats angestellt werden. Ueber alle vom Gouverneur gemachten Ernennungen soll die Frage durch Ja’s und Nein’s entschieden und dieselben in den Tagebüchern des Senats vorgemerkt werden.
S ECT. 3. The Governor shall have power to fill all vacancies that may occur in the offices aforesaid, until the next session of the General Assembly, and, until a successor to his appointee shall be confirmed and qualified.
A BSCH . 3. Der Gouverneur soll ermächtigt sein, alle Stellen, die in den vorgemerkten Aemtern erledigt werden, zu besetzen, bis die nächste Sitzung der General Versammlung Statt findet und ein Nachfolger für den von ihm Angestellten bestätigt und in das Amt eingeführt ist.
ARTICLE VIII
ARTIKEL VIII
Public Debt and Public Works
Oeffentliche Schulden und öffentliche Werke
S ECT. 1. The84 State may contract debts, to supply casual deficits or failures in revenues85 , or to meet expenses not otherwise provided for; but the aggregate amount of such debts, direct and86 contingent, whether contracted by virtue of one or more acts of the General Assembly, or at different periods of time, shall never exceed seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars; and the money, arising from the creation of such debts, shall be applied to the purpose for which it was obtained, or to repay the debts so contracted, and to87 no other purpose whatever.
A BSCH . 1. Der Staat darf, zur Deckung zufälliger Kassen-Deficits oder Ausfälle in den Einkünften oder zur Bestreitung von Ausgaben, wofür nicht anderweitig gesorgt war, Schulden machen; aber der Gesammtbetrag solcher, direkten oder mit60 unterlaufenden Schulden, sei es daß sie kraft eines oder mehrerer Gesetzes Erlasse der GeneralVersammlung, oder zu verschiedenen Zeiten gemacht werden, soll nie sieben hundert und fünfzig tausend Thaler übersteigen, und das durch das Bilden solcher Schuld anfallende Geld soll für den Zweck, wofür es erlangt worden, oder zur Rückzahlung der so gemachten Schulden, und zu keinem andern Zwecke, verwendet werden.
S ECT. 2. In addition to the above limited power, the State may contract debts to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, defend the State in war, or to redeem the present outstanding indebtedness of the State: but the money, arising from the contracting of such debts, shall be applied to the purpose for which it was raised, or to repay such debts, and to no other purpose whatever; and all debts, incurred to redeem the present outstanding indebtedness of the State, shall be
A BSCH . 2. Außer der oben begränzten Gewalt hat der Staat die Befugniß, Schulden zu machen, um feindliche Einfälle abzuwehren, Aufstände zu unterdrücken, den Staat im Krieg zu vertheidigen oder die gegenwärtig bestehenden61 Staatsschulden abzutragen; aber das durch das Eingehen solcher Schuldverbindlichkeiten anfallende Geld soll zu dem Zwecke, wofür es aufgebracht worden, oder zur Rückzahlung dieser Schulden, und zu keinem andern Zwe-
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1851) so contracted as to be payable by the sinking fund, hereinafter provided for, as the same shall accumulate.
cke verwendet werden; und für alle behufs der Abtragung der gegenwärtig bestehenden Staats-Schuld erlaufenden Schulden sollen die Verbindlichkeiten in der Art eingegangen werden, daß sie durch den weiter unten angeordneten Tilgungsfond62 in dem Maße, wie er sich anhäuft, gedeckt werden können.
S ECT. 3. Except the debts above specified88 in sections one and two of this article, no debt whatever shall hereafter be created by, or on behalf of the State.
A BSCH . 3. Mit Ausnahme der oben in Abschnitt 1 und 2 dieses Artikels bezeichneten Schulden soll künftighin keine Schuld durch den Staat oder auf Rechnung des Staats gemacht werden.
S ECT. 4. The credit of the State shall not, in any manner, be given or loaned to, or in aid of, any individual association89 or corporation whatever; nor shall the State ever hereafter become a joint owner, or stockholder, in any company or association in this State, or elsewhere, formed for any purpose whatever.
A BSCH . 4. Der Credit des Staats soll in keiner Weise zu Gunsten oder zur Unterstützung irgend eines Individuums, irgend einer Gesellschaft oder Corporation gegeben oder geliehen werden; eben so wenig soll der Staat künftighin Miteigenthümer oder Actienbesitzer in einer Gesellschaft oder Genossenschaft werden, die in diesem Staat oder sonst wo zu irgend einem Zweck sich bilden.
S ECT. 5. The State shall never assume the debts of any county, city, town, or township, or of any corporation whatever, unless such debt shall have been created to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, or defend the State in war.
A BSCH . 5. Der Staat soll nie die Schulden irgend eines County, irgend einer Stadt, irgend einer Ortschaft, irgend eines Townschips oder irgend einer Corporation übernehmen, es sei denn, daß diese Schuld zur Abwehr feindlicher Einfälle, zur Unterdrückung von Aufständen oder zur Vertheidigung des Staats im Krieg gemacht worden sei.
S ECT. 6. The General Assembly shall never authorize any county, city, town, or township, by vote of its citizens, or otherwise, to become a stockholder in any joint stock company, corporation, or association whatever; or to raise money for, or loan its credit to, or in aid of, any such company, corporation, or association.
A BSCH . 6. Die General-Versammlung soll nie einem63 County, einer Stadt, einer Ortschaft oder einem Townschip die Befugniß ertheilen, mittelst Abstimmung der darin wohnenden Bürger oder auf andere Weise Aktienbesitzer in irgend einer Aktiengesellschaft, Corporation oder Genossenschaft zu werden, oder zu Gunsten oder64 zur Unterstützung einer solchen Gesellschaft, Corporation oder Genossenschaft Geld aufzubringen oder ihnen65 Credit zu leihen.
S ECT. 7. The faith of the State being pledged for the payment of its90 public debt,
A BSCH . 7. Da die Ehre des Staats zur Tilgung seiner öffentlichen Schuld verpfändet
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O HIO in order to provide therefor, there shall be created a sinking fund, which shall be sufficient to pay the accruing interest on such debt, and, annually, to reduce the principal thereof, by a sum not less than one hundred thousand dollars, increased yearly, and each and every year, by compounding, at the rate of six per cent. per annum. The said sinking fund shall consist, of the nett annual income of the public works and stocks owned by the State, of91 any other funds or resources that are, or may be, provided by law, and of such further sum, to be raised by taxation, as may be required for the purposes aforesaid.
ist, so soll zu diesem Behuf ein Tilgungsfond geschaffen werden, der hinreicht, die erlaufenden Zinsen von dieser Schuld zu zahlen und zugleich das Kapital desselben jährlich um eine Summe von wenigstens ein hundert tausend Thalern zu vermindern; und diese Summe soll in jedem Jahre um sechs Prozent, Zins vom Zins gerechnet, vermehrt werden. Besagter Tilgungsfond soll aus den reinen jährlichen Einkünften der dem Staate gehörenden öffentlichen Werke und Aktien, oder aus irgend andern gesetzlich beschafften oder zu beschaffenden Fonds oder Hülfsquellen, und aus solchen weitern, durch Besteuerung aufzubringenden Summen, als zu genannten Zwecken erforderlich sein werden, bestehen.
S ECT. 8. The Auditor of State, Secretary of State, and Attorney General, are hereby created a board of commissioners, to be styled, “The Commissioners of the Sinking Fund.”
A BSCH . 8. Der Staatsauditor, Staatssekretär und Generalanwalt sind hiermit als ein Commissionsausschuß ernannt, unter dem Namen: „die Commissäre des Tilgungsfonds.“
S ECT. 9. The commissioners of the sinking fund shall, immediately preceding each regular session of the General Assembly, make an estimate of the probable amount of the fund, provided for in the seventh section of this article, from all sources except from taxation, and report the same, together with all their proceedings relative to said fund and the public debt, to the Governor, who shall transmit the same with his regular message, to the General Assembly; and the General Assembly shall make all necessary provision for raising and disbursing said sinking fund, in pursuance of the provisions of this article.
A BSCH . 9. Die Commissäre des Tilgungsfond sollen unmittelbar vor jeder regelmäßigen Sitzung der General-Versammlung einen Ueberschlag über den wahrscheinlichen Betrag des in dem 7. Abschnitt dieses Artikels bestimmten Fonds, wie er sich aus allen Quellen mit Ausnahme der Besteuerung ergiebt, machen, und denselben, nebst allen ihren Verhandlungen bezüglich des genannten Fonds und der öffentlichen Schuld, an den Gouverneur berichten, welcher diesen Bericht mit seiner regelmäßigen Botschaft an die General-Versammlung übersenden soll; und die GeneralVersammlung soll zur Beschaffung und Verausgabung des genannten Tilgungfonds in Gemäßheit der Verfügungen dieses Artikels alle nothwendigen Anordnungen treffen.
S ECT. 10. It shall be the duty of the92 said Commissioners faithfully to apply said fund, together with all moneys that may be, by the General Assembly, appropriated to that object, to the payment of the interest,
A BSCH . 10. Es soll die Pflicht der genannten Commissäre sein, genannten Fond, nebst allen Geldern, welche von der General-Versammlung zu diesem Zwecke verwilligt wurden, treulich zur Entrichtung der
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1851) as it becomes due, and the redemption of the principal of the public debt of the State, excepting only, the school and trust funds held by the State.
Zinsen, so wie sie fällig werden und zur Abzahlung des Kapitals der öffentlichen Staatsschuld zu verwenden mit alleiniger Ausnahme der sich im Besitze des Staates befindenden Schul- und zur Verwaltung betrauter Fonds66 .
S ECT. 11. The said Commissioners shall, semi-annually, make a full and detailed report of their proceedings to the Governor, who shall, immediately, cause the same to be published, and shall also communicate the same to the General Assembly, forthwith, if it be in session, and if not, then at its first session after such report shall be made.
A BSCH . 11. Die genannten Commissäre sollen halbjährlich einen vollständigen und ausführlichen Bericht ihrer Verhandlungen an den Gouverneur erstatten, welcher denselben unverzüglich veröffentlichen lassen, sowie auch der Generalversammlung mittheilen soll und zwar sofort, wenn dieselbe in Sitzung ist; wenn nicht, zur Zeit der ersten Sitzung derselben nach Ablegung des Berichts.
S ECT. 12. So long as this State shall have public works which require superintendence, there shall be a Board of Public Works, to consist of three members, who shall be elected by the people, at the first93 general election after the adoption of this94 Constitution, one for the term of one year, one for the term of two years, and one for the term of three years; and one member of said Board shall be elected annually thereafter, who shall hold his office for three years.
A BSCH . 12. So lange der Staat öffentliche Werke hat, welche der Beaufsichtigung bedürfen, soll ein Ausschuß67 für öffentliche Werke da sein, bestehend aus drei Mitgliedern, welche von dem Volke zur Zeit der ersten allgemeinen Wahl nach Annahme dieser Verfassung gewählt werden sollen, und zwar einer68 auf ein Jahr, einer auf zwei Jahre, und einer auf drei Jahre; und jedes Jahr darauf soll ein Mitglied des genannten Ausschusses auf drei Jahre gewählt werden.
S ECT. 13. The powers and duties of said Board of Public Works, and its several members, and their compensation, shall be such as now are95 , or may be prescribed by law.
A BSCH . 13. Die Gewalten und Obligenheiten69 des genannten Ausschusses für öffentliche Werke und seiner einzelnen Mitglieder, so wie ihr Gehalt sollen der Art sein, wie sie gesetzlich vorgeschrieben sind, oder vorgeschrieben werden mögen.
ARTICLE IX
ARTIKEL IX
Militia
Bürgerwehr
S ECT. 1. All white male citizens, residents of this96 State, being eighteen years of age, and under the age of forty five years, shall be enrolled in the militia, and perform military duty, in such manner, not incompat-
A BSCH . 1. Alle weißen, männlichen, in diesem Staat ansässigen Bürger welche achtzehn Jahre alt und unter dem Alter von fünf und vierzig Jahren sind, sollen in die Bürgerwehr eingeschrieben70 werden und Mili-
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O HIO ible with the Constitution and laws97 of the United States, as may be prescribed by law.
tärpflicht leisten, auf solcher der Verfassung und den Gesetzen der Vereinigten Staaten nicht widerstreitenden Weise, als gesetzlich verordnet werden mag.
S ECT. 2. Majors General, Brigadiers General, Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, Majors, Captains, and Subalterns, shall be elected by the persons subject to military duty, in their respective districts.
A BSCH . 2. General-Majore, Brigade-Generäle, Obersten, Oberstlieutenants, Majore, Hauptleute und ihren untergeordnete Officiere sollen durch die militärpflichtigen Personen in ihren betreffenden Bezirken gewählt werden.
S ECT. 3. The Governor shall appoint the Adjutant General, Quarter Master General, and such other staff officers, as may be provided for98 by law. Majors General, Brigadiers General, Colonels, or Commandants of Regiments, Battalions, or Squadrons, shall, severally, appoint their staff, and Captains shall appoint their noncommissioned officers and musicians.
A BSCH . 3. Der Gouverneur hat den General-Adjutanten, General-Quartiermeister und solche andere Staabsofficiere als vom Gesetze angeordnet werden, an[zu]stellen. Die General-Majore, Brigade-Generäle, Obersten so wie Regiments-, Bataillonsund Escadrons-Commandanten sollen ihre betreffenden Stabs-Officiere anstellen, und die Hauptleute sollen ihre Unteroffiziere und Musikanten anstellen.
S ECT. 4. The Governor shall commission all officers of the line and staff, ranking as such; and shall have power to call forth the Militia, to execute the laws of the State, to suppress insurrection, and99 repel invasion.
A BSCH . 4. Der Gouverneur soll allen Linien- und Stabsofficieren, die als solche Rang haben, ihre Bestallung ertheilen, und soll die Gewalt besitzen, die Bürgerwehr unter die Waffen zu rufen, um die Gesetze des Staates zu vollstrecken, Aufstände zu unterdrücken oder feindliche Einfälle abzuwehren.
S ECT. 5. The General Assembly shall provide, by law, for the protection and safe keeping of the public arms.
A BSCH . 5. Die General-Versammlung soll durch Gesetzeserlaß für den Schutz und die sichere Verwahrung der öffentlichen Waffen sorgen.
ARTICLE X
ARTIKEL X
County and Township Organizations100 S ECT. 1. The General Assembly shall provide, by law, for the election of such county and township officers as may be necessary.
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County- und TownshipOrganisation A BSCH . 1. Die General-Versammlung soll die Wahl der nöthigen County u. Township Beamten anordnen.
V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1851) S ECT. 2. County officers shall be elected on the second Tuesday of October, until otherwise directed by law, by the qualified electors of each county, in such manner, and for such term, not exceeding three years, as may be provided by law.
A BSCH . 2. County-Beamten sollen am zweiten Dienstag im Oktober gewählt werden, bis das Gesetz anderweitige Verfügungen trifft; und zwar durch die berechtigten Wähler in jedem County, auf solche Weise und für solchen drei Jahre nicht übersteigenden Termin, als durch das Gesetz verordnet werden mag.
S ECT. 3. No person shall be eligible to the office of Sheriff, or County Treasurer, for more than four years, in any period of six years.
A BSCH . 3. Niemand soll für das Amt des Scheriffs oder County-Schatzmeisters für mehr als vier Jahre während irgend einer Periode von 6 Jahren wählbar sein.
S ECT. 4. Township officers shall be elected on the first Monday of April, annually, by the qualified electors of their respective townships, and shall hold their offices for one year, from the Monday next succeeding their election, and until their successors are qualified.
A BSCH . 4. Township Beamten sollen jährlich am ersten Montag im April durch die berechtigten Wähler der betreffenden Townships gewählt werden und ihre Aemter auf ein Jahr von dem unmittelbar auf ihre Wahl folgenden Montag an, und bis ihre Nachfolger in’s Amt eingeführt sind, bekleiden.
S ECT. 5. No money shall be drawn from any county or township treasury, except by authority of law.
A BSCH . 5. Es soll kein Geld aus irgend einer County- oder Township Kasse gezogen werden, es sei denn kraft einer Verwilligung durch Gesetzes Erlaß.
S ECT. 6. Justices of the peace, and county and township officers, may be removed, in such manner and for such cause, as shall be prescribed by law.
A BSCH . 6. Friedensrichter, so wie County- und Township-Beamte können auf solche Weise und aus solchen Gründen als das Gesetze vorschreiben wird, ihres Amtes entsetzt werden.
S ECT. 7. The Commissioners of Counties, the trustees of Townships, and similar boards, shall have such power of local taxation, for police purposes, as may be prescribed by law.
A BSCH . 7. Die County Commissäre, die Township Vorsteher und ähnliche Ausschüsse sollen nach Maßgabe gesetzlicher Vorschrift Gewalt haben, zu polizeilichen Zwecken eine örtliche Besteuerung aufzulegen.71
ARTICLE XI
ARTIKEL XI
Apportionment
Staatseintheilung72
S ECT. 1. The apportionment of this State for members of the General Assembly, shall be made every ten years, after the year one
A BSCH . 1. Die Eintheilung dieses Staats für Mitglieder der General-Versammlung soll alle zehn Jahre nach dem Jahr ein tau-
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O HIO thousand eight hundred and fifty one, in the following manner: The whole population of the State, as ascertained by the federal census, or in such other mode as the General Assembly may direct, shall be divided by the number “One Hundred,” and the quotient shall be the ratio of representation in the House of Representatives, for ten years next succeeding such apportionment.
send acht hundert ein und fünfzig vorgenommen werden, und zwar auf folgende Weise: Die ganze Bevölkerung des Staats, wie sie durch den Census der Bundesregierung oder auf andere von der General-Versammlung anzuordnende Weise ermittelt worden ist, soll durch die Zahl einhundert dividirt werden, und der Quotient soll als die Rate der Repräsentation in dem Repräsentantenhaus für die auf diese Eintheilung unmittelbar folgende zehn Jahre gelten.
S ECT. 2. Every county, having a population equal to one half of said ratio, shall be entitled to one Representative; every county, containing said ratio, and three-fourths over, shall be entitled to two Representatives; every county, containing three times said ratio, shall be entitled to three Representatives: and so on, requiring after the first two, an entire ratio for each101 additional Representative.
A BSCH . 2. Jedes County mit einer Bevölkerung zum Belauf einer Hälfte genannter Rate soll zu einem Repräsentanten berechtigt sein; jedes County, welches eine ganze Rate und drei viertel darüber enthält, zu zwei Repräsentanten; jedes County, welches genannte Rate dreimal enthält, zu drei Repräsentanten und so weiter, so daß nach den ersten zweien eine ganze Rate für jeden weitern Repräsentanten erforderlich ist.
S ECT. 3. When any county shall have a fraction above the ratio, so large, that being multiplied by five, the result will be equal to one or more ratios, additional Representatives shall be apportioned102 for such ratios among the several sessions of the decennial period, in the following manner: If there be only one ratio a Representative shall be allotted to the fifth session of the decennial period; if there are103 two ratios, a Representative shall be allotted to the fourth and third sessions, respectively; if three, to the third, second, and first sessions, respectively; if four to the fourth, third, second, and first sessions, respectively.
A BSCH . 3. Wenn die Bevölkerung irgend eines County die volle Rate um einen so großen Bruchtheil übersteigt, daß dieser Bruchtheil, mit fünf multipliziert, einer oder mehren Raten gleich kommt, so sollen für die sich so ergebenden Raten weitere Repräsentanten unter den verschiedenen Sitzungen der zehnjährigen Periode auf folgende Weise zugetheilt werden: Ergibt sich blos eine Rate, so soll ein Repräsentant für die fünfte Sitzung der zehnjährigen Periode angewiesen, ergeben sich zwei Raten, so soll ein Repräsentant für jede der vierten und dritten Sitzungen angewiesen werden; wenn drei, für jede der dritten, zweiten und ersten Sitzungen; wenn vier, für jede der vierten, dritten, zweiten und ersten Sitzungen.
S ECT. 4. Any county, forming with another county or counties, a Representative district, during one decennial period, if it have104 acquired sufficient population at the next decennial period, shall be entitled to a separate105 representation, if there shall be left, in the district from which it shall have
A BSCH . 4. Jedes County, welches während einer zehnjährigen Periode mit einem andern County oder andern Counties zusammen einen Repräsentativ-Bezirk bildet, soll, wenn es bei der nächsten zehnjährigen Periode eine zureichende Bevölkerung erlangt hat, zu einer gesonderten Repräsentation be-
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1851) been separated, a population sufficient for a Representative; but no such change shall be made, except at the106 regular decennial period for the apportionment107 of Representatives.
rechtigt sein, vorausgesetzt, daß in dem Bezirk, von welchem es getrennt wurde, eine für einen Repräsentanten zureichende Bevölkerung übrig bleibt, aber keine derartige Aenderung soll zu einer andern als zur Zeit der regelmäßigen zehnjährigen Periode für die Vertheilung der Repräsentanten vorgenommen werden.
S ECT. 5. If, in fixing any subsequent ratio, a county, previously entitled to a separate representation, shall have less than the number required by the new ratio for a Representative, such county shall be attached to the county adjoining it, having the least number of inhabitants; and the representation of the district, so formed, shall be determined as herein provided.
A BSCH . 5. Wenn bei der Feststellung irgend einer spätern Rate ein bis dahin zu einer gesonderten Repräsentation berechtigtes County weniger als die durch die neue Rate für einen Repräsentanten erforderte Anzahl haben sollte, so soll ein solches County dem ihm angrenzenden County, welches die geringste Einwohnerzahl hat, angefügt werden; und die Repräsentation des so gebildeten Bezirks soll der hierin gegebenen Vorschrift gemäß bestimmt werden.
S ECT. 6. The ratio for a Senator shall, forever hereafter, be ascertained, by dividing the whole population of the State, by the number thirty-five.
A BSCH . 6. Die Rate für einen Senator soll künftighin für immer dadurch ermittelt werden, daß die ganze Bevölkerung des Staates durch die Zahl fünf und dreißig dividirt wird.
S ECT. 7. The State is hereby divided into thirty three Senatorial districts, as follows: the county of Hamilton shall constitute the first Senatorial district; the counties of Butler and Warren, the second; Montgomery and Preble, the third; Clermont and Brown, the fourth; Greene108 , Clinton and Fayette, the fifth; Ross and Highland, the sixth; Adams, Pike, Scioto and Jackson, the seventh; Lawrence, Gallia, Meigs and Vinton, the eighth; Athens, Hocking and Fairfield, the ninth; Franklin and Pickaway, the tenth; Clark109 , Champaign and Madison, the eleventh; Miami, Darke110 and Shelby, the twelfth; Logan, Union, Marion and Hardin, the thirteenth; Washington and Morgan, the fourteenth; Muskingum and Perry, the fifteenth; Delaware and Licking, the sixteenth; Knox and Morrow, the seventeenth; Coshocton and Tuscarawas, the eighteenth; Guernsey and Monroe, the nineteenth; Bel-
A BSCH . 7. Der Staat wird hiermit in drei und dreißig Senatorial-Bezirke eingetheilt, wie folgt: das County Hamilton soll den ersten Senatorial-Bezirk bilden; die Counties Butler und Warren den zweiten; Montgomery und Preble den dritten; Clermont und Brown den vierten; Greene, Clinton und Fayette den fünften; Roß und Highland den sechsten; Adams, Pike, Scioto und Jackson den siebenten; Lawrence, Gallia, Meigs und Vinton den achten; Athens, Hocking u. Fairfield den neunten; Franklin und Pickaway den zehnten; Clark, Champaign und Madison den elften; Miami, Darke und Shelby den zwölften; Logan, Union, Marion und Hardin den dreizehnten; Washington und Morgan den vierzehnten; Muskingum und Perry den fünfzehnten; Delaware und Licking den sechszehnten; Knox und Morrow den siebzehnten; Coshokton und Tuskarawas den achtzehnten; Guernsey und Mon-
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O HIO mont and Harrison, the twentieth; Carroll and Stark, the twenty-first; Jefferson and Columbiana, the twenty-second; Trumbull and Mahoning, the twenty-third; Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga, the twenty-fourth; Cuyahoga, the twenty-fifth; Portage and Summit, the twenty-sixth; Medina and Lorain, the twenty-seventh; Wayne and Holmes, the twenty-eighth; Ashland and Richland, the twenty-ninth; Huron, Erie, Sandusky and Ottawa, the thirtieth; Seneca, Crawford and Wyandot, the thirty-first; Mercer, Auglaize, Allen, Vanwert, Paulding, Defiance and Williams, the thirty-second; and Hancock, Wood, Lucas, Fulton, Henry and Putnam, the thirty-third. For the first decennial period, after the adoption of this constitution, each of said districts shall be entitled to one Senator, except the first district, which shall be entitled to three Senators.
roe den neunzehnten; Belmont und Harrison den zwanzigsten; Carroll und Stark den ein und zwanzigsten; Jefferson und Columbiana den zwei und zwanzigsten; Trumbull und Mahoning den drei und zwanzigsten; Ashtabula, Lake und Geauga den vier und zwanzigsten; Cuyahoga den fünf und zwanzigsten; Portage und Summit den sechs und zwanzigsten; Medina und Lorain den sieben und zwanzigsten; Wayne und Holmes den acht und zwanzigsten; Ashland u. Richland den neun und zwanzigsten; Huron, Erie, Sandusky und Ottawa den dreißigsten; Seneca, Crawford und Wyandot den ein und dreißigsten; Mercer, Auglaize, Paulding, Van Wert, Allen, Defiance und Williams den zwei und dreißigsten, und Hancock, Wood, Lucas, Fulton, Henry und Putnam den drei u. dreißigsten. Für die erste zehn jährige Periode nach Annahme dieser Verfassung soll jeder der benannten Bezirke zu einem Senator berechtigt sein, mit Ausnahme des ersten Bezirks, welcher zu drei Senatoren berechtigt sein soll.
S ECT. 8. The same rules111 shall be applied, in apportioning the fractions of Senatorial districts, and in annexing districts, which may hereafter have less than threefourths of a Senatorial ratio, as are applied to Representative districts.
A BSCH . 8. Dieselben Regeln, welche auf Repräsentativ-Bezirke angewandt werden sollen bei der Eintheilung der Bruchtheile der Senatorial-Bezirke und bei der Verbindung von Bezirken, welche künftighin weniger als drei Viertel der Senatorial-Rate haben mögen, angewandt werden.
S ECT. 9. Any county forming part of a senatorial district, having acquired a population equal to a full Senatorial ratio, shall be made a separate Senatorial district, at any regular decennial apportionment, if a full Senatorial ratio shall be left in the district from which it shall be taken.
A BSCH . 9. Irgend ein County, welches einen Theil eines Senatorial Bezirks bildet, soll, sobald es eine Bevölkerung erlangt hat, die einer vollen73 Senatorial Rate gleichkommt, zur Zeit irgend einer regelmäßigen zehnjährigen Eintheilung zu einer gesonderten Senatorial Bezirk gemacht werden, wenn eine volle Senatorial Rate in dem Bezirk, von welchem der eine getrennt wird, zurückbleibt.
S ECT. 10. For the first ten years, after the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty one, the apportionment of Representatives shall be as provided in the schedule,
A BSCH . 10. Für die ersten zehn Jahre nach dem Jahre ein tausend acht hundert ein und fünfzig soll die Eintheilung der Repräsentanten sein wie sie in der Beilage ange-
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1851) and no change shall ever be made in the principles of representation, as herein established, or, in the Senatorial districts, except as above provided. All territory, belonging to a county at the time of any apportionment, shall, as to the right of representation and suffrage, remain an integral part thereof, during the decennial period.
ordnet ist, und keine Veränderung soll je in den Grundsätzen der Repräsentation, wie sie hierin festgesetzt sind, oder in den Senatorial Bezirken gemacht werden, außer wie oben vorgeschrieben. Alles einem County zur Zeit einer Eintheilung zugehörige Gebiet soll, sofern es das Repräsentations- und Stimmrecht betrifft, während der zehnjährigen Periode ein integrirender Theil des betreffenden Counties bleiben.
S ECT. 11. The Governor, Auditor, and Secretary of State, or any two of them, shall, at least six months prior to the October election, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty one, and, at each decennial period thereafter, ascertain and determine the ratio of representation, according to the decennial census, the number of Representatives and Senators each county or district shall be entitled to elect, and for what years, within the next ensuing ten years, and the Governor shall cause the same to be published, in such manner as shall be directed by law.
A BSCH . 11. Der Gouverneur, Auditor und Staatssekretär, oder je zwei derselben, sollen wenigstens sechs Monate vor der Oktober Wahl im Jahre ein tausend acht hundert und ein und sechzig, und alle zehn Jahre später die Repräsentations-Rate zufolge des zehnjährigen Census ermitteln und bestimmen, sowie auch die Zahl der Repräsentanten und Senatoren, welche jedes County oder jeder Bezirk zu wählen berechtigt sein wird, und die Jahre, für welche innerhalb der nächstfolgenden zehn Jahre sie zu wählen sind; und der Gouverneur soll das Ergebniß auf die vom Gesetz zu bestimmende Weise veröffentlichen lassen.
Judicial Apportionment S ECT. 12. For Judicial purposes, the State shall be apportioned as follows: The county of Hamilton, shall constitute the first district, which shall not be subdivided; and the Judges therein, may hold separate courts, or separate sittings of the same court, at the same time. The counties of Butler, Preble and Darke, shall constitute the first subdivision, Montgomery, Miami and Champaign, the second; and Warren, Clinton, Greene and Clark112 , the third subdivision; of the second district; and, together, shall form such district. The counties of Shelby, Auglaize, Allen, Hardin, Logan, Union and Marion shall constitute the first subdivision, Mercer, Van
Eintheilung in Gerichtsbezirke A BSCH . 12. Für gerichtliche Zwecke soll der Staat eingetheilt werden wie folgt: Das County Hamilton soll den ersten Bezirk bilden, welcher nicht in Unterabtheilungen zerlegt werden soll, und die Richter darin sind befugt, zu gleicher Zeit besondere74 Gerichte oder besondere Sitzungen desselben Gerichts zu halten. Die Counties Butler, Preble und Darke sollen die erste; Montgomery, Miami, Champaign die zweite; und Warren, Clinton, Green und Clarke die dritte Unterabtheilung des zweiten Bezirks bilden, und diese zusammen sollen diesen Bezirk ausmachen. Die Counties Selby, Auglaize, Allen, Hardin, Logan, Union, und Marion sollen die
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O HIO Wert, Putnam, Paulding, Defiance, Williams, Henry and Fulton, the second, and Wood, Seneca, Hancock, Wyandot and Crawford, the third subdivision; of the third district; and, together, shall form such district. The counties of Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Erie and Huron, shall constitute the first subdivision; Lorain, Medina and Summit, the second, and the county of Cuyahoga, the third subdivision; of the fourth district; and, together, shall form such district. The counties of Clermont, Brown and Adams, shall constitute the first subdivision; Highland, Ross and Fayette, the second; and Pickaway, Franklin and Madison, the third subdivision, of the fifth district; and, together, shall form such district. The counties of Licking, Knox and Delaware, shall constitute the first subdivision, Morrow, Richland and Ashland, the second, and Wayne, Holmes and Coshocton, the third subdivision, of the sixth district; and, together, shall form such district. The counties of Fairfield, Perry and Hocking, shall constitute the first subdivision; Jackson, Vinton, Pike, Scioto and Lawrence, the second; and Gallia, Meigs, Athens and Washington, the third subdivision, of the seventh district; and, together, shall form such district. The counties of Muskingum and Morgan, shall constitute the first subdivision, Guernsey, Belmont and Monroe, the second; and Jefferson, Harrison and Tuscarawas, the third subdivision; of the eighth district; and, together, shall form such district. The counties of Stark, Carroll and Columbiana, shall constitute the first subdivision; Trumbull, Portage and Mahoning, the second; and Geauga, Lake and Ashtabula, the third subdivision, of the ninth district; and, together, shall form such district. S ECT. 13. The General Assembly shall attach any new counties, that may hereafter be erected, to such districts, or subdivisions
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erste; Mercer, Van Wert, Putnam, Paulding, Defiance, Williams, Henry und Fulton die zweite; und Wood, Seneca, Hancock, Wyandot u. Crawford, die dritte Unterabtheilung des dritten Bezirks bilden; und diese zusammen sollen diesen Bezirk ausmachen. Die Counties Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Erie und Huron sollen die erste; Lorain, Medina u. Summit die zweite, und das County Cuyahoga soll die dritte Unterabtheilung des vierten Bezirks bilden; und diese zusammen sollen diesen Bezirk ausmachen. Die Counties Clermont, Brown und Adams sollen die erste; Highland, Roß und Fayette die zweite; und Pickaway, Franklin und Madison die dritte Unterabtheilung des fünften Bezirks bilden, und diese zusammen sollen diesen Bezirk ausmachen. Die Counties Licking, Knox und Delaware sollen die erste; Morrow, Richland and Aschland die zweite; und Wayne, Holmes und Coshocton die dritte Unterabtheilung des sechsten Bezirks bilden; und diese zusammen sollen diesen Bezirk ausmachen. Die Counties Fairfield, Perry und Hocking sollen die erste; Jackson, Vinton, Pike, Scioto und Lawrence die zweite; und Gallia, Meigs, Athens und Washington die dritte Unterabtheilung des siebenten Bezirks bilden, und diese zusammen sollen diesen Bezirk ausmachen. Die Counties Muskingum und Morgan sollen die erste, Guernsey, Belmont und Monroe die zweite; Jefferson, Harrison und Tuscarawas die dritte Unterabtheilung des achten Bezirks bilden; und diese zusammen sollen diesen Bezirk ausmachen. Die Counties Stark, Carroll und Columbiana sollen die erste; Trumbull, Portage und Mahoning die zweite; und Geauga, Lake und Ashtabula die dritte Unterabtheilung des neunten Bezirks bilden, und diese zusammen sollen diesen Bezirks ausmachen. A BSCH . 13. Die General-Versammlung soll irgend neue Counties, welche künftighin errichtet werden mögen, solchen Bezir-
C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1851) thereof, as shall be most convenient.
ken oder ihren Unterabtheilung anfügen, als am zweckmäßigsten sein wird.
ARTICLE XII
ARTIKEL XII
Finance and Taxation
Finanzen und Besteuerung
S ECT. 1. The levying of taxes, by the poll, is grievous and oppressive; therefore, the General Assembly shall never levy a poll tax, for county or State purposes.
A BSCH . 1. Die Erhebung von Kopfsteuern ist lästig und drückend; daher soll die General-Versammlung nie für County- oder Staats Zwecke eine Kopfsteuer erheben.
S ECT. 2. Laws shall be passed, taxing, by a uniform rule, all moneys, credits, investments in bonds, stocks, joint stock companies, or otherwise; and also all real and personal property, according to its true value in money; but burying grounds, public school houses, houses used exclusively for public worship, institutions of purely public charity, public property used exclusively for any public purpose; and personal property, to an amount not exceeding in value two hundred dollars, for each individual, may, by general laws, be exempted from taxation: but, all such laws shall be subject to alteration or repeal; and the value of all property, so exempted, shall, from time to time, be ascertained and published, as may be directed by law.
A BSCH . 2. Es sollen Gesetze erlassen werden, welche nach einer gleichmäßigen Regel alle Gelder, Ausstände, in Obligationen, Actien-Gesellschaften mit gemeinsamen Kapital und auf sonstige Weise angelegtes Vermögen, so wie auch alles liegende und bewegliche Eigenthum nach dem wahren Geldwerthe besteuern; aber Begräbnißplätze, öffentliche Schulgebäude, Gebäude, welche ausschließlich für die öffentliche Gottesverehrung gebraucht werden, Anstalten der rein öffentlichen Mildthätigkeit, öffentliches Eigenthum, welches ausschließlich für öffentliche Zwecke benutzt wird, und bewegliches Eigenthum zu einem Betrag von nicht mehr als zwei hundert Thalern für jedes Individuum dürfen, durch allgemeine Gesetze, von der Besteuerung befreit werden; aber alle solche Gesetze sollen der Veränderung oder dem Widerruf unterworfen sein, und der Werth alles solchen steuerfreien Eigenthums soll von Zeit zu Zeit ermittelt und veröffentlicht werden, wie es vom Gesetz bestimmt werden mag.
S ECT. 3. The General Assembly shall provide, by law, for taxing the notes and bills discounted or purchased, moneys loaned, and all other property, effects, or dues, of every description, (without deduction,) of all Banks, now existing, or hereafter created, and of all bankers, so that all property employed in banking, shall always bear a burden of taxation, equal to that imposed on the property of individuals.
A BSCH . 3. Die General Versammlung soll gesetzlich für die Besteuerung discontirter oder gekaufter Noten und Wechsel, Darlehen, u. alles sonstigen Eigenthums, aller beweglichen Güter oder Ausstände jeder Art (ohne Abzug) von allen jetzt bestehenden oder künftighin errichteten Banken sowie von allen Bankhaltern sorgen, so daß alles in Bankgeschäften verwendete Eigenthum stets eine Last der Besteuerung gleich der,
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O HIO welche dem Eigenthum einzelner Personen aufgelegt wird, zu tragen hat. S ECT. 4. The General Assembly shall provide for raising revenue, sufficient to defray the expenses of the State, for each year, and also a sufficient sum to pay the interest on the State debt.
A BSCH . 4. Die General-Versammlung soll Vorsorge treffen, daß zur Bestreitung der Staatsausgaben eines jeden Jahres hinreichende Einkünfte und zur Zahlung der Zinsen von der Staatsschuld die erforderliche Summe aufgebracht werde.
S ECT. 5. No tax shall be levied, except in pursuance of law; and every law imposing a tax, shall state, distinctly, the object of the same, to which only, it shall be applied.
A BSCH . 5. Keine Steuer soll anders als zufolge des Gesetzes erhoben werden; und jedes Gesetz das Steuern auferlegt, soll genau den Zweck derselben angeben, und zu diesem Zweck allein sollen sie verwendet werden.
S ECT. 6. The State shall never contract any debt for purposes of internal improvement113 .
A BSCH . 6. Der Staat soll nie zu Zwecken inländischer Verbesserungsanlagen Schulden machen.
ARTICLE XIII
ARTIKEL XIII
Corporations
Corporationen
S ECT. 1. The General Assembly shall pass no special act conferring corporate114 powers.
A BSCH . 1. Die General-Versammlung soll kein Spezialgesetz zur Verleihung von Corporationsrechten erlassen.
S ECT. 2. Corporations may be formed under general laws; but all such laws may, from time to time, be altered, or repealed.
A BSCH . 2. Corporationen dürfen unter allgemeinen Gesetzen gebildet werden; aber alle solche Gesetze können von Zeit zu Zeit geändert oder widerrufen werden.
S ECT. 3. Dues from corporations shall be secured, by such individual liability of the stockholders, and other means, as may be prescribed by law; but, in all cases, each stockholder shall be liable, over and above the stock by him or her owned, and any amount unpaid thereon, to a further sum, at least equal in amount to such stock.
A BSCH . 3. Schulden von Corporationen sollen durch solche individuelle Verantwortlichkeit der Actieninhaber und solche andere Mittel, als das Gesetz vorschreiben mag, gesichert werden; in allen Fällen aber soll jeder Actieninhaber über den Betrag seiner Actien und der darauf unbezahlt bleibenden Summe hinaus zu einer weiteren Summe, deren Betrag wenigstens diesen Actien gleich kommt, verantwortlich sein.
S ECT. 4. The property of corporations, now existing or hereafter created, shall forever be subject to taxation, the same as
A BSCH . 4. Das Eigenthum von jetzt bestehenden oder künftighin errichteten Corporationen soll für immer der Besteuerung
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1851) the115 property of individuals.
unterworfen sein, eben so wie das Eigenthum einzelner Personen.
S ECT. 5. No right of way shall be appropriated to the use of any corporation, until full compensation therefor be first made in money, or first secured by a deposit of money, to the owner, irrespective of any benefit from any improvement proposed by such corporation; which compensation shall be ascertained by a jury of twelve men, in a court of record, as shall be prescribed by law.
A BSCH . 5. Kein Recht des Durchwegs soll dem Gebrauch von Corporationen verwilligt werden, bis dem Eigenthümer im Voraus eine volle Geldentschädigung dafür gemacht oder durch Hinterlegung von Geld gesichert worden ist, ohne Rücksicht auf einen Nutzen aus einer vorhablichen Anlage solcher Corporation, und diese Entschädigung soll vor einem regelmäßigen protokollirenden Gericht durch zwölf Geschworne nach Vorschrift des Gesetzes ermittelt werden.
S ECT. 6. The General Assembly shall provide for the organization of cities, and incorporated villages, by general laws; and restrict their power of taxation, assessment, borrowing money, contracting debts and loaning their credit, so as to prevent the abuse of such power.
A BSCH . 6. Die General-Versammlung soll für die Organisation von Städten und incorporirten Dorfschaften durch allgemeine Gesetze Anordnung treffen, und ihre Gewalt zur Besteuerung, Schätzung, zum Geldborgen und zum Verleihen ihres Credits so beschränken, daß der Mißbrauch dieser Gewalt verhütet werde.
S ECT. 7. No act of the General Assembly, authorizing associations with banking powers, shall take effect; until it shall be submitted to the people, at the general election next succeeding the passage thereof, and be approved by a majority of all the electors, voting at such election.
A BSCH . 7. Kein Gesetz der General-Versammlung, wodurch Genossenschaften mit Bank-Gerechtsamen bekleidet werden, soll in Kraft treten, bis es dem Volke bei der allgemeinen Wahl, welche zunächst nach Erlassung desselben folgt, vorgelegt und durch eine Mehrheit aller bei dieser Wahl ihre Stimme abgebenden Wähler genehmigt worden ist.
ARTICLE XIV
ARTIKEL XIV
Jurisprudence
Jurisprudenz
S ECT. 1. The General Assembly, at its first session after the adoption of this constitution, shall provide for the appointment of three Commissioners, and prescribe their tenure of office, compensation, and the mode of filling vacancies in said commission116 .
A BSCH . 1. Die Generalversammlung soll bei ihrer ersten Sitzung nach Annahme dieser Verfassung für die Ernennung von drei Commissären sorgen, und ihre Dienstzeit, ihren Gehalt und die Weise bestimmen, wie etwaige in dieser Commission erledigte Stellen auszufüllen sind.
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O HIO S ECT. 2. The said Commissioners shall revise, reform, simplify and abridge, the practice, pleadings117 , forms118 , and proceedings of the courts of record of this State; and, as far as practicable and expedient, shall provide for the abolition of the distinct forms of action at law, now in use, and for the administration of justice by a uniform mode of proceeding, without reference to any119 distinction between law and equity.
A BSCH . 2. Genannte Commissäre sollen den Rechtsgang, das processualische Verfahren, die Formen und Verhandlungen der protokollirenden Gerichtshöfe dieses Staates revidiren, verbessern, vereinfachen und abkürzen; und, soweit es ausführbar und zweckmäßig ist, sollen sie die Abschaffung der jetzt gebräuchlichen verschiedenen Klageformen und die Gerechtigkeitspflege nach einer gleichförmigen Verfahrungsweise ohne Rücksicht auf irgend eine Unterscheidung zwischen Gemeinrecht und Billigkeitsrecht anordnen.
S ECT. 3. The proceedings of the Commissioners shall, from time to time, be reported to the General Assembly, and be subject to the action of that body.
A BSCH . 3. Die Verhandlungen der Commissäre sollen, von Zeit zu Zeit an die General-Versammlung berichtet werden, und der Verfügung dieses Körpers unterworfen sein.
ARTICLE XV
ARTIKEL XV
Miscellaneous
Verschiedenartiges
S ECT. 1. Columbus shall be the seat of government, until otherwise directed by law.
A BSCH . 1. Columbus soll der Sitz der Regierung sein, bis das Gesetz es anders bestimmt.
S ECT. 2. The printing of the laws, journals, bills, legislative documents and papers for each branch of the General Assembly, with the printing required for the Executive and other departments of State, shall be let, on contract, to the lowest responsible120 bidder, by such Executive officers, and in such manner, as shall be prescribed by law.
A BSCH . 2. Das Drucken der Gesetze, Tagebücher, Gesetzesvorschläge, gesetzgebenden Urkunden und Acten für jeden Zweig der General-Versammlung, nebst dem für die vollziehende Behörde und andere Zweige des Staats erforderlichen Drucken, soll durch solche vollziehende Beamten und in solcher Weise, wie es das Gesetz vorschreiben wird, an den verantwortlichen Mindestbietenden in Contrakt gegeben werden.
S ECT. 3. An accurate and detailed statement of the receipts and expenditures of the public money, the several amounts paid, to whom, and on what account, shall, from time to time, be published, as shall be prescribed by law.
A BSCH . 3. Ein vollständiges75 und ausführliches Verzeichnis der Einnahmen und Ausgaben des öffentlichen Geldes, die einzelnen ausbezahlten Beträge unter Angabe der einzelnen Beträge, an wen und wofür sie bezahlt worden, soll von Zeit zu Zeit, wie das Gesetz es vorschreiben wird, veröffentlicht werden.
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1851) S ECT. 4. No person shall be elected or appointed to any office in this State, unless he possess121 the qualifications122 of an elector.
A BSCH . 4. Niemand soll zu irgend einem Amt in diesem Staat erwählt oder als Beamter angestellt werden, wenn er nicht die Rechte76 eines Wählers besitzt.
S ECT. 5. No person who shall hereafter fight a duel, assist in the same as second, or send, accept, or knowingly carry, a challenge therefor, shall hold any123 office in this State.
A BSCH . 5. Niemand, welcher künftig einen Zweikampf77 besteht, demselben als Secundant beiwohnt, oder eine Herausforderung sendet, annimmt oder wissentlich trägt, soll in diesem Staate ein Amt bekleiden.
S ECT. 6. Lotteries, and the sale of lottery tickets, for any purpose whatever, shall forever be prohibited in this State.
A BSCH . 6. Lotterien und der Verkauf von Lotteriezetteln für irgend einen Zweck sollen in diesem Staate für immer verboten sein.
S ECT. 7. Every person chosen or appointed to any office under this State, before entering upon the discharge of its duties, shall take an oath or affirmation, to support the Constitution of the United States, and of this State, and also an oath of office.
A BSCH . 7. Jede Person, welche unter diesem Staat zu irgend einem Amt erwählt oder als Beamter angestellt wird, soll, vor dem Amtsantritt, einen Eid oder eine eideskräftige Bejahung zur Aufrechterhaltung der Verfassung der Vereinigten Staaten und dieses Staats, so wie auch einen Amtseid leisten.
S ECT. 8. There may be established, in the Secretary of State’s office, a bureau124 of statistics, under such regulations as may be prescribed by law.125
A BSCH . 8. Es kann auf dem Amtszimmer des Staatssekretärs nach gesetzlicher Verordnung ein statistisches Bureau errichtet werden.
ARTICLE XVI
ARTIKEL XVI
Amendments
Verbesserungen
S ECT. 1. Either branch of the General Assembly may propose amendments to this constitution; and, if the same126 shall be agreed to, by three-fifths of the members elected to each House, such proposed amendments127 shall be entered on128 the journals, with the yeas and nays, and shall be published in at least one newspaper in each county of the State129 , where a newspaper is published, for six months preceding the next election for Senators and Representatives, at which time the same shall be submitted to the electors, for their approval or rejection; and if a majority of the electors, voting at such election, shall adopt such
A BSCH . 1. Jeder der beiden Zweige der Generalversammlung kann Verbesserungen dieser Verfassung beantragen, und wenn dieselben durch drei Fünftel der zu jedem Haus erwählten Mitglieder genehmigt werden, so sollen diese beantragten Verbesserungen mit den Ja’s und Nein’s in die Tagebücher eingetragen und veröffentlicht werden in wenigstens einer Zeitung in jedem County, wo eine Zeitung herausgegeben wird, auf sechs Monate unmittelbar vor der nächsten Wahl für Senatoren und Repräsentanten, zu welcher Zeit diese Verbesserungen den Wählern zu ihrer Genehmigung oder Verwerfung vorgelegt werden sollen; und wenn eine Mehrheit
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O HIO amendments, the same shall become a part of the Constitution. When more than one amendment shall be submitted at the same time, they shall be so submitted, as to enable the electors to vote on each amendment, separately.
aller bei dieser Wahl stimmenden Wähler diese Verbesserung annehmen, so sollen sie ein Theil dieser Verfassung werden. Wird mehr als eine Verbesserung zugleich vorgelegt werden, so soll dies so geschehen, daß die Wähler im Stande sind, über jede Verbesserung besonders abzustimmen.
S ECT. 2. Whenever two-thirds of the members elected to each branch of the General Assembly, shall think it necessary to call a Convention, to revise, amend, or change this130 Constitution, they shall recommend to the electors to vote, at the next election for131 members to the General Assembly, for or against a Convention; and if a majority of all the electors, voting at said election, shall132 have voted for a Convention, the General Assembly shall, at their next session, provide, by law, for calling the same. The Convention shall consist of as many members as the House of Representatives, who shall be chosen in the same manner, and shall meet within three months after their election, for the purpose aforesaid.
A BSCH . 2. So oft zwei Drittel zu der jedem Zweig der Generalversammlung erwählten Mitglieder es für nothwendig erachten, zur Revision, Verbesserung oder Veränderung dieser Verfassung eine Convention zu berufen, so sollen sie die Wähler auffordern, bei der nächsten Wahl für Mitglieder der Generalversammlung für oder gegen eine Convention zu stimmen, und wenn dann eine Mehrheit aller bei dieser Wahl stimmenden Bürger für eine Convention gestimmt hat, so soll die Generalversammlung, bei ihrer nächsten Sitzung die Berufung derselben anordnen. Die Convention soll aus so vielen Mitgliedern bestehen, wie das Repräsentantenhaus, und dieselben sollen auf gleiche Weise gewählt werden, und zu genanntem Zwecke innerhalb drei Monaten nach ihrer Wahl zusammentreten.
S ECT. 3. At the general election, to be held in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy one, and in each twentieth year thereafter, the question: “Shall there be a Convention to revise, alter, or amend the Constitution,” shall be submitted to the electors of the State; and, in case a majority of all the electors, voting at such election, shall decide in favor of133 a Convention, the General Assembly, at its134 next session, shall provide, by law, for the election of delegates, and the assembling of such Convention, as is provided in the preceding section; but no amendment of this Constitution, agreed upon by any Convention assembled in pursuance of this article, shall take effect, until the same shall have been submitted to the electors of the State, and adopted by a majority of those voting thereon.
A BSCH . 3. Bei der allgemeinen im Jahr ein tausend acht hundert und ein und siebenzig zu haltenden Wahl, und in jedem zwanzigsten Jahre darauf, soll die Frage: “Soll eine Convention berufen werden, um die Verfassung zu revidiren, zu ändern oder zu verbessern,” den Wählern des Staates vorgelegt werden, und im Falle eine Mehrheit aller bei dieser Wahl stimmenden Wähler zu Gunsten einer Convention entscheidet, so soll die Generalversammlung bei ihrer nächsten Sitzung gesetzlich die Wahl von Delegaten und das Zusammenkommen der Convention, wie es in dem vorhergehenden Abschnitt bestimmt ist, anordnen; aber keine Verbesserung dieser Verfassung, wozu irgend eine in Gemäßheit dieses Artikels zusammengekommene Convention sich vereinbart hat, soll in Kraft treten, bis sie den
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1851) Wählern des Staats vorgelegt und durch eine Mehrheit der darüber Abstimmenden angenommen worden ist.
SCHEDULE
BEILAGE78
S ECT. 1. All laws of this State, in force on the first day of September, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one, not inconsistent with this constitution, shall continue in force, until amended or repealed.
A BSCH . 1. Alle Gesetze dieses Staates, welche am ersten September ein tausend acht hundert ein und fünfzig in Kraft sind, und dieser Verfassung nicht widerstreiten, sollen in Kraft bleiben, bis sie verbessert oder widerrufen werden.
S ECT. 2. The first election for members of the General Assembly, under this constitution, shall be held on the second Tuesday of October, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one.
A BSCH . 2. Die erste Wahl für Mitglieder der General-Versammlung unter dieser Verfassung soll am zweiten Dienstag im Oktober ein tausend acht hundert ein und fünfzig gehalten werden.
S ECT. 3. The first election for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Auditor, Treasurer, and135 Secretary of State and Attorney General, shall be held on the second Tuesday of October, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one. The persons, holding said offices on the first day of September, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one, shall continue therein, until the second Monday of January, one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
A BSCH . 3. Die erste Wahl für Gouverneur, Vice-Gouverneur, Staats-Auditor, Staatsschatzmeister, Staats-Secretär und General-Anwalt soll am zweiten Dienstag im Oktober ein tausend acht hundert ein und fünfzig gehalten werden. Die am ersten September ein tausend acht hundert ein und fünfzig sich in genannten Aemtern sich79 befindenden Personen sollen bis zum zweiten Montag im Januar ein tausend acht hundert zwei und fünfzig im Amte bleiben.
S ECT. 4. The first election for Judges of the supreme court, courts of common pleas, and probate courts, and Clerks of the courts of common pleas, shall be held on the second Tuesday of October, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one, and the official term of said136 Judges and clerks, so elected, shall commence on the second Monday of February, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two. Judges and clerks of the courts of common pleas and supreme court, in office on the first day of September, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one, shall continue in office with their present powers and duties, until the second Monday of February,
A BSCH . 4. Die erste Wahl der Richter des Suprem-Gerichts, der Common-PleasGerichte und der Probat-Gerichte, so wie für Schreiber der Common-Pleas-Gerichte soll am ersten80 Dienstag im Oktober ein tausend acht hundert ein und fünfzig abgehalten werden; und der amtliche Termin der genannten, so gewählten Richter und Schreiber soll am zweiten Dienstag im Oktober81 ein tausend acht hundert zwei und fünfzig beginnen. Richter und Schreiber der Common-Pleas- und Suprem-Gerichte, welche am ersten September ein tausend acht hundert ein und fünfzig im Amte sind, sollen mit ihren gegenwärtigen Gewalten und
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O HIO one thousand eight hundred and fifty two. No suit or proceeding, pending in any of the courts of this State, shall be affected by the adoption of this constitution.
Obliegenheiten im Amte bleiben bis zum zweiten Montag im Februar ein tausend acht hundert zwei und fünfzig. Keine in irgend einem der Gerichtshöfe dieses Staats anhängige Klage oder Verhandlung soll durch die Annahme dieser Verfassung beinflußt werden.
S ECT. 5. The Register and Receiver of the land office, Directors of the Penitentiary, Directors of the Benevolent Institutions of the State, the State Librarian, and all other officers, not otherwise provided for in this constitution, in office on the first day of September, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one, shall continue in office until their terms expire, respectively, unless the General Assembly shall otherwise provide.
A BSCH . 5. Der Registrator und Einnehmer des Land-Amts, die Directoren des Zuchthauses, die Vorsteher82 der wohlthätigen Anstalten dieses Staates, der StaatsBibliothekar und alle andere Beamten, worüber in dieser Verfassung nicht anderweitig verfügt worden ist, welche am ersten September ein tausend acht hundert ein und fünfzig im Amte sind, sollen bis zu Ablauf ihrer betreffenden Amtstermine im Amte bleiben, es sei denn, daß die General-Versammlung anderweitig bestimmt.
S ECT. 6. The Superior and Commercial courts of Cincinnati, and the Superior court of Cleveland, shall remain, until otherwise provided by law, with their present powers and jurisdiction; and the Judges and clerks of said courts, in office on the first day of September, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one, shall continue in office, until the expiration of their terms of office, respectively, or, until otherwise provided by law; but neither of said courts shall continue after the second Monday of February, one thousand eight hundred and fifty three; and no suit137 shall be commenced in said two first mentioned courts, after the second Monday of138 February, one thousand eight hundred and fifty two, nor in said last139 mentioned court140 , after the second Monday in August, one thousand eight hundred and fifty two; and all business in either of said courts, not disposed of within the time limited for their continuance as aforesaid, shall be transferred to the court of common pleas.
A BSCH . 6. Die Superior- und Commercial-Gerichte von Cincinnati und das SuperiorGericht von Cleveland sollen bis auf weitere gesetzliche Verfügung mit ihrer gegenwärtigen Gewalt und Gerichtsbarkeit fortbestehen; und die Richter und Schreiber der genannten Gerichte, welche am ersten September ein tausend acht hundert und ein und fünfzig im Amte sind, sollen bis zum Ablauf ihrer betreffenden Amtstermine oder bis zu anderweitiger gesetzlicher Verfügung, im Amte bleiben; aber keines der genannten Gerichte soll nach dem zweiten Montag im Februar ein tausend acht hundert drei und fünfzig fortbestehen, und keine Klage soll in den beiden erstgenannten Gerichten nach dem zweiten Montag im Februar ein tausend acht hundert zwei und fünfzig, oder in dem letztgenannten Gerichte nach dem zweiten Montag im August ein tausend acht hundert zwei und fünfzig anhängig gemacht werden, und alle in irgend einem der genannten Gerichte innerhalb der für ihr Fortbestehen begränzten Zeit unerledigt bleibenden Geschäfte, sollen auf das Common PleasGericht übertragen werden.
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1851) S ECT. 7. All County and Township141 officers142 and Justices of the peace, in office on the first day of September, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one, shall continue in office until their terms expire, respectively.
A BSCH . 7. Alle County- und TownshipBeamten und Friedensrichter, welche am ersten September ein tausend acht hundert ein und fünfzig im Amte sind, sollen bis zu Ablauf ihrer betreffenden Amtstermine im Amte bleiben.
S ECT. 8. Vacancies in office, occurring after the first day of September, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one; shall be filled, as is now prescribed by law; and until officers are elected or appointed, and qualified under this constitution.
A BSCH . 8. Aemter, welche nach dem ersten September ein tausend acht hundert ein und fünfzig erledigt werden, sollen bis zur Wahl oder Anstellung und Amtseinführung von Beamten unter dieser Verfassung besetzt werden, wie das Gesetz es jetzt vorschreibt.
S ECT. 9. This Constitution shall take effect, on the first day of September, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one.
A BSCH . 9. Diese Verfassung soll am ersten September ein tausend acht hundert und ein und fünfzig in Kraft treten.
S ECT. 10. All officers shall continue in office, until their successors shall be chosen and qualified.
A BSCH . 10. Alle Beamten sollen im Amte bleiben, bis ihre Nachfolger gewählt und ins Amt eingeführt sind.
S ECT. 11. Suits pending in the Supreme court in Bank, shall be transferred to the Supreme court provided for in this constitution, and be proceeded in according to law.
A BSCH . 11. Klagen, welche in dem jetzigen obersten Gericht anhängig sind, sollen auf das in dieser Verfassung angeordnete Suprem-Gericht übertragen und dem Gesetze gemäß fortgeführt werden.
S ECT. 12. The district courts shall, in their respective counties, be the successors of the present Supreme court; and all suits, prosecutions, judgments, records and proceedings, pending and remaining in said Supreme court, in the several counties of any district, shall be transferred to the respective district courts of such counties, and be proceeded in, as though no change had been made in said Supreme court.
A BSCH . 12. Die Bezirks-Gerichte sollen in ihren betreffenden Counties die Nachfolger des gegenwärtigen obersten Gerichts sein, und alle Klagen, Criminalprozesse, Erkenntnisse, Gerichts-Protokolle und Verhandlungen, welche in dem genannten obersten Gericht in den verschiedenen Counties irgend eines Bezirks anhängig sind, oder sich vorfinden, sollen in die betreffenden Districts-Gerichte solcher Counties übertragen und weiter fortgeführt werden, als wenn im genannten obersten Gericht keine Aenderung vorgenommen wäre.
S ECT. 13. The said courts of common pleas, shall be the successors of the present courts of common pleas, in the several counties, except as to probate jurisdiction; and all suits, prosecutions, proceedings, records and judgments, pending or being in said last
A BSCH . 13. Die genannten CommonPleas-Gerichte sollen an die Stelle der jetzigen Common-Pleas-Gerichte in den verschiedenen Counties treten, außer sofern es die Probat-Gerichtsbarkeit betrifft; und alle Klagen, Criminalprozesse, Gerichtspro-
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O HIO mentioned courts, except as aforesaid, shall be transferred to the courts of common pleas created by this constitution, and proceeded in, as though the same had been therein instituted.
tokolle, Verhandlungen und Erkenntnisse, welche in letztgenannten Gerichten anhängig sind oder bestehen, sollen auf die unter dieser Verfassung errichteten Common Pleas-Gerichte übertragen und fortgeführt werden, als wenn sie darin anhängig gemacht worden wären.
S ECT. 14. The Probate courts provided for in this constitution, as to all matters within the jurisdiction conferred upon said courts, shall be the successors, in the several counties, of the present courts of common pleas; and the records, files and papers143 , business and proceedings, appertaining to said jurisdiction, shall be transferred to said courts of probate, and be there144 proceeded in, according to law.
A BSCH . 14. Die in dieser Verfassung angeordneten Probatgerichte sollen, sofern es alle zu der diesen Gerichten verliehenen Gerichtsbarkeit gehörigen Angelegenheiten betrifft, in den verschiedenen Counties an die Stelle der jetzigen Common-Pleas-Gerichte treten; und die in genannten Gerichtsbarkeit gehörenden Protokolle, Archive und Akten, so wie Geschäfte und Verhandlungen, sollen an genanntes Probatgericht übertragen, und sodann nach den Gesetzen fortgeführt werden.
S ECT. 15. Until otherwise provided by law, elections for Judges and Clerks shall be held, and the poll books returned, as is provided for Governor, and the abstract145 therefrom, certified to the Secretary of State, shall be by him opened, in the presence of the Governor, who shall declare the result, and issue commissions to the146 persons elected.
A BSCH . 15. Bis zu anderweitiger gesetzlicher Verfügung sollen Wahlen für Richter und Gerichtsschreiber abgehalten und die Wahlbücher eingesandt werden, wie es für den Gouverneur bestimmt worden ist, und die mit Beglaubigung an den Staatssekretär gesandten tabellarischen Zusammenziehungen dieser Wahlberichte, sollen durch den Letztern geöffnet werden, und zwar in Gegenwart des Gouverneurs, welcher das Ergebniß verkünden, und den gewählten Personen ihre Bestallungen ausfertigen soll.
S ECT. 16. Where two or more counties are joined in a Senatorial, Representative, or Judicial district, the returns of elections shall be sent to the county, having the largest population.
A BSCH . 16. Sind zwei oder mehre Counties zu einem Senatorial-[,] Repräsentativoder Gerichtsbezirke vereinigt, so sollen die Wahlberichte an dasjenige County gesandt werden, welches die größte Bevölkerung hat.
S ECT. 17. The foregoing constitution shall be submitted to the electors of the State, at an election to be held on the third Tuesday of147 June, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one, in the several election districts of this State. The ballots at such148 election shall be written or printed as fol-
A BSCH . 17. Die vorhergehende Verfassung soll den Wählern des Staats bei einer am dritten Dienstag im Juni ein tausend acht hundert ein und fünfzig in den verschiedenen Wahlbezirken dieses Staats abzuhaltenden Wahl, vorgelegt werden. Die Stimmzettel bei dieser Wahl sollen geschrieben
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1851) lows: Those in favor of the constitution, “New Constitution, Yes;” those against the constitution, “New Constitution, No.” The polls at said election shall be opened between the hours of eight and ten o’clock A. M., and closed149 at six o’clock P. M.; and the said election shall be conducted, and the returns thereof made and certified, to the Secretary of State, as provided by law for annual elections of State and county officers. Within twenty days after such150 election, the Secretary of State shall open the returns thereof, in the presence of the Governor; and, if it shall appear that a majority of all151 the votes, cast at such election, are in favor of the constitution, the Governor shall issue his proclamation, stating that fact, and said constitution shall be the constitution of the State of Ohio, and not otherwise.
oder gedruckt sein, wie folgt: Die zu Gunsten der Verfassung, “Neue Verfassung, Ja.” Die gegen die Verfassung: “Neue Verfassung, Nein.” Die Wahlurnen sollen bei dieser Wahl Morgens zwischen acht und zehn Uhr geöffnet und Abends um sechs Uhr geschlossen werden; und genannte Wahl soll abgehalten, und die83 Wahlberichte sollen gemacht, und beglaubigt an den Staatssekretär gesandt werden, wie es vom Gesetz für die jährliche Wahl von Staats- und County- Beamten vorgeschrieben ist. Innerhalb zwanzig Tage nach dieser Wahl soll der Staatsekretär die Wahlberichte in Gegenwart des Gouverneurs öffnen; und wenn es sich herausstellt, daß eine Mehrheit aller bei dieser Wahl abgegebenen Stimmen zu Gunsten der Verfassung ist, so soll der Gouverneur dieses durch Proklamation zur öffentlichen Kenntniß bringen, und sodann soll diese Verfassung, die Verfassung84 des Staates Ohio sein; außerdem nicht.
S ECT. 18. At the time when the votes of the electors shall be taken for the adoption or rejection of this constitution, the additional section, in the words following, to wit: “No license to traffic in intoxicating liquors shall hereafter be granted in this State; but the General Assembly may, by law, provide against evils resulting152 therefrom,” shall be separately submitted to the electors for adoption or rejection, in form following, to wit: A separate ballot may be given by every elector and deposited in a separate box. Upon the ballots given for said separate amendment shall be written or printed, or partly written and partly printed, the words: “License to sell intoxicating liquors, Yes;” and upon the ballots given against said amendment, in like manner, the words: “License to sell intoxicating liquors, No.” If, at the said election153 , a majority of all the votes given for and against said amendment, shall contain the words: “License to sell intoxicating liquors,
A BSCH . 18. Zur Zeit, wo über die Annahme oder Verwerfung dieser Verfassung abgestimmt wird, soll ein weiterer Abschnitt in folgender Form: „Keine Erlaubniß zum Handel mit berauschenden Getränken soll künftighin in diesem Staate ertheilt werden, aber die Generalversammlung kann durch Gesetzes-Erlaß gegen die daraus entstehenden Uebel Verfügung treffen,“ den Wählern zur Annahme oder Verwerfung besonders vorgelegt werden, und zwar auf folgende Weise: Ein besonderer Wahlzettel kann durch jeden Wähler abgegeben und in einer besonderen Urne niedergelegt werden. Auf dem für genannte besondere Verbesserung abgegebenen Stimmzettel, sollen geschrieben oder gedruckt, oder theils geschrieben, theils gedruckt85 sein die Worte: „Erlaubniß86 für den Verkauf berauschender Getränke, Ja;“ und auf die gegen genannte Verbesserung gegebenen Stimmzettel auf ähnliche Weise die Worte: „Erlaubniß87 zum Verkauf berauschender Getränke, Nein.“ Wenn nun bei be-
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O HIO No,” then the said amendment shall be a separate section of article fifteen of the constitution.154
sagter Entscheidung eine Mehrheit aller für oder gegen genannte Verbesserung abgegebenen Stimmzetteln die Worte enthält: „Erlaubnißscheine zum Verkauf berauschender Getränke, Nein,“ so soll genannte Verbesserung ein besonderer Abschnitt des Artikels 15 dieser Verfassung sein.
S ECT. 19. The apportionment for155 the House of Representatives, during the first decennial period under this constitution, shall be as follows: The counties of Adams, Allen, Athens, Auglaize, Carroll, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Erie, Fayette, Gallia, Geauga, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Hocking, Holmes, Lake, Lawrence, Logan, Madison, Marion, Meigs, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Preble, Sandusky, Scioto, Shelby, and Union, shall, severally, be entitled to one Representative, in each session of the decennial period. The counties of Franklin, Licking, Montgomery and Stark, shall each be entitled to two Representatives, in each session of the decennial period. The counties of Ashland, Coshocton, Highland, Huron156 , Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Miami, Portage, Seneca, Summit and Warren, shall, severally, be entitled to one Representative, in each session; and one additional Representative, in the fifth session of the decennial period. The counties of Ashtabula, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Fairfield, Guernsey, Jefferson, Knox, Monroe, Morgan, Richland, Trumbull, Tuscarawas and Washington, shall, severally, be entitled to one Representative, in each session; and two additional Representatives, one in the third, and one in the fourth session, of the decennial period. The counties of Belmont, Columbiana, Ross and Wayne, shall, severally, be entitled to one Representative, in each session; and three additional Representatives, one in the first, one in the second, and one in the
A BSCH . 19. Die Eintheilung für das Repräsentantenhaus soll für die erste zehnjährige Periode unter dieser Verfassung folgende sein: Jedes der Counties: Adams, Allen, Athens, Auglaize, Carroll, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Erie, Fayette, Gallia, Geauga, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Hocking, Holmes, Lake, Lawrence, Logan, Madison, Marion, Meigs, Morrow, Perry88 , Pickaway, Pike, Preble, Sandusky, Scioto, Shelby und Union soll zu einem Repräsentanten in jeder Sitzung der zehnjährigen Periode berechtigt sein. Jeder der Counties Fränklin, Licking, Montgomery und Stark soll zu zwei Repräsentanten in jeder Sitzung der zehnjährigen Periode berechtigt sein.89 Jedes der Counties Ashland, Coshocton, Highland, Huron, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Miami, Portage, Seneca, Summit, und Warren soll zu einem Repräsentanten in jeder Sitzung und zu einem weitern Repräsentanten in der fünften Sitzung der zehnjährigen Periode berechtigt sein. Jedes der Counties Ashtabula, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Fairfield, Guernsey, Jefferson, Knox, Monroe, Morgan, Richland, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, und Washington soll zu einem Repräsentanten in jeder Sitzung und zu zwei weiteren Repräsentanten, einen in der dritten und einen in der vierten Sitzung der zehnjährigen Periode berechtigt sein. Jedes der Counties Belmont, Columbiana, Roß und Wayne soll zu einem Repräsentanten in jeder Sitzung und zu drei weitern Repräsentanten, einem in der ersten, einem in
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1851)
Done in Convention, at Cincinnati, the tenth day of March, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one, and of the Independence of the United States, the seventy fifth.157 WILLIAM MEDILL, President Attest; WM. H. GILL, Secretary.158
der zweiten und einem in der dritten Sitzung der zehnjährigen Periode berechtigt sein. Das County Muskingum soll zu zwei Repräsentanten in jeder Sitzung und einem weiteren Repräsentanten in der fünften Sitzung der zehnjährigen Periode berechtigt sein. Das County Cuyahoga soll zu zwei Repräsentanten in jeder Sitzung und zu zwei weiteren Repräsentanten, einem in der dritten und einem in der vierten Sitzung der zehnjährigen Periode, berechtigt sein. Das County Hamilton soll zu sieben Repräsentanten in jeder Sitzung und zu vier weiteren Repräsentanten, einem in der ersten, einem in der zweiten, einem in der dritten und einem in der vierten Sitzung der zehnjährigen Periode, berechtigt sein. Die folgenden Counties sollen, bis sie eine zu ihrer Berechtigung zu einer abgesonderten Wahl unter dem vierten Abschnitt des elften Artikels hinreichende Bevölkerung erlangt haben, Bezirke bilden und zwar auf folgende Weise: die Counties Jackson und Vinton einen Bezirk; die Counties Lucas und Fulton einen Bezirk; die Counties Wyandot und Hardin einen Bezirk; die Counties Mercer,90 und Van Wert einen Bezirk; die Counties Paulding, Defiance und Williams einen Bezirk; die Counties Putnam und Henry einen Bezirk; die Counties Wood und Ottawa einen Bezirk; und von diesen Bezirken soll jeder zu einem Repräsentanten in jeder Sizzung der zehnjährigen Periode, berechtigt sein. Geschehen in der Convention zu Cincinnati, am zehnten März, im Jahre des Herrn, ein tausend acht hundert ein und fünfzig, und im fünf und siebenzigsten Jahre der Unabhängigkeit der Vereinigten Staaten. WILLIAM MEDILL, Präsident. Zur Beglaubigung: W. H. GILL, Secretär.
S. J. ANDREWS
S. J. ANDREWS,
third session, of the decennial period. The county of Muskingum shall be entitled to two Representatives, in each session; and one additional Representative, in the fifth session of the decennial period. The county of Cuyahoga shall be entitled to two Representatives, in each session; and two additional Representatives, one in the third, and one in the fourth session, of the decennial period. The county of Hamilton shall be entitled to seven Representatives, in each session; and four additional Representatives, one in the first, one in the second, one in the third, and one in the fourth session of the decennial period. The following counties, until they shall have acquired a sufficient population to entitle them to elect, separately, under the fourth section of the eleventh article, shall form districts in manner following, to wit: The counties of Jackson and Vinton, one district; the counties of Lucas and Fulton, one district; the counties of Wyandot and Hardin, one district; the counties of Mercer and VanWert, one district; the counties of Paulding, Defiance and Williams, one district; the counties of Putnam and Henry, one district; and the counties of Wood and Ottawa, one district: each of which districts shall be entitled to one Representative, in every session of the decennial period.
WILLIAM BARBEE JOSEPH BARNETT159
WILLIAM LAWRENCE JOHN LARWILL ROBERT LEECH
WILLIAM BARBEE, JOSEPH BARNETT,
WILLIAM LAWRENCE, JOHN LARWILL, ROBERT LEECH,
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O HIO DAVID BARNET160 W[ILLIA]M.161 S. BATES A[LDEN]. I. BENNETT JOHN H. BLAIR JACOB BLICKENSDERFER VAN BROWN R[ICHARD]. W. CAHILL L. CASE DAVID CHAMBERS JOHN CHANY162 H. D. CLARK GEORGE COLLINGS FRIEND COOKE163 OTWAY CURRY G.164 VOLNEY DORSEY THO[MA]S. W. EWART JOHN EWING JOSEPH M. FARR ELIAS FLORENCE ROBERT FORBES H. N. GILLETT JOHN GRAHAM JACOB J. GREENE JOHN L. GREEN HENRY H. GREGG W. S. GROESBECK C. S. HAMILTON D.D.T. HARD A. HARLAN WILLIAM HAWKINS JAMES P. HENDERSON PETER HITCHCOCK J. Mc CORMICK167 G. W. HOLMES GEO[RGE]. B. HOLT
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D. P. LEADBETTER JOHN LIDEY JAMES LOUDON H. S. MANON SAMSON MASON MATTHEW H. MITCHELL ISAIAH MORRIS CHARLES Mc CLOUD S. F. NORRIS CHAS. J. ORTON W[ILLIAM]. S. C. OTIS THOMAS PATTERSON DAN[IE]L. PECK JACOB PERKINS SAM[UE]L. QUIGLEY R. P. RANNEY CH[ARLE]S. RÜMELIN165 ADAM N. RIDDLE EDWARD C. ROLL W[ILLIA]M. SAWYER SABIRT SCOTT JOHN SELLERS JOHN A. SMITH GEORGE J. SMITH B. P. SMITH HENRY STANBERY B[ENJAMIN]. STANTON ALBERT V. STEBBINS E. T. STICKNEY HARMAN166 STIDGER JAMES STRUBLE J. R. SWAN L. SWIFT JAMES W. TAYLOR NORTON S. TOWNSHEND
DAVID BARNETT, WM. S. BATES, A. I. BENNETT, JOHN H. BLAIR, JAC. BLICKENSDERFER, VAN BROWN, R. W. CAHILL, L. CASE, DAVID CHAMBERS, JOHN CHANY, H. D. CLARK, GEORGE COLLINGS, FRIEND COOKE, OTWAY CURRY, S.92 VOLNEY DORSEY, THOS. W. EWART, JOHN EWING, JOSEPH M. FARR, ELIAS FLORENCE, ROBERT FORBES, H. N. GILLET, JOHN GRAHAM, JACOB J. GREENE, JOHN L. GREEN, HENRY H. GREGG, W. S. GROESBECK, C. S. HAMILTON, D. D. T. HARD, A. HARLAN, WILLIAM HAWKINS, J. P. HENDERSON, PETER HITCHCOCK, G. W. HOLMES, GEO. B. HOLT,
D. P. LEADBETTER, JOHN LIDEY, JAMES LOUDON, H. S. MANON, SAMSON MASON, MATH. H. MITCHELL, ISSIAH91 MORRIS, CHARLES MCCLOUD, S. F. NORRIS, CHAS. J. ORTON, W. S. C. OTIS, THOMAS PATTERSON, DAN’L. PECK, JACOB PERKINS, SAMUEL QUIGLEY, R. P. RANNEY, CHAS. REEMELIN93 , ADAM N. RIDDLE, EDWARD C. ROLL, WM. SAWYER, SABIRT SCOTT, JOHN SELLERS, JOHN A. SMITH, GEORGE J. SMITH, B. P. SMITH, HENRY STANBERY, H.94 STANTON, ALBERT V. STEBBINS, E. T. STICKNEY, HARMON95 STIDGER, JAMES STRUBLE, J. R. SWAN, L. SWIFT, JAMES W. TAYLOR,
V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1851) JOHN J. HOOTMAN V. B. HORTON SAMUEL HUMPHREVILLE JOHN E. HUNT B. B. HUNTER168 JOHN JOHNSON J. DAN. JONES JAMES B. KING S. J. KIRKWOOD THO[MA]S. J. LARSH
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ELIJAH VANCE WM. M. WARREN THOMAS A. WAY J. MILTON WILLIAMS ELZEY WILSON JA[ME]S. T. WORTHINGTON E. B. WOODBURY H. C. GRAY EDWARD ARCHBOLD169 REUBEN HITCHCOCK170 F. CASE171 JOSEPH VANCE RICHARD STILLWELL SIMEON NASH HUGH THOMPSON JOSEPH THOMPSON A. G. BROWN172
Verified by Constitution Submitted by the Convention for Adoption by the People of the State of Ohio, on the Third Tuesday of June, 1851, Columbus: Ohio Statesman print [S. Medary], 1851, 15 p. [hereafter cited as Columbus print A], and corrected according to the enrolled manuscript preserved in the Ohio Historical Society at Columbus, OH. Also checked against The Constitution of the State of Ohio. Adopted in Convention March 10, 1851, Cleveland: M. C. Younglove & Co., 1851, 44 p., Constitution Submitted by the Convention, for Adoption by the People of the State of Ohio, On the Third Tuesday of June, 1851, Columbus: s.n., 1851, 48 p., [hereafter cited as Columbus print B] and the versions published in Report of the Debates and Proceedings of the Convention for the Revision of the Constitution of the State of Ohio, 1850–51. J. V. Smith, Official Reporter to the Convention, Columbus: S. Medary, Printer to the Convention, 1851, II, 856–866, in Official Reports of the Debates and Proceedings of the Ohio State Convention, Called to Alter, Revise or Amend the Constitution of the State, Held at Columbus, Commencing May 6, 1850, and at Cincinnati, Commencing December 2, 1850. Reported by J. V. Smith, Official Reporter to the Convention, Columbus: Printed by Scott & Bascom, 1851, 1451–1457, in Acts of a General Nature Passed By the Fiftieth General Assembly of the State of Ohio, (First Session under the Constitution of 1851:) Begun and Held in the City of Columbus, January 5, 1852: And in the Fiftieth Year of Said State, vol. L, Columbus: Osgood & Blake,
JOHN J. HOOTMAN, V. B. HORTON, S. HUMPHREYVILLE96 , JOHN E. HUNT, JOHN JOHNSON, J. DAN. JONES, JAMES B. KING, S. J. KIRKWOOD, THOS. J. LARSCH97 ,
N. S. TOWNSHEND, ELIJAH VANCE, WM. M. WARREN, THOMAS A. WAY, J. MILTON WILLIAMS, ELZEY WILSON, J. T. WORTHINGTON, E. B. WOODBURY, H. C. GRAY98 .
1
Verified by “Verfassung des Staates Ohio,” in: Der Westbote (Columbus, Ohio), March 28, 1851, 2–3, and checked against the manuscript preserved in the Ohio Historical Society at Columbus, OH, though incomplete and not containing the final version sent out to the newspapers for publishing by order of the convention. Checked also against the version published in Der Ohio Staats-Bote (Canton, Co. Stark, Ohio), April 12, 1851, 1–3. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in Der Westbote. Italics are used when emphasis is given in print. Obvious typographical errors have been tacitly corrected. As the newspapers were served with an identical translation minor deviations in style without bearing on substance are not annotated. To avoid redundancies, deviations from the English text have only been annotated in case of omissions or when the German translation appears to be incorrect, unclear, or peculiar. 2 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, word missing. 3 In manuscript, word struck out. 4 Ibid., and in Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, “der”. 5 In English original, “morality, and knowledge”; in Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, last two words missing. 6 In English original, “instruction”. 7 In English original, “unusual”. 8 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, word missing. 9 In manuscript, and in Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, “vor”. 10 In English original, “libel“. 11 In English original, “corruption of blood”; in manus-
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O HIO Printers, 1852, 3–36, in George B. Okey and John H. Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio of 1802 and 1851, with Notes to the Decisions Construing Them, and References to the Constitutional Debates, Columbus, Ohio: Nevins & Myers, State Printers, 1873, 34–125, in Isaac Franklin Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, Amendments, and Proposed Amendments, including the Ordinance of 1787, the Act of Congress dividing the Northwest Territory, and the Acts of Congress creating and recognizing the State of Ohio. Complete original texts, with historical data, records of the vote cast, contemporary newspaper comment, detailed comparisons and historical introduction, Cleveland, Ohio: The Arthur H. Clark Company, 1912, 117–158, and as published in the internet by the Ohio Historical Society at http://www.ohiohistory.org/onlinedoc/ ohgovernment/constitution/cnst1851.html. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the enrolled manuscript. Italics are used to represent emphasized elements in the manuscript. Obvious typographical errors have not been considered in the annotations. The Convention met in Columbus on May 6, 1850, and, after an interruption of almost half a year due to a cholera epidemic, reconvened in Cincinnati on December 2, 1850, where it adopted the Constitution on March 10, 1851 (cf. Steven H. Steinglass and Gino J. Scarselli, The Ohio State Constitution. A Reference Guide [Reference Guides to the State Constitutions of the United States, ed. by G. Alan Tarr, 40], Westport, CT and London: Praeger, 2004, 20; Barbara A. Terzian, “Ohio’s Constitutional Conventions and Constitutions,” in: The History of Ohio Law, ed. by Michael Les Benedict and John F. Winkler, 2 vols., Athens: Ohio University Press, 2004, I, 50–60). Ordered by the Convention, a German translation of the Constitution (q.v.) was published in the German newspapers of the state in March/April 1851. The Constitution was submitted to the people on June 17, 1851 and ratified by 125,564 to 109,276 votes (cf. Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 109), thus replacing the Constitution of 1802 (q.v.). The Constitution is still in effect today, as a proposed constitution was rejected in 1874, and the convention of 1912, instead of drafting a new constitution, proposed 42 amendments of which 34 were approved by the people. Since then, repeated calls for a constitutional convention, in regular twenty-year intervals, have constantly been rejected by the people. Between 1852 and 2004 280 amendments have been proposed to the constitution, of which 154 have been adopted (cf. Steinglass/Scarselli, Ohio State Constitution, 30– 42). Six amendments were proposed between 1857 and 1859 (q.v.). 2 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 117, “the”. 3 In Internet publication, “of”. 4 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 40, “persons”. 5 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 118, “re-
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cript, “Anrüchigkeit für die Nachkommen” corrected to “Bluts-Anrüchigkeit”. 12 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, word missing. 13 In English original, “warrant”; in manuscript, “Vollziehungs-Befehl”, corrected to “Haft- oder BeschlagsBefehl”, and recorrected to initial translation. 14 In English original, “on mesne or final process”. 15 In English original, “injury”. 16 In Der Westbote, 2, misnumbered “14”. 17 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, “Wohlthätigkeit”. 18 In English original, “delegated”. 19 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, “und einem”. 20 In English original, “districts”. 21 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, “fortdauern”. 22 In English original, “lucrative”; in manuscript, and in Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, “einträgliches”. 23 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, “begleiten”. 24 In English original, “session”. 25 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, “keine”. 26 In manuscript, word missing. 27 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, word missing. 28 In manuscript, „Beistellung“. 29 Ibid., “soll öffentlich in Gegenwart des Hauses” missing. 30 In English original, “term of office”. 31 In English original, “indictment”. 32 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, “auf alle”. 33 In manuscript, “wo”. 34 Ibid., “jeder”. 35 In English original, “meetings”. 36 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, “über”. 37 Ibid., “Ausstellung”. 38 Ibid., word missing. 39 In manuscript, preceding part of section missing. 40 Ibid., and in Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, “obigen”. 41 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, misnumbered “16”. 42 Ibid., “Friedensgerichte”. 43 Ibid., word missing. 44 Ibid., “und nach Maßgabe gesetzlicher Vorschrift noch weitere Termine am Regierungssitze oder” missing. 45 In manuscript, “genau dasselbe”. 46 Ibid., “Distrikt”. 47 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, “in”. 48 In manuscript, “Distrikte”, not corrected into “Bezirke”. 49 In Der Westbote, 2,“in erster Instanz und Appellationsgerichtbarkeit” missing. 50 In English original, “court of record”. 51 In manuscript, sect. 9–20, and art. V-VII, missing. 52 In English original, “void”. 53 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1,“die Zahl der Common Pleas Gerichts-Bezirke, und” missing. 54 In English original, “at chambers”. 55 In English original, “courts of Conciliation”. 56 In English original, “Elective Franchise”. 57 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, word missing.
C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1851) quires”. 6 In Cleveland print, 5, and in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 118, “punishment”. 7 In Columbus print A, 3, word missing. 8 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 119, instead of last two words “be”. 9 Ibid., “as charged”. 10 In Official Reports of Debates, 1451, “persons”. 11 In Cleveland print, 7, word missing. 12 In Columbus print B, 8, and in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 121, “election returns”. 13 In Cleveland print, 8, “proceedings”. 14 Ibid., “by the”. 15 Ibid., word missing. 16 Ibid., “or any”. 17 Ibid., “reason”. 18 In Official Reports of Debates, 1451, “sessions”. 19 In Cleveland print, 9, “distinct”. 20 In Report of Debates, II, 858, in Official Reports of Debates, 1452, and in Internet publication, “the question”. 21 In Internet publication, “the sections”. 22 In Cleveland print, 9, “so amended”. 23 In Official Reports of Debates, 1452, “is”. 24 Ibid., “nor”. 25 Ibid., “was”. 26 In Cleveland print, 10, word missing. 27 Ibid., and in Internet publication, “the judgment”. 28 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 124, “than the”. 29 In Internet publication, “other”. 30 In Cleveland print, 11, “of the”. 31 Ibid., “the”. 32 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 126, “the said”. 33 Ibid., rest of section missing. 34 In Cleveland print, 12, “perquisite”. 35 In Columbus print B, 13, “any other”. 36 In Cleveland print, 12, “place”. 37 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 127, “term”. 38 In Cleveland print, 12, “in”. 39 In Internet publication, “officers names”. 40 In Cleveland print, 13, “the”. 41 In Internet publication, “times”. 42 Ibid., “the power”. 43 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 128, word missing. 44 In Cleveland print, 14, “convictions”. 45 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 128, word missing. 46 In Internet publication, word missing. 47 In Cleveland print, 15, “and”. 48 In Official Reports of Debates, 1452, “from”. 49 In Report of Debates, II, 859, in Official Reports of Debates, 1452, and in Internet publication, “is elected”. 50 In Internet publication, word missing.
58
In English original, “trustees”. In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 1, word missing. 60 Ibid., 2, word missing. 61 In English original, “outstanding”. 62 In English original, “sinking fund”. 63 In Der Westbote, 2, “in einem“. 64 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 2, “zu Gunsten oder” missing. 65 In manuscript, “ihr”. 66 In English original, “the school and trust funds”. 67 In English original, “Board”. 68 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 2, word missing. 69 In English original, “duties”; in manuscript, “Pflichten”. 70 In manuscript, corrected to “eingereiht”. 71 In Der Westbote, 3, whole section missing. 72 In English original, “Apportionment”. 73 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 2, “von allen”. 74 In English original, “separate”. 75 In English original, “accurate”. 76 In English original, “qualifications”. 77 In English original, “duel”. 78 In English original, “Schedule”. 79 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 2, word missing. 80 In English original, “second”. 81 In English original, “second Monday of February”. 82 In English original, “Directors”. 83 In Der Ohio Staats-Bote, 3, word missing. 84 Ibid., last two words missing. 85 Ibid., “oder theils geschrieben, theils gedruckt” missing. 86 Ibid., “Erlaubnißschein”. 87 Ibid., “Erlaubnißschein”. 88 Ibid., “Henry”. 89 Ibid., clause missing. 90 In manuscript, rest missing. 91 In English original, “Isaiah”. 92 In English original, “G.”. 93 In English original, “Rümelin”. 94 In English original, “B[enjamin].”. 95 In English original, “Harman”. 96 In English original, “Humphreville”. 97 In English original, “Larsh”. 98 For a complete list of signers, cf. English text. 59
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O HIO 51 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 77, word missing. 52 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 130, word missing. 53 Ibid., “and such other terms, at the seat of government,” missing. 54 In Cleveland print, 17, word missing. 55 Ibid., “subdivisions”. 56 In Columbus print B, 18, “setting”. 57 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 131, “The district”. 58 In Cleveland print, 17, word missing. 59 Ibid., “courts”. 60 In Report of Debates, II, 860, and in Internet publication, “votes”. 61 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 132, word missing. 62 In Internet publication, “the”. 63 Ibid., “Court”. 64 In Official Reports of Debates, 1453, “successors”. 65 Ibid., “for the residue of”. 66 In Internet publication, word missing. 67 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 133, last three words missing. 68 In Columbus print B, 20, word missing. 69 In Internet publication, word missing. 70 In Cleveland print, 19, “moveable”. 71 In Columbus print B, 21, “provided”. However, cf. Errata list, ibid., 48. 72 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 134, “resolutions”. 73 Ibid., “on”. 74 In Columbus print B, 21, “upon”. 75 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 134, “abide by”. 76 In Cleveland print, 20, word missing. 77 In Official Reports of Debates, 1453, “persons”. 78 In Cleveland print, 21, in Official Reports of Debates, 1453, and in Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 89, “privilege”. 79 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 135, “or”. 80 In Official Reports of Debates, 1453, last two words missing. 81 In Cleveland print, 21, last two words missing. 82 In Columbus print A, 8, in Columbus print B, 24, in Report of Debates, II, 861, and in Internet publication, “by the”. 83 In Internet publication, “journal”. 84 In Cleveland print, 22, “This”. 85 Ibid., “revenue”. 86 Ibid., and in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 136, “or”. 87 In Cleveland print, 22, “for”. 88 In Internet publication, “be specified”. 89 In Cleveland print, 23, in Columbus print A, 9, in Report of Debates, II, 861, in Official Reports of Debates, 1454, in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio,
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V ERFASSUNG VON O HIO (1851) 137, and in Internet publication, “individual, association”. 90 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 94, “the”. 91 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 138, “or”. 92 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 95, word missing. 93 In Cleveland print, 25, word missing. 94 In Internet publication, “the”. 95 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 139, “are now”. 96 In Cleveland print, 25, “the”. 97 In Internet publication, “the laws”. 98 In Columbus print A, 10, in Report of Debates, II, 862, in Official Reports of Debates, 1454, and in Internet publication, word missing. 99 In Columbus print A, 10, “and to”; in Report of Debates, II, 862, in Official Reports of Debates, 1454, and in Internet publication, “or to”. 100 In Cleveland print, 26, “Organization”. 101 Ibid., 27, “such”. 102 Ibid., and in Columbus print B, 30, “appointed”. However, cf. Errata list, ibid., 48. 103 In Columbus print A, 10, in Report of Debates, II, 862, in Official Reports of Debates, 1454, and in Internet publication, “be”. 104 In Cleveland print, 28, “shall have”. 105 In Internet publication, “separation”. 106 In Columbus print A, 10, in Report of Debates, II, 862, in Official Reports of Debates, 1454, and in Internet publication, “a”. 107 In Columbus print B, 30, “appointment”. However, cf. Errata list, ibid., 48. 108 In Cleveland print, 28, and in Columbus print B, 31, “Green”. 109 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 99, “Clarke”. 110 In Official Report of Debates, 1454, “Dark”. 111 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 144, “rule”. 112 In Columbus print B, 33, and in Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 101, “Clarke”. 113 In Cleveland print, 33, “improvements”. 114 In Internet publication, “special corporate”. 115 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 148, word missing. 116 In Internet publication, “commissions”. 117 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 116, and in Internet publication, “pleading”. 118 In Internet publication, “form”. 119 In Cleveland print, 34, “and”. 120 In Official Reports of Debates, 1455, word missing. 121 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 149, “possesses”. 122 Ibid., “qualification”. 123 In Internet publication, word missing. 124 In Columbus print B, 39, “beareau”. 125 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 150, added:
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O HIO “Sec. 9. No license to traffic in intoxicating liquors shall hereafter be granted in this state; but the General Assembly may, by law, provide against evils resulting therefrom”. Cf. Schedule, sect. 18. 126 In Columbus print B, 39, word missing. However, cf. Errata list, ibid., 48. 127 Ibid., 39, “amendment”. 128 In Cleveland print, 36, “upon”. 129 Ibid., last three words missing. 130 Ibid., “the”. 131 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 118, “of”. 132 In Cleveland print, 36, word missing. 133 In Columbus print B, 40, word missing. 134 In Cleveland print, 37, “the”. 135 Ibid., word missing. 136 In Columbus print B, 41, “such”. However, cf. Errata list, ibid., 48. Also In Report of Debates, II, 864, in Official Reports of Debates, 1456, and in Internet publication, “such”. 137 In Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 120, and in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 153, “suits”. 138 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 153, “in”. 139 Ibid., word missing. 140 Ibid., “courts”. 141 In Columbus print A, 13, in Report of Debates, II, 865, and in Internet publication, “townships”. 142 In Columbus print A, 13, in Report of Debates, II, 865, and in Internet publication, “offices”. 143 In Cleveland print, 40, last two words missing. 144 In Official Reports of Debates, 1456, “then”. 145 In Cleveland print, 40, and in Official Reports of Debates, 1456, “abstracts”. 146 In Cleveland print, 40, word missing. 147 Ibid., and in Official Reports of Debates, 1456, “in”. 148 In Cleveland print, 40, and in Official Reports of Debates, 1456, “such an”. 149 In Columbus print B, 44, “close”. 150 In Official Reports of Debates, 1456, “such an”. 151 In Cleveland print, 41, word missing. 152 Ibid., “arising”. 153 Ibid., “decision”. 154 Confusing as the wording of the proposal was, on June 17, 1851, 104,255 voted yes and 113,237 no (cf. Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 109), meaning that the proposal was adopted as sect. 9 of art. XV of the Constitution. 155 In Cleveland print, 41, “of”. 156 In Official Reports of Debates, 1456, “Huron, Highland”. 157 Ibid., 1457, rest missing. 158 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 158, list of signers missing. 159 In Columbus print A, 15, and in Report of Debates, II, 866, “Joseph Barnet”. 160 In Cleveland print, 43, in Report of Debates, II, 866,
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C ONSTITUTION OF O HIO (1851) and in Internet publication, “David Barnett”. and throughout list first names spelled out according to the list of the members of the convention as in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 110–114. 162 In Cleveland print, 44, in Columbus print A, 15, in Report of Debates, II, 866, and in Internet publication, “Chaney”. 163 In Session Law print, 35, and in Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 124, “Cook”. 164 In Cleveland print, 44, “L.”. 165 Ibid., in Columbus print A, 15, in Columbus print B, 47, in Report of Debates, II, 866, in Session Law print, 35, in Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 125, and in Internet publication, “Reemelin”. 166 In Cleveland print, 44, in Columbus print A, 15, in Columbus print B, 48, in Report of Debates, II, 866, and in Internet publication, “Harmon”. 167 In Cleveland print, 44, name missing. 168 Ibid., in Columbus print A, 15, in Columbus print B, 48, in Report of Debates, II, 866, and in Internet publication, name missing. 169 In Cleveland print, 44, name missing. 170 In Report of Debates, II, 866, and in Internet publication, name missing. 171 In Cleveland print, 44, in Columbus print A, 15, in Columbus print B, 48, in Report of Debates, II, 866, and in Internet publication, last seven names missing. A complete list of signers, including Hunter and the seven last names, missing in most publications, appears only to have been published in Constitution of the State of Ohio – 1851, As Amended Oct. 9th, 1883, and Oct. 13th, 1885, With Proposed Amendments, Columbus, OH: The Westbote Company, State Printers, 1889, 24. 172 In Session Law print, 36, and in Okey and Morton, The Constitutions of Ohio, 125, name missing. In manuscript added, “Enrolled by D. H. Mortlus, McConnelsville Ohio”. 161 Here
269
Failed Amendments of 1857
Änderungsentwürfe von 1857
Proposed Constitution Amendments1
Vorgeschlagene Amendments zur Constitution1
AMENDMENT NO. 12
AMENDMENT NO. 1
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, Three fifths of the members elected to each house concurring therein, That it be and hereby is proposed to the electors of this State to vote, on the second Tuesday of October next, upon the approval or rejection of the following amendment as a substitute for the twenty-fifth section of the second Article of the Constitution and for the second Section of the same Article, and for the third section of the eleventh Article, viz3 : All regular sessions of the General Assembly shall commence on the first Monday of January, annually. Senators shall be elected biennially, and Representatives annually, by the electors of their respective counties or districts on the second Tuesday of October. Their term of office shall commence on the first day of January next after their election, and that of Senators shall continue two years, and that of Representatives one year. The Senators elected in october next shall hold their offices for two years, and the Representatives elected at the same time shall hold their offices for one year. Provided, that seventeen of the Senators elected on the second Tuesday of October, 1857, to be ascertained by lot, as the President of the Sen-
Beschlossen von der General Versammlung des Staates Ohio, drei Fünftel der für jedes Haus erwählten Mitglieder damit übereinstimmend: Daß es den Wählern dieses Staates hiermit vorgeschlagen sein soll und ist, am zweiten Dienstag im October nächsthin abzustimmen über die Genehmigung oder Verwerfung der folgenden Amendments als ein Substitut für den fünf und zwanzigsten Abschnitt des zweiten Artikels der Constitution und für den zweiten Abschnitt desselben Artikels, und für den dritten Abschnitt des eilften Artikels, nemlich: Alle regelmäßigen Sitzungen2 der General Versammlung sollen am ersten Montag im Januar beginnen. Senatoren sollen alle zwei Jahre und Repräsentanten jährlich erwählt werden von den Wählern ihrer respectiven Counties oder Distrikte am zweiten Dienstag im October. Ihre Dienstzeit soll anfangen am ersten Tage des Januars nächst nach der Wahl, und die Dienstzeit der Senatoren soll zwei Jahre dauern und die der Repräsentanten ein Jahr. – Die im nächsten October erwählten Senatoren sollen ihr Amt für zwei Jahre behalten und die zu derselben Zeit erwählten Repräsentanten sollen ihr Amt für ein Jahr behalten. Mit dem Vorbehalt, daß siebzehn
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FAILED A MENDMENTS OF 1857 ate may direct, shall hold their office4 for only5 one year, and their successors shall be elected on the second Tuesday of October, one Thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, and biennially thereafter. – When any county shall have a friction above the ratio for Representative so large that being multiplied by ten, the result shall be equal to one or more ratios, additional Representatives shall be apportioned for such ratios among the several sessions of the decennial period in the following manner: If there be only one ratio then a Representative shall be allotted to the tenth session of the decennial period. If there are two ratios Representatives shall be allotted to the ninth and tenth sessions;6 If four to the seventh, eighth ninth and tenth sessions; If five to the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth; If six to the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth; If seven to the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth; If eight to the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth; If nine to the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth sessions of the decennial period respectively. In determining the number of Senators to which any senatorial disctrict might be entitled in any decennial period, by reason of any7 fraction of a senatorial ratio, the fraction shall be multiplied by five, and if the result be equal to one senatorial ratio, an additional Senator shall be allotted to said district for8 the ninth and tenth session9 . If it be equal to two such ratios an additional Senator for the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth sessions shall be allotted to such district. If three then to the fifth, sixth seventh,10 ninth and tenth. If four then11 to the third, fourth, fifth sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth sessions respectively. If this amendment be adopted by the electors, the counties now entitled to more than one member in either or in12 both branches of the Legislature in the fourth and fifth sessions of the present decennial period as now
der am zweiten Dienstag im October 1857 erwählten Senatoren, die durchs Loos unter der Anweisung des Präsidenten des Senats bestimmt werden sollen, ihr Amt blos für ein Jahr halten sollen, und ihre Nachfolger sollen am zweiten Dienstag im October achtzehn hundert und achtundfünfzig und dann alle zwei Jahre erwählt werden. Wenn der Bruchtheil irgend eines County’s über die Raten für Repräsentant so groß ist, daß, wenn derselbe durch zehn multiplizirt, ein Resultat ergiebt, das einem oder mehren Ratios gleich kommt, dann sollen weitere Repräsentanten für solche Ratios unter die verschiedenen Sitzungen des zehnjährigen Zeitabschnittes in der folgenden Weise vertheilt werden: Ist es blos ein Ratio, dann soll ein Repräsentant der zehnten Sitzung des zehnjährigen Zeitabschnittes zuertheilt werden. Sind es zwei Ratios, so sollen den neunten und zehnten Sitzungen Repräsentanten zuertheilt werden; wenn drei, den achten3 , neunten und zehnten Sitzungen; wenn vier, den siebenten, achten, neunten und zehnten Sitzungen; wenn fünf, den sechsten, siebenten, achten, neunten und zehnten Sitzungen;4 wenn sechs, den fünften, sechsten, siebenten, achten, neunten und zehnten Sitzungen; wenn sieben, den vierten, fünften, sechsten, siebenten, achten, neunten und zehnten Sitzungen; wenn acht, den dritten, vierten, fünften, sechsten, siebenten, achten, neunten und zehnten Sitzungen; wenn neun, den zweiten, dritten, vierten, fünften, sechsten, siebenten, achten, neunten und zehnten Sitzungen des zehnjährigen Zeitabschnitts respective. Zur Bestimmung der Anzahl von Senatoren, wozu ein Senatorial Distrikt in irgend einem zehnjährigen Zeitabschnitte berechtigt sein mag, in Folge eines Bruchtheils eines Senatorial Ratio, soll der Bruchtheil durch fünf multiplizirt werden, und wenn das Resultat einem Senatorial Ratio gleichkommt, so soll besagtem Distrikte für die neunten
271
O HIO provided, shall have a like number of members in each branch thereof for each session of the remainder of the present decennial period.
und zehnten Sitzungen ein weiterer Senator zuertheilt werden. Kommt dasselbe zwei solchen Ratios gleich, dann soll solchem Distrikt ein weiterer Senator für die siebenten, achten, neunten und zehnten Sitzungen zuertheilt werden; wenn drei, für die fünften, sechsten, siebenten, achten, neunten und zehnten. Wenn vier, für die dritten, vierten, fünften, sechsten, siebenten, achten, neunten und zehnten Sitzungen. Wenn dies Amendment von den Wählern angenommen wird, dann sollen die Counties, die jetzt zu mehr als einem Mitgliede in irgend einem der beiden Häuser der Gesetzgebung5 in den vierten und fünften Sitzungen des gegenwärtigen zehnjährigen Zeitabschnittes wie jetzt bestimmt, berechtigt sind, eine gleiche Anzahl von Mitgliedern in jedem Zweige derselben, für jede Sitzung des Restes des gegenwärtigen zehnjährigen Zeitabschnittes haben.
AMENDMENT NO. 213
AMENDMENT NO. 2
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, Three-fifths of the members elected to each House concurring therein, That it be, and hereby is, proposed to the electors of this State to vote on the second Tuesday of October next, upon the approval or rejection of the following amendment, as a substitute for the fifth and sixth sections of the fourth article of the Constitution, viz14 : S EC. 5. District Courts shall be held in each county at least once a15 year, by one or more District Judges elected by the electors of separate districts to be prescribed by law, who shall hold their office for five years; and during their continuance in office shall reside in the district for which they are elected. The provisions of the fourteenth section of this article shall apply to District Judges. The General Assembly may by law authorize the judges of the District Court, and of16 the17 Courts of Common Pleas, to fix the times of
Beschlossen von der General Versammlung des Staates Ohio, drei Fünftheile der für jedes Haus erwählten Mitglieder damit übereinstimmend: daß es den Wählern des Staates hiermit vorgeschlagen sein soll und ist, am zweiten Dienstag im October nächsthin abzustimmen über die Genehmigung oder Verwerfung des folgenden Amendments, als ein Substitut für die Abschnitte fünf und sechs des vierten Artikels der Constitution, nemlich: A BSCH . 5. Distriktsgerichte sollen wenigstens einmal in jedem Jahre in jedem County gehalten werden, von einem oder mehren Distriktsrichtern, die von den Wählern seperater Distrikte zu erwählen sind, wie es durch Gesetz vorgeschrieben werden mag; dieselben sollen ihr Amt für fünf Jahre bekleiden und sollen während ihrer Amtszeit in dem Distrikte wohnen für welchen sie gewählt sind. Die Bestimmungen des vierzehn-
272
Ä NDERUNGSENTWÜRFE VON 1857 holding their respective courts until18 District Judges shall have been elected and qualified. District19 Courts shall be held by the Judges of the Supreme Court and of the Court of Common Pleas, as now authorized. S EC. 6. The District Court shall have such jurisdiction as may be provided by law, and the judges thereof shall have and exercise such power and jurisdiction at chambers, and may be required to sit as judges of the Courts of Common Pleas as shall be directed by law.20
ten Abschnittes dieses Artikels sollen sich auf Distriktsrichter beziehen. Die General Versammlung mag durch Gesetz die Richter der Distriktgerichte und der Common PleasGerichte authorisiren, die Zeit für die Abhaltung ihrer respectiven Courts zu bestimmen. Bis die Distrikt-Richter gewählt und qualifizirt sind, sollen Distrikt Courts von den Richtern des Supreme Gerichts und der Common Pleas Gerichte gehalten werden, wie gegenwärtig authorisirt. A BSCH . 6. Die Distriktgerichte sollen solche Gerichtsbarkeit besitzen wie durch Gesetz verfügt werden mag und die Richter derselben sollen solche Gewalten und Gerichtsbarkeiten als Kammergerichte6 besitzen und ausüben und mögen requirirt werden, um als Richter der Common Pleas Gerichte zu sitzen, wie es durch Gesetz vorgeschrieben werden mag.
AMENDMENT NO. 321
AMENDMENT NO. 3
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, three-fifths of the members elected to each branch22 , concurring therein, that it be and hereby, is proposed to the electors of the23 State to vote on the second Tuesday of October next, to approve or reject the following amendment as a substitute for the second and third sections24 of the twelfth article of the Constitution.25 All property, personal and real, shall be subject to taxation by a uniform rule, at the true value thereof in money, but such deductions26 from27 credits may be allowed as the General Assembly may deem expedient; Provided, that burying grounds, public school houses, and all other28 public property, and all other29 institutions of purely public charity, and all30 houses used31 exclusively for public worship, shall be exempt from taxation; and if the total value of the personal property of any person shall not exceed fifty dollars, the same may be exempt from taxa-
Beschlossen von der General-Versammlung des Staates Ohio, drei Fünftel der für jeden Zweig erwählten Mitglieder damit übereinstimmend: daß es den Wählern des Staates hiermit vorgeschlagen sein soll und ist, am zweiten Dienstag im Oktober nächsthin abzustimmen über die Genehmigung oder Verwerfung des folgenden Amendments als ein Substitut für die Abschnitte zwei und drei des zwölften Artikels der Constitution. Alles Eigenthum persönliches und liegendes, soll unter einer gleichförmigen Regel der Besteuerung unterworfen sein nach dem wahren Geldwerthe desselben; aber es mögen solche Abzüge von Ausständen erlaubt werden, welche die General-Versammlung für zweckdienlich erachten mag; mit dem Vorbehalt, daß Begräbnißplätze, öffentliche Schulhäuser und alles andere öffentliche Eigenthum und alle Anstalten rein öffentlicher Mildthätigkeit und alle Häuser die ausschließlich für den öffentlichen Gottesdienst benutzt
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O HIO tion. All property employed in banking shall always bear a burden of taxation equal to that imposed on the property of individuals.
werden, von der Besteuerung ausgeschlossen sein sollen; und wenn der Gesammtwerth des persönlichen Eigenthums irgend einer Person nicht fünfzig Dollars übersteigt, so soll7 dasselbe von der Besteuerung frei sein. Alles Eigenthum das in Bankgeschäften8 verwendet ist soll stets Steuerlast tragen die der auf das Eigenthum von Individuen gelegten gleichkommt.
AMENDMENT NO. 432
AMENDMENT NO. 4
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, Three fifths of the members elected to each house concurring therein, That it be and hereby is proposed to the electors of the33 State, on34 the second Tuesday of October next, to approve or reject the following amendment as a substitute for the first and second sections of the thirteenth article of the Constitution, viz35 : Corporations of every description shall be created, and corporate powers granted only by general laws which shall define the powers, privileges and immunities and prescribe the36 duties and liabilities of each class or description of corporations, but the General Assembly may enact special laws for the relief of corporations in peculiar cases, and may37 make special provisions in regard to corporations in cases where from their peculiar location or interests such special provisions are required, and may from time to time alter or repeal all such laws as are authorized by this section.38
Beschlossen von der General-Versammlung des Staates Ohio, drei Fünftel der zu jedem Hause erwählten Mitglieder damit übereinstimmend: Daß es den Wählern des Staates hiermit vorgeschlagen sein soll und ist, am zweiten Dienstag im Oktober nächsthin, das folgende Amendment, als ein Substitut für die ersten und zweiten Abschnitte des dreizehnten Artikels der Constitution zu genehmigen oder zu verwerfen, nemlich: Corporationen von jeder Art und Corporationsgewalten, sollen nur durch allgemeine Gesetze errichtet und gewährt werden, welche die Gewalten, Privilegien und Vorrechte, und die Pflichten und Verantwortlichkeiten jeder Klasse oder Gattung solcher Corporationen bestimmen und vorschreiben; jedoch mag die General-Versammlung specielle Gesetze zum Besten von Corporationen, in besonderen Fällen, erlassen, – und mag besondere Bestimmungen treffen in Bezug auf Corporationen in Fällen, wo in Folge deren besonderer Lage oder Interessen solche specielle Bestimmungen nöthig sind, und mag von Zeit zu Zeit alle solche Gesetze, die durch diesen Abschnitt authorisirt sind, verändern oder widerrufen.
AMENDMENT NO. 539
AMENDMENT NO. 5
Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, three fifths of the members
Beschlossen von der General-Versammlung des Staates Ohio, drei Fünftel der für
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FAILED A MENDMENTS OF 1857 elected to each House concurring therein, that it be, and hereby is proposed to the electors of this State to vote, on the second Tuesday of October next, upon the approval or rejection of the following amendment as an additional section to article eleven of the Constitution. Every county which now is, or may hereafter be entitled to more than one Senator, or Representative for the residue of the present decennial period, or for all, or any portion of any subsequent decennial period shall be divided into as many Senatorial and Representative districts as there may be Senators or Representatives elective in any year of the present, or any subsequent decennial period, which districts shall be of contiguous territory, and each district shall contain as nearly a ratio for Senator or Representative as is attainable, without violating the rule here in given as to contiguity of territory, and without dividing any township, election precinct ward40 . If any Representative, or Senatorial district, composed of two or more counties shall by reason of any excess of population over a ratio, be entitled to addional Representatives or Senators for any portion of the present or any subsequent decennial period, the district shall be divided into two districts, for each portion of such decennial period, which shall be41 contiguous territory, and each shall contain as near a ratio as is attainable without dividing counties. If by reason of the42 annexation of one Senatorial district to another, there shall be any excess of population over a Senatorial ratio, which shall be intitled to additional Senatorial representation for any portion of any decennial period, each district, as now constituted, shall elect one Senator. Counties shall be divided into districts by the county commissioners or such other board of officers elective and resident in the proper county as may be provided by law. At least four months prior to the general election in 1858, the counties entitled to more than one member of either house shall be
jedes Haus erwählten Mitglieder darin übereinstimmend: Daß es den Wählern des Staates hiermit vorgeschlagen sein soll und ist, am zweiten Dienstag im Oktober nächsthin abzustimmen über die Genehmigung oder Verwerfung des folgenden Amendements als einen weiteren Abschnitt zum Artikel eilf der Constitution. Jedes County, welches berechtigt ist, oder später berechtigt sein mag zu mehr als einem Senator, oder Repräsentanten für den Rest des gegenwärtigen zehnjährigen Zeitabschnittes, oder für jeden oder irgend einen Theil irgend eines folgenden zehnjährigen Zeitabschnittes, soll eingetheilt werden in so viele Senatorial und Repräsentativ-Distrikte, als Senatoren oder Repräsentanten zu erwählen sein mögen in irgend einem Jahre des gegenwärtigen oder irgend eines folgenden zehnjährigen Zeitabschnittes, welche Distrikte aus angrenzendem Gebiet bestehen sollen und jeder Distrikt soll so nahe als möglich eine Rate für Senator und Repräsentant enthalten, ohne die hierin gegebene Regel bezüglich der GebietsAngrenzung zu verletzen und ohne irgend ein Township, Wahlbezirk oder Ward zu theilen. Wenn irgend ein Repräsentativ- oder Senatorial-Distrikt, der aus zwei oder mehr Counties besteht, in Folge einer Ueberzahl der Bevölkerung über ein Ratio zu weiteren Repräsentanten oder Senatoren, für irgend einen Theil des gegenwärtigen oder irgend eines folgenden zehnjährigen Zeitabschnittes berechtigt sein soll, dann soll der Distrikt in zwei Distrikte getheilt werden für jeden Theil solches zehnjährigen Zeitabschnittes, die Distrikte sollen aus angrenzendem Gebiet bestehen und jeder soll so nahe ein Ratio enthalten, als ohne Theilung von Counties thunlich ist. Wenn in Folge des Anschlusses eines Senatorial Distrikts an einen andern sich eine Ueberzahl der Bevölkerung über ein Ratio ergiebt, welche zu zusätzlicher Senatorial Repräsentation für irgend einen Theil irgend eines zehnjährigen Zeitabschnittes berech-
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O HIO divided into districts for the residue of the present decennial period, and at least four months prior to the general election in43 the first year of each subsequent decennial44 period, the counties entitled to more than one member for all, or any portion of such decennial period, in either or both houses, shall be divided into districts for the whole of the decennial period. A description of the district45 of each county shall be published as may be directed by the county commissioners or as may be prescribed by law.
tigt ist, dann soll jeder Distrikt, wie er jetzt besteht, einen Senator wählen. Counties sollen in Distrikte getheilt werden, durch die County-Commissionaire, oder solcher andern, in dem betreffenden County wählbaren und wohnenden Behörde von Beamten, wie es das Gesetz vorschreiben mag. Wenigstens vier Monate vor der allgemeinen Wahl von ein tausend acht hundert und acht und fünfzig sollen die Counties, die zu mehr als einem Mitgliede eines der beiden Häuser berechtigt sind, in Distrikte getheilt werden für den Rest des gegenwärtigen zehnjährigen Zeitabschnittes, und wenigstens vier Monate vor der allgemeinen Wahl im ersten Jahre jetzt folgenden zehnjährigen Zeitabschnittes, sollen die Counties, die zu mehr als einem Mitgliede für den ganzen, oder irgend einen Theil solches zehnjährigen Zeitabschnittes, in einem oder beiden Häusern berechtigt sind, in Distrikte für das Ganze des zehnjährigen Zeitabschnittes getheilt werden. Eine Beschreibung des Distrikts jedes Countys soll publicirt werden, wie es die County Commissionäre anweisen oder wie es das Gesetz vorschreiben mag.
1
1 Verified by the text as published in Der Westbote (Columbus), October 2, 1857, 4, and checked against the Cincinnati Volksfreund, October 11, 1857, 1. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in Der Westbote. Obvious printing errors have been tacitly corrected. Differences between the two German translations of the first three amendments have only been annotated when they imply a change of meaning. 2 In English original, “sessions”. 3 In Cincinnati Volksfreund, 1, “siebente, achte”. 4 Ibid., “wenn vier, den siebenten, achten, neunten und zehnten Sitzungen; wenn fünf, den sechsten, siebenten, achten, neunten und zehnten Sitzungen;” missing. 5 In English original, “legislature”. 6 In English original, “jurisdiction at chambers”. 7 In English original, “may”; in Cincinnati Volksfreund, 1, “kann”. 8 In English original, “in banking”.
Verified by the text as published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 13, 1857, 2, and checked against the versions published in the Journal of the Senate of the State of Ohio for the Second Session of the FiftySecond General Assembly, Commencing on Monday, January 5, 1857, Being the Third Legislature under the New Constitution, LIII, Columbus: Richard Nevins, State Printer, Statesman Steam Press, 1857, 302–332 (except for the first amendment), in the Cincinnati Daily Gazette, April 4, 1857, 4 (all but last four lines of amendment no. 1 in copy missing), and in Isaac Franklin Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, Amendments, and Proposed Amendments including the Ordinance of 1787, the Act of Congress dividing the Northwest Territory, and the Acts of Congress creating and recognizing the State of Ohio. Complete original texts, with historical data, records of the vote cast, contemporary newspaper comment, detailed comparisons and historical introduction, Cleveland, Ohio: The Arthur H. Clark Company, 1912, 161–168. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Obvious printing errors have been tacitly corrected. The five amendments were adopted by the General Assembly on April 3, 1857,
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Ä NDERUNGSENTWÜRFE VON 1857 and were ordered to be sent out and “published in the newspaper having the contract for the publishing of the laws for the State [. . . ] in two weekly (English) and in one (German) weekly newspaper, if published in the county, till the second Tuesday of October, 1857” (Senate Journal, LIII, 341). What the Cincinnati Daily Gazette published on April 4, 1857, therefore, was not the text officially to be sent out by the Secretary of State, which only happened during the subsequent days, but as privately reported by “Jeffersonian”, as the reporter called himself. Patterson, on the other hand, obviously did not see the officially conveyed version as he failed to use the official numbering of the amendments and mixed up their order. It is not known what version it was that he found “in the files of the office of the secretary of state” (Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 161, and similar on 164, 165, 167, and 168). On April 17, 1857 the General Assembly passed a law for submitting the five proposed amendments to the people (Acts of a General Nature and Local Laws and Joint Resolutions, Passed by the Fifty-Second General Assembly, of the State of Ohio: At Its Second Session, Begun and Held in the City of Columbus, January 5, 1857: and in the Fifty-Fifth Year of Said State, LIV, Columbus: Richard Nevins, State Printer, 1857, 179–181). On October 13, 1857, all amendments were overwhelmingly approved by the people (between 123,000 and 160,000 votes of approval as against 20,000 to 35,000 rejections, cf. exact figures in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 161, 164, 165, 166, 168), but in no case the constitutionally required majority was achieved, resulting in their failure, without exception. 2 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 161, title missing. 3 Ibid., word missing. 4 Ibid., 162, “offices”. 5 Ibid., word missing. 6 Ibid., added “if three, to the eighth, ninth, and tenth sessions;”. 7 Ibid., “the”. 8 Ibid., word missing. 9 Ibid., “sessions”. 10 Ibid., 163, added “eighth,”. 11 Ibid., word missing. 12 Ibid., word missing. 13 Ibid., 168, title missing with amendment published in fifth place. 14 In Cincinnati Daily Gazette, preceding part of amendment missing; in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 168, word missing. 15 In Senate Journal, LIII, 327, in Cincinnati Daily Gazette, and in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 168, “in each”. 16 In Cincinnati Daily Gazette, word missing. 17 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 168, last two words missing. 18 In Senate Journal, LIII, 327, in Cincinnati Daily
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O HIO Gazette, and in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 168, “courts. Until”. 19 In Senate Journal, LIII, 327, in Cincinnati Daily Gazette, and in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 168, “qualified, district”. 20 In Cincinnati Daily Gazette, all of sect. 6 as “Amendment Third”. 21 Ibid., as “Amendment Fourth”; in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 165, title missing with amendment published in third place. 22 In Senate Journal, LIII, 332, “House”. 23 Ibid., and in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 165, “this”. 24 In Senate Journal, LIII, 332, “section”. 25 In Cincinnati Daily Gazette, preceding part of amendment missing. 26 In Senate Journal, LIII, 332, “deductions of debts”. 27 In Cincinnati Daily Gazette, “for”. 28 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 165, word missing. 29 In Senate Journal, LIII, 332, in Cincinnati Daily Gazette, and in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 165, word missing. 30 In Cincinnati Daily Gazette, word missing. 31 Ibid., word missing. 32 Ibid., as “Amendment Fifth”; in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 164, title missing with amendment published in second place. 33 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 164, “this”. 34 In Senate Journal, LIII, 302, “voting on”. 35 Ibid., “the following, viz”; in Cincinnati Daily Gazette, preceding part of amendment missing; in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 164, word missing. 36 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 164, word missing. 37 In Senate Journal, LIII, 302, word missing. 38 In Cincinnati Daily Gazette, rest missing. 39 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 166, title missing with amendment published in fourth place. 40 In Senate Journal, LIII, 318, and in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 166, “or ward”. 41 In Senate Journal, LIII, 318, “be of”. 42 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 167, word missing. 43 Ibid., “of”. 44 Ibid., word missing. 45 In Senate Journal, LIII, 319, and in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 167, “districts”.
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Failed Amendment of 1859
Änderungsentwurf von 1859
Joint Resolution relative to an amendment to the constitution providing for annual sessions of the general assembly1
Vorgeschlagenes Amendement zur Constitution – Bezüglich eines Amendement der Constitution betreffs der jährlichen Sitzungen der Generalversammlung1
Resolved, by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, Three-fifths of the members of each house concurring therein, that it be and is hereby2 proposed to the electors of the state to vote at the next annual October state3 election, upon the approval or rejection of the following amendment as a substitute for the first clause of the twenty-fifth section of the second article of the constitution of this state, to-wit: “All regular sessions of the general assembly shall commence on the first Monday in January annually.”
Beschlossen durch die Generalversammlung des Staates Ohio – 3/5 der Mitglieder eines jeden Hauses übereinstimmend – daß den Wählern des Staates der Vorschlag gemacht werde und hiermit gemacht ist, bei der nächsten, jährlichen Oktober Staatswahl, über die Annahme oder Verwerfung des folgenden Amendements, als über ein Substitut für die erste Klausel der 25. Sektion des 2. Artikel der Staats-Constitution, abzustimmen, nämlich: „Alle regelmäßigen Sitzungen der Generalversammlung sollen alljährlich am ersten Montag im Januar beginnen.“
1
1
Verified by Acts of a General Nature and Local Laws and Joint Resolutions, Passed by the Fifty-Third General Assembly, of the State of Ohio: At Its Second Session, Begun and Held in the City of Columbus, January 3, 1859, and the Fifty-Seventh Year of Said State, LVI, Columbus: Richard Nevins, State Printer, 1859, 326– 327, and checked against the version as published in Isaac Franklin Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, Amendments, and Proposed Amendments including the Ordinance of 1787, the Act of Congress dividing the Northwest Territory, and the Acts of Congress creating and recognizing the State of Ohio. Complete original
Verified by the text as published in Cincinnati Volksfreund, September 28, 1859, 3. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Cincinnati Volksfreund.
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O HIO texts, with historical data, records of the vote cast, contemporary newspaper comment, detailed comparisons and historical introduction, Cleveland, Ohio: The Arthur H. Clark Company, 1912, 169. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Session law volume. The amendment had been approved by the legislature on April 5, 1859, but did not receive the constitutionally required majority in the October election of 1859 (cf. Session law print, 242–243; Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 169). 2 In Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 169, “hereby is”. 3 Ibid., word missing.
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Provisional Constitution of Oregon (1843) Original Organic Laws of Oregon1
The Legislative Committee recommend that the following Laws be adopted: –
ARTICLE I Preamble, We the People of Oregon Territory, for purposes of mutual protection, and to secure peace and prosperity among ourselves, agree to adopt the following Laws and regulations, until such time as the United States of America, extend their Jurisdiction over us: Be it enacted therefore by the Free Citizens of Oregon Territory, that the said Territory for purposes of temporary Government, be divided into not less than three nor more than five Districts, subject to be extended to a greater number, when an increase of population shall require. For the purpose of fixing the principles of Civil and Religious Liberty, as the basis of all Laws and Constitutions of Government that may hereafter be adopted; Be it enacted that the following Articles, be considered articles of compact, among the Free Citizens of this Territory: S ECT. 1. No person demeaning himself in a peacable and orderly manner, shall ever be molested upon account of his mode of Worship, or Religious sentiments. S ECT. 2. The inhabitants of said Territory shall always be entitled to the benefits of the writ of Habeas Corpus, and Trial by
Jury; of a proportionate representation of the people in the Legislature, and of Judicial proceedings, according to the course of common Law; All persons shall be bailable, unless for Capital offences, where the proof shall be evident, or the presumption great; All fines shall be moderate, and no cruel or unusual punishments inflicted; no man shall be deprived of his liberty but by the judgment of his peers, or the Law of the Land, and should the public exigencies make it necessary for the common preservation to take any persons property or to demand his particular services, full compensation shall be made for the same; And in the just preservation of Rights and Property it is understood and declared that no Law ought ever to be made or have force in said Territory that shall in any manner whatever interfere with or affect private contracts or engagements “bona fide” and without fraud previously formed. S ECT. 3. Religion, Morality, and Knowledge being necessary to good Government and the happiness of mankind, Schools and the means of Education shall for ever be encouraged. The utmost good faith shall always be observed towards the Indians, their lands and property shall never be taken from them without their consent; and in their property, rights, and liberty, they shall never be invaded or disturbed unless in just and lawful wars authorized by the representatives of the people, But Laws founded in Justice and Humanity shall from time to time be made for preventing Injustice being done to them and for preserving peace and
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O REGON friendship with them. S ECT. 4. There shall be neither Slavery nor Involuntary servitude in said Territory otherwise than for the punishment of crimes whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.
ARTICLE II Organic Laws – S ECT. 1. The Legislative power shall be vested in a Committee of Nine persons to be elected by the qualified electors at the Annual election, giving to each District a representation in the ratio of its population, excluding Indians, and the said members of the Committee shall reside in the District for which they shall be chosen. S ECT. 2. The Executive power shall be vested in a Committee of Three persons elected by the qualified voters at the annual election, who shall have power (to fill vacancies, to remit fines and forfeitures,) to grant pardons and reprieves for offences against the Laws of the Territory, to call out the Military force of the Territory, to repel invasion or suppress insurrection, to take care that the Laws are faithfully executed, and to recommend such Laws as they may consider necessary, to the representatives of the people for their action. Two Members of the Committee shall constitute a Quorum for the transaction of business. S ECT. 3. The Judicial power shall be vested in a Supreme Court consisting of the Supreme Judge and two Justices of the Peace, a probate Court and in Justices of the Peace. The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court shall be both appellate and original; That of the Probate Court and Justices of the Peace, as limited by Law: provided that individual Justices of the Peace shall not
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have jurisdiction of any matter of controversy when the Title or boundaries of Land may be in dispute or where the sum claimed exceed Fifty dollars. The Supreme Court shall hold two sessions annually, upon the third Tuesdays of April and September, the first session to be held at Champoick upon the third Tuesday of September 1843 and the second session at Twality Plains upon the third Tuesday of April 1844. At the sessions of the Supreme Court, the Supreme Judge shall preside assisted by two Justices; provided that no Justice of the Peace shall assist in trying any case that has been brought before the Court by appeal from his judgment. The Supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction in cases of Treason, Felony, or Breach of the Peace and in Civil cases where the sum claimed exceeds Fifty dollars. S ECT. 4. There shall be a Recorder elected by the qualified electors at the annual election, who shall keep a faithful record of the proceedings in the Legislative Committee, Supreme and Probate Courts, also record all boundaries of Land presented for that purpose and all marks and brands used for marking live stock, procure and keep the standard weights and measures required by Law, Seal weights and measures and keep a record of the same and also Records, Wills, Deeds and other instruments of writing, required by Law to be recorded. The Recorder shall receive the following fees, viz. for recording Wills, Deeds and other instruments of writing; twelve cents for every hundred words and the same price for copies of the same, for every weight and measure sealed Twenty five cents, for granting other official Papers and the Seal Twenty five cents, for services as Clerk of the Legislature, the same daily pay as members of the Legislature, and for all other services required of him by this Act, the
P ROVISIONAL C ONSTITUTION OF O REGON (1843) same fees as allowed for similar services by the Laws of Iowa. S ECT. 5. There shall be a Treasurer elected by the qualified electors of the Territory who shall before entering upon the duties of his office, give Bonds to the Executive Committee in the sum of Fifteen hundred dollars with two or more sufficient securities to be approved by the Executive Committee of the Territory, conditioned for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office. The Treasurer shall receive all monies belonging to the Territory that may be raised by contribution or otherwise and shall procure suitable Books in which he shall enter an account of his receipts and disbursements. The Treasurer shall in no case pay money out of the Treasury but according to Law, and shall annually report to the Legislative committee, a true account of his receipts and disbursements, with necessary vouchers for the same, and shall deliver to his successor in office all Books, Monies, Accounts, or other property, belonging to the Territory, so soon as his successor shall become qualified. The Treasurer shall receive for his services the sum of Five p[e]r cent, upon all monies received and paid out according to Law, and three p[e]r cent, upon all money in the Treasury when he goes out of office, and two p[e]r cent upon the disbursement of money in the Treasury when he comes into office. S ECT. 6. Ways and Means – The Legislative Committee report that Subscription Papers as follows be put in circulation to collect funds for defraying the expenses of this Government. We the Subscribers hereby pledge ourselves to pay annually to the Treasurer of Oregon Territory, the sums affixed to our respective names for the purpose of defraying the expenses of Government. Provided that
in all cases each individual subscriber may at any time withdraw his name from said subscription upon paying up all arrearages and notifying the Treasurer of the Colony of such desire to withdraw. S ECT. 7. Be it enacted by the authority aforesaid that the officers elected upon the 2nd. of May inst. shall continue in office until the 2nd. Tuesday of May 1844 and until others are elected and qualified. S ECT. 8. Be it further enacted that an election of Civil and Military officers shall be held annually upon the 2nd Tuesday in May in the several districts at such places as shall be designated by Law. S ECT. 9. Each officer heretofore elected or that shall hereafter be elected, shall before entering upon the duties of his office, take an Oath or Affirmation to support the Laws of the Territory and faithfully to discharge the duties of his office. S ECT. 10. Every free male descendant of a white man, inhabitant of this Territory of the age of twenty one years and upwards, who shall have been an inhabitant of this Territory at the time of its organization shall be entitled to vote at the election of Officers, Civil and Military and be eligible to any office in the Territory: provided that all persons of the description entitled to vote by the provisions of this section, who shall emigrate to this Territory after organization shall be entitled to the rights of Citizens after having resided six months in the Territory. S ECT. 11. The Laws of Iowa Territory shall be the Law of the Territory in Civil, Military and Criminal cases, (where not otherwise provided for) and where no Statute of Iowa Territory applies, the principles of common Law and Equity shall govern. S ECT. 12. The Law of Iowa Territory regulating weights and measures shall be
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O REGON the Law of this Territory: Provided that the Supreme Court shall perform the duties required of the County Commissioners and the Recorder shall perform the duties of the Clerk of the County Commissioners as prescribed in said Laws of Iowa: and Provided that Sixty lbs. avoirdupois shall be the standard weight of a bushel of wheat, whether the same be more or less than two thousand, one hundred, and fifty and two-fifths cubic inches. S ECT. 13. The Laws of Iowa respecting Wills and Administrators shall be the Law of this Territory in all cases not otherwise provided for. S ECT. 14. The Law of Iowa respecting vagrants is hereby adopted as far as adapted to the circumstances of the Citizens of Oregon. S ECT. 15. All offices subsequently made shall be filled by election and ballot in the several Districts in the most central and convenient place in each District upon the day appointed by Law and under such regulations as the Laws of Ioway provide. S ECT. 16. All male persons of the age of sixteen years and upwards and all Females of the age of fourteen years and upwards shall have the right of engaging in Marriage provided that where either of the parties shall be under twenty one years of age, the consent of the Parents or Guardians of such Minors shall be necessary to the validity of such matrimonial engagement. Every ordained minister of the Gospel of any Religious denomination, the Supreme Judge and all Justices of the Peace are hereby authorized to solemnize marriages according to Law, to have the same recorded and pay the Recorders fee. All Marriages shall be recorded by the Territorial Recorder within one month from the time of such marriage taking place and
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being made known to him officially – The Legal fee for Marriage shall be One Dollar and for recording ditto fifty cents. S ECT. 17. Land Claims – Any person now holding or hereafter wishing to establish a claim to Land in this Territory, shall designate the extent of his claim by natural boundaries or by marks at the corners and upon the lines of such claim, and have the extent and boundaries of said claim recorded in the Office of the Territorial Recorder in a Book to be kept by him for that purpose within Twenty days from the time of marking said claim – Provided that those who shall be already in possession of Land shall be allowed one year from the passage of this Act to file a description of his claim in the Recorders office. All claimants shall within six months from the time of Recording their claims make permanent improvements upon the same by building or enclosing, and also become an occupant upon said claim within one year from the date of such Record. No individual shall be allowed to hold a claim of more than one square mile or six hundred and forty acres, in a square or oblong form according to the natural situation of the Premises. Nor shall any individual be allowed to hold more than one claim at the same time. Any person complying with the provisions of these ordinances, shall be entitled to the same recourse against trespass as in other cases by Law provided. No person shall be entitled to hold such a claim upon City or Town sites, extensive water privileges or other situations necessary for the transaction of Mercantile or Manufacturing operations and to the detriment of the community – provided that nothing in these laws shall be so construed, as to affect any claim of any mission of a Religious character made previous to this time of an extent not more than six miles square.
P ROVISIONAL C ONSTITUTION OF O REGON (1843) S ECT. 18. Districts – The Legislative Committee recommend that the Territory be divided into Four Districts, as follows – 1st. District to be called Twality District comprising all the country south of the Northern Boundary Line of the United States, West of the Willamette or Multnomah River, North of the Yam Hill River, and East of the Pacific Ocean. 2nd. District to be called the Yam Hill District, embracing all country West of the Willamette or Multnomah River and a supposed line running North and South from said River, South of the Yam Hill River to the parallel of forty-two degrees North Latitude or the boundary line of the United States and Calafornia2 and East of the Pacific Ocean. 3rd District, to be called the Clackamas District comprehending all Territory not included in the other three Districts. 4th. District to be called the Champoick District and bounded upon the North by a supposed line, drawn from the mouth of the Anchiyoke River running due East to the Rocky Mountains, West by the Willamette or Multnomah River, and a supposed line, running due South from said River to the parallel of Forty-two degrees North Latitude, South by the boundary line of the United States and Calafornia3 , and East by the Summit of the Rocky Mountains. The Legislative Committee also recommend the above Districts to be designated by the name of Oregon Territory. –
1
Verified by the engrossed manuscript preserved in the Oregon State Archives (Provisional and Territorial Government documents # 1583) at Salem, OR., and checked against the version published in Sources and Documents of United States Constitutions, ed. by William F. Swindler, VIII, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.: Oceana, 1979, 188–195. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the engrossed manuscript. Italics signify emphasized passages in the manuscript. The Organic Laws were adopted in a meeting at Champoick on July 5, 1843. As no printing press existed in the region
before early 1846 and thus before the Organic Laws of 1843 were amended in 1845 (q.v.), and as the engrossed manuscript preserved in the State Archives bears the date of 1846 on its back, confusion set in about the original text after a few years. In 1846, Elijah White, A Concise View of Oregon Territory, Its Colonial and Indian Relations; Compiled from Official Letters and Reports, Together with the Organic Laws of the Colony, Washington: T. Barnard, Printer, 1846, only had the text of 1845 at his disposal (p. 66–71). When Matthew P. Deady extended the second edition of his code to include 1843 (The Organic and Other General Laws of Oregon: Together with the National Constitution, and Other Public Acts and Statutes of the United States, 1843–1872, [s.l.:] Eugene Semple, State Printer, 1874), he only published the “land law” of July 5, 1843 (p. 50), while ignoring the Organic Laws of the same date (“The first attempts of local government in Oregon, commenced in 1841, which resulted in the establishment of an executive and legislative committee some time in the year 1843. The executive committee consisted of three persons, and the legislative one of a number of persons chosen by districts. This was superseded by the Provisional government, provided for by the organic act of 1845”, p. 46). Indeed, as early as 1840 a number of citizens of the Oregon Territory had petitioned Congress to extend the jurisdiction and laws of the United States over the internationally still disputed territory (Petition of a Number of Citizens of the Oregon Territory Praying The extension of the jurisdiction and laws of the United States over that Territory, 26th Congress, 1st Session, Senate, June 4, 1840, Doc. No. 514, [Washington: Blair & Rives, printers, 1840]). Among other things, La Fayette Grover contributed to the uncertainties about the text of the Organic Laws of 1843. He had published The Oregon Archives: Including the Journals, Governors’ Messages and Public Papers of Oregon, From the Earliest Attempt on the Part of the People to Form a Government, Down to, and Inclusive of the Session of the Territorial Legislature, Held in the Year 1849, Collected and Published Pursuant to an Act of the Legislative Assembly, Passed Jan. 26, 1853, Salem: Asahel Bush, Public Printer, 1853, which failed to include the Organic Laws of 1843, but published instead “Report of Legislative Committee, upon the Judiciary” (p. 28–32), which obviously served as basis for the Organic Laws, as did the “Law of Land Claims” (p. 35), which became art. II, sect. 17 of the Organic Laws. Joseph Gaston, The Centennial History of Oregon 1811–1912. With notice of antecedent explorations. Illustrated, I, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1912, who, as J. Henry Brown twenty years before him, failed to identify the Organic Laws of 1843, included among the pieces he published a text dated July 5, 1843 (p. 180–181), which is verbatim sect. 18 of art. II of the Organic Laws of 1843.
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O REGON In the brief handwritten records of the deliberations at Champoick on July 5, 1843 (Oregon State Archives, Provisional and Territorial Government documents # 425–426) it appears that beside the Report of the Legislative Committee, Committee reports on districting, military officers, land claims and the judiciary were discussed and adopted which finally went into one document consisting of two sections, the first containing four articles, the second called “Organic Laws”, containing eighteen articles. The same structure had been suggested by the Report of the Committee on
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the Judiciary (Oregon State Archives, Provisional and Territorial Government documents # 1582). Why terminology of sections and articles was finally reversed remains an open question. But that the document from the Oregon State Archives, reproduced here, though dated in its engrossed version from 1846, and first published by Swindler was the “Original Organic Laws of Oregon” of 1843, appears to be beyond doubt. 2 In Swindler edition, VIII, 195, “California”. 3 Ibid., “California”.
Provisional Constitution of Oregon (1845) Organic Laws of Oregon (with amendments)1
The Legislative Committee recommend2 that the following Laws be adopted.
ARTICLE I3 Preamble,4 We the People of Oregon Territory, for purposes5 of mutual protection and to secure Peace and Prosperity among ourselves, agree to adopt the following Laws and regulations, until such time as the United States of America extend their Jurisdiction over us: Be it enacted therefore6 by the Free7 Citizens of Oregon Territory, that the said Territory for8 purposes9 of temporary Government be divided into not less than three nor more than five Districts, subject to be extended to a greater number when an increase of population shall require. For the purpose of fixing the principles of Civil and Religious Liberty as the basis of all Laws and Constitutions10 of Government that may hereafter be adopted, Be it enacted that the following Articles be considered articles of compact among the free Citizens of this Territory:11 S ECT. 1. No person demeaning himself in a peaceable and orderly manner, shall ever be molested upon12 account of his mode of Worship, or Religious sentiments. S ECT. 2. The inhabitants of said Territory shall always be entitled to the benefits of the writ of Habeas Corpus and Trial by Jury, of a proportionate representation of
the People in the Legislature, and of Judicial proceedings, according to the course of common Law: all persons shall be bailable unless for Capital offences, where the proof shall be evident or the presumption great. All fines shall be moderate and no cruel or unusual punishments13 inflicted: no man shall be deprived of his liberty but by the judgment of his peers, or14 the Law of the Land, and should the public exigencies make it necessary for the common preservation to take any persons property, or to demand his particular services, full compesation shall be made for the same; and in the just preservation of Rights and Property, it is understood and declared that no Law ought ever to be made or have force in said Territory, that shall in any manner whatever interfere with or affect private contracts or engagements “bona fide” and without fraud previously formed. S ECT. 3. Religion, Morality, and Knowledge being necessary to good Government, and the happiness of Mankind, Schools and the means of Education shall for ever be15 encouraged. The utmost good faith shall always be observed towards16 the Indians; their lands and property shall never be taken from them without their consent; and in their property, rights and liberty, they shall never be invaded or disturbed, unless in just and lawful wars authorized by the representatives of the People: but Laws founded in Justice and Humanity, shall from time to time be made for preventing injustice being done to them, and for preserving Peace and Friendship with them.
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O REGON S ECT. 4. There shall be neither Slavery nor involuntary servitude in said Territory otherwise than for the punishment of crimes whereof the party shall have been duly convicted. S ECT. 5. No person shall be deprived of the right17 of bearing arms in his own defense: no unreasonable searches or seizures shall be granted: the freedom of the press, shall not be restrained: no person shall be twice tried for the same offense: nor the People deprived of the right of peaceably18 assembling and discussing any matter they may think proper: nor shall the right of petition ever be denied. S ECT. 6. The powers of the Government shall be divided into three distinct departments: The Legislative, Executive and Judicial: and no person or persons19 belonging to one of these departments, shall exercise any of the powers properly belonging to either of the others, except in cases herein directed or permitted.
ARTICLE II S ECT. 1. The Legislative power shall be vested in a House of Representatives, which shall consist of not less than Thirteen nor more than Sixty one Members, whose numbers shall not be increased more than five, at any one session: to be elected by the qualified electors at the annual Election, giving to each District, a representation in the ratio of its population (excluding Indians) and the said Members shall reside in the District for which they shall be chosen: and in case of vacancy by Death, resignation, or otherwise, the Executive shall issue his writ to the District where such vacancy has occurred, and cause a new election to be held, giving sufficient notice at least ten days previously, of the time and place of holding said election.
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S ECT. 2. The House of Representatives when assembled shall choose a Speaker and its other officers, be judges of the qualifications and election20 of its members, and sit upon its own adjournment from day to day: Two thirds of the House shall constitute a quorum to transact business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized by Law, to compel the attendance of21 absent members. S ECT. 3. The House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member, but not a second time for the same offense, and shall have all powers necessary for a Legislature of a Temporary Government, not in contravention with the restrictions imposed in this Organic Law. S ECT. 4. The House of Representatives shall from time to time fix the salaries of the different officers appointed or elected under this compact, provided the pay of no officer shall be altered during the term of his service22 , nor shall the pay of the House be increased by any Law taking effect during the session at which such alteration is23 made. S ECT. 5. The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeaching; three fourths of all the Members must concur in an impeachment: the Governor and all civil officers under these articles of compact, shall be liable to impeachment for Treason, bribery, or any high crime or misdemeanor in office. Judgment in such cases shall not extend further than removal from office, and disqualification to hold any office of honor, trust, or profit under this compact, but the party convicted may be dealt with according to law. S ECT. 6. The House of Representatives shall have power to lay out the Territory into
P ROVISIONAL C ONSTITUTION OF O REGON (1845) suitable Districts, and apportion the representation in their own24 body: they shall have power to pass Laws, for raising a25 revenue either by the26 levying and collecting of taxes or the imposing27 license on merchandize, ferries or other objects: to open roads and canals, either by the28 levying a road tax or the chartering of companies: to regulate the intercourse of the People with the Indian tribes: to establish post offices and post roads: to declare War, suppress insurrection or repel invasion: to provide for the organizing, arming and disciplining the Militia, and for29 calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of Oregon:30 to pass Laws to regulate the introduction, manufacture or sale of Ardent Spirits: to regulate the currency and internal police of the country: to create inferior tribunals and inferior officers, necessary and not provided for by these articles of Compact: and generally to pass such Laws, to promote the general welfare of the People of Oregon, not contrary to the spirit of this instrument:31 and all powers not hereby expressly delegated, remain with the people. The House of Representatives shall convene annually on the first Tuesday in December, at such place as may be provided by Law, and shall upon their32 first meeting after the adoption of this instrument of compact, proceed to elect and define the duties of a Secretary, Recorder, Treasurer, Auditor, Marshal, or33 other officers necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this compact. S ECT. 7. The Executive power shall be invested in one Person, elected by the qualified voters at the annual Election, who shall have power to fill vacancies, to remit fines and forfeitures, to grant pardons and reprieves, for offences against the Laws of the Territory, to call out the Military force34 of the Territory to repel invasion or suppress insurrection, to take care that the Laws are
faithfully executed, and to recommend such Laws as he may consider necessary to the representatives of the People for their action. Every bill which shall have been passed by the House of Representatives, shall before it becomes a Law, be presented to the Governor for his approbation. If he approve, he shall sign it, if not, he shall return it with his objections to the House, and the House shall cause the objections to be entered at large on its journals, and shall proceed to reconsider the bill; if after such reconsideration, a majority of two thirds of the House, shall agree to pass the same, it shall become a Law: in such cases the vote35 shall be taken by Ayes and Noes, and be36 entered upon the journals – If any bill shall not be returned by the Governor, to the House of Representatives within three days (Sunday37 excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall become a Law in like manner as if the Governor had signed it, unless the House of Representatives by its adjournment shall prevent its return, in which case it shall not become a Law. The Governor shall continue in office two years, and until his successor is duly elected and qualified, and in case of the office becoming vacant by Death, resignation, or otherwise, the Secretary shall exercise the duties of the office, until the vacancy shall be filled by election. The Governor shall receive the sum of –––––– dollars38 per annum, as full compensation, for his services, which sum may be increased or diminished at any time, by Law, provided the salary of no Governor shall be altered, during his term of service. The Governor shall have power to convene the Legislature on extraordinary occasions. S ECT. 8. The Judicial power shall be vested in a Supreme Court and such inferior Courts of Law, Equity, and Arbitration as may by Law from time to time be es-
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O REGON tablished. The Supreme Court shall consist of one Judge, who shall be elected by the House of Representatives and hold his office for four years and until his successor is duly elected and qualified. The Supreme Court except in cases otherwise directed by this compact, shall have Appellate Jurisdiction only, which shall be co-extensive with this39 Territory, and shall hold two sessions annually beginning on the first Mondays in40 June and September, and at such places as by41 Law directed. The Supreme Court shall have a general superintending control over all inferior Courts of Law. It shall have power to issue writs of Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Quo Warranto, Certiorari, and other original42 remedial writs and hear and determine the same. The Supreme Court shall have power to decide upon and annul any Laws, contrary to the provisions of these articles of compact: and whenever called upon by the House of Representatives, the Supreme Judge shall give his opinion touching the validity of any pending measure. The House of Representatives may hereafter provide by Law, for the Supreme Court having original jurisdiction in Criminal cases. S ECT. 9. All officers under this compact shall take an oath, as follows: to wit, I do solemnly swear, that I will support the Organic Laws of the provisional Government of Oregon, so far as said Organic Laws are consistent with my duties as a Citizen of the United States, or a Subject of Great Britain, and faithfully demean myself in office, So help me God. S ECT. 10. Every free male descendant of a white man, inhabitant of this Territory of the age of twenty one years and upwards, who shall have been an inhabitant of this Territory at the time of its organization shall be entitled to vote at the election of Officers,
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Civil and Military, and be eligible to any office in the Territory: provided that all persons of the description entitled to vote by the provisions of this section, who shall emigrate43 to this Territory after organization, shall be entitled to the rights44 of Citizens, after having resided six months in the Territory. S ECT. 11. The Election for all civil officers provided for by this compact, shall be held the first Monday in June annually.
ARTICLE III Land Law45 S ECT. 1. Any person now holding or hereafter wishing to establish a claim to Land in this Territory, shall designate the extent of his claim by natural boundaries or by marks at the corners and upon the lines46 of such claim, and have the extent and boundaries of said claim recorded in the office of the Territorial Recorder, in a book to be kept by him for that purpose, within twenty days from the time of marking47 said claim – provided that those who shall be already in possession of Land48 , shall be allowed twelve months from the passage of this act to file a description of his claim in the Recorders office. And provided further that the said claimant shall state in his record,49 the size, shape, and locality, of such claim, and give the names50 of the adjoining claimants, and the Recorder may require the applicant for such record to be made to answer, on his oath, touching the facts. S ECT. 2. All claimants shall within six months from the time of recording their claims, make permanent improvements upon the same, by building or enclosing, and also become an occupant upon said claim, within one year from the date of such record, or in case not occupied, the person
P ROVISIONAL C ONSTITUTION OF O REGON (1845) holding said claim, shall pay into the Treasury, the sum of five dollars annually, and in case of failure to occupy, or on failure of payment of the sum above stated, the claim shall be considered as abandoned – provided that no non-resident of this Territory, shall have the benefit of this Law. And provided further that any resident of this Territory, absent on his private business for two years, may hold his claim by paying five dollars annually to the Treasury. S ECT. 3. No individual shall be allowed to hold a claim of more than one square mile, or six hundred and forty acres, in a square or oblong form, according to the natural situation of the premises. Nor shall any individual be allowed to hold more than one claim at the same time. Any person complying with the provisions of these ordinances, shall be entitled to the same recourse against trespass as in other cases by Law provided. S ECT. 4. Partnerships51 of two or more persons shall be allowed to take up a tract of land not exceeding six hundred and forty acres to each person in said partnership, subject to all the provisions of this52 Law53 . And whenever such partnership is dissolved, the members shall each54 record the particular parts of said tract, as may be allotted to him, provided that no member of said partnership shall hold a separate claim at the time of the existence of said partnership. S ECT. 5. The boundary lines55 of all claims shall hereafter conform as near as may be, to the Cardinal Points. S ECT. 6. The officers elected at the general Election, held on the first Tuesday in June 1845 shall be the officers to act under this Organic Law: and their official acts, so far as they are in accordance with this compact, are hereby declared valid and legal.
S ECT. 7. Amendments to this instrument may be proposed by the House of Representatives, two-thirds of the Members concurring therein, which amendments shall be made public in all parts of Oregon, and be read at the polls at the next succeeding general Election, and a concurrence of twothirds of all the Members elected at said Election, may pass said amendments, and they shall become a part of this compact.56 A true Copy of the original. Dated at Oregon City. This 10th day of July – 1845 –57 M. M. MCCARVER Speaker58 ATTEST J. E. LONG. Secretary
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Verified by the original manuscript preserved in the Oregon State Archives (Provisional and Territorial Government documents # 1096) at Salem, OR., and checked against Amended Organic Laws of the Territory of Oregon, as Adopted by The people of that Territory on the last Saturday of July, 1846, 29th Congress, 1st Session, Senate, May 21, 1846, Doc. No. 353, [Washington: Ritchie & Heiss, print, 1846,] 6 p., and the versions as published in Oregon Spectator, February 5, 1846 (vol. I, no. 1), 1, in Elijah White, A Concise View of Oregon Territory, Its Colonial and Indian Relations; Compiled from Official Letters and Reports, Together with the Organic Laws of the Colony, Washington: T. Barnard, Printer, 1846, 66–71, in The Organic and Other General Laws of Oregon: Together with the National Constitution, and Other Public Acts and Statutes of the United States, 1843–1872, [s.l.:] Eugene Semple, State Printer, 1874, 46–51 [hereafter quoted Deady Code], in J. Henry Brown, Political History of Oregon. Provisional Government, I, Portland, Oregon: Press of the Lewis & Dryden Printing Co., 1892, 163–168, and in Joseph Gaston, The Centennial History of Oregon 1811–1912. With notice of antecedent explorations. Illustrated, I, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1912, 644–648. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the original manuscript. The Organic Law of 1845 amended the Organic Law of 1843 (q.v.) and was presented to Congress on May 21, 1846 (Journal of the Senate of the United States of America: Being the First Session of the Twenty-Ninth Congress, Begun and Held at the City of Washington, December 1, 1845, Washington: Printed by Ritchie & Heiss, 1845–46, 306). As
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O REGON the legal status of the Oregon Territory was not settled internationally, the Senate took no formal action, and the Organic Law remained the law of the territory until American territorial government was established by an act of Congress of August 14, 1848 (U.S. Statutes at Large, 30th Congress, Sess. I, Ch. 177), abolishing Oregon self-government. This period of popular rule in Oregon is well documented in Oregon Acts and Laws Passed by the House of Representatives At a Meeting Held in Oregon City August, 1845. First Printing, New York: N. A. Phemister Co., 1921, 60 p. Vehemently complaining of misrule and corruption during the subsequent period, Oregonians, since the early 1850s, petitioned for a return to self-government and, finally, statehood which only came, under the Constitution of 1857 (q.v.), in 1859. Cf. Memorial of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Oregon, Asking for Certain alterations in the Organic Law of said Territory, 32d Congress, 1st Session, House of Representatives, February 3, 1852, Miscellaneous Doc. No. 9, [Washington: s.n., s.a.], 6 p. 2 In White, Concise View of Oregon Territory, 66, “recommended”. 3 In Oregon Spectator, 1, “Article I” inserted before “Sect. 1”; and in Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 644, whole preceding text missing. 4 In Deady Code, 46, and in Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 163, preceding text missing. 5 In Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 163, “purpose”. 6 In Washington print, 1, and in White, Concise View of Oregon Territory, 67, “therefore enacted”. 7 In Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 163, word missing. 8 In Deady Code, 46, in Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 163, and in White, Concise View of Oregon Territory, 67, “for the”. 9 In Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 644, “the purpose”. 10 Ibid., “constitution”. 11 In Oregon Spectator, 1, in Deady Code, 46, in Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 163, and in Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 644, “Article I” added. 12 In Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 163, “on”. 13 In Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 644, “punishment”. 14 Ibid., “of”. 15 In Deady Code, 47, in Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 164, and in Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 645, “be forever”. 16 In Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 645, “toward”. 17 In Deady Code, 47, and in Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 645, “rights”. 18 In Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 645, “peaceable”.
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19
In Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 164, last two words missing. 20 In Deady Code, 47, in Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 164, and in Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 645, “elections”. 21 In White, Concise View of Oregon Territory, 68, “of its”. 22 In Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 646, “his term of service”. 23 In Washington print, 3, and in White, Concise View of Oregon Territory, 68, “alterations are”. 24 In Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 165, word missing. 25 In Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 646, word missing. 26 In Deady Code, 48, in Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 165, and in Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 646, word missing. 27 In Deady Code, 48, in Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 165, and in Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 646, “imposing of”. 28 In Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 646, word missing. 29 In Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 165, “the”. 30 Ibid., “to pass laws of Oregon” added. 31 Ibid., “and all powers not contrary to the spirit of this instrument” added. 32 Ibid., “the”. 33 Ibid., and in Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 646, “or any”. 34 In Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 646, “forces”. 35 In Deady Code, 49, and in Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 646, “votes”. 36 In Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 646, word missing. 37 In White, Concise View of Oregon Territory, 69, in Deady Code, 49, and in Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 646, “Sundays”. 38 In Washington print, 4, and in White, Concise View of Oregon Territory, 69, word missing. 39 In Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 166, “the”. 40 In Deady Code, 49, in Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 166, and in Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 647, “of”. 41 In Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 166, “by the”. 42 Ibid., word missing. 43 In Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 647, “immigrate”. 44 In Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 166, “right”. 45 In Deady Code, 50, in Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 167, and in Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 647, heading missing. 46 In Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 167, “line”.
P ROVISIONAL C ONSTITUTION OF O REGON (1845) 47
In Oregon Spectator, 1, in Deady Code, 50, in Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 167, and in Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 648, “making”. 48 In Washington print, 5, and in White, Concise View of Oregon Territory, 70, “lands”. 49 In Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 167, “provided further that the said claimant shall state in his record,” missing. 50 In Deady Code, 50, “name”. 51 In Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 167, “Partnership”. 52 In Oregon Spectator, 1, and in Deady Code, 51, “the”. 53 In Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 167, and in Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 648, “the laws”. 54 In Washington print, 5, and in White, Concise View of Oregon Territory, 71, word missing.
55 In White, Concise View of Oregon Territory, 71, “of lines”. 56
In Washington print, 6, and in White, Concise View of Oregon Territory, 71, “Oregon City, July 5, 1845” added. In Oregon Spectator, 1, in Deady Code, 51, in Brown, Political History of Oregon, I, 167–168, and In Gaston, Centennial History of Oregon, I, 648, rest missing, instead “I, John E. Long, secretary of Oregon territory, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the original law as passed by the representatives of the people of Oregon, on the 5th day of July, A.D. 1845, and submitted to the people on the 26th day of the same month, and by them adopted and now on file in my office. J. E. Long, Secretary”. 57
In Washington print, 6, and in White, Concise View of Oregon Territory, 71, preceding three lines missing. 58
In Washington print, 6, and in White, Concise View of Oregon Territory, 71, word missing.
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Constitution of Oregon (1857) Constitution for the State of Oregon1
PREAMBLE We the people of the State of Oregon to the end that Justice be established, order2 maintained, and liberty perpetuated, do ordain this constitution.
ARTICLE I Bill of Rights S ECT.3
1. We declare that all men, when they form a social compact are equal in right4 : that all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness; and they have at all times a right to alter, reform, or abolish the government in such manner as they may think proper. S ECT. 2. All men shall be secured in the5 natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences6 . S ECT. 3. No law shall in any case whatever control the free exercise, and enjoyment of religeous opinions, or interfere with the rights of conscience. S ECT. 4. No religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office of trust or profit. S ECT. 5. No money shall be drawn from the Treasury for the benefit of any religeous, or theological institution, nor shall any money be appropriated for the payment
of any religeous services in either house of the Legislative Assembly. S ECT. 6. No person shall be rendered incompetent as a witness, or juror in consequence of his opinions on matters of religeon; nor be questioned in any Court of Justice touching his religeous belief to affect the weight of his testimony. S ECT. 7. The mode of administering an oath, or affirmation shall be such as may be most consistent with, and binding upon the conscience of the person to whom such oath or affirmation may be administered. S ECT. 8. No law shall be passed restraining the free expression of opinion, or restricting the right to speak, write, or print freely on any subject whatever; but every person shall be responsible for the abuse of this right. S ECT. 9. No law shall violate the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable search, or seizure; and no warrant shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath, or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the person or thing to be seized. S ECT. 10. No court shall be secret, but Justice shall be administered, openly and without purchase, completely and without delay, and every man shall have remedy by due course of law for injury done him in his7 person, property, or reputation.
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O REGON S ECT. 11. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall have the right to public trial by an impartial Jury in the county in which the offence shall have been committed; to be heard by himself and counsel; to demand the nature and cause of the accusation against him, and to have a copy thereof; to meet the witnesses face to face, and to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor. S ECT. 12. No person shall be put in jeopardy twice for the same offence, nor be compelled in any criminal prosecution to testify against himself. S ECT. 13. No person arrested, or confined in Jail, shall be treated with unnecessary rigor. S ECT. 14. Offences, except murder, and treason, shall be bailable by sufficient sureties. Murder or8 treason, shall not be bailable, when the proof is evident, or the presumption strong. S ECT. 15. Laws for the punishment of crime shall be founded on the principles of reformation, and not of vindictive Justice. S ECT. 16. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed. Cruel and unusual punishments shall not be inflicted, but all penalties shall be proportioned to the offense.9 In all criminal cases whatever, the Jury shall have the right to determine the law, and the facts under the direction of the Court as to the law, and the right of new trial, as in civil cases. S ECT. 17. In all civil cases the right of Trial by Jury shall remain inviolate. S ECT. 18. Private property shall not be taken for public use nor the particular services of any man be demanded without just10 compensation; nor except in case of the State, without such compensation11 first assessed and tendered.
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S ECT. 19. There shall be no imprisonment for debt, except in case of fraud or absconding debtors. S ECT. 20. No law shall be passed granting to any citizen or class of citizens privileges, or immunities, which, upon the same terms, shall not equally belong to all citizens. S ECT. 21. No ex-post facto law, or law impairing the obligation12 of contracts shall ever be passed; nor shall any law be13 passed, the taking effect of which shall be made to depend upon any authority, except as provided in this constitution; provided, that laws locating the capitol14 of the State, locating County Seats, and submitting town, and corporate15 acts, and other local, and special laws may take effect, or not, upon a vote of the electors interested. S ECT. 22. The operation of the laws shall never be suspended, except by the authority of the Legislative Assembly. S ECT. 23. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended unless in case of rebellion, or invasion the public safety require it. S ECT. 24. Treason against the State shall consist only in levying war against it, or16 adhering to its enemies, giving17 them aid or comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or confession in open Court. S ECT. 25. No conviction shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture of estate. S ECT. 26. No law shall be passed restraining any of the inhabitants of the State from assembling together in a peaceable manner to consult for their common good; nor from instructing their Representatives; nor from applying to the Legislature for redress of grievances.
C ONSTITUTION OF O REGON (1857) S ECT. 27. The people shall have the right to bear arms for the defence of themselves, and the State, but the military shall be kept in strict subordination to the civil power. S ECT. 28. No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, except in manner prescribed by law. S ECT. 29. No law shall be passed granting any title of nobility, or conferring hereditary distinctions18 . S ECT. 30. No law shall be passed prohibiting emigration from the State. S ECT. 31. White foreigners who are, or may hereafter become residents of this State shall enjoy the same rights in respect to the possession, enjoyment, and descent of property as native born citizens. And the Legislative Assembly shall have power to restrain, and regulate the immigration to this19 State of persons not qualified to become citizens of the United States. S ECT. 32. No tax or duty shall be imposed without the consent of the People, or their Representatives in the Legislative Assembly; and all taxation shall be equal and uniform. S ECT. 33. This enumeration of rights, and privileges shall not be construed to impair or deny others retained by the people.20
ARTICLE II Suffrage and Elections S ECT. 1. All elections shall be free and equal. S ECT. 2. In all elections not otherwise provided for, by this Constitution, every white male citizen of the United States, of the age of twenty one years, and upwards, who shall have resided in the State during
the six months, immediately preceding such election: and every white male of foreign birth of the age of twenty-one years, and upwards, who shall have resided in the United States, one year, and shall have resided in this State, during the six months immediately preceding such election, and shall have declared his intention to become a citizen of the United States, one year preceding such election, conformably to the laws of the United States on the subject of naturalization, shall be entitled to vote at all elections, authorized by law. S ECT. 3. No idiot, or insane person, shall be entitled to the privileges of an elector, and the privilege of an elector shall be forfeited by a conviction of any crime which is punishable by imprisonment in the penitentiary. S ECT. 4. For the purpose of voting, no person shall be deemed to have gained, or lost a residence, by reason of his presence, or absence while employed in the service of the United States, or of this State: nor while engaged in the navigation of the waters of this State, or of the United States, or of the high seas; nor while a student of any Seminary of Learning; nor while kept at any alms house, or other asylum, at public expense; nor while confined in any public prison. S ECT. 5. No soldier, seaman, or marine in the Army, or Navy of the United States, or of their allies, shall be deemed to have acquired a residence in the state, in consequence of having been stationed within the same; nor shall any such soldier, seaman, or marine have the right to vote. S ECT. 6. No Negro, Chinaman, or Mulatto shall have the right of suffrage. S ECT. 7. Every person shall be disqualified from holding office, during the term for which he may have been elected, who
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O REGON shall have given, or offered a bribe, threat, or reward to procure his election. S ECT. 8. The Legislative Assembly shall enact laws to support the privilege of free suffrage, prescribing the manner of regulating, and conducting elections, and prohibiting under adequate penalties, all undue influence therein, from power, bribery, tumult, and other improper conduct. S ECT. 9. Every person who shall give, or accept a challenge to fight a duel, or who21 shall knowingly carry to another person such challenge, or who shall agree to go out of the State to fight a duel, shall be ineligible to any office of trust or profit. S ECT. 10. No person holding a lucrative office, or appointment under the United States, or under this State, shall be eligible to a seat in the Legislative Assembly; nor shall any person hold more than one lucrative office at the same time, except as in this Constitution expressly permitted; Provided, that Officers in the Militia, to which there is attached no annual salary, and the Office of Post Master, where the compensation does not exceed One Hundred Dollars per annum, shall not be deemed lucrative. S ECT. 11. No person who may hereafter be a collector, or holder of public moneys22 , shall be eligible to any office of trust or profit, until he shall have accounted for, and paid over according to law, all sums for which he may be liable. S ECT. 12. In all cases, in which it is provided that an office shall not be filled by the same person, more than a certain number of years continuously, an appointment pro tempore shall not be reckoned a part of that term. S ECT. 13. In all cases, except treason, felony, and breach of the peace, electors shall be free from arrest in going to elections, during their attendance there, and in
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returning from the same; and no elector shall be obliged to do duty in the Militia on any day of election, except in time of war, or public danger. S ECT. 14. General elections shall be held on the first Monday of June, biennially. S ECT. 15. In all elections by the Legislative Assembly, or by either branch thereof, votes shall be given openly or viva voce, and not by ballot, forever; and in all elections by the people, votes shall be given openly, or viva voce, until the Legislative Assembly shall otherwise direct. S ECT. 16. In all elections held by the people, under this Constitution, the person, or persons who shall receive the highest number of votes shall be declared duly elected. S ECT. 17. All qualified electors shall vote in the election precinct in the County where they may reside, for County Officers, and in any County in the State for State Officers, or in any county of a Congressional District in which such electors may reside, for Members of Congress.
ARTICLE III Distribution of Powers S ECT. 1. The powers of the Government shall be divided into three seperate departments, the Legislative, the Executive, including the administrative, and the Judicial; and no person charged with official duties under one of these departments, shall exercise any of the functions of another, except as in this constitution expressly provided.
ARTICLE IV Legislative Department23 S ECT. 1. The Legislative authority of the State shall be vested in the Legislative Assembly, which shall consist of a Senate, and
C ONSTITUTION OF O REGON (1857) House of Representatives. – The style of every bill shall be – “Be it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Oregon,” and no law shall be enacted except by bill. S ECT. 2. The Senate shall consist of sixteen, and the House of Representatives of thirty four members, which number shall not be increased until the year Eighteen Hundred and Sixty, after which time the Legislative Assembly may increase the number of Senators and Representatives, always keeping as near as may be the same ratio as to the number of Senators, and Representatives: Provided that the Senate shall never exceed thirty, and the House of Representatives sixty members. S ECT. 3. The Senators, and Representatives shall be chosen by the electors of the respective counties, or districts into which the State may, from time to time, be divided by law. S ECT. 4. The Senators shall be elected for the term of four years, and Representatives for the term of Two years from the day next after their general election; Provided, however, that the Senators elect at the first session of the Legislative Assembly under this constitution shall be divided by lot into two equal classes, as nearly as may be, and the Seats of Senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of two years, and those of the second class at the expiration of four years; so that one half as nearly as possible, shall be chosen biennially forever thereafter. And in case of the increase of the number of Senators, they shall be so annexed by lot to one, or the other of the two classes, as to keep them as nearly equal as possible. S ECT. 5. The Legislative Assembly shall in the year eighteen hundred, and sixty five,
and every ten years, after, cause an enumeration to be made of all the white population of the State. S ECT. 6. The number of Senators and Representatives shall at the session next following an enumeration of the inhabitants by the United States, or this State, be fixed by law, and apportioned among the several counties according to the number of white population in each. And the ratio of Senators, and Representatives shall be determined by dividing the whole number of white population of24 such county, or district by such respective ratios; and when a fraction shall result from such division, which shall exceed one half of said25 ratio, such county, or district shall be entitled to26 a member for such fraction; And in case any county shall not have the requisite population to entitle such county to a member, then such county shall be attached to some adjoining county for Senatorial or Representative purposes. S ECT. 7. A Senatorial district, when more than one county shall constitute the same, shall be composed of contiguous Counties, and no County shall be divided in creating Senatorial districts. S ECT. 8. No person shall be a Senator, or Representative who at the time of his election is not a citizen of the United States; nor any one who has not been for one year, next preceeding his election an inhabitant of the county, or district whence he may be chosen. Senators and Representatives shall be at least twenty one years of age. S ECT. 9. Senators and Representatives in all cases, except for treason, felony, or breaches of the peace, shall be privileged from arrest during the session of the Legislative Assembly, and in going to and returning from the same; and shall not be subject to any civil process during the session of the Legislative Assembly, nor during
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O REGON the fifteen days next before the commencement thereof: Nor shall a member for words uttered in debate in either house, be questioned in any other place. S ECT. 10. The sessions of the Legislative Assembly shall be held biennially at the capitol27 of the State commencing on the second Monday of September, in the year eighteen hundred and28 fifty eight, and on the same day of every second year thereafter unless a different day shall have been appointed by law. S ECT. 11. Each house when assembled, shall choose its own officers, judge of the election, qualifications, and returns of its own members: determine its own rules of proceeding, and sit29 upon its own adjournments; but neither house shall without the concurrence of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which it may be sitting. S ECT. 12. Two thirds of each house shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may meet; adjourn from day to day, and compel the attendance of absent members. A quorum being in attendance, if either house fail to effect an organization within the first five days thereafter, the members of the house so failing shall be entitled to no compensation from the end of the said five days until an organization shall have been effected. S ECT. 13. Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings30 . The yeas and nays on any question, shall at the request of any two members, be entered, together with the names of the members demanding the same, on the journal; provided that on a motion to adjourn it shall require one tenth of the members present to order the yeas, and nays. S ECT. 14. The doors of each house, and of committees of the whole, shall be kept
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open, except in such cases as in the opinion of either house may require secresy. S ECT. 15. Either house may punish its members for disorderly behavior, and may with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member; but not a second time for the same cause. S ECT. 16. Either house, during its session, may punish by imprisonment, any person, not a member, who shall have been guilty of disrespect to the house by disorderly or contemptious behavior in its presence, but such imprisonment shall not at any time, exceed twenty31 four hours. S ECT. 17. Each house shall have all powers necessary for a branch of the Legislative department, of a free, and independent State. S ECT. 18. Bills may originate in either house, but may be amended, or rejected in the other; except that bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives. S ECT. 19. Every bill shall be read by sections, on three several days, in each house: unless in case of emergency, two thirds of the house, where such bill may be depending, shall by a vote of yeas and nays, deem it expedient to dispense with this rule; but the reading of a bill by sections on its final passage, shall in no case be dispensed with, and the vote on the passage of every bill, or joint resolution shall be taken by yeas, and nays. S ECT. 20. Every act shall embrace but one subject, and matters properly connected therewith, which subject shall be expressed in the title; But if any subject shall be embraced in an act, which shall not be expressed in the title, such act shall be void only as to so much thereof as shall not be expressed in the title.
C ONSTITUTION OF O REGON (1857) S ECT. 21. Every act, and32 joint resolution shall be plainly worded, avoiding as far as practicable the use of technical terms. S ECT. 22. No act shall ever be revised, or amended by mere reference to its title, but the act revised, or section amended shall be set forth, and published at full length. S ECT. 23. The Legislative Assembly, shall not pass special or local laws, in any of the following enumerated cases, that is to say:33 Regulating the jurisdiction, and duties of justices of the peace, and of constables; For the punishment of crimes, and misdemeanors: Regulating the practice in courts of Justice; Providing for changing the venue in civil, and criminal cases; Granting divorces; Changing the names of persons; For laying34 , opening, and working on highways, and for the election, or appointment of supervisors; Vacating roads, Town plats, Streets, alleys, and Public squares; Summoning and empanneling grand, and petit jurors; For the assessment, and collection of Taxes, for State, county, Township, or road purposes; Providing for supporting common schools, and for the preservation of school funds; In relation to interest on money; Providing for opening, and conducting the35 elections of State, County, and36 Township officers, and designating the places of voting; Providing for the sale of real estate, belonging to minors, or other persons laboring under legal disabilities, by executors, administrators, guardians, or trustees. S ECT. 24. Provision may be made by
general law, for bringing suit against the State, as to all liabilities originating after, or existing at the time of the adoption of this constitution; but no special act authorizing such suit to be brought, or making compensation to any person claiming damages against the State, shall ever be passed. S ECT. 25. A majority of all the members elected to each House shall be necessary to pass every bill, or Joint resolution; and all bills, and37 joint resolutions so passed, shall be signed by the presiding officers of the respective houses. S ECT. 26. Any member of either house, shall have the right to protest, and have his protest, with his reasons for dissent, entered on the journal. S ECT. 27. Every Statute shall be a public law, unless otherwise declared in the Statute itself. S ECT. 28. No act shall take effect, until ninety days from the end of the session at which the same shall have been passed, except in case of emergency; which emergency shall be declared in the preamble, or in the body of the law. S ECT. 29. The members of the Legislative Assembly shall receive for their services, a sum not exceeding three dollars a day, from the commencement of the session: but such pay shall not exceed in the aggregate one hundred and twenty dollars for per diem allowance for any one session. When convened in extra session by the Governor, they shall receive three dollars per day; but no extra session shall continue for a longer period than twenty days, They shall also receive the sum of three dollars for every twenty miles they shall travel in going to and returning from their place of meeting, on the most usual route. The presiding officers38 of the Assembly, shall in virtue of their39 office receive an
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O REGON additional compensation equal to two thirds of their per diem allowance as members. S ECT. 30. No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he may have been elected, be eligible to any office the election to which is vested in the Legislative Assembly; nor shall be appointed to any civil office of profit which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which shall have been increased during such term: but this latter provision shall not be construed to apply to any officer elective by the people. S ECT. 31. The members of the Legislative Assembly shall before they enter on the duties of their respective offices, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation; – I do solemnly swear (or affirm as the case may be) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the State of Oregon, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of Senator (or Representative as the case may be) according to the best of my ability, And such oath may be administered by the Governor, Secretary of State, or a40 judge of the Supreme Court.
ARTICLE V Executive Department41 S ECT. 1. The cheif executive power of the State, shall be vested in a Governor, who shall hold his office for the term of four years; and no person shall be eligible to such office more than Eight, in any period of twelve years. S ECT. 2. No person except a citizen of the United States, shall be eligible to the office of Governor, nor shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained the age of thirty years, and who shall not have been three years next preceding his election, a resident within this State.
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S ECT. 3. No member of Congress, or person holding any office under the United States, or under this State, or under any other power, shall fill the Office of Governor, except as may be otherwise provided in this constitution. S ECT. 4. The Governor shall be elected by the qualified electors of the State at the times, and places of choosing members of the Legislative Assembly; and the returns of every election for Governor, shall be sealed up, and transmitted to the Secretary of State; directed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall open, and publish them in the presence of both houses of the Legislative Assembly. S ECT. 5. The person having the highest number of votes for Governor, shall be elected; but in case two or more persons shall have an equal and the highest number of votes for Governor, the two houses of the Legislative Assembly at the next regular session thereof, shall forthwith by joint vote, proceed to elect one of the said persons Governor. S ECT. 6. Contested elections for Governor shall be determined by the Legislative Assembly in such manner as may be prescribed by law. S ECT. 7. The official term of the Governor shall be four years; and shall commence at such times as may be prescribed42 by this constitution, or prescribed by law. S ECT. 8. In case of the Removal of the Governor from Office, or of his death, resignation, or inability to discharge the duties of the office, the same shall devolve on43 the Secretary of State; and in case of the removal from office, death, resignation, or inability both of the Governor, and Secretary of State, the President of the Senate shall act as Governor, until the disability be removed, or a Governor be elected.
C ONSTITUTION OF O REGON (1857) S ECT. 9. The Governor shall be commander in cheif of the military, and naval forces of this State, and may call out such forces to execute the laws, to suppress insurection, or to repel invasion. S ECT. 10. He shall take care that the Laws be faithfully executed. S ECT. 11. He shall from time to time give to the Legislative Assembly information touching the condition of the State, and recommend such measures as he shall judge to be expedient. S ECT. 12. He may on extraordinary occasions convene the Legislative Assembly by proclamation, and shall state to both houses when assembled, the purpose for which they shall have been convened. S ECT. 13. He shall transact all necessary business with the officers of government, and may require information in writing from the officers of the Administrative, and Military Departments upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices. S ECT. 14. He shall have power to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons, after conviction, for all offences except treason, subject to such regulations as may be provided by law. Upon conviction for treason he shall have power to suspend the execution of the sentence until the case shall be reported to the Legislative Assembly, at its next meeting, when the Legislative Assembly shall either grant a pardon, commute the sentence, direct the execution of the sentence, or grant a farther44 reprieve. He shall have power to remit fines, and forfeitures, under such regulations as may be prescribed by law: and shall report to the Legislative Assembly at its next meeting each case of reprieve, commutation, or pardon granted, and the reasons for granting
the same; and also the names of all persons in whose favor remission of fines, and forfeitures shall have been made, and the several amounts remitted. S ECT. 15. Every bill which shall have passed the Legislative Assembly, shall, before it becomes a law be presented to the Governor, if he approve he shall sign it; but if not, he shall return it with his objections, to that house in which it shall have originated, which house shall enter the objections at large upon the journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, two thirds of the members present shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of the members present, it shall become a law. But in all such cases, the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas, and nays, and the names of the members voting for, or against the bill shall be entered on the journal of each house respectively; if any bill shall not be returned by the Governor within five days, Sundays excepted, after it shall have been presented to him, it shall be a law without his signature, unless the general adjournment shall prevent its return, in which case it shall be a law, unless the Governor, within five days next after the adjournment, Sundays excepted, shall file such bill, with his objections thereto, in the office of the45 Secretary of State, who shall lay the same before the Legislative Assembly at its next session, in like manner as if it had been returned by the Governor. S ECT. 16. When during a recess of the Legislative Assembly a vacancy shall happen in any office, the appointment to which is vested in the Legislative Assembly; or when, at any time, a vacancy shall have occurred in any other State Office, or in the office of judge of46 any Court, the Governor shall fill such vacancy by appointment,
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O REGON which shall expire when a successor shall have been elected, and qualified. S ECT. 17. He shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies as may have occurred in the Legislative Assembly. S ECT. 18. All commissions shall issue in the name of the State; shall be signed by the Governor, sealed with the seal of the State, and attested by the Secretary of State.
ARTICLE VI Administrative Department47 S ECT. 1. There shall be elected by the qualified electors of the State, at the times and places of choosing members of the Legislative Assembly, a Secretary, and Treasurer of State, who shall severally hold their offices for the term of four years; but no person shall be eligible to either of said offices more than eight in any period of Twelve years. S ECT. 2. The Secretary of State shall keep a fair record of the official acts of the Legislative Assembly, and executive Department of the State: and shall when required lay the same, and all matters relative thereto before either branch of the Legislative Assembly. He shall be by virtue of his office, auditor of public accounts, and shall perform such other duties as shall be assigned him by law.
in any manner relating to their respective offices, at the seat of government, at which place also, the Secretary of State shall reside. S ECT. 649 . There shall be elected in each county, by the qualified electors thereof, at the time of holding general elections, a County Clerk, Treasurer, Sheriff, Coroner, and Surveyor, who shall severally hold their offices for the term of two years. S ECT. 7. Such other county, township, precinct, and city officers as may be necessary, shall be elected, or appointed in such manner as may be prescribed by law. S ECT. 8. No person shall be elected, or appointed to a county office, who shall not be an elector of the county; and all county, township, precinct, and city officers shall keep their respective offices at such places therein, and perform such duties as may be prescribed by law. S ECT. 9. Vacancies in county, Township, precinct, and city offices shall be filled in such manner as may be prescribed by law.
ARTICLE VII The50
Judicial Department51
S ECT. 4. The powers48 , and duties of the Treasurer of State shall be such as may be prescribed by law.
S ECT. 1. The judicial power of the State shall be vested in a Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, and County Courts52 , which shall be Courts of Record having general jurisdiction, to be defined, limited, and regulated by law in accordance with this Constitution. Justices of the Peace may also be invested with limited judicial powers, and Municipal Courts may be created to administer the regulations of incorporated towns, and cities.
S ECT. 5. The Governor, and the Secretary, and Treasurer of State shall severally keep the public records, books and papers
S ECT. 2. The Supreme Court shall consist of Four Justices to be chosen in districts by the electors thereof, who shall be citizens
S ECT. 3. There shall be a seal of State, kept by the Secretary of State for official purposes, which shall be called “The seal of the State of Oregon”.
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C ONSTITUTION OF O REGON (1857) of the United States, and who shall have resided in the State at least three years next preceding their election, and after their election to reside in their respective districts: The number of Justices, and Districts may be increased, but shall not exceed five until the white population of the State shall amount to One Hundred Thousand and shall never exceed seven; and the boundaries of districts may be changed, but no change of Districts53 , shall have the effect to remove a Judge from office, or requ[i]re him to change his residence without his consent. S ECT. 3. The Judges first chosen under this Constitution shall allot among themselves, their terms of office, so that the term of one of them shall expire in Two years, one in Four years, and Two in Six years, and thereafter, one or more shall be chosen every Two years to serve for the term of Six years. S ECT. 4. Every vacancy in the office of Judge of the Supreme Court shall be filled by election for the remainder of the vacant term, unless it would expire at the next election, and until so filled, or when it would so expire, the Governor, shall fill the vacancy by appointment. S ECT. 5. The Judge who has the shortest term to serve, or the oldest of several having such shortest term, and not holding by appointment shall be the Cheif Justice. S ECT. 6. The Supreme Court shall have Jurisdiction only to revise the final decisions of the Circuit Courts, and every cause shall be tried, and every decision shall be made by those Judges only, or a majority of them, who did not try the cause, or make the decision in the Circuit Court. S ECT. 7. The terms of the Supreme Court shall be appointed by Law: but there shall be one term at the seat of Government annually:
And at the close of each term the Judges shall file with the Secretary of State, Concise written statements of the decisions made at that term. S ECT. 8. The Circuit Courts54 shall be held twice at least in each year, in each County organized for judicial purposes, by one of the Justices of the Supreme Court at times to be appointed by law: and at such other times as may be appointed by the Judges severally in pursuance of law. S ECT. 9. All judicial power, authority, and jurisdiction not vested by this Constitution, or by laws consistent therewith, exclusively in some other Court shall belong to the Circuit Courts, and they shall have appellate jurisdiction, and supervisory control over the County Courts, and all other inferior Courts, officers, and tribunals. S ECT. 10. When the white population of the State shall amount to Two Hundred Thousand the Legislative Assembly, may provide for the election of Supreme, and Circuit Judges, in distinct55 classes, one of which classes shall consist of three Justices of the Supreme Court, who shall not perform Circuit duty, and the other class shall consist of the necessary number of Circuit Judges, who shall hold full terms without allotment, and who shall take the same oath as the Supreme Judges. S ECT. 11. There shall be elected in each County for the term of Four years a County Judge, who shall hold the County Court at times to be regulated by law. S ECT. 12. The County Court shall have the jurisdiction pertaining to Probate Courts, and boards of County Commissioners, and such other powers, and duties, and such civil Jurisdiction, not exceeding the amount or56 value of five hundred dollars,
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O REGON and such criminal jurisdiction not extending to death or imprisonment in the penitentiary, as may be prescribed by law. But the Legislative Assembly may provide for the election of Two commissioners to sit with the County Judge whilst transacting County business, in any, or all of57 the Counties, or may provide a seperate board for transacting such business. S ECT. 13. The County Judge may grant preliminary injunctions, and such other writs as the Legislative Assembly may authorize him to grant, returnable to the Circuit Court, or otherwise as may be provided by law; and may hear, and decide questions arising upon habeas corpus; provided such decision be not against the authority, or proceedings of a Court, or Judge of equal, or higher jurisdiction. S ECT. 14. The Counties having less than ten thousand white inhabitants, shall be reimbersed wholly or in part for the salary, and expenses of the County Court by fees, percentage, & other equitable taxation, of the business done in said Court & in the office of the County Clerk. S ECT. 15. A County Clerk shall be elected in each County for the term of Two years, who shall keep all the public records, books, and papers of the County; record conveyances, and perform the duties of clerk of the circuit, and County Courts, and such other duties as may be prescribed by law: But whenever the number of voters in any County shall exceed Twelve Hundred, the Legislative Assembly may authorize the election of one person as clerk58 of the circuit Court, one person as clerk of the County Court, and one person Recorder of conveyances. S ECT. 16. A sheriff shall be elected in each County for the term of Two years, who shall be the ministerial officer of the Circuit,
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and County Courts, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law. S ECT. 17. There shall be elected by districts comprised59 of one, or more counties, a sufficient number of prosecuting attorneys, who shall be the law officers of the State, and of the counties within their respective districts, and shall perform such duties pertaining to the administration of Law, and general police as the Legislative Assembly may direct. S ECT. 18. The Legislative Assembly shall so provide that the most competent of the permanent citizens of the County shall be chosen for jurors: and out of the whole number in attendance at the Court, seven shall be chosen60 by lot as grand Jurors, Five of whom must concur to find an indictment: But the Legislative Assembly may modify or abolish grand juries. S ECT. 19. Public officers shall not be impeached, but incompetency, corruption, malfeasance, or delinquency in office may be tried in the same manner as criminal offences, and judgment may be given of dismissal from office, and such further punishment as may have been prescribed by law. S ECT. 20. The Governor may remove from Office a Judge of the Supreme Court, or Prosecuting Attorney upon the joint resolution of the Legislative Assembly, in which Two Thirds of the members elected to each house shall concur, for incompetency, corruption, malfeasance, or delinquency in office, or other sufficient cause stated in such resolution. S ECT. 21. Every judge of the Supreme Court before entering upon the duties of his office shall take, subscribe61 , and transmit to the Secretary of State the following oath. I –––––– do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the constitution of the
C ONSTITUTION OF O REGON (1857) United States, and the constitution of the State of Oregon, and that I will faithfully, and impartially discharge the duties of a Judge of the Supreme, and Circuit62 Courts63 of said State according to the best of my ability, and that I will not accept any other office, except Judicial offices during the term for which I have been elected.
ARTICLE VIII Education and School Lands S ECT. 1. The Governor shall be superintendent of public instruction, and his powers, and duties in that capacity shall be such as may be prescribed by law; but after the term of five years from the adoption of this constitution, it shall be competent for the Legislative Assembly to provide by law for the election of a superintendent, to provide for his compensation, and prescribe his powers and duties. S ECT. 2. The proceeds of all the lands which have been, or hereafter may be granted to this state, for educational purposes (excepting the lands heretofore granted to, and64 in the establishment of a university) all the moneys, and clear proceeds of all property which may accrue to the State by escheat, or forfeiture, all moneys which may be paid as exemption from military duty, the proceeds of all gifts, devises and bequests, made by any person to the State for common school purposes, the proceeds of all property granted to the State, when the purposes of such grant shall not be stated, all the proceeds of the five hundred thousand acres of land to which this65 State is entitled by the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled “An act to appropriate the proceeds of the sales of the public lands, and to grant pr[e]emption rights, approved the fourth of September 1841,”66 and also the five per centum of the net proceeds of the Sales of the public lands, to
which this State shall become entitled on her admission into the union (if Congress shall consent to such appropriation of the two grants last mentioned) shall be set apart as a separate, and irreducible fund to be called the common school fund, the interest of which together with all other revenues derived from the school lands67 mentioned in this section shall be exclusively applied to the support, and maintenance of common schools in each School district, and the purchase of suitable libraries, and apparatus therefor. S ECT. 3. The Legislative Assembly shall provide by law for the establishment of a uniform, and general system of common schools. S ECT. 4. Provision shall be made by law for the distribution of the income of the common school fund among the several counties of this68 state in proportion to the number of children resident therein between the ages, four69 and twenty years. S ECT. 5. The Governor, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer shall constitute a board of commissioners for the sale of School, and University lands, and for the investment of the funds arising therefrom, and their powers, and duties, shall be such as70 may be prescribed by law. Provided that no part of the University funds, or of the interest arising therefrom shall be expended until the period of ten years from the adoption of this constitution, unless the same shall be otherwise disposed of by the consent of Congress for common school purposes.
ARTICLE IX Finance S ECT. 1. The Legislative Assembly shall provide by law, for a uniform, and equal
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O REGON rate of assessment and taxation, and shall prescribe such regulations as shall secure a just valuation for taxation of all property, both real, and personal, excepting such only for municipal, educational, literary, scientific, religeous, or charitable purposes, as may be specially71 exempted by law. S ECT. 2. The Legislative Assembly shall provide for raising revenue sufficient to defray the expenses of the State for each fiscal year, and also a sufficient sum to pay the interest on the State debt, if there be any. S ECT. 3. No tax shall be levied except in pursuance of law, and every law, imposing a tax shall state distinctly the object of the same, to which only it shall be applied. S ECT. 4. No money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in pursuance of appropriations made by law. S ECT. 5. An accurate statement of the receipts, and expenditures of the public money shall be published with the laws of each regular session of the Legislative Assembly. S ECT. 6. Whenever the expenses, of any fiscal year, shall exceed the income, the Legislative Assembly shall provide for levying a tax, for the ensuing fiscal year, sufficient, with other sources of income, to pay the deficiency, as well as the estimated expense of the ensuing fiscal year. S ECT. 7. Laws making appropriations, for the salaries of public officers, and other current expenses of the State, shall contain provisions upon no other subject. S ECT. 8. All stationery required for the use of the State shall be furnished by the lowest responsible bidder, under such regulations as may be prescribed by law. But no State Officer, or member of the Legislative Assembly shall be interested in any bid or contract for furnishing such stationery.
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ARTICLE X The72 Militia
S ECT. 1. The militia of this State shall consist of all able-bodied male citizens between the ages of eighteen and forty five years, except such persons as now are, or hereafter may be exempted by the laws of the United States, or of this State.
S ECT. 2. Persons whose religeous tenets, or conscientious scruples forbid them to bear arms shall not be compelled to do so in time of peace, but shall pay an equivalent for personal service.
S ECT. 3. The Governor shall appoint the Adjutant General and other73 cheif officers of the General staff, and his own staff, and all officers of the line shall be elected by the persons subject to military duty in their respective districts.
S ECT. 4. The Majors General, Brigadiers74 General, colonels, or commandents of Regiments, Battalions, or Squadrons shall severally appoint their Staff officers, and the Governor shall commission all officers of the line, and staff ranking as such.
S ECT. 5. The Legislative Assembly shall fix by law, the method of dividing the militia, into divisions, brigades, regiments, battalions, and companies and make all other needful rules, and regulations in such manner as they may deem expedient: not incompatible with the constitution, or laws of the United States, or of the constitution of this State, and shall fix the rank of all staff officers.
C ONSTITUTION OF O REGON (1857)
ARTICLE XI Corporations and Internal Improvements S ECT. 1. The Legislative Assembly shall not have the power to establish, or incorporate any bank or banking company, or monied institution whatever; nor shall any bank company75 , or insti[tu]tion exist in the State, with the privilege of making, issuing, or putting in76 circulation, any bill, check, certificate, prommissory note, or other paper, or the paper of any bank company77 , or person, to circulate as money. S ECT. 2. Corporations may be formed under general laws, but shall not be created by special laws, except for municipal purposes; all laws passed, pursuant to this section, may be altered, amended, or repealed, but not so as to impair, or destroy any vested corporate rights. S ECT. 3. The stockholders of all corporations, and joint stock companies, shall be liable for the indebtedness of said corporation to the amount of their stock subscribed, and unpaid, and no more. S ECT. 4. No person’s property shall be taken by any corporation under authority of law, without compensation being first made, or secured in such manner as may be prescribed by law. S ECT. 5. Acts of the Legislative Assembly, incorporating towns, and cities, shall restrict their powers of taxation, borrowing money, contracting debts, and loaning their credit. S ECT. 6. The State shall not subscribe to, or be interested in the stock of any company, association, or corporation. S ECT. 7. The Legislative Assembly shall not loan the credit of the State, nor78 in any manner create any debt, or liabilities, which
shall singly, or in the aggregate with previous debts, or liabilities, exceed the sum of fifty thousand dollars, except in case of war, or to repel invasion, or suppress insurrection; and every contract of indebtedness, entered into, or assumed, by or on behalf of the79 State, when all its liabilities, and debts amount to said sum, shall be void, and of no effect. S ECT. 8. The State shall never assume the debts of any county, town, or80 other corporation whatever, unless such debts, shall have been created to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, or defend the State in war. S ECT. 9. No county, city, town, or other municipal corporation, by vote81 of its citizens or otherwise, shall become a stockholder in any joint stock company, corporation, or association whatever, to82 raise money for, or loan its credit to, or in aid of any such company, corporation, or association. S ECT. 10. No county shall create any debts, or liabilities, which shall singly or in the aggregate, exceed the sum of five thousand dollars, except to suppress insurrection, or repel invasion, but the debts of any county at the time this constitution takes effect, shall be disregarded in estimating the sum to which such county is limited.
ARTICLE XII State Printer S ECT. 1. There shall be elected by the qualified electors of the State, at the times and places of choosing members of the Legislative Assembly, a State Printer, who shall hold his office for the term of four years. He shall perform all the public printing for the State, which may be provided by law. The rates to be paid to him for such printing
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O REGON shall be fixed by law, and shall neither be increased, nor diminished during the term for which he shall have been elected. He shall give such security for the performance of his duties as the Legislative Assembly may provide.
ARTICLE XIII Salaries S ECT. 1.83 The Governor shall receive an annual salary of fifteen hundred dollars; the Secretary of State shall receive an annual salary of fifteen hundred dollars; the Treasurer of State shall receive an annual salary of eight hundred dollars; the Judges of the Supreme Court shall each receive an annual salary of two thousand dollars. They shall receive no fees, or perquisites whatever for the performance of any duties connected with their respective offices; and the compensation of officers, if not fixed by this constitution, shall be provided by law.
ARTICLE XIV Seat of Government S ECT. 1. The Legislative Assembly shall not have power to establish a permanent seat of Government for this State: But at the first regular session after the adoption of this constitution the Legislative Assembly shall provide by law for the submission to the electors, of this State, at the next general election thereafter, the matter of the84 selection of a place for a permanent seat of government, and no place shall ever be the seat of government under such law, which shall not receive a majority of all the votes cast on the matter of such selection. S ECT. 2. No tax shall be levied, or money of the State expended, or debt85 contracted for the erection of a State House prior to the year eighteen hundred and sixty five.
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S ECT. 3. The seat of Government when established as provided in Section one, shall not be removed for the term of twenty years from the time of such establishment; nor in any other manner than as provided in the first section, of this article, provided that all86 public institutions of the State hereafter provided for by the Legislative Assembly shall be located at the seat of Government.
ARTICLE XV Miscellaneous S ECT. 1. All officers, except members of the Legislative Assembly, shall hold their offices until their successors are elected, and qualified. S ECT. 2. When the duration of any office is not provided for by this constitution, it may be declared by law; and if not so declared, such office shall be held during the pleasure of the authority making the appointment. But the Legislative Assembly shall not create any office, the tenure of which shall be longer than four years. S ECT. 3. Every person elected or appointed to any office under this constitution, shall, before entering on the duties thereof, take an oath or affirmation to support the constitution of the United States, and of this State, and also an oath of office. S ECT. 4. Lotteries, and the sale of lottery tickets, for any purpose whatever, are prohibited, and the Legislative Assembly shall prevent the same by penal laws. S ECT. 5. The property and pecuniary rights of every married woman, at the time of marriage or afterwards, acquired by gift, devise, or inheritance shall not be subject to the debts, or contracts of the husband; and laws shall be passed providing for the registration of the wife’s seperate property.
C ONSTITUTION OF O REGON (1857) S ECT. 6. No county shall be reduced to an area of less than four hundred square miles: nor shall any new county be established in this State containing a less area, nor unless such new county shall contain a population of at least twelve hundred inhabitants. S ECT. 7. No State officers87 , or members88 of the Legislative Assembly, shall directly or indirectly receive a fee, or be engaged as counsel, agent, or attorney in the prosecution of any claim against this State. S ECT. 8. No Chinaman, not a resident of the89 State at the90 adoption of this constitution, shall ever hold any real estate, or mining claim, or work any mining claim therein. The Legislative Assembly shall provide by law in the most effectual manner for carrying out the above provisions91 .
ARTICLE XVI Boundaries In92 order that the boundaries of the State may be known and established, it is hereby ordained and declared that the State of Oregon, shall be bounded as follows, to wit: Beginning one marine league at sea, due west from the point where the forty second parallel of north latitude intersects the same; thence northerly at the same distance from the line of the coast, lying west and opposite the State including all islands within the jurisdiction of the United States to a point due west, and opposite the middle of the north ship channel of the Columbia River: thence Easterly to and up the middle channel of said River; and when93 it is divided by islands, up the middle of the widest channel thereof, and in like manner up the middle of the main channel of Snake River, to the mouth of the Owyhee River; thence due South to the parallel of latitude forty two degrees north: thence west, along said parallel
to the place of beginning, including jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases upon the Columbia River, and Snake River, concurrently with States and Territories of which those Rivers form a boundary in common with this94 State. But the Congress of the United States, in providing for the admission of this State into the Union, may make the said northern boundary, conform to the act creating the Territory of Washington.95
ARTICLE XVII Amendments S ECT. 1. Any amendment, or amendments to this Constitution may be proposed in either branch of the Legislative Assembly, and if the same shall be agreed to by a majority of all the members elected to each of the two Houses such proposed amendment, or amendments shall with the ayes96 , and nays thereon, be entered on their Journals, and referred to the Legislative Assembly to be chosen at the next general election; and if, in the Legislative Assembly so next chosen, such proposed amendment, or amendments, shall be agreed to, by a majority of all the members elected to each House, then it shall be the duty of the Legislative Assembly to submit such amendment, or amendments to the electors of the State, and cause the same to be published without delay, at least four consecutive weeks, in97 several newspapers published in this State, and if a majority of said electors shall ratify the same, such amendment, or amendments, shall become a part of this constitution. S ECT. 2. If two or more amendments shall be submitted98 in such manner, that the electors shall vote for, or against each of such amendments separately; and while an amendment or amendments, which shall
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O REGON have been agreed upon by one Legislative Assembly, shall be awaiting the action of a Legislative Assembly, or of the electors, no additional amendment, or amendments shall be proposed.
ARTICLE XVIII99 Schedule S ECT. 1. For the purpose of taking the vote of the electors of the State, for the acceptance or rejection of this constitution, an election shall be held on the second Monday of November, in the year 1857, to be conducted according to existing laws regulating the election of Delegate in Congress, so far as applicable, except as herein otherwise provided. S ECT. 2. Each elector who offers to vote upon this Constitution, shall be asked by the Judges of election this question: Do you vote for the Constitution? Yes, or No. And also this question: Do you vote for Slavery in Oregon? Yes, or No. And also this question[:] Do you vote for free negroes in Oregon? Yes, or No. And in the poll books shall be columns headed respectively. “Constitution, Yes.” “Constitution, No” “Free negroes, Yes” “Free negroes, No.” “Slavery, Yes.” “Slavery, No”.100 And the names of the electors shall be entered in the poll books, together with their answers to the said questions, under their appropriate heads. The abstracts of the votes transmitted to the Secretary of the Territory, shall be publicly opened, and canvassed by the Governor and Secretary, or by either of them in the absence of the other; and the Governor, or in his absence the Secretary, shall forthwith issue his proclamation, and publish the same in the several
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newspapers printed in this State, declaring the result of the said election upon each of said questions. S ECT. 3. If a majority of all the votes given for, and against the Constitution, shall be given for the Constitution, then this constitution shall be deemed to be approved, and accepted by the electors of the State, and shall take effect accordingly: and if a majority of such votes shall be given against the Constitution, then this Constitution shall be deemed to be rejected by the electors of the State, and shall be void. S ECT. 4. If this constitution shall be accepted by the electors, and a majority of all the votes given for, and against slavery, shall be given for slavery, then the following section shall be added to the Bill of Rights, and shall be part of this Constitution: “S EC . ––– Persons lawfully held as slaves in any State, Territory, or District of the United States, under the laws thereof, may be brought into this State, and such Slaves, and their descendents may be held as slaves within this State, and shall not be emancipated without the consent of their owners.” And if a majority of such votes shall be given against slavery, then the foregoing section shall not, but the following sections101 shall be added to the Bill of Bights, and shall be a part of this constitution: “S EC . ––– There shall be neither slavery, nor involuntary servitude in the102 State, otherwise than as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.” And if a majority of all the votes given for, and against free negroes, shall be given against free negroes, then103 the following section shall be added to the Bill of Rights, and shall be part104 of this constitution:
C ONSTITUTION OF O REGON (1857) “S EC . ––– No free negro, or mulatto, not residing in this State at the time of the adoption of this constitution, shall105 come, reside, or be within this State, or hold any real estate, or make any contracts106 , or maintain any suit therein: and the Legislative Assembly shall provide by penal laws, for the removal, by public officers, of all such negroes107 , and mulattoes, and for their effectual exclusion from the108 State, and for the punishment of persons who shall bring them into the State, or employ, or harbor them109 .”110 S ECT. 5. Until an enumeration of the white inhabitants of the State shall be made, and the senators and representatives apportioned as directed in the111 Constitution, the County of Marion shall have two senators, and four representatives. Linn two senators, and four representatives. Lane two senators, and three representatives. Clackamas and Wasco, one senator jointly, and Clackamas three representatives, and Wasco one representative. Yamhill one senator, and two representatives. Polk one senator, and two representatives. Benton one senator, and two representatives. Multnomah, one senator, and two representatives. Washington, Columbia, Clatsop, and Tillamook one senator jointly, and Washington one representative, and Washington and Columbia one representative jointly, and Clatsop and Tillamook one representative jointly. Douglas, one senator, and two representatives. Jackson one senator, and three representatives. Josephine one senator, and one represen-
tative. Umpqua, Coos and Curry, one senator jointly, and Umpqua one representative, and Coos and Curry one representative jointly. S ECT. 6. If this Constitution shall be ratified, an election shall be held on the first Monday of June 1858, for the election of members of the Legislative Assembly, a Representative in Congress, and State and County officers. And the Legislative Assembly shall convene at the capital112 on the first Monday of July, 1858, and proceed to elect two senators in Congress, and make such further provision as may be necessary to the complete organization of a State government. S ECT. 7. All laws in force in the Territory of Oregon when this113 constitution takes effect, and consistent therewith, shall continue in force until altered, or repealed. S ECT. 8. All officers of the Territory of Oregon, or under its laws, when this constitution takes effect, shall continue in office, until superseded by the State authorities. S ECT. 9. Crimes and misdemeanors committed against the Territory of Oregon shall be punished by the State, as they might have been punished by the Territory, if the change of government had not been made. S ECT. 10. All property and rights of the Territory, and of the several counties, subdivisions, and political bodies corporate, of, or in the Territory, including fines, penalties, forfeitures, debts and claims, of whatsoever nature, and recognizances, obligations, and undertakings to, or for the use of the Territory, or any county, political corporation, office114 , or otherwise, to or for the public, shall inure to the State, or remain to the county, local division, corporation, officer, or public, as if the change of government had not been made. And private rights shall not be affected by such change.
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O REGON S ECT. 11. Until otherwise provided by law, the Judicial districts of the State, shall be constituted as follows: The counties of Jackson, Josephine, and Douglas, shall constitute the first district. The counties of Umpqua, Coos, Curry115 , Lane, and Benton, shall constitute the second district. The counties of Linn, Marion, Polk, Yamhill and Washington, shall constitute the third district. The counties of Clackamas, Multnomah, Wasco, Columbia, Clatsop, and Tillamook, shall constitute the fourth district – and the County of TillamSolomon118 Fitzhugh S. J. McCormick Isaac R. Moores Enoch Hoult Wm. A. Starkweather J. H. Brattain P. P. Prim James K. Kelly Benjamin F. Burch R. V Short Luther Elkins Davis Shannon John W. Watts A. D. Babcock F. Waymire Delazon Smith John T. Crooks119 Levi Anderson Robert C. Kinney John S. White William H. Farrar John R. McBride N[icholas]. Shrum J[ohn]. H. Reed A. J. Campbell Hector Campbell122 1
Verified by Constitution for the State of Oregon, Passed by the Convention, Sept. 18, 1857, Salem, Oregon: Asahel Bush, Printer to the Convention, 1857, 23 p., and corrected according to the enrolled manuscript
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ook shall be attached to the county of Clatsop for Judicial purposes.116 Done in Convention at Salem the eighteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven, and of the independence of the United States, the eighty second. M[ATTHEW]. P. DEADY Presi[dent]. CHESTER N. TERRY Secretary M. C. BARKWELL Assistant Secretary117 Nathaniel Robbins Paul Brattain Reuben S. Coyle William Matzger Jesse Cox L. J. C. Duncan A. L. Lovejoy David Logan Thomas Whitted Daniel Newcomb La Fayette Grover Sidniy B. Hendershott P[erry]. B. Marple Richard Miller Joseph Cox Thomas J. Dryer Wm. H. Packwood John Kelsay120 James Shields Geo. H. Williams Stephen F. Chadwick W. W. Bristow121 H[enry]. B. Nichols J[ohn]. C. Peebles Reuben P. Boise
preserved in the Oregon State Archives at Salem, OR. Checked also against The Constitution of Oregon, Framed by the Constitutional Convention which Met at Salem, on Monday, August 17th, 1857, and
C ONSTITUTION OF O REGON (1857) Which Is to Be Submitted to the People on Monday November 16th, 1857[sic!], Portland, Oregon: S. J. McCormick, Printer and Publisher, Front Street, 1857, 24 p., “The Constitution of Oregon, Framed by the Convention which met at Salem, On Monday, August 17th, 1857, and which is to be submitted for the adoption or rejection of the people on Monday, November 9th A. D. 1857,” in: Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement (Portland, Oregon), September 26, 1857, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement (Portland, Oregon), October 3, 1857, 1–2, and the versions published in Journal of the Constitutional Convention of the State of Oregon, Held at Salem, Commencing August 17th, 1857, Together With the Constitution Adopted by the People, November 9, 1857, Published by Authority, Salem, Oregon: W. H. Byars, State Printer, 1882, 102–129, and in The Oregon Constitution and Proceedings and Debates of the Constitutional Convention of 1857, ed. by Charles Henry Carey, Salem, Oregon: State Printing Department, 1926, 401–433. Spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and paragraphing as in the enrolled manuscript, and the version as printed in Oregon Constitution, ed. by Carey, 401–431, corrected when necessary. Italics are used to represent elements emphasized in the manuscript. The official print by Asahel Bush, “the mastermind of Oregon’s Democratic machine” (David Peterson del Mar, Oregon’s Promise. An Interpretive History, Corvallis: Oregon State University Press, 2003, 86), appears to have been based on a source different from the enrolled manuscript, and in some cases may have been even closer to the intentions of the Convention, especially where the wording of the enrolled manuscript suggests incompleteness. On the people and issues surrounding the Oregon Constitution of 1857, cf. Helen Leonard Seagraves, “Oregon’s 1857 Constitution,” in: Reed College Bulletin, 30,4 (1952), 3–24; David Alan Johnson, Founding the Far West: California, Oregon, and Nevada, 1840–1890, Berkeley etc.: University of California Press, 1992, 53– 64, 139–188, and David Schuman, “The Creation of the Oregon Constitution,” in: Oregon Law Review, 74 (1995), 611–641. For a detailed analysis of the work of the Convention, cf. Claudia Burton and Andrew Grade (only for pt. I), “A Legislative History of the Oregon Constitution of 1857,” in: Willamette Law Review, 37 (2001), 469–636, 39 (2003), 245–556, 40 (2004), 225– 528. On the Sources of the Constitution, cf. W. C. Palmer, “The Sources of the Oregon Constitution,” in: Oregon Law Review, 5 (1925/26), 200–215, reprinted in: Oregon Constitution, ed. by Carey, 468–482. The constitution was adopted by the people on November 9, 1857 by a vote of 7,195 to 3,125 (cf. Oregon Constitution, ed. by Carey, 27), and with the constitution in place Oregon was admitted to the Union on February 14, 1859, as the 33rd state. The Constitution is still in force today and has been continuously amended ever since its first emendation in 1902.
2
In Convention Journal, 102, “or”. In enrolled manuscript in art. I “S ECT.” throughout missing; in all subsequent articles consistently written “Section No.”. 4 In Bush print, 3, in McCormick print, 5, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, and in Convention Journal, 102, “rights”. 5 In Bush print, 3, and in Convention Journal, 102, “their”. 6 In McCormick print, 5, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, “conscience”. 7 In Convention Journal, 103, word missing. 8 In Bush print, 4, “and”. 9 Ibid., subsequent clause counted as sect. 17, and in consequence sect. 17–33 misnumbered as sect. 18–34. 10 In McCormick print, 6, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, “a just”. 11 In Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, “; nor except in case of the State, without such compensation” missing. 12 In Bush print, 4, and in Convention Journal, 103, “obligations”. 13 In Oregonian – Supplement, 1, “be be”. 14 In Bush print, 4, and in Convention Journal, 103, “capital”. 15 In Bush print, 4, “city corporate”. 16 In McCormick print, 6, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, word missing. 17 In McCormick print, 6, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, “or giving”. 18 In Bush print, 5, “distinction”. 19 In McCormick print, 7, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, “the”. 20 In Convention Journal, 104–105, “34. There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the State, otherwise than as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted. 35. No free negro or mulatto, not residing in this State at the time of the adoption of this constitution, shall come, reside, or be within this State, or hold any real estate, or make any contracts, or maintain any suit therein; and the Legislative Assembly shall provide by penal laws for the removal by public officers of all such negroes and mulattoes, and for their effectual exclusion from the State, and for the punishment of persons who shall bring them into the State, or employ or harbor them” added. Cf. art. XVIII, sect. 4. 21 In Bush print, 6, and in Convention Journal, 106, word missing. 22 In Bush print, 6, and in Convention Journal, 106, “money”. 23 In McCormick print, 9, in Oregon Weekly Times 3
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O REGON – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, word missing. 24 In Bush print, 8, in McCormick print, 9, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, “population by the number of senators and representatives respectively; and the number of senators and representatives to which any county or district shall be entitled, shall be determined by dividing the whole number of white population of” instead. 25 In Convention Journal, 108, “such”. 26 In McCormick print, 10, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, word missing. 27 In Bush print, 8, and in Convention Journal, 108, “capital”. 28 In Bush print, 8, word missing. 29 In McCormick print, 10, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, “set”. 30 In McCormick print, 10, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, “and publish the same” added. 31 In enrolled manuscript, “twenty twenty”. 32 In Bush print, 9, “or”. 33 In Convention Journal, 110, the subsequent cases number 1 to 14. 34 In McCormick print, 11, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, “laying out”. 35 In Bush print, 9, in McCormick print, 11, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, word missing. 36 In Bush print, 9, in McCormick print, 11, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, and in Convention Journal, 110, “or”. 37 In Bush print, 10, “or”. 38 In McCormick print, 12, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, “officer”. 39 In McCormick print, 12, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, “his”. 40 In Convention Journal, 111, word missing. 41 In McCormick print, 12, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, word missing. 42 In Bush print, 11, in McCormick print, 13, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, and in Convention Journal, 112, “provided”. 43 In Oregonian – Supplement, 1, “upon”. 44 In Bush print, 12, in McCormick print, 13, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, and in Convention Journal, 112, “further”. 45 In Bush print, 12, and in Convention Journal, 113, word missing.
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46
In Oregonian – Supplement, 1, “or”. In McCormick print, 14, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 1, word missing. 48 In Bush print, 13, and in Convention Journal, 114, “power”. 49 In Bush print, 13, “7”. 50 Ibid., in McCormick print, 15, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, and in Convention Journal, 114, word missing. 51 In McCormick print, 15, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, word missing. 52 In Bush print, 13, and in Convention Journal, 114, “Court”. 53 In Bush print, 13, and in Convention Journal, 115, “district”. 54 In Bush print, 14, and in Convention Journal, 115, “court”. 55 In McCormick print, 16, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “district”. 56 In Convention Journal, 116, “of”. 57 Ibid., word missing. 58 In McCormick print, 17, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “a clerk”. 59 In Bush print, 15, in McCormick print, 17, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “composed”. 60 In Bush print, 15, in McCormick print, 17, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “drawn”. 61 In Bush print, 15, in McCormick print, 17, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, and in Convention Journal, 117, “and subscribe”. 62 In Oregon Constitution, ed. by Carey, 420, “Circuits”, however, according to my reading in manuscript corrected to “Circuit”. 63 In McCormick print, 17, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “Court”. 64 In Bush print, 16, in McCormick print, 17, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, and in Convention Journal, 117, “to aid”. 65 In Convention Journal, 118, “the”. 66 U. S. Statutes at Large, 27th Congress, Sess. I, Ch. 16. 67 In Convention Journal, 118, “land”. 68 Ibid., “the”. 69 In Bush print, 16, in McCormick print, 18, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, and in Convention Journal, 118, “of four”. 70 In enrolled manuscript, “as as “. 47
C ONSTITUTION OF O REGON (1857) 71 In McCormick print, 18, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “especially”. 72 In Bush print, 17, in McCormick print, 19, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, and in Convention Journal, 119, word missing. 73 In Bush print, 17, and in Convention Journal, 119, “the other”. 74 In Bush print, 17, in McCormick print, 19, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “brigadier”. 75 In Bush print, 17, in McCormick print, 19, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, and in Convention Journal, 120, “bank, company”. 76 In Convention Journal, 120, “into”. 77 In Bush print, 18, in McCormick print, 19, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, and in Convention Journal, 120, “bank, company”. 78 In Bush print, 18, “loan the credit of the State, nor” missing. 79 In Convention Journal, 120, “this”. 80 In Bush print, 18, in McCormick print, 20, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “city or”. 81 In Convention Journal, 121, “a vote”. 82 In Bush print, 18, in McCormick print, 20, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, and in Convention Journal, 121, “or”. 83 In Bush print, 18, “S ECT. 1.” missing. 84 In McCormick print, 21, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, word missing. 85 In McCormick print, 21, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “debts”. 86 In Convention Journal, 122, “all the”. 87 In Bush print, 20, “officer”. 88 Ibid., “member”. 89 Ibid., “this”. 90 Ibid., “the time of the”. 91 Ibid., “provision”. 92 In Convention Journal, 123, “S ECT. 1. In”. 93 In Bush print, 20, “where”. 94 In McCormick print, 22, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “the”. 95 The state boundary was corrected by the admission act of February 14, 1859, U. S. Statutes at Large, 35th Congress, Sess. II, Ch. 33. 96 In Bush print, 20, and in Convention Journal, 124, “yeas”. 97 In Bush print, 21, in McCormick print, 22, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “in the”.
98
In Bush print, 21, “at the same time they shall be submitted” added. 99 In McCormick print, 22, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, heading missing. 100 In Bush print, 21, in McCormick print, 23, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, order of last two lines interchanged. 101 In Bush print, 22, in McCormick print, 23, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, and in Convention Journal, 125, “section”. 102 In Bush print, 22, in McCormick print, 23, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “this”. 103 In McCormick print, 23, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, word missing. 104 In Convention Journal, 125, “a part”. 105 In Bush print, 22, “shall ever”. 106 Ibid., “contract”. 107 Ibid., “free negroes”. 108 In McCormick print, 23, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “this”. 109 In Bush print, 22, in McCormick print, 23, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “therein” added. 110 In the popular vote of November 9, 1857, adopting the Constitution, slavery in Oregon was rejected by a vote of 7,727 against slavery to 2,645 for slavery. At the same time 7,559 were against permitting residence of free Negroes in Oregon, while 1,081 were in favor of it (cf. Oregon Constitution, ed. by Carey, 27). 111 In Bush print, 22, in McCormick print, 23, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “this”. 112 In McCormick print, 24, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “capitol”. 113 In Bush print, 22, “the”. 114 Ibid., 23, “officer”; in McCormick print, 24, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, “offices”. 115 In Bush print, 23, in McCormick print, 24, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, and in Convention Journal, 127, “and Curry”. 116 In Oregon Constitution, ed. by Carey, 432–433, rest of the manuscript reproduced as facsimile. 117 In McCormick print, 24, in Oregon Weekly Times – Supplement, 1, and in Oregonian – Supplement, 2, rest missing. In Convention Journal, 127, name missing. Subsequently (p. 127–129), signers listed in the alphabetical order of their respective counties. Spelled-out first names adopted from this list. 118 In Convention Journal, 127, “Soloman”.
317
O REGON 119 Ibid.,
128, “Brooks”. 127, “Kelsey”. 121 In Bush print, 23, subsequent seven names, except that of Reuben P. Boise, missing. On the signing of the constitution, cf. Oregon Constitution, ed. by Carey, 35. 122 In Convention Journal, 127–129, “Haman C. Lewis”, “Cyrus Olney”, “Wm. H. Watkins”, “Jesse 120 Ibid.,
318
Applegate”, “Levi Scott”, “E. D. Shattuck”, “C. R. Meigs”, and “W. [correctly Martin] Olds” listed as signers though their names do not appear on the enrolled manuscript and some of them are known to have been absent when the final vote was taken or even to have opposed the adoption of the constitution, cf. Oregon Constitution, ed. by Carey, 35, 381, 386, 397.
Constitution of Pennsylvania (1776)
Verfassung von Pennsylvanien (1776)
The Constitution of Pennsylvania1
Regimentsverfassung von Pennsylvanien1
WHEREAS all Government ought to be Instituted and supported for the Security and Protection of the Community as such and to enable the Individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights and the other Blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed upon Man. And whenever these great Ends of Government are not obtained, the People have a right by common Consent to change it and take such measures as to them may appear necessary to promote their Safety and happiness. AND WHEREAS, The Inhabitants of this Common Wealth have in Consideration of Protection only heretofore acknowledged Allegiance to the King of Great Britain, and the said King has not only withdrawn that protection but commenced and still continues to carry on with unabated Vengeance a most cruel and Unjust War against them, employing therein not only the Troops of Great Britain, but foreign Mercenaries, Savages and Slaves for the avowed purpose of reducing them to a Total and abject Submission to the despotic Domination of the British Parliament (with many other Acts of Tyranny more fully set forth in the Declaration of Congress) whereby all Allegiance and Fealty to the said King and his Successors are dissolved and at an End, and all Power and Authority derived from him ceased in these Colonies. And Whereas it
Sintemal eine jede Regierung zur Sicherheit und Beschützung der Gemeinheit eingesetzt und diesem Zweck gemäß unterstützt werden, und2 eine jede einzelne Person, welche mit zu der Gemeinheit gehört, in den Stand gesetzt werden solte, ihre natürlichen Rechte, und die andern Segen mit welchen der Urheber des Lebens und des Daseyns die Menschen begabt hat, zu geniessen; und da das Volk zu jeder Zeit wenn diese grossen Absichten der Regierung nicht erlangt werden, ein Recht hat, selbige durch allgemeine Einhelligkeit zu ändern, und solche Maaßregeln zu nehmen, welche selbiges für nöthig erachtet seine Sicherheit und Glückseligkeit zu befördern. Und da die Einwohner dieser Republik allein in Betracht ihrer Beschützung, vor diesem dem Könige von Großbrittannien Huld und Treue zugestanden haben; und da besagter König ihnen diesen Schutz nicht nur entzogen, sondern einen höchst grausamen und ungerechten Krieg gegen dieselben angefangen hat3 und mit unnachläßiger Rache fortgesetzet4 , wozu er nicht allein die Truppen von Großbrittannien, sondern auch fremde Lohnknechte, Wilde und Sclaven gebraucht, mit dem vesten Vorsatz sie zu einer gänzlichen und verächtlichen Unterwerfung unter die uneingeschränkte Beherrschung des Brittischen Parlaments, nebst vielen andern tyrannischen Acten (welche ausführlicher in der Erklä-
319
P ENNSYLVANIA is absolutely necessary for the welfare and Safety of the Inhabitants of said Colonies that they be henceforth Free and Independent States, and that just permanent and proper forms of Government exist in every part of them, derived from, and founded on the Authority of the People only, agreeable to the Directions2 of the Honourable American Congress. WE THE REPRESENTATIVES of the FREEMEN of PENNSYLVANIA in GENERAL CONVENTION MET for the Express purpose of framing such a Government, confessing the goodness of the great Governor of the Universe (who alone knows to what degree of Earthly happiness mankind may attain by perfecting the Arts of Government) in permitting the People of this State by common Consent, and without violence deliberately to form for themselves such just rules as they shall think best for Governing their future Society; and being fully Convinced that it is our Indispensable duty to establish such Original Principles of Government as will best promote the General Happiness of the People of this State and their Posterity, and provide for future improvements without partiallity for or prejudice against any particular class, sect or denomination of Men whatever3 . DO by virtue of the Authority vested in us by our Constituents ORDAIN, DECLARE and ESTABLISH the following Declaration of Rights and frame of Government to be the Constitution of this Common Wealth, and to remain in force therein forever Unaltered, except in such Articles as shall hereafter on Experience be found to require Improvement, and which shall by4 the same Authority of the People fairly delegated as this frame of Government directs be amended or improved for the more Effectual obtaining and Securing the Great End and Design of all Government herein before mentioned.
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rung des Congresses angezeigt sind)5 herunter zu bringen, wodurch alle Huld und Treue gegen besagten König und seine Nachfolger aufgehoben und zu Ende ist, und alle von ihm hergeleitete Macht und Ansehen in diesen Colonien aufhöret. Und da es unumgänglich nöthig ist zur Wohlfahrt und Sicherheit der Einwohner besagter Colonien, daß sie hinfort freye und unabhängige Staaten seyn, und gerechte, immerwährende und schickliche Regierungsformen in einem jeden Theil derselben sind, welche von dem Ansehen des Volkes allein ihr Bestehen haben, und sich auf selbiges gründen, nach den Anordnungen des Achtbaren Congresses:6 Wir, die Repräsentanten der Freymänner von Pennsylvanien, in allgemeiner Convention versammlet, zu dem ausdrücklichen Zweck eine solche Regierung zu formiren, erkennen die Güte des grossen Regenten der ganzen Welt (welcher allein weiß zu was für einem Grad irdischer Glückseligkeit das menschliche Geschlecht gelangen kan dadurch daß die Regierungskunst zur Vollkommenheit gebracht wird) daß er dem Volk dieses Staats erlaubt, durch gemeinschaftliche Einhelligkeit und ohne Gewalt vorbedächtlich für sich selbst solche gerechte Regeln zu machen, welche es für die besten halten wird seine Gesellschaft künftig zu regieren; und da wir völlig überzeugt sind, daß es unsere unumgängliche Pflicht ist solche Grundsätze von Regierung vestzustellen, welche die allgemeine Glückseligkeit des Volks dieses Staats und dessen Nachkommenschaft am besten befördern wird, und künftige Verbesserungen vorzukehren ohne Partheylichkeit, Vor- oder Nachtheil gegen einige besondere Gesellschaft, Secte oder Benennung von Menschen sie seyen wer sie wollen, verordnen, erklären und bestätigen daher, in Kraft der durch unsere Constituenten uns verliehene Gewalt folgende Erklärung von Rechten und Form von Regierung die Verfassung dieses Gemeinen
C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1776) Wesens7 zu seyn, und darin in Kraft zu bleiben auf allezeit, ungeändert, ausgenommen in solchen Artikeln, die nach diesem aus der Erfahrung eine Verbesserung zu erfordern gefunden werden, und welche durch eben die vom Volk rechtmäßig aufgetragene Gewalt, wie diese Regierungsform anordnet, werden geändert oder verbessert werden, um desto wirklicher den grossen Zweck und die Absicht einer Regierung der hierin oben gedacht worden, zu erhalten und sicher zu stellen.
[CHAPTER I]5
DAS ERSTE CAPITEL
A Declaration of the Rights of the Inhabitants of the Common Wealth or6 State of Pennsylvania
Eine Erklärung der Rechten der Einwohner der Republik oder des Staats von Pennsylvanien
S ECT.7 1. That all Men are born equally free and Independent, and have certain natural inherent and unalienable8 rights, among9 which are the enjoying and defending Life and Liberty, Acquiring, Possessing and Protecting Property and pursuing and obtaining happiness and Safety.
1. A BSCH .8 Daß alle Menschen gleich frey und unabhängig geboren sind, und gewisse natürliche angeerbte und unveräusserliche Rechten haben, unter welchen sind der Genuß und die Vertheidigung des Lebens und der Freyheit, das Erlangen, Besitzen und Beschützen von Eigenthum, und das Suchen und Erhalten von Glückseligkeit und Sicherheit.
S ECT. 2. That all Men have a natural and unalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own Consciences and Understanding. And that no Man ought or of right can be compelled to attend any Religious Worship, or Erect or support any place of Worship, or Maintain any Ministry, contrary to, or against his own free Will and Consent. Nor can any Man who acknowledges the being of a10 God be justly deprived or abridged of any Civil right as a Citizen, on account of his Religious Sentiments or Peculiar Mode of Religious Worship. And that no Authority
2. A BSCH . Daß alle Menschen ein natürlich und unveräusserlich Recht haben dem Allmächtigen G OTT nach den Angebungen ihres eigenen Gewissens und Verstandes zu dienen: Und daß mit Recht kein Mensch solte oder kan gezwungen werden, einigem Gottesdienst beyzuwohnen, oder einigen gottesdienstlichen Versammlungsort zu errichten, im Stande zu halten, oder einigen Prediger zu unterhalten, wider und gegen seinen eigenen Willen und Beyfall: So soll auch niemand, der bekennet daß ein G OTT ist, rechtmäßiger Weise seiner Rechten als ein Bürger beraubt oder an denselbi-
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P ENNSYLVANIA can or ought to be vested in, or assumed by any power whatever that shall in any Case interfere with or in any Manner Controul, the right of Conscience in the free Exercise of Religious Worship.
gen gekränkt werden, wegen seiner Religions-Gesinnungen oder sonderbaren Weise von Gottesdienst: Und es soll keine Macht, sie heisse wie sie wolle, mit der Gewalt bekleidet werden, oder derselbigen sich anmassen, welche in einigem Falle sich mit dem Recht über das Gewissen in der freyen Religions-Uebung einlässet, oder darüber zu herrschen sucht.
S ECT. 3. That the People of this State have the sole exclusive and Inherent right of Governing and regulating the Internal Police of the same.
3. A BSCH . Daß das Volk dieses Staats das alleinige, ausschließliche und angeerbte Recht hat die innere Policey desselben zu verwalten und einzurichten.
S ECT. 4. That all power being originally Inherent in and consequently derived from the People, therefore all Officers of Government whether Legislative or Executive are their Trustees and Servants, and at all times accountable to them.
4. A BSCH . Daß, da alle Macht ursprünglich in dem Volke liegt, und folglich von demselben abgeleitet wird; so sind daher alle Beamten der Regierung, sie seyn gesetzgebend oder gesetzvollziehend, dessen Betraute und Diener, und haben demselben allezeit Rechenschaft davon zu geben.
S ECT. 5. That Government is or ought to be Instituted for the Common Benefit Protection and Security of the People, Nation or Community, and not for the particular Emolument or advantage of any single Man, Family or set of Men, who are a part only of that community. And that the Community hath an Indubitable, Unalienable and Indefeasible right to reform, alter or abolish Government in such manner as shall be by that Community Judged most conducive to the Public Weal.
5. A BSCH . Daß die Regierung eingesetzt ist und seyn solte, für den gemeinen Nutzen, Schutz und Sicherheit des Volks, der Nation oder Gemeinheit; und nicht für den besondern Gewinn oder Vortheil eines einzelnen Mannes, Familie, oder Gesellschaft von Männern, welche nur ein Theil selbiger Gemeinheit sind; und daß die Gemeinheit ein unzweifelhaft, unveräusserlich und unverbrüchlich Recht hat, die Regierung auf solche Weise zu verbessern, zu verändern oder abzuschaffen, als solche Gemeinheit es am zuträglichsten für das gemeine Wohl zu seyn erachtet.
S ECT. 6. That those who are Employed in the Legislative and Executive Business of the State may be restrained from oppression, the People have a right at such Periods as they may think proper, to reduce their public Officers to a private Station and supply the vacancies by certain and regular Elections.
6. A BSCH . Damit diejenigen, welche gebraucht werden in dem gesetzgebenden und gesetzvollziehenden Geschäfte dieses Staats, vom Unterdrücken zurück gehalten werden mögen, so hat das Volk ein Recht, zu solchen gesetzten Zeiten die es gut findet, seine öffentlichen Beamten in einem Privat-stand wieder herunter zu setzen, und
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V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1776) die erledigten Stellen vermittelst gewisser regelmäßigen Wahlen wieder zu besetzen. S ECT. 7. That all Elections ought to be free, and that all Free Men having a sufficient evident common Interest with and Attachment to the Community, have a right to elect Officers, or to11 be elected into Office.
7. A BSCH . Daß alle Wahlen frey seyn solten; und daß alle Freymänner, welche ein hinlänglich offenbar gemein Interesse und Anhänglichkeit an der Gemeinheit haben, auch ein Recht haben Beamte zu wählen oder selbst zu einem Amt gewählet zu werden.
S ECT. 8. That every Member of Society hath a right to be protected in the Enjoyment of Life, Liberty and Property, and therefore is bound to contribute his proportion towards the Expence of that Protection and yield his personal Service when necessary or an equivalent thereto. But no part of a Mans Property can be justly taken from him or applied to public uses without his own Consent, or that of his Legal Representatives. Nor can any Man who is conscientiously scrupulous of bearing Arms be justly compelled thereto if he will pay such equivalent. Nor are the People bound by any Laws but such as they have in like manner assented to for their common good.
8. A BSCH . Daß, da jedes Glied der Gesellschaft ein Recht hat, in dem Genuß des Lebens, der Freyheit und des Vermögens geschützt zu werden; es daher auch verbunden ist sein Antheil zu den Kosten solches Schutzes beyzutragen, und seinen persönlichen Dienst zu leisten wenn es nöthig ist, oder den Werth dafür zu bezahlen: Aber kein Theil von eines Menschen Eigenthum kan ihm mit Recht genommen, oder zu publikem Gebrauch angewandt werden, ohne seinen eigenen Beyfall, oder dessen der ihn gesetzmäßig vorstellet9 ; so kan auch niemand, der sich ein Gewissen macht Waffen zu tragen, mit Recht dazu gezwungen werden, wofern er einen gleichmäßigen Werth dafür bezahlen will: Es ist auch das Volk an keine Gesetze gebunden, als solche wozu es gleichfalls seine Zustimmung für das gemeine Beste gegeben hat.
S ECT. 9. That in all Prosecutions for Criminal Offences, a Man hath a right to be heard, by himself and his Council, to demand the Cause and Nature of his Accusation, to be confronted with the Witnesses, to call for Evidence in his favour, and a speedy public Tryal by an Impartial Jury of the Country, without the Unanimous consent of which Jury he12 cannot be found guilty, nor can he be compelled to give Evidence against himself, nor can any Man be Justly deprived of his Liberty, except by the Laws of the Land or the Judgment of his Peers.
9. A BSCH . Daß in allen Processen wegen Hauptverbrechen10 , ein Mann ein Recht hat, in selbst eigener Person und durch seinen Anwald gehört zu werden, die Ursach und Beschaffenheit seiner Anklage zu fordern, wie auch in Gegenwart der Zeugen verhört zu werden, Beweis zu seiner Begünstigung, und eine schleunige öffentliche Untersuchung {oder public Trial} durch eine unpartheyische Jury (oder geschworne Männer) des Landes, ohne deren einmüthige Bewilligung er nicht schuldig gefunden werden kan; er kan auch nicht genöthiget werden, Zeugniß gegen sich selbst zu geben:
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P ENNSYLVANIA Es kan auch kein Mensch mit Recht seiner Freyheit beraubet werden, als nur durch die Gesetze des Landes, oder den Ausspruch solcher Personen die gleiches Standes sind wie er {his Peers}. S ECT. 10. That the People have a right to hold themselves, their Houses, Papers, and possessions free from Search and13 Seizure. And therefore Warrants without Oaths or Affirmations first made, affording a sufficient foundation for them, and whereby any Officer or Messenger may be Commanded or required to Search suspected Places or to seize any Person or Persons, his or their Property not particularly described are contrary to that right and ought not to be granted.
10. A BSCH . Daß das Volk ein Recht hat, sich selbst, seine Häuser, Schriften und Besitzungen frey zu halten von Durchsuchung oder Arrestirung; und daß daher Vollmachten, welche verliehen werden ohne vorhergehende Beeidigung oder Eidskräftige Betheurung, wodurch ein hinlänglicher Grund dazu angegeben und einiger Beamter oder Bothe befehliget oder von ihm gefordert werden mag verdächtige Orte zu durchsuchen, oder einige Person oder Personen, sein oder ihr Eigenthum zu arrestiren, wofern solches nicht umständlich beschrieben ist, wider solch Recht sind, und nicht verliehen werden solten.
S ECT. 11. That in Controversies respecting property and in suits between Man and Man the Parties have a right to tryal by Jury which ought to be held sacred.
11. A BSCH . Daß in Streitigkeiten, welche11 Eigenthum betreffen, und in Rechtshändeln eines Mannes mit dem andern, die Partheyen ein Recht zur Untersuchung durch eine Jury haben, welche heilig gehalten werden solte.
S ECT. 12. That the People have a right to Freedom of Speech and of Writing and Publishing their Sentiments therefore the Freedom of the Press ought not to be restrained.
12. A BSCH . Daß das Volk ein Recht hat ihre Gesinnungen durch Reden, Schreiben und Drucken bekannt zu machen; und daß daher die Freyheit der Presse nicht eingeschränkt werden solte.
S ECT. 13. That the People have a right to bear Arms for the defence of themselves, and the State: And as standing Armies in the time of Peace, are dangerous to Liberty, they ought not to be kept up: And that the Military should be kept under strict subordination to, and Governed by the Civil Power.
13. A BSCH . Daß das Volk ein Recht hat, Waffen zu führen zu seiner selbst eigenen und des Staats Vertheidigung; und weil stehende Armeen in Friedenszeiten gefährlich für die Freyheit sind, sie nicht gehalten werden solten: Und daß der Kriegstand unter der bürgerlichen Macht stehen, und von selbiger genau regiert werden solte.
S ECT. 14. That a freequent recurrence to fundamental Principles and a firm Adher-
14. A BSCH . Daß, weil ein öfteres Zurückkehren zu den ersten Grundsätzen, und
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C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1776) ence to Justice, Moderation, Temperance, Industry and Frugality, are absolutely necessary to preserve the Blessings of Liberty, and keep a Government free. The people ought therefore to pay particular Attention to these Points in the choice of Officers and Representatives, and have a right to Exact a due and constant regard to them from their Legislators14 and Magistrates in the making and Executing such Laws as are necessary for the Good Government of the State.
ein vestes Anhangen an der Gerechtigkeit, Bescheidenheit, Mäßigkeit und Sparsamkeit12 schlechterdings nöthig sind die Segen der Freyheit zu bewahren, und eine Regierung frey zu erhalten; so solte derohalben das Volk bey Erwählung seiner Beamten und Repräsentanten besonders auf diese Stücke sehen, und ein Recht haben eine gehörige und beständige Achtung dafür von ihren Gesetzgebern und Magistraten zu fordern, sowol im Machen als Vollziehen solcher Gesetze, welche zu guter Regierung des Staats nöthig sind.
S ECT. 15. That all Men have a Natural Inherent right to Emigrate from one State to another that will receive them, or to form a New State in Vacant Countries, or in such Countries as they can purchase, whenever they think that thereby they may promote their own Happiness.
15. A BSCH . Daß alle Menschen von Natur ein angeerbtes Recht haben von einem Staat in den andern, der sie aufnehmen will, auszuwandern, oder einen neuen Staat zu formiren, in unbewohnten Landschaften, oder in solchen Stücken Landes welche sie erkaufen können, zu einiger Zeit da sie ihre eigene Glückseligkeit dadurch zu befördern gut finden.
S ECT. 16. That the People have a right to Assemble together to consult for their Common good, to instruct their representatives, and to apply to the Legislature, for Redress of Grievances by Address Petition or Remonstrance.
16. A BSCH . Daß das Volk ein Recht hat zusammen zu kommen, sich zu berathschlagen zum gemeinen Besten, ihren Repräsentanten Unterrichte zu ertheilen, und sich bey den Gesetzgebungen13 zu melden um Abhelfung von Beschwernissen, durch Anreden, Bittschriften und Vorstellungen.
[CHAPTER II]15
DAS ZWEYTE CAPITEL
Plan or Frame of Government for the Common Wealth or State of Pennsylvania16
S ECT. 1. The Common Wealth or State of Pennsylvania shall be Governed hereafter by an Assembly of the Representatives of the Freemen of the same, and a President
Entwurf oder Form der Regierung für die Republik oder den Staat von Pennsylvanien
1. A BSCH . Die Republik oder der Staat von Pennsylvanien soll nach diesem durch eine Assembly der Repräsentanten der Freymänner desselbigen, und einen Präsidenten
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P ENNSYLVANIA and Council in Manner and Form following.
und Rath, auf folgende Weise regiert werden.
S ECT. 2. The Supreme Legislative power shall be vested in a House of Representatives of the Freemen of the Common Wealth or State of Pennsylvania.
2. A BSCH . Die oberste gesetzgebende Gewalt soll einem Hause der Repräsentanten der Freymänner der Republik oder des Staats von Pennsylvanien gegeben werden.
S ECT. 3. The Supreme Executive Power shall be vested in a President and Council.
3. A BSCH . Die oberste gesetzvollziehende Gewalt soll einem Präsidenten und Rath gegeben werden.
S ECT. 4. Courts of Justice shall be Established in the City of Philadelphia and in every County of this State.
4. A BSCH . In der Stadt Philadelphia und in einer jeden Grafschaft dieses Staats sollen Gerichtshöfe errichtet werden.
S ECT. 5. The Freemen of this Common Wealth and their Sons, shall be trained and armed for its Defence under such Regulations, Restrictions and Exceptions as the General Assembly shall by Law direct; preserving always to the People the right of choosing their Colonels17 , and all Commissioned Officers under that rank, in such manner and as often as by the said Laws shall be directed.
5. A BSCH . Die Freymänner dieser Republik und deren Söhne sollen zur Vertheidigung desselben in Kriegsübungen unterrichtet und bewaffnet werden, nach solchen Anordnungen, Einschränkungen und Ausnahmen, welche die General-Assembly durch Gesetze anzeigen wird; doch so, daß allezeit dem Volk das Recht vorbehalten bleibt, ihre Obersten und alle Ober-Officiers14 unter diesem Rang, auf solche Weise und so oft als es durch besagte Gesetze wird angewiesen werden, zu wählen.
S ECT. 6. Every Freeman of the full age of Twenty one Years, having resided in this State for the Space of one whole year next before the day of Election for Representatives, and paid public Taxes during that time shall enjoy the right of an Elector: Provided always, That Sons of Freeholders of the age of Twenty one years, shall be Intitled to Vote, altho’ they have not paid Taxes.
6. A BSCH . Ein jeder Freymann der völlig Ein und Zwanzig Jahr alt ist, der ein ganzes Jahr vor dem nächsten Wahltag der Repräsentanten in diesem Staat gewohnt und die öffentlichen Taxen während dieser Zeit bezahlt hat, soll das Recht eines Erwählers geniessen: Doch allezeit mit dem Vorbehalt, daß die Söhne der Freylehnhalter, die Ein und Zwanzig Jahr alt sind, berechtigt seyn ihre Stimmen einzugeben ob sie gleich die Taxen nicht bezahlt haben.
S ECT. 7. The House of Representatives of the Freemen of this Common Wealth shall consist of Persons most noted for Wisdom and Virtue, to be chosen by the Freemen of every City and County of this
7. A BSCH . Das Haus der Repräsentanten der Freymänner dieser Republik soll aus Personen bestehen die für die weisesten und tugendhaftesten gehalten werden; welche durch die Freymänner einer jeden
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V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1776) Common Wealth respectively, and no person shall be Elected unless he has resided in the City or County for which he shall be chosen two years immediately before the said Election. Nor shall any Member while he continues such, hold any other Office, except in the Militia.
Stadt und Grafschaft dieser Republik respective erwählt worden sind: Und niemand soll erwählt werden er habe dann in der Stadt oder Grafschaft, für welche er erwählt werden soll, zwey Jahr vor besagter Wahl gewohnt; und kein Glied soll so lang er ein solches bleibt, einig ander Amt bedienen, ausgenommen in der Militz.
S ECT. 8. No person shall be capable of being Elected a Member to serve in the House of Representatives of the Freemen of this Common Wealth more than four Years in Seven.
8. A BSCH . Niemand soll können gewählt werden als ein Glied im Hause der Repräsentanten der Freymänner dieses Staats zu dienen auf eine längere Zeit als Vier Jahr in Sieben.
S ECT. 9. The Members of the House of Representatives shall be chosen annually by Ballot by the Freemen of the Common Wealth on the second Tuesday in October forever (except this present Year) and shall meet on the fourth Monday of the same month and shall be stiled: THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE18 REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FREEMEN OF PENNSYLVANIA and shall have power to choose their Speaker; The Treasurer of the State and their other Officers; Sit on their own Adjournments; Prepare Bills and Enact them into Laws; Judge of the Elections and Qualifications of their own Members; They may Expel a Member, but not a second time for the same cause; They may Administer Oaths or Affirmations on Examination of Witnesses; Redress Grievances, Impeach State Criminals, Grant Charters of Incorporation: Constitute Towns Burroughs, Cities and Counties: And shall have all other Powers necessary for the Legislature of a Free State or Common Wealth; But they shall have no power to add to, Alter, Abolish or Infringe any part of this Constitution.
9. A BSCH . Die Glieder des Hauses der Repräsentanten sollen jährlich durchs Loos15 erwählet werden von den Freyleuten der Republik, am Zweyten Dienstag im October, zu allen Zeiten, (ausgenommen dis gegenwärtige Jahr) und sollen zusammen kommen am Vierten Montag desselbigen Monats; und sollen genannt werden die General-Assembly der Repräsentanten der Freymänner von Pennsylvanien, und Macht haben ihren Sprecher, den Schatzmeister und andere Beamten des Staats zu wählen, – so lange zu sitzen als sie wollen (on their own Adjournments) – Bills (oder Entwürfe von Acten) zu bereiten und sie zu Gesetzen zu machen, – die Wahlen und Tüchtigkeiten16 ihrer eigenen Glieder zu beurtheilen; – sie mögen ein Glied ausstossen, aber nicht zum zweytenmal wegen einerley Ursach; – sie können Personen Eide oder Betheurungen, nach Abhörung17 der Zeugen, ablegen lassen, – Beschwernissen abhelfen, – Staatsverbrecher anklagen18 , – Freybriefe von Innungen19 verleihen, – Flecken, grosse und kleine Städte und Grafschaften anzulegen verordnen, – und sollen alle andere für die Gesetzgebung eines freyen Staats oder Republik nöthige Macht haben; – sie sollen aber keine Macht haben einigem Theil dieser Regimentsverfassung20 etwas beyzufügen, selbige zu ändern oder umzustossen.
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P ENNSYLVANIA S ECT. 10. A Quorum of the House of Representatives shall consist of two thirds of the whole Number of Members Elected. And having met and chosen their Speaker, shall each of them before they proceed to Business, take and subscribe as well the Oath or Affirmation of Fidelity, and Allegiance herein after directed as the following Oath or Affirmation vizt . I –––––– do swear (or affirm) that as a Member of this Assembly, I will not propose or assent to any Bill, Vote or Resolution, which shall appear to me injurious to the people nor do or consent to any Act or thing whatever, that shall have a tendency to lesson or abridge their rights and Privileges as declared in the Constitution of this State. But will in all things conduct myself as a faithfull honest Representative and Guardian of the People according to the best of my Judgment and Abilities. And each Member before he takes his Seat shall make and subscribe the following Declaration vizt . I do believe in one God the Creator and Governor of the Universe the Rewarder of the Good and19 Punisher of the Wicked. And I do acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by Divine Inspiration. And no further or other Religious Test shall ever hereafter be required of any Civil Officer or Magistrate in this State.
10. A BSCH . Ein Quorum (oder hinlängliche Zahl zu sitzen) des Hauses der Repräsentanten soll in zwey Drittel von der ganzen Anzahl der erwählten Glieder bestehen; und wenn sie zusammen gekommen sind und ihren Sprecher gewählt haben, soll ein jeder von ihnen, ehe sie zum Geschäft schreiten, sowol den Eid oder Betheurung von Huld und Treue, der nachher hierin verordnet ist, als folgenden Eid oder Betheurung ablegen, näml. Ich ––––––– schwöre (oder betheure) daß ich als ein Glied dieser Assembly, keine Bill, Stimme oder Schluß21 vorschlagen oder einwilligen will, welche dem Volke nachtheilig zu seyn erhellen wird, ich will auch keiner Acte oder Ding, es sey was es wolle, beypflichten, welches einigen Zweck hat oder haben wird des Volks Rechten und Befreyungen, wie sie in der Verfassung dieses Staats erkläret sind, zu mindern oder zu verkürzen; sondern will in allen Dingen, mich als ein treuer, ehrlicher Repräsentant und Vormund des Volks betragen, nach meiner besten Einsicht und Vermögen. Und jedes Glied, ehe es seinen Sitz nimmt, soll folgende Erklärung thun und unterschreiben, näml. Ich glaube an Einen G OTT, den Schöpfer und Beherscher der ganzen Welt, den Belohner des Guten und Bestrafer des Bösen: Und ich bekenne, daß die heilige Schrift des Alten und Neuen Testaments von G OTT eingegeben ist. Und kein weiterer oder anderer ReligionsEid22 soll jemals nach diesem von einigem bürgerlichen Beamten oder oberkeitlichen Person dieses Staats gefordert werden.
S ECT. 11. Delegates to represent this State in Congress shall be chosen by Ballot by the future General Assembly at their first Meeting, and annually forever afterwards as long as such Representation shall be necessary. Any Delegate may be superceded at any time, by the General Assembly ap-
11. A BSCH . Abgeordnete diesen Staat im Congreß vorzustellen23 , sollen durchs Loos gewählet werden von der künftigen General-Assembly, bey ihrer ersten Zusammenkunft, und jährlich zu allen Zeiten nachher, so lange solche Repräsentation nöthig seyn wird; einiger Abgeordneter kan in einiger
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C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1776) pointing another in his Stead. No man shall sit in Congress longer than two years successively, nor be capable of Re-Election for three years afterwards: And no Person who holds any office in the Gift of the Congress shall hereafter be Elected to Represent this Common Wealth in Congress.
Zeit durch die General-Assembly abgedankt und an seine Stelle ein anderer bestimmet werden; Ein Mann soll nicht länger als zwey Jahr hinter einander im Congreß sitzen, er soll auch nicht wieder können erwählt werden bis Drey Jahr hernach: Und niemand, der ein Amt bedient welches der Congreß zu vergeben hat, soll nach diesem erwählt werden diese Republik im Congreß vorzustellen24 .
S ECT. 12. If any City or Cities, County or Counties shall neglect or refuse to elect and send representatives to the General Assembly, Two thirds of the Members from the Cities or Counties that do elect and send Representatives, provided they be a Majority of the Cities and Counties of the whole State when met, shall have all the powers of the General Assembly as fully and amply as if the whole were present.
12. A BSCH . Im Fall einige Stadt oder Städte, Grafschaft oder Grafschaften, unterlassen oder sich weigern werden Repräsentanten für die General-Assembly zu wählen und zu senden, so sollen Zwey Drittheile der Glieder von den Städten oder Grafschaften welche Repräsentanten wählen und senden, wofern sie eine Mehrheit der Städte und Grafschaften des ganzen Staats ausmachen, wenn sie zusammen gekommen sind, alle Macht der General-Assembly so völlig und weitläufig haben, als ob sie alle gegenwärtig wären.
S ECT. 13. The Doors of the House in which the Representatives of the Freemen of this State shall sit in General Assembly, shall be and remain open for the Admission of all persons who behave decently except only when the welfare of this State may require the doors to be shut.
13. A BSCH . Die Thüren des Hauses, in welchem die Repräsentanten der Freymänner dieses Staats in der General-Assembly sitzen werden, sollen offen seyn und bleiben für den Zugang aller Personen, welche sich sittsam betragen, nur sodann ausgenommen, wenn die Wohlfahrt dieses Staats erheischt daß die Thüren zugemacht werden.
S ECT. 14. The Votes and Proceedings of the General Assembly shall be printed Weekly, during their Sitting with the yeas and Nays on any Question, Vote, or Resolution, where any two Members require it except when the Vote is taken by Ballot. And when the yeas and Nays are so taken: Every Member shall have a right to Insert the Reasons of his Vote upon the Minutes if he desires20 it.
14. A BSCH . Die Stimmen und Verfahrungen der General-Assembly sollen so lange sie sitzt, Wöchentlich gedruckt werden, mit den Bejahenden und Verneinenden Stimmen bey einiger vorkommenden Frage, Stimmung oder Schluß25 , wo einige zwey Glieder es fordern, ausgenommen wenn durchs Loos gestimmet wird; und wenn die Bejahenden und Verneinenden Stimmen so gesammlet werden, soll jedes Glied ein Recht haben die Ursachen seiner Stimme in das Protocoll einzurücken, wenn er es verlangt.
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P ENNSYLVANIA S ECT. 15. To the End that Laws before they are Enacted may be more maturely considered and the Inconvenience of hasty Determinations, as much as possible prevented, all Bills of a21 public Nature, shall be printed for the Consideration of the people, before they are read in General Assembly the last time for debate and Amendment. And except on occasions of sudden necessity shall not be passed into Laws until the next Session of Assembly. And for the more perfect satisfaction of the Public, the reasons and Motives for making such Laws shall be fully and clearly Expressed in the Preambles.
15. A BSCH . Damit Gesetze, ehe sie als solche bestätiget werden, desto reiflicher erwogen, und der Unbequemlichkeit schneller Entschliessungen so viel möglich vorgebeugt werden möge, so sollen alle Bills von einer öffentlichen Art zur Erwägung des Volks gedruckt werden, ehe sie in der General-Assembly das letztemal zum Durchreden und Verbessern gelesen werden; und sie sollen, ausgenommen bey Vorfällen von plötzlicher Nothwendigkeit, nicht zu Gesetzen gemacht werden bis in der nächsten Sitzung26 der Assembly; und zu desto vollkommenerm Vergnügen des Publici sollen die Ursachen und Bewegungsgründe warum solche Gesetze sind gemacht worden, vollkommen und klärlich in den Eingängen27 dazu ausgedrückt werden.
S ECT. 16. The Stile of the Laws of this Common Wealth shall be “Be it Enacted and it is hereby Enacted by the Representatives of the Freemen of the Common Wealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, and by the Authority of the same”. And the General Assembly shall affix their Seal to every bill, assoon as it is Enacted into a Law, which seal shall be kept by the Assembly and shall be called: THE SEAL OF THE LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA, and shall not be used for any other purpose.
16. A BSCH . Die Schreib- und Red-art der Gesetze dieser Republik soll seyn: “Es sey gesetzmäßig Verordnet, und es ist hiermit gesetzmäßig Verordnet, durch die Freymänner der Republik Pennsylvanien, in der General-Assembly versammlet, und durch die Gewalt derselben.“ Und die General Assembly soll ihre28 Siegel einer jeden Bill, sobald sie zum Gesetz gemacht ist, beyfügen, welches Siegel die General-Assembly aufbehalten soll, und es soll genannt werden, Das Siegel der Gesetze von Pennsylvanien, und soll zu keinem andern Endzweck gebraucht werden.
S ECT. 17. The City of Philadelphia and each County in22 this Common Wealth, respectively, shall on the first Tuesday of November in this present year, and on the Second Tuesday in23 October annually for the two next succeeding Years to wit,24 The Year One Thousand Seven hundred and Seventy Seven and the year One Thousand seven hundred and Seventy Eight choose six persons to represent them in General Assembly. But as Representation in Proportion to the Number of Taxable Inhabitants is the
17. A BSCH . Die Stadt Philadelphia und jede Grafschaft dieser Republik respective, sollen am Ersten Dienstag im November in dem gegenwärtigen Jahr, und am Zweyten Dienstag im October jährlich die zwey nächstfolgenden Jahre, nämlich im Jahr Ein Tausend Sieben Hundert und Sieben und Siebenzig, und im Jahr Ein Tausend Sieben Hundert und Acht und Siebenzig, sechs Personen wählen sie in der General-Assembly vorzustellen29 : Weil aber die Vorstellung30 nach dem Verhältniß der Anzahl taxbarer
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V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1776) only principle which can at all times secure Liberty and make the Voice of a Majority of the People the Law of the Land; Therefore the General Assembly shall cause compleat Lists of the Taxable Inhabitants in25 the City and each County in the Common Wealth respectively to be taken and returned to them on or before the last meeting of the Assembly elected in the year One Thousand Seven hundred and seventy Eight, who shall appoint a Representation to each in proportion to the Number of Taxables in such returns, which Representation shall continue for the next seven years afterwards, at the End of which a new return of the Taxable Inhabitants shall be made, and a Representation agreeable thereto appointed by the said Assembly and so on Septennially for ever. The Wages of the Representatives in General Assembly and all other State Charges shall be paid out of the State Treasury.
Einwohner der alleinige Grundsatz ist, der zu allen Zeiten die Freyheit sicher stellen und die Stimme einer Mehrheit des Volks zum Gesetz des Landes machen kan, so soll daher die General Assembly vollständige Verzeichnisse aller taxbaren Einwohner in der Stadt und einer jeden Grafschaft dieser Republik respective aufsetzen und einbringen lassen, an oder vor der letztern Zusammenkunft der im Jahr Ein Tausend Sieben Hundert Acht und Siebenzig erwählten Assembly: Welche einer jeden eine Repräsentation bestimmen soll in Verhältniß der Anzahl taxbarer Personen in solchen eingebrachten Verzeichnissen; welche Repräsentation für die nächsten sieben Jahre nachher fortdauren soll; nach Verfliessung derselben soll ein neues Verzeichniß von taxbaren Einwohnern gemacht, und eine Repräsentation ingefolge desselben von der Assembly bestimmet werden, und sofort alle sieben Jahre zu allen Zeiten. Die Besoldungen der Assemblymänner und alle andere Kosten des Staats sollen aus dem Schatz des Staats bezahlt werden.
S ECT. 18. In Order that the Freemen of this Common Wealth may enjoy the Benefit of Election as equally as may be until the Representation shall commence, as directed in the foregoing Section: Each County at its own choice may be divided into Districts, Hold Elections therein, and elect their Representatives in the County and their other elective Officers, as26 shall be hereafter regulated by the General Assembly of this State. And no Inhabitant of this State shall have more than one Annual Vote at the General Election for Representatives in Assembly.
18. A BSCH . Damit die Freyleute dieser Republik die Wohlthat der Erwählung so gleichmäßig als möglich geniessen mögen, bis die Repräsentation, wie sie in dem vorhergehenden Abschnidt verordnet ist, ihren Anfang nehmen wird, so mag jede Caunty nach eigenem Gutbefinden in Districte abgetheilt werden, ihre Erwählungen in selbigen halten, und ihre Repräsentanten in der Grafschaft, und andere Wahlbeamte erwählen, wie es nach diesem durch die GeneralAssembly dieses Staats wird eingerichtet werden. Und kein Einwohner dieses Staats soll mehr als Eine jährliche Stimme bey der allgemeinen Erwählung für Repräsentanten in der Assembly haben.
S ECT. 19. For the present the Supreme Executive Council of this State shall consist of twelve persons chosen in the fol-
19. A BSCH . Für jetzt soll der oberste gesetzvollziehende Rath dieses Staats aus zwölf Personen bestehen, welche auf folgen-
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P ENNSYLVANIA lowing Manner: The Freemen of the City of Philadelphia, and of the County’s of Philadelphia, Chester and Bucks respectively shall choose by ballot one person for the City and one for each County aforesaid to serve for three years and no longer at the time and place for electing representatives in General Assembly. The Freemen of the Counties of Lancaster, York, Cumberland and Berks shall in like manner elect one person for each County respectively to serve as Counsellors for two years and no longer. And the Counties of Northampton, Bedford Northumberland and Westmoreland, respectively shall in like manner Elect one person for each County to serve as Councellors for one year and no longer. And at the Expiration of the time for which each Councellor was chosen to serve: The freemen of the City of Philadelphia and of the several Counties in this State respectively shall elect one person to serve as Councellor for three years and no longer and so on27 every third year forever, by this mode of Election and Continual rotation more Men will be trained to public Business, there will in every subsequent year be found in the Council a Number of Persons acquainted with the proceedings of the foregoing years: whereby the Business will be more consistently Conducted and moreover the danger of Establishing an inconvenient Aristocracy will be effectually prevented. All Vacancies in the Council that may happen by Death, Resignation or otherwise shall be filled at the next General Election for Representatives in General Assembly, unless a particular Election for that purpose shall be sooner appointed by the President and Council. No Member of the General Assembly or Delegate in Congress shall be chosen a Member of28 Council. The President and Vice President shall be chosen annually by the joint Ballot of the General Assembly and Council of the Members of the Council, any person having served as a Councellor for three suc-
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de Weise gewählet werden sollen: Die Freyleute der Stadt Philadelphia und der Grafschaften Philadelphia, Chester und Bucks respective sollen durchs Loos Eine Person für die Stadt und Eine für jede von vorgemeldeten Grafschaften zu der Zeit und an dem Ort der Wahl der General-Assembly wählen, Drey Jahre zu dienen und nicht länger. Die Freyleute der Grafschaft Lancaster, York, Cumberland und Berks sollen auf gleiche Weise Eine Person für jede respective Grafschaft wählen als Räthe zu dienen, Zwey Jahr und nicht länger. Und die Grafschaften Northampton, Bedford, Northumberland und Westmoreland respective sollen auf gleiche Weise Eine Person für jede Grafschaft wählen, als Räthe zu dienen, Ein Jahr und nicht länger. Und auf Verfliessung der Zeit für welches jedes Rathsglied zu dienen erwählet ward, sollen die Freyleute der Stadt Philadelphia und der verschiedenen Grafschaften respective dieses Staats Eine Person erwählen als Rathsglied Drey Jahre zu dienen und nicht länger; und sofort jedes dritte Jahr, zu allen Zeiten. Vermittelst dieser Wahl-Weise und beständiger Umwechselung, werden mehr Männer zu öffentlichen Geschäften angeführet, es werden in jedem folgenden Jahr im Rath eine Anzahl Personen gefunden werden, welche mit dem Verfahren der vorhergehenden Jahre bekannt sind, wodurch die Geschäfte übereinkommender werden getrieben, und überdis der Gefahr von Ausrichtung einer unbequemen aus vornehmen Personen bestehenden Regierung31 kräftig vorgebeugt werden. Alle Stellen im Rath, welche durch Todesfall, Amtsniederlegung oder auf andere Weise erledigt werden, sollen bey der nächsten allgemeinen Wahl der Repräsentanten der General-Assembly wieder besetzt werden, es sey dann daß eine absonderliche Wahl zu dem Ende durch den Präsidenten und Rath bestimmet werde. Kein Glied der General-Assembly oder Abgeordneter im Congreß soll zum Gliede des Raths gewäh-
C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1776) cessive years shall be incapable of holding that office for four years afterwards. Every Member of the Council shall be a Justice of the Peace for the whole Common Wealth by Virtue of his Office. In case new Additional Counties shall hereafter be Erected in this State such County or Counties shall Elect a Councellor, and such County or Counties shall be annexed to the next Neighbouring Counties, and shall take rotation with such Counties. The Council shall meet Annually at the same time and place with the General Assembly. The Treasurer of the State, Trustees of the Loan Office, Naval Officers Collectors of Customs or Excise, Judge of the Admiralty, Attornies General, Sheriffs and Prothonotaries shall not be capable of a Seat in the General Assembly, Executive Council or Continental Congress.
let werden. Der Präsident und Vice-Präsident sollen jährlich erwählt werden durch das vereinbarte Loos32 der General-Assembly und des Raths, von den Gliedern des Raths. Wenn jemand als ein Rathsglied drey Jahre hinter einander gedient hat, soll er selbiges Amt vier Jahre lang hernach nicht bekleiden können. Ein jedes Glied des Raths soll ein Friedensrichter für die ganze Republik seyn, in Kraft seines Amts. Im Fall in diesem Staat neue Grafschaften nach diesem angelegt werden solten, so soll solche Grafschaft oder Grafschaften ein Rathsglied wählen, und solche Grafschaft oder Grafschaften sollen den nächstbenachbarten beygefügt werden, und mit selbigen umwechseln. Der Rath soll jährlich zusammen kommen, zu eben der Zeit und an eben dem Ort der Zusammenkunft der General-Assembly. Der Schatzmeister des Staats, die Trustees des Leih-Amts (Loan-Office) Beamte beym Seewesen, Zoll- und Accise-Einnehmer, Admiralitäts-Richter, General-Anwalde, (Attornies-General) Scheriffs und Prothonotarii, sollen keinen Sitz in der GeneralAssembly, dem gesetzvollziehenden Rath, oder Continental Congreß haben können.
S ECT. 20. The President and in his Absence the Vice President with the Council, five of whom shall be a quorum shall have power to appoint and commissionate Judges, Naval Officers Judge of the Admiralty, Attorney General and all other Officers, Civil and Military, Except such as are chosen by the General Assembly or the People agreeable to this Frame of Government and the Laws that may be made hereafter, and shall supply every vacancy in any office occasioned by Death, Resignation, Removal or Disqualification until the office can be filled in the time and manner directed by Law or this Constitution. They are to correspond with other States, and transact Business with
20. A BSCH . Der Präsident, und in dessen Abwesenheit der Vice-Präsident, samt dem Rath, von welchen33 fünf ein Quorum sein sollen, sollen Gewalt haben Richter, Beamte beym Seewesen, den Admiralitäts-Richter, den General-Anwald, und alle andere Bürgerliche- und Kriegs-Beamte34 zu wählen und zu bestellen, ausgenommen solche die zufolge dieser Regiments-verfassung35 , und der Gesetze die nach diesem gemacht werden mögen, durch die General-Assembly oder das Volk gewählet werden; und sie sollen eine jede Stelle in einigem Amte die durch Absterben, Niederlegen, Entlassung oder Untüchtigkeit ledig worden ist, wieder besetzen, bis das Amt zu der Zeit und auf
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P ENNSYLVANIA the Officers of Government Civil and Military; and to prepare such Business as may appear to them necessary to lay before the General Assembly. They shall sit as Judges to hear and determine on Impeachments, taking to their Assistance for Advice only the Justices of the Supreme Court – and shall have power to grant Pardons and remit fines, in all cases whatsoever except in cases of Impeachments29 ; and in cases of Treason and Murder, shall have power to grant Reprieves, but not to pardon, until the End of the next Sessions30 of Assembly; But there shall be no remission or Mitigation of Punishment31 on Impeachments except by Act of the Legislature; They are also to take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed; They are to expedite the Execution of such Measures as may be Resolved upon by the General Assembly; And they may draw upon the Treasury for such Sums as shall be appropriated by the House. They may also lay Embargoes or prohibit the Exportation of any Commodity for any time not exceeding thirty days in the recess of the House only. They may grant such Licences as shall be directed by Law, And shall have power to call together the General Assembly when necessary, before the day to which they shall stand adjourned. The President shall be commander in Chief of the Forces of the State, but shall not Command in person, except advised thereto by the Council, and then only so long as they shall approve thereof. The President and Council shall have a Secretary and keep fair Books of their Proceedings, wherein any Counsellor may enter his Dissent with his reasons in support of it.
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die Weise wie durchs Gesetz oder diese Verfassung angewiesen ist, besetzt werden kan. Sie sollen mit andern Staaten correspondiren, und mit den Beamten der Bürgerlichenund Kriegs-Regierung36 Geschäfte verrichten, und solche Sachen zubereiten die sie nöthig erachten werden der General-Assembly vorzulegen. Sie sollen als Richter sitzen um Anklagen37 anzuhören und zu entscheiden, und die Richter des Obergerichts (Supreme Court) nur als Rathgeber zu Hülfe nehmen; und sollen Macht haben Begnadigungen zu verleihen, und Geldbussen in allen Fällen, sie mögen seyn wie sie wollen, zu erlassen, ausgenommen in Fällen von publiker Anklage38 ; und in Fällen von Verrath und Mord sollen sie Gewalt haben Aufschub der Hinrichtung39 bis zu Ende des nächsten Sitzens40 der Assembly, aber nicht Begnadigungen, zu verleihen. Allein auf publike Anklagen41 soll keine Erlassung oder Linderung der Strafe statt finden, als nur durch eine Acte der Gesetzgebung. Sie sollen gleichfalls Acht haben daß die Gesetze treulich vollzogen werden; sie sollen die Vollziehung solcher Maaßregeln, die durch die General-Assembly beschlossen werden mögen, beschleunigen; und sie können auf die Schatzkammer für solche Summen ziehen die das Haus sich selbst zueignet.42 Sie können gleichfalls für einige Zeit, die sich nicht über dreyßig Tage beläuft, Beschlag auf Schiffe legen, oder die Ausfuhre einiger Waare verbieten, doch nur wenn das Haus nicht beysammen ist43 : Sie können solche Freyheiten (oder Licences) die das Gesetz anweisen wird, verleihen; und sollen Gewalt haben die General-Assembly, wenn es nöthig ist, vor dem Tag ihrer Beraumung, zusammen zu rufen. Der Präsident soll Oberbefehlshaber der Truppen des Staats seyn, soll aber nicht in Person commandiren, wenn ihm nicht vom Rath dazu gerathen wird, und alsdann nur so lange als sie es für gut finden werden. Der Präsident und Rath sollen einen Secretär haben, und
V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1776) ordentliche Bücher von ihren Verfahrungen halten, in welche einiges Glied des Raths seine gegenseitige Meinung, nebst seinen Gründen zu Unterstützung derselben, eintragen kan. S ECT. 21. All Commissions shall be in the Name and by the Authority of the Freemen of the Common Wealth of Pennsylvania. Sealed with the State Seal, Signed by the President or Vice President and attested by the Secretary, which Seal shall be kept by the Council.
21. A BSCH . Alle Bestallungen44 sollen im Namen und durch die Gewalt der Freyleute der Republik Pennsylvanien seyn, mit dem Staats-Siegel besiegelt, vom Präsidenten oder Vice-Präsidenten unterschrieben und durch den Secretär bezeugt seyn; das Siegel soll der Rath in Verwahrung haben.
S ECT. 22. Every Officer of State whether Judicial or Executive shall be liable to be Impeached by the General Assembly, either when in office or after his Resignation or Removal for Mal-Administration. All Impeachments shall be before the President or Vice President and Council who shall hear and determine the same.
22. A BSCH . Ein jeder Staatsbeamter, er sey ein Richter oder Vollzieher des Rechtsspruchs45 , soll durch die General-Assembly angeklagt46 werden können, entweder wenn er noch im Amte ist, oder nachdem er solches niedergelegt hat, oder wegen übeler Verwaltung abgesetzt worden ist: Alle publike Anklagen47 sollen vor dem Präsidenten oder Vice-Präsidenten und dem Rath geschehen, welche selbige anhören und entscheiden sollen.
S ECT. 23. The Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature shall have fixed Salaries, be Commissioned for Seven years only, tho’ capable of Re-appointment at the End of that term, but removeable for misbehaviour at any time by the General Assembly. They shall not be allowed to sit as Members in the Continental Congress, Executive Council or General Assembly, nor to hold any other office Civil or Military, nor to take or receive Fees or Perquisites of any kind.
23. A BSCH . Die Richter des Obergerichts sollen vestgesetzte Besoldungen haben, und nur auf sieben Jahre bestallet seyn, doch können sie nach Verfliessung solcher Zeit wieder eingesetzt, aber auch zu einiger Zeit von der General-Assembly wegen schlechter Aufführung abgesetzt werden: – es soll ihnen nicht erlaubt seyn Glieder des Continental-Congresses, des Gesetzvollziehenden Raths, oder der General-Assembly zu seyn, sie sollen auch kein einig ander Bürgerlich- oder Kriegs-Amt bekleiden, auch keine Belohnungen oder Accidenzien (Perquisites) von einiger Art nehmen oder empfangen.
S ECT. 24. The Supreme Court and the Several Courts of Common Pleas of this Common Wealth shall besides the powers usually exercised by such Courts, have the
24. A BSCH . Das Obergericht und die verschiedenen Civil-Gerichte (Courts of Common Pleas) dieser Republik, sollen, nebst der Macht die gewöhnlich durch solche Ge-
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P ENNSYLVANIA powers of a Court of Chancery, so far as relates to the perpetuating Testimony, Obtaining Evidence from places not within this State, and the Care of the Persons and Estates of those who are Non Compotes32 Mentis, and such other powers as may be found necessary by future General Assemblies, not inconsistant with this Constitution.
richte ausgeübt wird, die Macht eines Canzley-Gerichts haben, insofern es das immerwährende Aufbehalten von Zeugnissen, das Erlangen der Zeugen von Orten nicht binnen diesem Staat, und die Sorge für Personen und die Güter derjenigen die non compotes mentis (oder vom Verstand) sind betrifft, und solche andere Macht welche eine künftige General-Assembly nöthig finden möchte nicht unübereinkommend mit dieser Regiments-verfassung.
S ECT. 25. Trials shall be by Jury as heretofore: And it is recommended to the Legislature of this State to provide by Law against every Corruption or Partialtity in the Choice, Return, or Appointment of Juries.
25. A BSCH . Die rechtlichen Untersuchungen sollen wie vor diesem durch die Jury geschehen: und es wird der Gesetzgebung dieses Staats anempfohlen durch Gesetze einer jeden Bestechung oder Partheylichkeit in der Wahl, dem Bericht oder der Bestimmung der Juries vorzubeugen.
S ECT. 26. Courts of Sessions, Common Pleas, and Orphans Courts shall be held, Quarterly in each City and County. And the Legislature shall have power to Establish all such other Courts as they may judge for the good of the Inhabitants of the State; All Courts shall be opened33 and justice shall be impartially administered without Corruption or unnecessary delay: All their Officers shall be paid an adequate but moderate compensation for their Services. And if any Officer shall take greater or other Fees than the Laws allow34 him, either directly or indirectly it shall ever after disqualify him from holding any office in this State.
26. A BSCH . Seßions-Gerichte, Civil-Gerichte und Waisen-Gerichte sollen vierteljährlich in jeder Stadt und Grafschaft gehalten werden; und die Gesetzgebung soll Macht haben alle solche andere Gerichte zu verordnen als sie nöthig erachten wird zum Besten der Einwohner dieses Staats. Alle Gerichtshöfe sollen offen seyn, und Gerechtigkeit unpartheyisch verwaltet werden, ohne Bestechung und unnöthigen Aufschub: Alle Gerichtsbeamte sollen eine ihrem Amte gleiche aber mäßige Belohnung für ihre Dienste haben: Und wenn einiger Beamter grössere oder einige andere Gebühren als die Gesetze ihm erlauben mittelbar oder unmittelbar nehmen wird, soll es ihn auf allezeit nachher untüchtig machen einig Amt in diesem Staat zu bekleiden.
S ECT. 27. All Prosecutions shall commence in the Name and by the Authority of the Freemen of the Common Wealth of Pennsylvania, and all Indictments shall conclude with these Words “against the Peace and dignity of the same”. The Stile of all process hereafter in this State shall be the
27. A BSCH . Alle Processe sollen anfangen im Namen und durch die Gewalt der Freyleute der Republik von Pennsylvanien; und alle schriftliche Beschuldigungen sollen schliessen mit diesen Worten, „Gegen den Frieden und die Würde derselben.“ Die Schreibart aller Processe in diesem Staat
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C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1776) Common Wealth of Pennsylvania.
soll nach diesem seyn, Das gemeine Wesen (oder die Republik) von Pennsylvanien.
S ECT. 28. The Person of a Debtor where there is not a strong presumption of Fraud, shall not be continued in prison after delivering up bona fide all his Estate real and personal for the Use of his Creditors in such manner as shall be hereafter regulated by Law. All Prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient Sureties unless for Capital offences, when the proof is Evident or presumption great.
28. A BSCH . Die Person eines Schuldners, wo kein starkes Vermuthen von Betrug ist, soll nicht länger im Gefängniß gehalten werden, nachdem er bona fide (redlich) all sein beweglich und unbeweglich Vermögen zum Gebrauch seiner Gläubiger übergeben hat, auf solche Weise wie nach diesem es durch das Gesetz eingerichtet werden soll. Alle Gefangene sollen bürgerschaftfähig seyn durch hinlängliche Versicherungen, es sey dann für Hauptverbrechen48 , wenn der Beweiß offenbar und die Muthmassung groß ist.
S ECT. 29. Excessive Bail shall not be Exacted for Bailable Offences: and all fines shall be moderate.
29. A BSCH . Unmäßige Bürgschaft soll nicht gefordert werden für bürgschaftfähige Verbrechen: Und alle Geldbussen sollen mäßig seyn.
S ECT. 30. Justices of the Peace shall be elected by the Freeholders of each City and County respectively, that is to say, two or more persons may be chosen for each Ward, Township or District as the Laws35 shall hereafter direct: And their Names shall be returned to the President in Council, who shall commissionate one or more of them for each Ward, Township or District so returning for seven years, removeable for Misconduct, by the General Assembly. But if any City or County, Ward, Township or District in this Common Wealth shall hereafter Incline to change the manner of appointing their Justices of the Peace as settled in this Article, the General Assembly may make Laws to regulate the same agreeable to the desire of a Majority of the Freeholders of the City or County, Ward, Township or District so applying. No Justice of the Peace shall sit in the General Assembly unless he first resigns36 his Commission, nor shall he be allowed to take any Fees; nor any Salary or allowance except such as the future Leg-
30. A BSCH . Friedens-Richter sollen durch die Freylehnhalter einer jeden Stadt und Grafschaft respective erwählt werden; nämlich, es können zwey oder mehr Personen für jede Ward, Taunschip, oder District gewählt werden49 : Und ihre Namen sollen an den Präsidenten im Rath eingebracht werden, welcher einen oder mehrere von ihnen für jede Ward, Taunschip, oder District, die solchergestalt ihren Bericht eingebracht hat, auf sieben Jahre bestallen soll, welche von der General-Assembly schlechter Aufführung wegen abgesetzt werden können: – Wenn aber einige Stadt oder Grafschaft, Ward, Taunschip, oder District in dieser Republik nach diesem geneigt wäre, die in diesem Artikel vestgesetzte Weise ihre Friedens-Richter zu bestimmen, zu ändern, so kan die General-Assembly Gesetze machen selbige, dem Begehren einer Mehrheit der Freylehnhalter der Stadt, oder Grafschaft, Ward, Taunschip, oder District gemäß einzurichten, die solchergestalt darum angehalten haben. Kein Friedens-Richter soll in der
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P ENNSYLVANIA islature may grant.
General-Assembly sitzen, er gebe denn erst seine Bestallung auf, es soll ihm auch nicht erlaubt seyn einige Gebühren zu nehmen, noch einige Besoldung oder Gaben, als solche die eine künftige Gesetzgebung ihm zugestehet.
S ECT. 31. Sheriffs and Coroners shall be elected annually in each City and County, by the Freemen; that is to say, two persons for each office, one of whom for each, is to be Commissioned by the President in Council. No person shall continue in the office of Sheriff more than three successive years, or be capable of being Elected again37 during four years afterwards. The Election shall be held at the same time and place appointed for the Election of Representatives. And the Commissioners and Assessors and other officers chosen by the People, shall also be then and there Elected as has been usual heretofore until altered or otherwise regulated by the future Legislature of this State.
31. A BSCH . Scheriffs und Coroners sollen jährlich in jeder Stadt und Grafschaft durch die Freyleute erwählet werden; nämlich, zwey Personen für jedes Amt, einer von ihnen für jedes soll durch den Präsidenten im Rath bestellet werden. Keiner soll länger als drey nach einander folgende Jahre im Scheriffs-Amte bleiben, noch wieder erwählet werden können als vier Jahr hernach. Ihre Wahl soll gehalten werden zu der Zeit und an dem Ort die zur Erwählung der Assemblymänner50 bestimmet sind: Und die Commißioners und Assessors, und andere Beamten welche das Volk erwählet, sollen ebenfalls sodann und allda gewählet werden, wie hiebevor üblich gewesen, bis es verändert oder anders eingerichtet wird durch die künftige Gesetzgebung dieses Staats.
S ECT. 32. All Elections whether by the People or in General Assembly shall be by Ballot, free and Voluntary: And any Elector, who shall receive any Gift or Reward for his Vote in Meat, Drink, Monies or otherwise, shall forfeit his right to Elect for that time, and suffer such other Penalty38 as future Laws shall direct. And any person who shall directly or indirectly give promise or bestow any such Rewards to be Elected, shall be thereby rendered incapable to serve for the ensuing year.
32. A BSCH . Alle Wahlen, sie geschehen vom Volk oder in der General-Assembly, sollen durchs Loos, ungezwungen und freywillig seyn: Und einiger Erwähler, der für seine Stimme einige Gabe oder Belohnung von Speise, Getränk, Geld oder sonst etwas annimmt, soll seines Rechts zu wählen für selbige Zeit verlustig seyn, und solche andere Strafe leiden als künftige Gesetze anordnen werden. Und einige Person welche mittelbar oder unmittelbarer Weise einige solche Belohnungen um erwählt zu werden geben, versprechen oder austheilen wird, soll dadurch untüchtig gemacht werden das folgende Jahr zu dienen.
S ECT. 33. All Fees, Licence Money, Fines and Forfeitures heretofore granted or paid to the Governor or his Deputies for the Support of Government, shall hereafter be
33. A BSCH . Alle Gebühren, LicenzGeld, Geldbussen und Strafen, welche hiebevor an den Guvernör oder seinen Deputirten51 zur Unterhaltung der Regierung ge-
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V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1776) paid into the public Treasury, unless altered or abolished by the future Legislature.
geben oder bezahlt worden, sollen nach diesem in den publiken Schatz bezahlet werden, es sey dann daß die künftige Gesetzgebung solches verändere oder abschaffe.
S ECT. 34. A Register’s Office for the Probate of Wills and granting Letters of Administration, and an Office for the Recording of Deeds, shall be kept in each City and County; The Officers to be appointed by the General Assembly, removeable at their pleasure and to be Commissioned by the President in Council.
34. A BSCH . Eine Amtsstube eines Registrators die letzten Willen des52 Verstorbenen zu prüfen, und Administrations-Vollmachten zu verleihen, und eine Amtsstube Kaufbriefe zu registriren, sollen in jeder Stadt und Grafschaft gehalten werden: Die Beamten sollen durch die General Assembly bestimmet, und nach derselben Wohlgefallen entlassen werden, und sie sollen vom Präsidenten im Rath bestallet werden.
S ECT. 35. The Printing presses shall be free to every person who undertakes to Examine the Proceedings of the Legislature or any part of Government.
35. A BSCH . Die Drucker-Pressen sollen frey seyn für einen jeden der unternimmt das Verfahren der Gesetzgebung oder einigen53 Theil der Regierung zu untersuchen.
S ECT. 36. As every Freeman to preserve his Independence (if without a sufficient Estate) ought to have some Profession, Calling, Trade or Farm, whereby he may honestly subsist, there can be no necessity for nor Use in Establishing Offices of Profit, the Usual Effects of which are Dependance and Servility, unbecoming Freemen in the possessors and expectants, Faction Contention, Corruption and Disorder among the People: But if any Man is called into public Service to the prejudice of his private Affairs, he has a right to a reasonable Compensation; And whenever an Office thro’ Increase of Fees or otherwise becomes so profitable as to Occasion many to apply for it, the Profits ought to be lessened by the Legislature.
36. A BSCH . Weil ein jeder Freymann, seine Unabhängigkeit zu bewahren (wofern er ohne hinlänglich Vermögen54 ist) einige Handierung, Beruf, Gewerbe oder Landbauerey haben solte, wovon er sich ehrlich erhalten kan, so kan es nicht nöthig oder von keinem Nutzen seyn Aemter von Einkommen zu errichten, welche in den Besitzern oder Erwartern derselben gewöhnlich die Wirkung von Abhängigkeit und Sclavenhaftigkeit55 haben, die sich nicht für Freymänner geziemen; und Rottemacherey56 , Zänkerey, Verderben und Unordnung unter dem Volk verursachen. Wenn aber ein Mann in öffentlichen Dienst berufen wird, zum Nachtheil seiner Privat-Geschäfte, so hat er ein Recht zu einer billigen Vergütung: Und wenn je ein Amt durch Zunahme von Geschenken57 oder sonst so vortheilhaft wird, daß es vielen Anlaß gibt sich darum zu melden, so solten die Vortheile desselben durch die Gesetzgebung verringert werden.
S ECT. 37. The future Legislature of this State shall regulate Intails in such39 manner
37. A BSCH . Die künftige Gesetzgebung dieses Staats soll Vermächtnisse liegender
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P ENNSYLVANIA as to prevent Perpetuities.
Güter von einem Erben auf den andern auf solche Weise einrichten die Unaufhörlichkeit zu verhüten.
S ECT. 38. The Penal Laws as heretofore used, shall be reformed by the future40 Legislature of this State assoon as may be, and Punishments made in some Cases less Sanguinary and in general more proportionate to the Crimes.
38. A BSCH . Die hiebevor üblichen Gesetze Geldstrafen betreffend58 , sollen durch die künftige Gesetzgebung dieses Staats, sobald es seyn kan, verbessert werden, und die Strafen in einigen Fällen weniger grausam59 und überhaupt denen Verbrechen gemässer gemacht werden.
S ECT. 39. To deter more effectually from the Commission of Crimes, by continued visible Punishment41 of long Duration, and to make Sanguinary Punishments less necessary: Houses ought to be provided for punishing by hard Labour, those who shall be convicted of Crimes not Capital wherein the Criminals shall be employed for the Benefit of the Public, or for Reparation of Injuries done to private persons. And all persons at proper times shall be admitted to see the Prisoners at their Labour.
39. A BSCH . Die Menschen durch langwierige sichtbare Strafe kräftiglich abzuschrecken Missethaten zu begehen, und grausame Strafen weniger nöthig zu machen; so solten Häuser versehen werden diejenigen durch schwere Arbeit zu strafen, welche überwiesen werden von Vergehungen die keine Hauptverbrechen sind60 ; in welchen Häusern die Verbrecher zum Nutzen des Publici sollen gebraucht werden oder zur Ersetzung des Schadens den sie Privat-Personen gethan haben: Und einem jeden soll zu gehörigen Zeiten zugelassen werden die Gefangenen zu sehen arbeiten.
S ECT. 40. Every Officer, whether Judicial, Executive or Military in Authority under this Common Wealth shall take the following Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance, and General Oath of Office before he Enters42 on the Execution of his Office. The Oath or43 Affirmation of Allegiance I do swear or affirm, That I will be true and faithfull to the Common Wealth of Pennsylvania, And that I will not directly or Indirectly do any Act or Thing prejudicial or Injurious to the Constitution or Government thereof as established by the Convention. The Oath or Affirmation of Office I do swear or affirm, that I will faithfully execute the Office of –––––– for the –––––– of –––––– And I44 will do equal right and Justice to all Men to the best of my Judgment and Abilities according to Law.
40. A BSCH . Ein jeder Beamter, er sey ein Richter, Gesetzvollzieher oder vom Kriegsstande, der seine Gewalt von dieser Republik hat, soll folgenden Eid oder Betheurung von Huld und Treue, und den allgemeinen Amts-Eid ablegen, ehe er sein Amt antritt: Der Huldigungs-Eid oder Betheuerung ist: “Ich –––––– schwöre (oder betheure) daß ich der Republik Pennsylvanien treu und hold seyn will: Und daß ich keine That oder Ding mittelbar oder unmittelbar thun will, welches der Verfassung oder der Regierung derselben, wie solche durch die Convention vestgestellet ist nachtheilig oder schädlich ist.” Der Amts-Eid oder Betheurung ist: “Ich –––––– schwöre (oder betheure) daß ich das Amt eines –––––– für die –––––– treulich vollziehen will, und daß ich gleiches Recht und Gerechtigkeit jedermänniglich wieder-
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C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1776) fahren lassen will, nach meiner besten Einsicht und Vermögen, zufolge des Gesetzes.” S ECT. 41. No Public Tax, Custom or Contribution, shall be imposed upon or paid by the People of this State except by a Law for that purpose. And before any Law be made for raising it the purpose for which any Tax is to be raised ought to appear clearly to the Legislature to be of more Service to the Community than the Money would be, if not collected, which being well observed, Taxes can never be Burthens.
41. A BSCH . Keine publike Tax, Zoll oder Steuer soll dem Volk dieses Staats aufgelegt oder von demselben bezahlt werden, ohne ein zu dem Ende gemachtes Gesetz: Und ehe ein Gesetz gemacht wird selbige aufzulegen, solte der Endzweck für welche einige Tax soll aufgebracht werden, der Gesetzgebung klärlich erhellen von mehrerem Dienst für die Gemeinheit zu seyn als das Geld wenn sie nicht gesammlet würden; und wenn dieses wohl in Acht genommen wird, können Taxen nie Beschwerden seyn.
S ECT. 42. Every Foreigner of good Character, who comes to settle in this State, having first taken an Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to the same may purchase, or by other just means acquire hold and transfer Land or other real Estate; And after one years Residence, shall be deemed a free Denizen thereof, and Intitled to all the rights of a Natural born Subject of this State, except that he shall not be capable of being elected a Representative until after two years residence.
42. A BSCH . Ein jeder Ausländer eines guten Gerüchts der in diesen Staat kömmt sich darin niederzulassen, und demselben erst den Huldigungs-Eid oder Betheurung abgelegt hat, kan Land oder andere liegende Güter kaufen oder auf andere rechtmäßige Weise an sich bringen, und sie halten und wieder an andere übermachen; und nach Eines Jahrs Aufenthalt, soll er für einen freyen Bürger61 desselben gehalten werden, und zu allen Rechten eines natürlich-gebornen Unterthans dieses Staats berechtiget seyn, ausgenommen daß er nicht zu einem AssemblyMann62 kan erwählet werden, bis er Zwey Jahr in diesem Staat gewohnet hat.
S ECT. 43. The Inhabitants of this State shall have Liberty to Fowl and Hunt in seasonable times on the Lands they hold, and on all other Lands therein not Inclosed, and in like manner to fish in all boatable waters and others not private property.
43. A BSCH . Die Einwohner dieses Staats sollen Freyheit haben Geflügel und ander Wild in den rechten Jahrszeiten auf ihrem Lande zu fangen und zu jagen, und auf anderen nicht eingezäunten Ländereyen; auch auf gleiche Weise zu fischen in allen Gewässern die mit Booten befahren werden, und die kein Privat-Eigenthum sind.
S ECT. 44. A School or Schools shall be established in each County by the Legislature for the Convenient Instruction of Youth, with such Salaries to the Masters paid by the public as may Enable them to Instruct Youth
44. A BSCH . Eine Schule oder Schulen sollen in jeder Grafschaft durch die Gesetzgebung errichtet werden, zu bequemer Unterrichtung der Jugend, mit solchen vom Publico zu bezahlenden Besoldungen der
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P ENNSYLVANIA at low prices: And all usefull Learning shall be duly Encouraged and promoted in one or more Universities.
Schulmeister, wodurch selbige in Stand gesetzt werden mögen die Jugend um einen geringen Preis zu unterrichten: Und alle nützliche Gelehrsamkeit soll in einer oder mehreren Hochschulen63 gehörig befördert und ermuntert werden.
S ECT. 45. Laws for the Encouragement of Virtue and Prevention of Vice and Immorality shall be made and constantly kept in force, and Provision shall be made for their due Execution: And all Religious Societies or Bodies of Men heretofore United or Incorporated for the Advancement of Religion and45 Learning or for other pious and charitable purposes, shall be encouraged and protected in the Enjoyment of the Priviledges, Immunities and Estates which they were accustomed to Enjoy or could of right have Enjoyed under the Laws and former Constitution of this State.
45. A BSCH . Gesetze zur Ermunterung von Tugend und Verhütung von Lastern und verderbten Sitten, sollen gemacht und beständig in Kraft erhalten, auch Versehung gemacht werden zu ihrer gehörigen Vollziehung. Und alle hiebevor vereinigte und incorporirte Religions-Gesellschaften oder Körper von Leuten zur Beförderung des Gottesdiensts und Gelehrsamkeit64 , oder zu andern gottseligen und mildthätigen Endzwecken, sollen ermuntert und geschützt werden in dem Genuß ihrer Befreyungen, Freyheiten und Vermögens65 , welche sie gewohnt gewesen sind zu geniessen, oder unter den Gesetzen und vorigen Verfassungen66 dieses Staats ein Recht zu geniessen hatten.
S ECT. 46. The Declaration of Rights is hereby Declared to be a part of the constitution of this Common Wealth and ought never to be violated on any pretence whatever.
46. A BSCH . Die Erklärung von Rechten ist hiemit angezeigt ein Theil der Verfassung dieser Republik zu seyn, und solte niemals gekränkt werden, unter einigerley Vorwand, es sey was es wolle.
S ECT. 47. In Order that the Freedom of this46 Common Wealth may be preserved inviolate for ever, there shall be chosen by Ballot by the Freemen in each City and County respectively, on the Second Tuesday in October in the year One Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty three, and on the Second Tuesday in October in every seventh year thereafter two persons in each City and County of this State, to be called the Council of Censors, who shall meet together on the Second Monday of November next ensuing their election; the Majority of whom shall be a Quorum in every Case except as to calling a Convention in which two thirds of
47. A BSCH . Damit die Freyheit dieses Gemeinen Wesens zu allen Zeiten ungekränkt bewahret bleiben möge, so sollen von den Freymännern in jeder Stadt und Grafschaft respective, am Zweyten Dienstag im October im Jahr Ein Tausend Sieben Hundert und Drey und Achtzig, und am Zweyten Dienstag im October, in jedem siebenten Jahr nachher, Zwey Personen in jeder Stadt und Grafschaft dieses Staats durch Loos gewählet werden, sie sollen genannt werden der Rath der Censoren; diese sollen am Zweyten Montag im November, der nächst auf ihre Wahl folgt, zusammen kommen; eine Mehrheit von ihnen soll ein Quorum seyn
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V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1776) the whole Number elected shall agree; and whose duty it shall be to Enquire whether the Constitution has been preserved Inviolate in every part? and whether the Legislative and Executive Branches of Government have performed their duty as Guardians of the People or assumed to themselves or exercised other or greater powers than they are Intitled to by the Constitution. They are also to enquire whether the public Taxes have been Justly laid and collected in all parts of this Common Wealth, in what Manner the Public Monies have been disposed of, and whether the Laws have been duly Executed. For these purposes they shall have power to send for Persons, Papers and Records, they shall have Authority to pass public Censures, to Order Impeachments and to recommend to the Legislature the repealing such Laws as appear to them to have been Enacted contrary to the principles of the Constitution. These powers they shall Continue to have for and during the space of one year from the day of their Election and no longer. The said Council of Censors shall also have power, to call a Convention to meet within two years after their Sitting, if there appear to them an absolute Necessity of amending any Article of the Constitution which may be defective, explaining such as may be thought not clearly Expressed, and of adding such as are necessary for the preservation of the rights and Happiness of the people. But the Articles to be amended, and the Amendments proposed and such Articles as are proposed to be added or abolished shall be promulgated at least Six Months before the day appointed for the Election of such Convention, for the previous Consideration of the People, that they may have an Opportunity of Instructing their Delegates on the Subject.47 Passed in Convention the 28th Day of September 1776, and signed by their Order.48
in jedem Fall, ausgenommen was das Zusammenberufen einer Convention betrifft, worin Zwey Drittel von der ganzen erwählten Anzahl überein kommen sollen; und es soll ihre Pflicht seyn zu untersuchen ob die Regimentsverfassung in jedem Theil unverbrüchlich ist bewahret worden, und ob die gesetzgebende und vollziehende Zweige der Regierung ihre Schuldigkeit als Vormünder des Volks verrichtet, oder anderer oder grösserer Machten als wozu sie nach der Verfassung berechtiget sind, sich angemasset oder ausgeübet haben: Sie sollen gleichfalls untersuchen, ob die öffentliche Taxen gerecht sind aufgelegt und gesammlet worden in allen Theilen dieser Republik, auf was Art die publiken Gelder sind angewandt worden, und ob die Gesetze gehörig sind vollzogen worden: Zu dem Ende sollen sie Macht haben, Personen, Schriften und Urkunden kommen zu lassen; sie sollen Gewalt haben öffentliche Tadelungen ergehen zu lassen, öffentliche Anklagen67 zu verordnen, und der Gesetzgebung zu empfehlen solche Gesetze zu widerrufen, welche ihnen scheinen wider die Grundsätze der Regimentsverfassung gemacht zu seyn: Diese Macht sollen sie Ein Jahr lang von der Zeit ihrer Erwählung an haben, und nicht länger: Dieser gemeldete Rath der Censoren soll auch Macht haben eine Convention zu berufen, binnen zwey Jahren nach ihrer Sitzung zusammen zu kommen, wofern ihnen unumgänglich nöthig zu seyn erhellet einigen mangelhaften Artikel der Regimentsverfassung zu verbessern, solche die nicht deutlich ausgedrückt zu seyn erachtet werden, zu erklären, und solche beyzufügen die für nöthig gehalten werden, zu Bewahrung der Rechten und Glückseligkeit des Volks: Allein die zu verbessernde Artikel, die vorgeschlagenen Verbesserungen, und solche Artikel die beyzufügen oder abzuschaffen vorgeschlagen werden, sollen wenigstens sechs Monate vor dem zur Erwählung solcher Convention angesetzten Tage, zu vor-
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P ENNSYLVANIA heriger Erwägung des Volks öffentlich bekannt gemacht werden, damit selbiges Gelegenheit haben möge seinen Abgeordneten wegen der Sache Unterricht zu ertheilen.68 B[ENJAMIN] FRANKLIN, President49 ATTEST JOHN MORRIS JUN., Secretary50 Chester County Benj[amin]. Bartholomew Tho[ma]s. Strawbridge Robert Smith Samuel Cuningham51 J[oh]n. Macky52 John Fleming53
Philadelphia City T[imothy]. Matlack Frederick Kuhl James Cannon George Schlosser Dav[id]. Rittenhouse
Lancaster County Philip Marsteller Thomas Porter Bartram Galbraith54 John Hubley Alex[ander]. Lowrey
Philadelphia County Robert Loller Joseph Blewer J[oh]n. Bull W[illia]m. Coats55
York County Ja[me]s. Edger56 Ja[me]s. Smith
County of Bucks J[oh]n. Wilkinson Sam[uel]. Smith John Keller William Van Horne57 John Grier Abr[ah]am. V. Middleswart58 Jo[seph]. Kirkbride
Cumberland County John Harris Jonathan Hoge W[illia]m. Clark59 Rob[ert]. Whitehill William Duffield James Brown Hugh Alexander Ja[me]s. McLene62
Bedford County Benj[amin]. Elliot Thomas Coulter Joseph Powel60 John Burd John Cesne61 J[oh]n. Wilkins Thomas Smith
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C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1776)
Berks County Jacob Morgan Gabriel Heester64 Benjamin Spyker Valentine Eckert Charles Shoemaker Tho[ma]s. Jones jun. Northampton County Simon Dreisbach67 Jacob Orndt68 Peter Burkhalter69 Jacob Strowd70 Neigal Gray Abraham Miller John Ralston
1
Northumberland County W[illlia]m. Cook63 Ja[me]s. Potter Rob[er]t. Martin Matthew Brown Walter Clark John Kelly65 James Crawford John Weitzel66 Westmoreland County James Barr Edward Cook James Smith John Moore John Carmichael John McClelland71 Christoph Lobenguer72
Verified by The Constitution of the Common-wealth of Pennsylvania, as Established by the General Convention Elected for that Purpose, and Held at Philadelphia, July 15th, 1776, And Continued by Adjournments to September 28, 1776, Philadelphia: Printed by John Dunlap, in Market-Street, M,DCC,LXXVI [1776], 32 p., and corrected according to the engrossed manuscript as preserved in the Pennsylvania State Archives at Harrisburg, PA. Checked also against the versions as published in Minutes of the Proceedings of the Convention of the State of Pennsylvania, Held at Philadelphia, the Fifteenth Day of July, 1776, Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by Henry Miller, in Race-Street, MDCCLXXVI [1776], 58–65, in Minutes of the Convention of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Which Commenced at Philadelphia, On Tuesday the twenty-fourth Day of November, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-Nine, for the Purpose of Reviewing, and if They See Occasion, Altering and Amending, the Constitution of this State, Philadelphia: Printed by Zachariah Poulson, Jun., MDCCLXXXIX [1789], 12–21, in The Proceedings Relative to Calling the Conventions of 1776 and 1790, the Minutes of the Convention that Formed the Present Constitution of Pennsylvania, Together with the Charter to William Penn, the Constitutions of 1776 and 1790, and a View of the Proceedings of the Convention of 1776,
1
Verified by Kurze Anzeigen von dem Verfahren der Convention des Staats von Pennsylvanien, Gehalten zu Philadelphia, den Fünfzehnten Tag July, 1776, Philadelphia: Gedruckt und zu haben bey Henrich Miller, in der Rees-strasse, 1776, 58–66, and checked against the separate print Regiments-verfassung von Pennsylvanien, [Philadelphia: Henrich Miller, 1776], 16 p. The original manuscript is not known to have survived. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the Kurze Anzeigen, with obvious typographical errors tacitly corrected. Italics are used to represent elements emphasized in the original print. Curly brackets are used where square brackets in the original print appear to indicate additions to the text by the translator for the purpose of clarifying terms or issues. Parentheses as in the original print. To avoid redundancies, in editing the translation annotations have been inserted only when the translation is unclear or incomplete or the meaning of the original distorted. 2 In Regiments-verfassung von Pennsylvanien, 1, “auch”. 3 Ibid., word missing. 4 In ibid., “fortgesetzet hat”. 5 The Declaration of Independence, adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776. 6 On May 10, 1776, Congress had resolved, “That it be recommended to the respective Assemblies and
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P ENNSYLVANIA and the Council of Censors, Harrisburg: Printed by John S. Wiestling, Market Street, 1825, 54–66, and in Constitutions of Pennsylvania. Constitution of the United States, Compiled by Legislative Reference Bureau Under the direction of Robert L. Cable, Harrisburg, PA: s.n., 1986, 415–456. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follow the engrossed manuscript. Italics are used to represent elements emphasized in the manuscript or non-English legal terms. The constitution was not submitted to the people and went into effect immediately (on the most radical constitution of the American Revolution, cf. the classic study by J. Paul Selsam, The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776. A Study in Revolutionary Democracy, Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1936; Rosalind L. Branning, Pennsylvania Constitutional Development, Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1960, 9–16; and Thomas W. Clark, “Virtuous Democrats, Liberal Aristocrats: Political Discourse and the Pennsylvania Constitution, 1776–1790,” Ph.D. diss., University of Frankfurt am Main/Germany 2001; on its impact on the French Jacobin constitution of 1793, cf. Horst Dippel, “Aux origins du radicalisme bourgeois. De la constitution de Pennsylvanie de 1776 à la constitution jacobine de 1793,” in: Francia, 16/2 [1989], 61–73). In accordance with the constitution, the Council of Censors met for the first time in 1784, but without suggesting any alterations to be made to the constitution. Nevertheless, the fierce opponents of the constitution succeeded in 1790 to see the constitution abolished and superseded by the second constitution of Pennsylvania (q.v.). 2 In Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 415, “direction”. 3 In Miller print, 58, and in Wiestling print, 55, “whatsoever”. 4 In Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 416, “be”. 5 In Dunlap print, 5, in Miller print, 59, in Poulson print, 13, and in Wiestling print, 55, heading added. 6 In Dunlap print, 5, “Common Wealth or” missing. 7 In enrolled manuscript in Declaration of Rights “S ECT.” throughout missing; in Plan or Form of Government consistently written “Section the First” etc. 8 In Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 416, “inalienable”. 9 In Dunlap print, 5, in Miller print, 59, in Wiestling print, 55, and in Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 416, “amongst”. 10 In Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 416, word missing. 11 In Dunlap print, 7, word missing. 12 In Miller print, 59, “be”. 13 In Dunlap print, 8, “or”. 14 In Wiestling print, 57, and in Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 419, “legislatures”. 15 In Dunlap print, 10, in Miller print, 60, in Poulson print, 15, and in Wiestling print, 57, heading added. 16 In Dunlap print, 10, “for the Common Wealth or State of Pennsylvania” missing.
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Conventions of the United Colonies [. . . ] to adopt such a government as shall, in the opinion of the representatives of the people, best conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents” (Sources and Documents illustrating the American Revolution, 1764–1788, and the formation of the Federal Constitution, ed. by S. E. Morison, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1929, 148). 7 In English original, “Common Wealth”. 8 As in the English enrolled manuscript sections in Declaration of Rights consistently numbered without indication of “Absch.” (“S ECT.”). 9 In English original, “his Legal Representatives”. 10 In English original, “criminal offences”. 11 In Regiments-verfassung von Pennsylvanien, 4, “die”. 12 In English original, “Justice, Moderation, Temperance, Industry and Frugality”. 13 In English original, here and throughout, “Legislature”. 14 In English original, “Commissioned Officers”. 15 In English original, here and throughout, “Ballot”. 16 In English original, “Qualifications”. 17 In English original, “on Examination”. 18 In English original, “impeach”. 19 In English original, “Grant Charters of Incorporation”. 20 In English original, here and throughout, “Constitution”. 21 In English original, “Bill, Vote or Resolution”. 22 In English original, “Religious Test”. 23 In English original, “represent”. 24 In English original, “Represent”. 25 In English original, “Question, Vote or Resolution”. 26 In English original, “Session”. 27 In English original, “Preambles”. 28 In Regiments-verfassung von Pennsylvanien, 7, “ihr”. 29 In English original, “to represent”. 30 In English original, “Representation”. 31 In English original, “an inconvenient Aristocracy”. 32 In English original, “joint Ballot”. 33 In Regiments-verfassung von Pennsylvanien, 9, “welchem”. 34 In English original, “all other Officers, Civil and Military”. 35 In English original, “this Frame of Government”. 36 In English original, “with the Officers of Government, Civil and Military”. 37 In English original, “Impeachments”. 38 In English original, “Impeachment”. 39 In English original, “reprieves”. 40 In English original, “Sessions”. 41 In English original, “Impeachments”. 42 In English original, “for such Sums as shall be appropriated by the House”. 43 In English original, “in the recess of the House”. 44 In English original, “Commissions”.
V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1776) 17
In ibid., 10–11, “Colonel”. In ibid., 12, word missing. 19 In Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 422, “and the”. 20 In Dunlap print, 15, and in Poulson print, 16, “desire”. 21 In Dunlap print, 15, and in Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 423, word missing. 22 In Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 423, “of”. 23 In Wiestling print, 59, and in Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 423, “of”. 24 In Poulson print, 17, in Wiestling print, 59, and in Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 423, “viz.”. 25 In Poulson print, 17, “of”. 26 Ibid., “and”. 27 In Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 424, word missing. 28 In Dunlap print, 19, in Miller print, 62, in Wiestling print, 60, and in Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 424, “of the”. 29 In Dunlap print, 21, in Miller print, 62, in Wiestling print, 61, and in Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 425, “impeachment”. 30 In Wiestling print, 61, “session”. 31 In Poulson print, 18, and in Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 425, “punishments”. 32 In Poulson print, 19, “compotis”; in Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 426, “compos”. 33 In Dunlap print, 23, in Miller print, 63, in Wiestling print, 61, and in Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 427, “open”. 34 In Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 427, “law allows”. 35 In Dunlap print, 25, in Miller print, 63, in Poulson print, 19, in Wiestling print, 62, and in Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 428, “Law”. 36 In Dunlap print, 25, in Miller print, 63, and in Wiestling print, 62, “resign”. 37 In Dunlap print, 26, in Miller print, 63, in Wiestling print, 62, and in Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 428, “again elected”. 38 In Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 429, “penalties”. 39 In Dunlap print, 27, in Miller print, 64, and in Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 430, “such a”. 40 In Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 430, word missing. 41 Ibid., “punishments”. 42 In Dunlap print, 28, in Miller print, 64, in Poulson print, 20, and in Wiestling print, 63, “enter”. 43 In Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 430, “of”. 44 In Dunlap print, 29, and in Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 430, word missing. 45 In Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 431, “or”. 46 Ibid., “the”. 47 In Dunlap print, 32, and in Miller print, 65, rest missing. 48 In Wiestling print, 65, instead of preceding sentence “On motion, Ordered, That the president and every member of this convention present, do sign the 18
45
In English original, “whether Judical or Executive”. In English original, “impeached”. 47 In English original, “Impeachments”. 48 In English original, “Capital offences”. 49 In German translation, “as the Laws shall hereafter direct” missing. 50 In English original, “Representatives”. 51 In English original, “his Deputies”. 52 In Regiments-verfassung von Pennsylvanien, 13, “der”. 53 Ibid., “einiges”. 54 In English original, “Estate”. 55 In English original, “Servility”. 56 In English original, “Faction”. 57 In English original, “Fees”. 58 In English original, “Penal Laws”. 59 In English original, “Sanguinary”. 60 In English original, “Crimes not Capital”. 61 In English original, “Denizen”. 62 In English original, “Representative”. 63 In English original, “Universities”. 64 In English original, “Religion and Learning”. 65 In English original, “Estates”. 66 In English original, “former constitution”. 67 In English original, “Impeachments”. 68 In English original, “of Instructing their Delegates on the Subject.” In Regiments-verfassung von Pennsylvanien, 16, follows the concluding sentence: “Genehmiget in der Convention für den Staat von Pennsylvanien, den 28sten Tag September, 1776.” Signatures omitted. 46
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P ENNSYLVANIA same, which was accordingly done, by the following members of the convention:”. Names of president and secretary at the end of list of signers, ibid., 66. 49 In Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 432, rest missing. 50 In Poulson print, 21, rest missing. 51 In The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as Established by the General Convention, Carefully Compared with the Original. To Which is Added, A Report of the Committee [. . . ] As Adopted by the Council of Censors. Published by their Order, Philadelphia: Printed by Francis Bailey, 1784, 32, and in Wiestling print, 65, “Cunningham”. 52 In Wiestling print, 65, “Mackey”. 53 Ibid., “Flemming”. 54 Ibid., “Galbreath“. 55 Ibid., “Coates”. 56 In Bailey print, 33, and in Wiestling print, 65, “Edgar”. 57 In Wiestling print, 65, “Vanhorn”. 58 Ibid., “Van Middleswarts“. 59 Ibid., “Clarke”. 60 In Bailey print, 34, and in Wiesling print, 65, “Powell”. 61 In Bailey print, 34, “Cessne”; in Wiestling print, 65, “Cessna”. 62 In Wiestling print, 65, “M’Clean”. 63 Ibid., “Cooke”. 64 In Bailey print, 33, “Heister”; in Wiestling print, 65, “Hiester”.. 65 In Wiestling print, 65, “Kelley”. 66 Ibid., “Weitzell”. 67 Ibid., “Driesbach”. 68 In Bailey print, 33, and in Wiestling print, 65, “Arndt”. 69 In Bailey print, 33, “Bunklealter”; in Wiestling print, 65, “Burkholder”. 70 In Wiesling print, 65, “Stroud”. 71 Ibid., 66, “M’Clellan”. 72 In Bailey print, 34, and in Wiestling print, 66, “Christopher Lavingair”.
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Constitution of Pennsylvania (1790)
Verfassung von Pennsylvanien (1790)
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania1
Die Regierungsverfassung der Republik Pennsylvanien1
WE, the P EOPLE of the C OMMON of P ENNSYLVANIA, ordain and establish this C ONSTITUTION for its G OVERNMENT .2
Wir, das Volk der Republik Pennsylvanien, verordnen und errichten diese Verfassung für die Regierung derselben.
ARTICLE I
ERSTER ARTIKEL
S ECT. 1. The legislative power of this commonwealth shall be vested in a general Assembly, which shall consist of a Senate and house of Representatives.
1. A BSCH . Die Gesetzgebende Macht dieser Republik2 soll einer General-Assembly aufgetragen werden, welche aus einem Senat und einem Hause der Representanten bestehen soll.
S ECT. 2. The Representatives shall be chosen, annually, by the citizens of the city of Philadelphia, and of each county respectively, on the second Tuesday of October.
2. A BSCH . Die Representanten sollen jährlich von den Bürgern der Stadt Philadelphia und denen verschiedenen Caunties dieses Staats, am Zweyten Dienstag im October, erwählet werden.
S ECT. 3. No person shall be a Representative, who shall not have attained the age of twenty one years, and have been a citizen and inhabitant of the State three years next preceding his election, and the last year thereof an inhabitant of the city or County, in which he shall be chosen; unless, he shall have been absent on the public business of the United States or of this State. No person, residing within any City, Town or Borough, which shall be entitled to a separate representation, shall be elected a Member for any County; nor shall any person, residing without the limits of any such City, Town or
3. A BSCH . Niemand soll ein Representante seyn, der nicht das Alter von ein und zwanzig Jahren erreichet, und nicht zur Zeit seiner Erwählung während der drey nächst vorhergehenden Jahre ein Einwohner und Bürger des Staats, und das letztere Jahr davon ein Einwohner derjenigen Stadt oder Caunty gewesen ist, für welche er erwählet wird; es sey denn daß er in öffentlichen Geschäften der Vereinigten Staaten oder dieses Staates abwesend gewesen. Niemand welcher in irgend einer Stadt, Taun oder Borough3 wohnet, die zu einer absonderlichen4 Representation berechtigt ist, soll für
WEALTH
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P ENNSYLVANIA Borough, be elected a Member therefor3 .
irgend eine Caunty als ein Glied erwählet werden; noch soll irgend einige Person, die ausserhalb den Grenzen solcher Stadt, Taun oder Borough wohnet, dafür als ein Glied erwählet werden.
S ECT. 4. Within three years after the first meeting of the General Assembly, and within every subsequent term of seven years, an enumeration of the taxable inhabitants shall be made, in such manner as shall be directed by law. The number of Representatives shall, at the several periods of making such enumeration, be fixed by the legislature, and apportioned among the City of Philadelphia and the several Counties according to the number of taxable inhabitants in each; and shall never be less than sixty, nor greater than one hundred. Each county shall have, at least, one Representative; but no County, hereafter erected, shall be entitled to a separate representation, untill a sufficient number of taxable inhabitants shall be contained within it to entitle them to4 one Representative, agreeably5 to the ratio, which shall then be established.
4. A BSCH . Innerhalb drey Jahren nach der ersten Zusammenkunft der General-Assembly, und in einem jedweden folgenden Zeitraum von sieben Jahren soll eine Zählung der taxbaren5 Einwohner auf solche Weise vorgenommen werden, wie solches durch die Gesetze verordnet werden wird. Die Anzahl der Representanten soll zu den verschiedenen Zeiten, da solche Zählung vorgenommen wird, durch die Gesetzgebung6 bestimmet, und unter die Stadt Philadelphia und den verschiedenen Caunties, nach der Anzahl der taxbaren Einwohner in einer jeden derselben, vertheilet werden, und soll dieselbe niemals weniger wie Sechszig, und niemals grösser als Hundert seyn. Jede Caunty soll wenigstens einen Representanten haben, aber keine Caunty, so nach diesem errichtet wird, soll zu einer besondern7 Representation berechtigt seyn, bis eine hinlängliche Anzahl taxbarer8 Einwohner in derselben enthalten, welche sie nach dem alsdenn festgesetzten Verhältniß zu einem Representanten berechtiget.
S ECT. 5. The Senators shall be chosen, for four years, by the citizens of Philadelphia, and of the several counties6 , at the same time, in the same manner, and at the same places, where they shall vote for representatives.
5. A BSCH . Die Senatoren sollen für vier Jahr von den Bürgern von Philadelphia und einer jedweden Caunty, zur selben Zeit, auf dieselbe Art und an denselben Orten, wo selbige für Representanten stimmen, erwählet werde.
S ECT. 6. The number of Senators shall, at the several periods of making the enumeration before mentioned, be fixed by the Legislature, and apportioned among7 the districts, formed as herein after directed, according to the number of taxable inhabitants in each; and shall never be less than one fourth, nor greater than one third of the number of representatives.
6. A BSCH . Die Anzahl der Senatoren soll zu den verschiedenen Zeitpuncten, wenn die vorhinbemeldete Zählung geschieht, von der Gesetzgebung bestimmet, und unter die Districte9 , die, wie hierin nachher verordnet worden, gemacht sind, nach Maaßgabe der taxbaren Einwohner in einem jedweden, vertheilet werden; und soll nie weniger als ein Viertheil, und nie grösser als ein Drittheil der Anzahl der Representanten seyn.
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C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1790) S ECT. 7. The Senators shall be chosen in districts, to be formed by the Legislature; each district containing such a number of taxable inhabitants as shall be entitled to elect not more than four Senators: Where8 a district shall be composed of two or more Counties, they shall be adjoining.9 Neither the City of Philadelphia nor any County shall be divided in forming a district.
7. A BSCH . Die Senatoren sollen in Districten erwählet werden, so durch die Gesetzgebung eingerichtet worden, jeder District soll eine solche Anzahl taxbarer Einwohner enthalten als zur Wahl von nicht mehr als vier Senators berechtiget ist; wenn ein District aus zweyen oder mehreren Caunties bestehet, sollen selbige aneinander grenzen. Doch soll weder die Stadt Philadelphia noch irgend eine Caunty in Einrichtung der Districte getheilet werden.
S ECT. 8. No person shall be a Senator, who shall not have attained the age of twenty-five years, and have been a citizen and inhabitant of the State four years next10 before his election, and the last year thereof an inhabitant of the district, for which he shall be chosen; unless he shall have been absent on the public business of the United States or of this State11 .
8. A BSCH . Niemand soll ein Senator seyn, der nicht das Alter von fünf und zwanzig Jahren erreichet hat, und nicht ein Bürger und Einwohner des Staats vier Jahre zunächst vor seiner Erwählung und das letzte Jahr davon ein Einwohner von dem District, für welchen er erwählet wird, gewesen ist; es sey denn daß er in öffentlichen Geschäften der Vereinigten Staaten oder dieses Staates abwesend gewesen.
S ECT. 9. Immediately after the Senators shall be assembled in consequence of the first election subsequent to the first enumeration, they shall be divided, by lott, as equally as may be into four classes. The seats of the Senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the first year, of the second class at the expiration of the second year, of the third class at the expiration of the third year, and of the fourth class at the expiration of the fourth year, so that one fourth may be chosen every year.
9. A BSCH . Unmittelbar nachdem die Senatoren zufolge der ersten Wahl nach der ersten Zählung versammelt sind, sollen selbige sogleich als möglich durchs Loos in vier Classen vertheilet werden. Die Sitze der Senatoren der ersten Classe sollen mit dem Ausgang des ersten Jahres; der zweyten Classe mit dem Ausgang des zweyten Jahres; der dritten Classe mit dem Ausgang des dritten Jahres, und der vierten Classe mit dem Ausgange des vierten Jahres erledigt werden, so dass ein Viertheil alle Jahr neu erwählet wird.
S ECT. 10. The General Assembly shall meet on the first Tuesday of December in every year, unless sooner convened by the Governor.
10. A BSCH . Die General-Assembly soll am ersten Dienstage im December eines jeden Jahres zusammen kommen, ausgenommen wenn selbige früher von dem Gouverneur zusammen gerufen wird.
S ECT. 11. Each House shall choose its Speaker and other officers; and the Senate shall also choose a Speaker pro tempore when the Speaker shall exercise the office of Governor.
11. A BSCH . Jedes Haus soll seinen Sprecher und andere Beamte erwählen; auch soll der Senat eines Sprecher pro tempore10 erwählen, wenn der Sprecher das Amt des Gouverneurs ausüben wird.
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P ENNSYLVANIA S ECT. 12. Each House shall judge of the qualifications of its12 members. Contested13 elections shall be determined by a committee, to be selected, formed and regulated14 in such manner as shall be directed by law. A majority of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized, by law to compell the attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as may be provided.
12. A BSCH . Ein jedes Haus soll Richter über die erforderlichen Eigenschaften seiner eigenen Glieder seyn; streitige Wahlen aber sollen11 durch eine Committee entschieden werden, die auf solche Art ausgesucht, gebildet und angeordnet worden, wie solches durch die Gesetze verordnet werden wird. Eine Mehrheit von einem jeden Hause soll ein Quorum12 ausmachen um Geschäfte zu verrichten; aber eine geringere Anzahl mag ihre Zusammenkünfte von Tage zu Tage verschieben, und mag durch ein Gesetz bevollmächtiget werden13 , die abwesenden Glieder zu zwingen hinzukommen, auf solche Art und unter solchen Strafen, als ausgemacht werden wird.
S ECT. 13. Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behaviour, and, with the concurrence of two thirds expel a member; but not a second time for the same cause; and shall have all other powers necessary for a15 branch of the Legislature of a free State.
13. A BSCH . Ein jedes Haus mag die Regeln in seinen Verhandlungen bestimmen, seine Glieder wegen unordentlichen Betragens strafen, und mit Beystimmung von zwey Drittheilen ein Glied ausstossen; aber nicht zum zweytenmale der nämlichen Ursache halben; und soll alle übrige Gewalt haben, welche für irgend einen Zweig14 einer freyen Gesetzgebung15 nothwendig ist.
S ECT. 14. Each House shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and publish them weekly, except such parts as may16 require secrecy: And the yeas and nays of the members, on any question, shall, at the desire of any two of them, be entered on the Journals17 .
14. A BSCH . Ein jedes Haus soll ein Tagebuch seiner Verhandlungen halten, und solches wöchentlich bekannt machen, ausgenommen solche Theile als nach ihrem Urtheile16 Geheimhaltung17 erfordern; und die Jas und Neins der Glieder auf irgend eine Frage sollen auf Verlangen von irgend zwey derselben in die Tagebücher eingetragen werden.
S ECT. 15. The Doors of each House, and of committees18 of the whole, shall be open, unless, when the business shall be such as19 ought to be kept secret.
15. A BSCH . Die Thüren beyder Häuser18 , und der Committeen des Ganzen sollen offen seyn, es sey denn, daß die Geschäfte solcher Art sind daß sie geheim gehalten werden solten.
S ECT. 16. Neither House shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three Days, nor to any other place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.
16. A BSCH . Keines von den Häusern soll ohne Zustimmung des andern seine Zusammenkunft für länger als drey Tage aussetzen, noch sich an einem andern Ort begeben, als wo beyde Häuser denn sitzen.
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V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1790) S ECT. 17. The Senators and representatives shall receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the commonwealth. They shall in all cases, except Treason, Felony and breach or surety20 of the peace, be privileged from arrest, during their attendance at the session of the respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same. And for any speech or debate in either House they shall not be questioned in any other place.
17. A BSCH . Die Senatoren und Representanten sollen eine Vergeltung für ihre Dienste empfangen, welche durch Gesetze bestimmt, und aus der Schatzkammer der Republik bezahlt werden soll; sie sollen in allen Fällen, Hochverrath, Haupt-Verbrechen19 und Friedensbruch, oder Sicherheit des Friedens ausgenommen, während daß sie den Sitzungen20 der respectiven Häuser beywohnen, und auf ihren Reisen dahin und wieder zurück, von allem Arreste frey seyn; auch nicht wegen irgend einer Rede oder Verhandlung in einem der Häuser an irgend einem andern Orte angesprochen21 werden.
S ECT. 18. No Senator or representative shall, during the time for which he shall have been21 elected, be appointed to any civil office, under this22 commonwealth, which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which shall have been increased, during such time; and no member of Congress or other person holding any office (except of Attorney at law and23 in the militia) under the United States or this Commonwealth, shall be a member of either House during his continuance in Congress or in office.
18. A BSCH . Kein Representante22 soll während der Zeit, für welche er erwählet worden, zu irgend einem bürgerlichen Amte unter dem Gebiete23 dieser Republik angestellet werden, welches während solcher Zeit errichtet oder dessen Einkünfte vermehret worden sind: Und kein Glied des Congresses oder eine andere Person, die ein Amt, (ausgenommen Anwälde24 und in der Militz) unter den Vereinigten Staaten oder dieser Republik bekleidet, soll während seines Verbleibens im Congreß oder im Amte, zum Gliede irgend eines der Häuser erwählet werden.
S ECT. 19. When vacancies happen in either House, the Speaker24 shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies.
19. A BSCH . Wenn Sitze in einem der Häuser erlediget werden, so soll der Sprecher desselben Befehle zu einer Wahl ausfertigen, um solche Erledigungen zu füllen.
S ECT. 20. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the house of representatives; but the Senate may propose25 amendments as in other bills.
20. A BSCH . Alle Bills25 zur Aufbringung der Einkünfte sollen im Hause der Representanten ihren Ursprung nehmen; aber der Senat mag Verbesserungen vorschlagen, wie bey andern Bills.
S ECT. 21. No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by law.
21. A BSCH . Kein Geld soll aus der Schatzkammer gezogen werden, als in Gemäßheit der Zueignungen, welche durch Gesetze gemacht werden.
S ECT. 22. Every bill, which shall have passed both Houses26 , shall27 be presented to the Governor: If he approve, he shall
22. A BSCH . Ein jegliches Bill, welches in beyden Häusern durchgegangen, soll, ehe es zum Gesetz wird,26 dem Gouverneur vor-
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P ENNSYLVANIA sign it; but if he shall not approve28 , he shall return it, with his objections, to the House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large upon their Journals, and proceed to reconsider it: If after such reconsideration, two thirds of that House, shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, with29 the objections, to the other House, by which likewise it shall30 be reconsidered: And if approved by two thirds of that House it shall be31 a law. But in such32 cases the votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons voting for or against the Bill shall be entered on the Journals of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the Governor within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, it shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it; unless the General Assembly, by their adjournment, prevent33 its return; in which case it shall be a law, unless sent back within three days after their next meeting.
geleget werden; wenn er solches billiget, so soll er es unterschreiben; wenn er es aber nicht billiget, so soll er selbiges mit seinen Einwendungen an dasjenige Haus zurück senden, in welchem es seinen Ursprung genommen, welche alsdenn die Einwendungen in voller Länge in ihr Tagebuch eintragen, und zur Wieder-Ueberlegung desselben schreiten sollen: Wenn nach solcher Wieder-Ueberlegung zwey Drittheile von demselben Hause dahin übereinstimmen, daß das Bill durchgehen soll; so soll es alsdenn, mit den Einwendungen, an das andere Haus gesandt werden, von welchem es ebenfalls wieder überlegt werden soll, und wenn es von zwey Drittheilen von solchem Hause gebilligt wird, so soll es ein Gesetz seyn. Aber in solchen Fällen sollen die Stimmen in beyden Häusern durch die Jas und Neins bestimmet, und die Namen der Personen, welche für und wider das Bill stimmen, in das Tagebuch eines jeden Hauses eingetragen werden. Wenn einiges Bill von dem Gouverneur nicht innerhalb zehn Tagen, nachdem ihm solches vorgeleget worden, (Sonntage ausgenommen) zurück gesandt wird, so soll solches ein Gesetz seyn, eben als ob er dasselbe unterschrieben hätte, es sey denn daß die General-Assembly durch Verschiebung ihrer Zusammenkunft die Zurücksendung desselben verhindert. In welchem Falle es ein Gesetz seyn soll, wo es nicht innerhalb dreyen Tagen nach ihrer nächsten Zusammenkunft zurück gesandt wird.
S ECT. 23. Every order, resolution or vote, to which the concurrence of both Houses34 may be necessary (except on a question of adjournment) shall be presented to the Governor, and, before it35 shall take effect, be approved by him, or being disapproved, shall be repassed by two thirds of both Houses36 , according to the rules and limitations prescribed in case of a Bill.
23. A BSCH . Jedwede Verordnung, Schluß oder Stimme, wozu die Beystimmung des Senats und Hauses der Representanten27 erforderlich seyn mag, (ausgenommen auf eine Frage wegen Verschiebung der Zusammenkunft) soll dem Gouverneur vorgeleget, und ehe es Platz nimmt, von ihm gebilliget werden; oder wenn er solches mißbilliget, so soll es durch zwey Drittheile beyder Häuser wiederum durchgehen, nach denselben Regeln und Einschrän-
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C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1790) kungen, die im Fall eines Bills verordnet worden.
ARTICLE II
ZWEYTER ARTIKEL
S ECT. 1. The Supreme Executive power of this Commonwealth shall be vested in a Governor.
1. A BSCH . Die Höchste Vollziehende Macht dieser Republik soll einem Gouverneur aufgetragen werden.
S ECT. 2. The Governor shall be chosen on the second Tuesday of October, by the Citizens of37 the commonwealth, at the places where they shall respectively vote for Representatives. The returns of every election for Governor shall be sealed up and transmitted38 to the seat of Government, directed to the Speaker of the Senate, who shall open and publish them in the presence of the members of both Houses of the Legislature. The person having the highest number of votes shall be Governor. But if two or more shall be equal and highest in votes, one of them shall be chosen Governor by the joint vote of the members of both Houses. Contested elections shall be determined by a Committee, to be selected from both Houses of the Legislature, and formed and regulated39 in such manner as shall be directed by law.
2. A BSCH . Der Gouverneur soll am zweyten Dienstag im October von denen Bürgern durch den Staat28 an eben den Orten, wo sie für ihre Representanten stimmen, erwählet werden. Die Berichte einer jeden Wahl für einen Gouverneur sollen versiegelt zum Sitz der Regierung, an den Sprecher des Senats gerichtet, eingesandt werden, und dieser soll selbige in Gegenwart der Glieder von beyden Häusern der Gesetzgebung eröffnen und bekannt machen. Diejenige Person, so die größte Anzahl Stimmen hat, soll Gouverneur seyn. Wenn aber zwey oder mehrere gleich und die höchsten an Stimmen sind, so soll einer derselben durch die vereinigten Stimmen der Glieder beyder Häuser erwählet werden. Streitige Wahlen sollen durch eine Committee, so aus beyden Häusern der Gesetzgebung ausgehoben auf solche Art wie es durch die Gesetze verordnet worden, gebildet und angeordnet ist, entschieden werden.
S ECT. 3. The Governor shall hold his office during three years from the third Tuesday of December next ensuing his election, and shall not be capable of holding it40 longer than nine in any term of twelve years.
3. A BSCH . Der Gouverneur soll sein Amt für drey Jahr vom dritten Dienstag im December, welcher zunächst auf seine Wahl folget, halten, und soll nicht fähig seyn sein Amt länger als neun Jahr in einer Zeit von zwölf Jahren zu bekleiden.
S ECT. 4. He shall be, at least, thirty years of age, and have been a Citizen and41 inhabitant of this State seven years next before his election; unless he shall have been absent on the public business of the United States or of this State.
4. A BSCH . Er soll wenigstens dreyßig Jahre alt, und sieben Jahre lang nächst zuvor seiner Wahl ein Bürger und Einwohner dieses Staats gewesen seyn, es sey denn daß er in öffentlichen Geschäften der Vereinigten Staaten, oder dieses Staats abwesend gewesen.
S ECT. 5. No member of Congress, or
5. A BSCH . Kein Glied des Congresses,
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P ENNSYLVANIA person holding any office under the United States or this State, shall exercise42 the office of Governor.
oder irgend eine Person, die ein Amt unter diesem Staate oder den Vereinigten Staaten hält, soll fähig seyn das Amt eines Gouverneurs zu bekleiden29 .
S ECT. 6. The Governor shall, at stated times, receive for his services, a compensation, which shall be neither increased nor diminished during the period for which he shall have been elected.
6. A BSCH . Der Gouverneur soll zu gewissen bestimmten Zeiten eine Vergeltung für seine Dienste erhalten, welche während des Zeitraums für welche er erwählt worden, weder vemehret noch verringert werden soll.
S ECT. 7. He shall be commander in chief of the Army and43 Navy of this Commonwealth, and of the militia; except when they shall be called into the actual service of the United States.
7. A BSCH . Er soll der oberste Befehlshaber der Armee und der Flotte der Republik, und ebenfalls der Militz seyn; ausgenommen wenn sie in den wirklichen Dienst der Vereinigten Staaten ausgerufen werden.
S ECT. 8. He shall appoint all officers, whose offices are established by this Constitution, or shall be established by law, and whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for; but no person shall be appointed to an office within any County, who shall not have been a Citizen and44 inhabitant therein one year next before his appointment, if the County shall have been so long erected; but, if it shall not have been so long erected45 , then within the limits of the46 County or Counties, out of which it shall have been taken. No member of Congress from this State, nor any person holding or exercising any office of trust or profit under the United States, shall, at the same time, hold or exercise the office of Judge, Secretary, Treasurer, Prothonotary, Register of wills, recorder47 of Deeds, Sheriff or any office in this State, to which a Salary is by law annexed, or any other office, which future Legislatures shall declare incompatible with offices or appointments under the United States.
8. A BSCH . Er soll alle Beamten anstellen, deren Aemter durch die Regierungsverfassung errichtet sind, oder durch Gesetze noch werden errichtet werden und vor deren Anstellung nicht auf andere Art hierin gesorget worden, aber niemand soll zu irgend einem Amte in irgend einer Caunty angestellt werden, welcher nicht ein Jahr nächst zuvor seiner Anstellung ein Bürger und Einwohner in derselben gewesen, wenn es nemlich so lange ist seitdem die Caunty errichtet worden, solte sie aber noch nicht so lange errichtet seyn, denn innerhalb den Grenzen30 derjenigen Caunty oder Caunties, aus welchen selbige genommen ist. Kein Glied des Congresses für diesen Staat, noch auch irgend eine andere Person, welche ein Amt von Zutrauen oder Vortheil unter den Vereinigten Staaten hält und verwaltet31 , soll zu gleicher Zeit das Amt eines Richters, Secretairs, Schatzmeisters, Prothonotarius, Registrirers der letzten Willen, Recorders der Kaufbriefe32 , Scheriffs oder irgend ein Amt in diesem Staate halten und33 verwalten können, dem durch die Gesetze eine Besoldung zugefügt worden, noch auch einiges anders Amt wovon die Gesetzgebung künftighin erklären wird, daß es mit ihren Aemtern oder Anstellungen unter den Vereinigten Staaten nicht bestehen könne.
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V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1790) S ECT. 9. He shall have power to remit fines and forfeitures, and grant reprieves and pardons, except in cases of impeachment.48
9. A BSCH . Er soll die Macht haben Geldstrafen und Verwirkungen zu erlassen, und Aufschub und völlige Vergebung34 zu ertheilen, ausgenommen in Fällen von öffentlichen Anklagen35 .
S ECT. 10. He may require information, in writing, from the officers in the executive department, upon49 any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices.50
10. A BSCH . Er mag von denen Beamten des Vollziehenden Departements36 schriftlichen Unterricht über irgend einen Gegenstand, welcher die Pflichten ihrer respectiven Aemter betrift, fordern.
S ECT. 11. He shall, from time to time, give to the General Assembly information of the state of the Commonwealth, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge expedient51 .52
11. A BSCH . Er soll von Zeit zu Zeit der General Assembly von dem Zustande der Republik Nachricht ertheilen; und ihrer Betrachtung solche Maaßregeln anempfehlen, als er für nöthig oder nützlich37 halten wird.
S ECT. 12. He may, on extraordinary occasions, convene the General Assembly; and, in case of disagreement between the two Houses with respect to the time of adjournment, adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper, not exceeding four Months.53
12. A BSCH . Er mag bey ausserordentlichen Gelegenheiten die Assembly zusammen rufen; und im Fall die beyden Häuser sich wegen der Anberaumung ihrer Zusammenkunft nicht vereinigen können, mag er ihre Zusammenkunft auf solche Zeit verschieben als er es für gut achten wird, jedoch nicht über vier Monat.
S ECT. 13. He shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.54
13. A BSCH . Er soll dafür sorgen, daß die Gesetze getreulich vollzogen werden.
S ECT. 14. In case of the death or resignation of the Governor, or of his removal from office, the Speaker of the Senate shall exercise the office of Governor, untill another Governor shall be duly qualified55 . And if the trial of a contested election shall continue longer than untill the third Tuesday in December next ensuing the election of a56 Governor; the Governor of the last year, or the Speaker of the Senate, who may be in the exercise of the Executive authority, shall continue therein untill the determination of such contested election, and untill a Governor shall be qualified as aforesaid.57
14. A BSCH . Im Fall des Todes oder Abdankung des Gouverneurs, oder wenn derselbe seines Amts entsetzt wird, soll der Sprecher des Senats das Amt eines Gouverneurs verwalten bis ein anderer Gouverneur gehörig beeidigt ist. Und wenn die Untersuchung wegen einer streitigen Wahl länger als bis zum dritten Dienstag des zunächst auf die Wahl eines Gouverneurs folgenden Decembermonats dauren solte, so soll alsdenn der Gouverneur des letzten Jahrs, oder der Sprecher des Senats, wenn er die Ausübung der Vollziehenden Macht zu verwalten hat, darin fortfahren, bis der Streit wegen der Wahl entschieden, und ein Gouverneur, wie vorhin gemeldet, beeidiget worden.
S ECT. 15. A Secretary shall be appointed and commissioned during the Governors
15. A BSCH . Ein Secretair soll bestellet werden, und seine Bestallung auf so lange
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P ENNSYLVANIA continuance in office, if he shall so long behave himself well: He shall keep a fair register of all the official acts and proceedings of the Governor58 , and shall, when required, lay the same and all papers, minutes and vouchers relative thereto before either branch of the Legislature, and shall perform such other duties as shall be enjoined him by law.59
Zeit erhalten als der Gouverneur im Amte verbleiben wird, wenn er sich so lange gut aufführt. Er soll von allen Amts-Acten und Verhandlungen des Gouverneurs ein getreues Protocoll führen, und soll solches, wenn es verlangt wird, nebst allen Papieren, Anzeichnungen und Belegen, so dazu gehören, irgend einen Zweige der Gesetzgebung vorlegen, und soll solche anderweitige Pflichten verrichten als ihm durch die Gesetze werden auferlegt werden.
ARTICLE III
DRITTER ARTIKEL
S ECT. 1. In elections by the Citizens, every freeman of the age of twenty one years, having resided in the State two years next before the election60 , and within that time paid a State or County tax, which shall have been assessed61 at least six Months before the election, shall enjoy the rights of an elector: Provided that the sons of persons qualified as aforesaid, between the ages62 of twenty one and twenty two years, shall be entitled to vote, although they shall not have paid taxes.
1. A BSCH . Bey Wahlen, welche durch die Bürger geschehen, soll ein jeder freyer Mann, welcher ein und zwanzig Jahr alt ist, im Staate zwey Jahr nächst zuvor denen Tagen der besagten Wahlen gewohnet, und binnen der Zeit eine Staats- oder Caunty-Taxe bezahlet hat, die wenigsten sechs Monat vor solcher Wahl auferleget worden, das Recht eines Erwählers geniessen, unter dem Beding, daß die Söhne von solchen Personen, welche wie vorhin bemeldet, die gehörigen Eigenschaften haben, und zwischen ein und zwey und zwanzig Jahr alt sind, wenn sie gleich keine Taxen bezahlt haben, das Recht haben sollen ihre Stimmen zu geben.
S ECT. 2. All elections shall be by Ballot, except those by persons in their representative63 capacities, who shall vote viva voce64 .
2. A BSCH . Alle Wahlen sollen durch geschriebene Zettel geschehen38 , ausgenommen diejenigen durch Personen in ihrer representativischen oder öffentlichen Fähigkeit39 , welche Viva Voce40 stimmen sollen.
S ECT. 365 . Electors shall in all cases, except Treason, Felony and breach or66 surety67 of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance on elections, and in going to and returning from them.
3. A BSCH . Erwähler sollen in allen Fällen, Hochverrath, Hauptverbrechen und Friedensbruch oder Sicherheit des Friedens ausgenommen, von allem Arreste, während der Zeit daß sie solcher Wahl beywohnen, und wenn sie dahin gehen und von derselben zurückkehren, frey seyn.
ARTICLE IV
VIERTER ARTIKEL
S ECT. 1. The House of Representatives
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1. A BSCH . Das Haus der Representan-
C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1790) shall have the sole power of impeaching.
ten soll allein das Recht haben öffentlich anzuklagen41 .
S ECT. 2. All impeachments shall be tried by the Senate: When sitting for that purpose, the Senators shall be upon68 oath or affirmation. No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two thirds of the members present.
2. A BSCH . Alle offentliche Anklagen sollen von dem Senat verhört werden. Wenn sie zu diesem Endzwecke sitzen, sollen die Senatoren auf Eid oder Bekräftigung seyn42 . Niemand soll ohne die Zustimmung von zwey Drittheilen der gegenwärtigen Glieder für schuldig erkannt werden.
S ECT. 3. The Governor and all other civil officers, under this Commonwealth, shall be liable to impeachment for any misdemeanor in office: But judgment, in such cases, shall not extend further than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold any office of honor, trust or profit, under this Commonwealth: The party, whether convicted or acquitted69 , shall nevertheless be liable to indictment, trial, judgment and punishment according to law.
3. A BSCH . Der Gouverneur und alle andere Civil Beamte unter dieser Republik, sollen wegen einiges übeln Betragens in ihrem Amte öffentlich angeklaget werden können43 . Doch soll das Urtheil in solchen Fällen sich nicht weiter als auf Absetzung vom Amt und Unfähig-Erklärung irgend ein Amt von Ehre, Zutrauen, oder Vortheil unter dieser Republik zu bekleiden, erstrecken. Aber die Person, sie sey verurtheilet oder losgesprochen, soll dennoch denen Gesetzen gemäß peinlich angeklagt44 , verhört, verurtheilet und bestrafet werden können.
ARTICLE V
FÜNFTER ARTIKEL
S ECT. 1. The Judicial power of this Commonwealth shall be vested in a Supreme Court, in courts of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol70 delivery, in a Court of Common Pleas, Orphans court, Registers court, and a court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace for each County, in Justices of the Peace, and in such other courts as the Legislature may, from time to time establish.
1. A BSCH . Die gerichtliche Gewalt dieses Staats soll bestehen in einem Obergerichte45 , in Gerichten46 von Oyer und Terminer, und allgemeinen Gefängniß-Erledigung, in einem Gerichte der gemeinen Processe47 , Waisen-Gericht, Registrirers-Gericht, und einem Gericht der Vierteljährigen Sitzungen des Friedens für jede Caunty, in Friedensrichtern, und solchen andern Gerichten als die Gesetzgebende Macht48 von Zeit zu Zeit verordnen mag.
S ECT. 2. The Judges of the Supreme court and of the several courts of common Pleas shall hold their offices during good behavior. But for any reasonable cause, which shall not be sufficient ground of impeachment, the Governor may remove any of them, on the address of two thirds of each branch of the Legislature. The Judges of the Supreme court and the Presidents of the
2. A BSCH . Die Richter des Obergerichts und der verschiedenen Gerichte der gemeinen Processe sollen ihre Aemter während ihrer guten Aufführung haben, aber auf Ansuchen von zwey Drittheilen von jeglichem Zweige der Gesetzgebung mag der Gouverneur selbige49 wegen irgend einer hinlänglichen Ursache, die nicht zur öffentlichen Anklage genugsamen Grund giebt, abset-
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P ENNSYLVANIA several courts of common Pleas shall, at stated times, receive for their services, an adequate compensation to be fixed by law, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office; but they shall receive no fees or perquisites of office, nor hold any other office of profit under this Commonwealth.
zen. Die Richter des Obergerichts und die Präsidenten der verschiedenen Gerichte der gemeinen Processe sollen zu gewissen bestimmten Zeiten, für ihre Dienste, eine angemessene Vergeltung erhalten, wie solche durch die Gesetze bestimmt werden wird; welche während ihres Verbleibens im Amte nicht verringert werden soll; aber sie sollen keine Gebühren noch Amts-Sporteln50 nehmen, auch kein anders einträgliches Amt unter diesem Staate halten.
S ECT. 3. The Jurisdiction of the Supreme court shall extend over the State, and the Judges thereof shall, by virtue of their offices, be Justices of Oyer and Terminer and general Gaol71 delivery in the several counties.
3. A BSCH . Die Gerichtsbarkeit des Obergerichts soll sich über den ganzen Staat erstrecken, und die Richter sollen Kraft ihres Amts zugleich Richter von Oyer und Terminer und allgemeiner Gefängniß-Erledigung in denen verschiedenen Caunties seyn.
S ECT. 4. Untill it shall be otherwise directed by law, the several courts of common Pleas shall be established in the following manner. The Governor shall appoint in each county, not fewer than three nor more than four Judges who during their continuance in office, shall reside in such county: The State shall be divided by law72 , into circuits, none of which shall include more than six nor fewer than three Counties: A President shall be appointed of the courts in each circuit, who during his continuance in office, shall reside therein: The President and Judges73 , any two of whom, shall be a quorum, shall compose the respective courts of common Pleas.
4. A BSCH . Bis es durch die Gesetze anderwärtig verordnet worden, sollen die verschiedenen Gerichte der Gemeinen Processe auf folgende Art eingerichtet seyn: Der Gouverneur soll in jedweder Caunty nicht weniger wie drey, und nicht mehr als vier Richter anstellen, welche während ihrer Fortdauer im Amte, in derselbigen Caunty wohnen sollen: Der Staat soll durch ein Gesetz in Umgänge (Circuits)51 eingetheilt werden, deren jeder nicht mehr als sechs und nicht weniger als drey Caunties in sich fassen soll: Für die Gerichte in jedem Umgang soll ein Präsident ernennet werden, welcher während seines Verbleibens im Amte wohnhaft darin seyn soll. Der Präsident und die vorbemeldeten Richter, wovon einige zwey ein Quorum seyn sollen, sollen die verschiedenen Gerichte der Gemeinen Processe ausmachen.
S ECT. 5. The Judges of the court of common Pleas, in each county, shall, by virtue of their offices, be Justices of Oyer and Terminer and general Gaol74 delivery for the trial of capital and other offenders therein: Any two of the said Judges75 , the President being one, shall be a quorum, but they shall not hold a court of Oyer and Terminer or Gaol76 delivery in any County, when the
5. A BSCH . Die Richter des Gerichts der Gemeinen Processe in einer jeden Caunty sollen kraft ihres Amts Richter von Oyer und Terminer und allgemeiner GefängnißErledigung für das Verhör von Haupt-52 und andern Verbrechern in derselben seyn; und einige zwey derselben, wenn der Präsident einer ist, sollen ein Quorum ausmachen: aber sie sollen kein Gericht von Oyer und
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V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1790) Judges of the Supreme Court, or any of them shall be sitting in the same County. The party accused, as well as the commonwealth, may, under such regulations as shall be prescribed by law, remove the indictment and proceedings, or a transcript thereof into the Supreme Court.
Terminer und allgemeiner Gefängniß-Erledigung in irgend einer Caunty halten, wenn die Richter des Obergerichtes oder einige derselben53 in der nämlichen Caunty sitzen. Die angeklagte Parthey aber, sowol wie der Staat, mag, unter solchen Anordnungen, wie die Gesetze verordnen werden, die schriftliche Anklage und die darauf gehabten Verhandlungen oder die Abschrift davon, vor das Obergericht bringen.
S ECT. 6. The Supreme Court and the several courts of Common Pleas shall, beside the power77 heretofore usually exercised by them, have the power78 of a court of Chancery, so far as relates to the perpetuating of testimony, the obtaining of evidence from places not within the State, and the care of the persons and estates of those, who are non compotes79 mentis: And the Legislature shall80 vest, in the said courts, such other powers to grant relief in equity as shall be found necessary; and may from time to time, enlarge or diminish those powers, or vest them in such other courts as they shall judge proper for the due administration of Justice.
6. A BSCH . Das Obergericht und die Gerichte der gemeinen Processe sollen, ausser der Gewalt54 , welche sie gewöhnlich besessen, noch die Gewalt eines Kanzeley-Gerichts haben, insofern es die Aufbewahrung eines Zeugnisses, die Erlangung des Zeugnisses von Oertern, welche nicht in diesem Staat sind, und die Fürsorge für Personen und Güter55 derjenigen, die ihres Verstandes beraubt sind, betrift; und die Gesetzgebende Macht soll, sobald es füglicher Weise geschehen kan, denen besagten Gerichten solche fernere Gewalt übergeben, um der Billigkeit gemäß zu richten, wie solches für nöthig gefunden werden wird; und mag von Zeit zu Zeit diese Gewalt vermehren oder verringern, oder selbige an andere Gerichtshöfe übergeben, wie sie solches für die gehörige Verwaltung der Gerechtigkeit am schicklichsten halten werden.
S ECT. 7. The Judges of the court of common pleas of81 each county any two of whom shall be a quorum, shall compose the court of Quarter sessions of the peace, and Orphans court thereof82 : And the Register of wills, together with the said Judges, or any two of them shall compose the register’s court of each county83 .
7. A BSCH . Die Richter des Gerichts der Gemeinen Processe in jedweder Caunty, von welchen einige zwey ein Quorum ausmachen sollen, sollen zugleich die Gerichte der Vierteljährigen Sitzungen des Friedens und das Waisengericht darin ausmachen; und der Registrirer der letzten Willen, nebst denen besagten Richtern, oder einigen Zweyen derselben, sollen das RegistrirersGericht in den verschiedenen Caunties halten.
S ECT. 8. The Judges of the courts of common pleas shall, within their respective counties, have the like powers with the Judges of the Supreme Court, to issue writs
8. A BSCH . Die Richter des Gerichts der Gemeinen Processe sollen mit den Richtern des Obergerichts gleiche Macht haben, Writs56 von Certiorari an die Friedensrich-
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P ENNSYLVANIA of certiorari to the Justices of the Peace, and to cause their proceedings to be brought before them, and the like right and justice to be done.
ter in den verschiedenen Caunties auszufertigen, und ihre Verhandlungen vor sich bringen, und ebenmäßiges Recht und Gerechtigkeit widerfahren zu lassen.
S ECT. 9. The President of the courts84 in each circuit85 , within such circuit, and the Judges of the court86 of common Pleas, within their respective counties, shall87 be Justices of the Peace, so far as relates to criminal matters.
9. A BSCH . Der Präsident der Gerichte in jedem Umgang, in solchem Umgang, und die Richter des Gerichtes der Gemeinen Processe sollen in ihren verschiedenen Caunties zugleich Friedensrichter seyn, insofern es peinliche Sachen betrift.
S ECT. 10. The Governor shall appoint a competent number of Justices of the peace, in such88 convenient districts, in each county, as are or shall89 be directed by law: They shall be commissioned during good behavior; but may be removed on conviction of misbehavior in office, or of any infamous crime, or90 on the address of both Houses of the Legislature.
10. A BSCH . Der Gouverneur soll eine hinlängliche Anzahl Friedensrichter in bequemen57 Districten in einer jeglichen Caunty58 , welche auf solche Art, wie die Gesetze solches verordnen werden59 eingerichtet sind, anstellen: sie sollen ihre Bestallungen während ihrer guten Aufführung haben; können aber abgesetzt werden, wenn sie übler Aufführung in ihrem Amte, oder schändlicher Verbrechen überwiesen werden, oder auch wenn beyde Häuser der Gesetzgebung darum anhalten.
S ECT. 11. A register’s office for the probate of wills and granting letters of administration, and an office for the recording of Deeds shall be kept in each county.
11. A BSCH . Eine Amtsstube eines Registrirers, die letzten Willen zu bestätigen und Administrations-Briefe zu ertheilen, und eine Amtsstube Kaufbriefe zu registriren60 , soll in einer jeden Caunty gehalten werden.
S ECT. 12. The stile of all process shall be “the commonwealth of Pennsylvania[”]; all prosecutions shall be carried on in the name and by the authority of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and conclude, Against the peace and dignity of the same.
12. A BSCH . Der Styl aller Processe soll seyn, “Die Republik Pennsylvanien,” alle peinliche Anklagen sollen im Namen und unter der Authorität der Republik Pennsylvanien geführet werden, und sollen sich endigen, “wider den Frieden und die Würde derselben.”
ARTICLE VI
SECHSTER ARTIKEL
S ECT. 1. Sheriffs and Coroners shall, at the times and91 places of election92 of Representatives, be chosen by the citizens of each county93 : Two persons shall be chosen for each office, one of whom for each respectively94 shall be appointed95 by the Governor. They shall hold their offices for three
1. A BSCH . Scherrifs und Coroners sollen, zur Zeit und an den Orten der Wahlen für Representanten, von den Bürgern einer jeden Caunty erwählet werden; zwey Personen sollen erwählet werden61 und einer davon soll von dem Gouverneur absonderlich angestellet werden; sie sollen ihre Aemter drey
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C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1790) years, if they shall so long behave themselves well,96 and untill a successor be duly qualified; but no person shall be twice chosen or appointed Sheriff in any term of six years. Vacancies in either of the said offices shall be filled by a new appointment to be made by the Governor, to continue untill the next general election and untill a successor shall be chosen and qualified as aforesaid.97
Jahre behalten, wenn sie sich so lange wohl verhalten, und bis ein Nachfolger gehörig angestellet ist; aber niemand soll zweymal innerhalb sechs Jahren zum Scheriff erwählet oder angestellet werden. Erledigungen in einigen von besagten Aemtern, sollen durch neue Ernennungen, welche der Gouverneur thun soll, aufgefüllet werden, welche darin bis zur nächsten Wahl fortfahren sollen und bis ein Nachfolger, wie vorhin bemeldet worden, erwählet und beeidigt ist.
S ECT. 2. The freemen of this commonwealth shall be armed and disciplined for its defence. Those98 , who conscientiously scruple to bear arms, shall not be compelled to do so; but shall pay an equivalent for personal service.99 The militia officers shall be appointed in such manner, and for such time as shall be directed by law.
2. A BSCH . Die freyen Leute dieser Republik sollen zur Vertheidigung derselben bewafnet und in den Waffen geübt62 werden. Diejenigen welche Gewissenshalber Bedenken tragen, Waffen zu führen, sollen nicht dazu gezwungen werden, aber sie sollen dagegen eine Vergeltung persönlicher Dienste bezahlen. Die Militz Officiere sollen auf solche Art und für so lange Zeit angestellet werden, als solches durch Gesetze verordnet werden mag.
S ECT. 3. Prothonotaries, clerks of the Peace and Orphans courts, recorders of Deeds, registers100 of Wills and Sheriffs, shall keep their offices in the county Town of the county, in which they respectively shall be officers; unless when the Governor shall, for special reasons, dispense therewith for any term not exceeding five years after the county shall have been erected.
3. A BSCH . Prothonotarien, FriedensSchreiber, und Schreiber des Waysen-Gerichtes, Recorders der Kaufbriefe63 , Registrirer der letzten Willen und Scheriffs sollen ihre Amtsstuben in der Caunty-Taun derjenigen Caunty, worin sie solchergestalt Beamte sind, halten; ausgenommen wenn der Gouverneur aus besonderen Ursachen solches für eine Zeit, die nicht länger als fünf Jahre, nachdem solche Caunty errichtet worden, seyn darf, erlaubet.
S ECT. 4. All commissions shall be in the name and by the authority of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and be sealed with the State Seal, and signed by the Governor.101
4. A BSCH . Alle Bestallungen sollen im Namen und durch die Gewalt64 der Republik Pennsylvanien seyn, und sollen mit dem Staats-Siegel besiegelt und von dem Gouverneur unterschrieben werden.
S ECT. 5. The State treasurer shall be appointed, annually, by the joint vote of the members of both Houses. All other officers in the treasury department, Attornies at law,102 election officers, officers relating to taxes, to the poor and highways, Consta-
5. A BSCH . Der Staats-Schatzmeister soll jährlich durch die vereinigten Stimmen beyder Häuser bestellet werden. Alle übrige Beamte im Department des Schatzes, Anwälde65 , Wahlbeamte, Beamte die Taxen, Armen und Heerstrassen66 angehend, Con-
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P ENNSYLVANIA bles and other Township officers shall be appointed in such manner as is or shall be directed by law.103
stables und andere Beamte der Taunschips sollen auf solche Art angestellet werden wie solches durch die Gesetze bereits verordnet ist oder noch verordnet werden wird.
ARTICLE VII
SIEBENTER ARTIKEL
S ECT. 1. The legislature shall as soon as conveniently may be, provide by law, for the establishment of Schools throughout the State in such manner that the poor may be taught gratis.
1. A BSCH . Die Gesetzgebende Macht soll, so bald solches füglich geschehen kan, durch Gesetze für die Errichtung von Schulen durch den ganzen Staat auf solche Art sorgen, daß die Armen umsonst unterrichtet werden mögen.
S ECT. 2. The arts and sciences shall be promoted in one or more seminaries of learning.
2. A BSCH . Die Künste und Wissenschaften sollen einem oder mehreren gelehrten Seminaren67 befördert werden.
S ECT. 3. The rights, priviledges, immunities and estates of religious societies and corporate bodies, shall remain as if the constitution of this State had not been altered or amended.
3. A BSCH . Die Rechte, Privilegien, Freyheiten und Vermögen aller Religions-Gesellschaften und incorporirten Stiftungen68 , sollen bleiben, als ob die Constitution dieses Staats nicht verändert und verbessert worden wäre.
ARTICLE VIII
ACHTER ARTIKEL
Members of the General Assembly and all officers executive and Judicial shall be bound, by oath or affirmation, to support the constitution of this commonwealth, and to perform the duties of their respective offices with fidelity.
Glieder der General-Assembly und alle vollziehende und gerichtliche Beamte69 sollen durch Eid oder Bekräftigung verbunden werden, die Regierungsverfassung70 dieser Republik aufrecht zu erhalten, und die Pflichten ihrer verschiedenen Aemter mit Treue auszuüben.
ARTICLE IX
NEUNTER ARTIKEL
That the general great and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and unalterably established,
We declare
Damit die allgemeinen, grossen und wesentlichen Grundsätze von Freyheit und freyer Regierung anerkannt und unveränderlich festgesetzet werden mögen, so erklären wir:
S ECT. 1. That all men are born equally free and independent, and have certain in-
1. A BSCH . Daß alle Menschen gleich frey und unabhängig71 geboren sind, und
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V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1790) herent and indefeasible rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, of acquiring, possessing and protecting property and reputation, and of pursuing their own happiness.
gewisse beybleibende und unabthunliche Rechte besitzen, wohin das Recht, Leben und Freyheit zu geniessen und zu vertheidigen, Eigenthum und guten Namen zu erlangen, zu besitzen und zu beschützen, und unserer eigenen72 Glückseligkeit nachzustreben, gehören.
S ECT. 2. That all power is inherent in the People, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness: For the advancement of those ends they have, at all times, an unalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think proper.
2. A BSCH . Daß alle Macht ursprünglich im Volke liegt, und alle freye Regierungen auf dessen Authorität gegründet, und zu dessen Freyheit, Sicherheit und Glückseligkeit errichtet sind: Zur Beförderung dieser Stücke, hat dasselbe zu allen Zeiten ein unveräusserliches und unabthunliches Recht, die Regierung auf solche Art zu verändern, zu verbessern und abzuschaffen, als es solches für gut finden wird.
S ECT. 3. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; that no man can, of right, be compelled to attend, erect104 or support any place of worship, or to maintain any ministry against his consent; that no human authority can, in any case whatever, controul or interfere with the rights of conscience; and that no preference shall ever be given, by law, to any religious establishments or modes of worship.
3. A BSCH . Daß alle Menschen ein natürliches und unabthunliches Recht haben, dem Allmächtigen G OTT nach den Vorschriften ihres eigenen Gewissens zu dienen, und daß niemand wider seien freyen Willen und Zustimmung mit Recht gezwungen werden kan, irgend einem Gottesdienste beyzuwohnen oder ein Gottesdienstliches Haus zu errichten und zu unterhalten, oder irgend ein Predig-Amt zu erhalten; und daß kein menschliches Ansehen73 sich in die Rechte des Gewissens74 , in welchem Fall es auch seyn möge, mischen, oder dieselben einschränken möge75 ; noch soll durch Gesetze irgend einigen Geistlichen Einrichtungen76 , oder Arten von Gottesdienst jemals ein Vorzug gegeben werden.
S ECT. 4. That no person who acknowledges the being of a God and a future state of rewards and punishments, shall on account of his religious sentiments, be disqualified to hold any office or place of trust or profit under this commonwealth.
4. A BSCH . Daß niemand, der das Daseyn eines G OTTES und einen künftigen Zustand der Belohnungen oder Strafen anerkennet, wegen seiner Religions-Gesinnungen unfähig seyn soll, irgend ein Amt oder Bedienung von Wichtigkeit oder Vortheil77 unter dieser Regierung zu bekleiden.
S ECT. 5. That elections shall be free and equal.
5. A BSCH . Daß die Wahlen frey und gleich seyn sollen.
S ECT. 6. That trial by Jury shall be as
6. A BSCH . Daß das Verhör durch Ge-
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P ENNSYLVANIA heretofore, and the right thereof remain inviolate.
schworene78 wie vorhin seyn, und das Recht dazu unverletzt bleiben solle.
S ECT. 7. That the printing Presses105 shall be free to every person, who undertakes to examine the proceedings of the legislature or any branch of government: And no law shall ever be made to restrain106 the right thereof. The free communication of thoughts and opinions is one of the invaluable rights of Man; and every citizen may freely speak, write and print on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty. In prosecutions for the publication of Papers, investigating the official conduct of officers or men in a public capacity, or where the matter published is proper for public information, the truth thereof may be given in evidence: And, in all indictments for libels, the Jury shall have a right to determine the law and the facts, under the direction of the court, as in other cases.107
7. A BSCH . Daß die Druckereyen79 für eine jedwede Person frey seyn sollen, die es unternimmt die Verhandlungen der Gesetzgebung oder irgend eines Zweiges der Regierung zu untersuchen, und daß nie ein Gesetze zur Einschränkung dieses Rechts gemacht werden solle. Die freye Mittheilung der Gedanken und Meinungen ist eins der schätzbarsten Rechte der Menschen, und ein jeder Bürger mag über einigen Gegenstand frey reden, sprechen80 und drucken; ist aber für den Misbrauch dieser Freyheit ansprechlich81 . In Anklagen wegen Bekantmachung von Schriften worin das amtmäßige Betragen der Beamten oder Männer in öffentlichen Geschäften82 untersuchet, oder wo die Materie so bekant gemacht worden, zur öffentlichen Bekantmachung schicklich ist, mag die Wahrheit derselben zum Zeugniß eingebracht werden; und in allen schriftlichen Anklagen wegen Schmähschriften, sollen die Geschworenen das Recht haben, über das Gesetz und die Thatsachen, wie in andern Fällen, unter Anordnung83 des Gerichts zu entscheiden.
S ECT. 8. That the People shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions from unreasonable searches and seizures: And that no warrant to search any place, or to seize any person or things, shall issue without describing them as nearly as may be, nor without probable cause supported by oath or affirmation.
8. A BSCH . Daß das Volk in ihren Personen, Häusern, Schriften und Besitzungen gegen alle unrechtmäßige Durchsuchung und Verhaftung gesichert seyn, und kein Warrant84 ausgefertigt werden solle irgend einen Ort durchzusuchen, oder irgend eine Person oder Sachen in Verhaft zu nehmen, ohne selbige so genau als möglich zu beschreiben, noch auch ohne wahrscheinliche Ursache, welche durch Eid oder Bekräftigung unterstützet ist.
S ECT. 9. That in all criminal prosecutions, the accused hath a right to be heard by himself and his council108 , to demand the nature and cause of the accusation against him, to meet the witnesses face to face, to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and, in prosecutions by
9. A BSCH . Daß in allen peinlichen Anklagen, der Angeklagte das Recht hat in eigener Person und durch seinen Anwald85 gehöret zu werden; die Ursache und Beschaffenheit seiner Anklage zu fordern; denen Zeugen von Angesicht zu Angesicht gestellet zu werden: rechtliche Zwangsmittel zu
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C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1790) indictment or information109 , a speedy public trial by an impartial Jury of the vicinage: That he cannot be compelled to give evidence against himself, nor can he be deprived of his life, liberty or property, unless by the judgment of his Peers or the law of the land.
Erlangung der Zeugnisse86 zu seiner Vertheidigung zu erhalten, und in schriftlichen Anklagen87 oder Anzeigen auf ein baldiges öffentliches Verhör durch unpartheyische Geschworne der Nachbarschaft; daß er nicht gezwungen werden kan Zeugiß wider sich selbst abzulegen, und daß er seines Lebens, Freyheit oder Güter nicht beraubt werden kan, ausgenommen durch das Urtheil seiner Mitbürger88 , oder die Gesetze des Landes89 .
S ECT. 10. That no person shall, for any indictable offence, be proceeded against criminally by information, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger, or, by leave of the court, for oppression and misdemeanor in office110 . No person shall111 , for the same offence, be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall any man’s property be taken or applied to public use without the consent of his Representatives and without just compensation made112 .
10. A BSCH . Daß wider niemanden auf blosse Anzeige, wegen irgend eines Vergehens für welches schriftliche Anklage statt findet, peinlich verfahren werden solle, ausgenommen in Fällen welche bey der Land und Seemacht, oder der Militz, wenn selbige während eines Krieges oder öffentlichen Gefahr, im öffentlichen90 Dienst, vorkommen, oder auf besondere Erlaubniß des Gerichts, wegen Unterdrückung und üblen Verhalten im Amte91 . Niemand soll des nemlichen Verbrechens halben zweymal in Gefahr seines Lebens oder Gliedmassen gebracht werden; auch soll niemandes Eigenthum von ihm genommen oder zum öffentlichen Nutzen angewandt werden, ohne Zustimmung seiner Representanten, und ohne daß eine billige Vergütung desfalls gemacht werde.
S ECT. 11. That all courts shall be open, and every man, for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person or reputation, shall have remedy by the due course of law, and right and justice administered without sale, denial or delay. Suits may be brought against the commonwealth in such manner, in such courts, and in such cases, as the legislature may, by law, direct.113
11. A BSCH . Daß alle Gerichtshöfe offen seyn sollen, und ein jeder Mann soll wegen eines Unrechts, das ihm in seinen Ländereyen, Gütern, Personen oder guten Namen wiederfahren ist, nach dem gehörigen Lauf der Gesetze Hülfe erlangen, und Recht und Gerechtigkeit, soll ihm ohne Verkauf, Versagung oder Aufschub gehandhabet werden. Processe mögen wider den Staat gebracht werden auf solche Art, in solchen Höfen92 und in solchen Fällen als die Gesetzgebung durch Gesetze verordnen mag.
S ECT. 12. That no power of suspending laws114 shall be exercised, unless by the legislature or its authority.
12. A BSCH . Keine Gewalt die Gesetze aufzuheben, soll ausgeübet werden, ausser von der Gesetzgebenden Macht, oder auf ihren Befehl93 .
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P ENNSYLVANIA S ECT. 13. That excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel punishments inflicted.
13. A BSCH . Unmäßige Bürgschaften sollen nicht gefordert, noch unmäßige Geldstrafen auferleget werden, noch sollen die Leibesstrafen94 grausamer Art seyn.
S ECT. 14. That all prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offences, when the proof is evident or presumption great; and the priviledge of the writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when, in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it.
14. A BSCH . Daß alle Gefangene durch hinlängliche Bürgschaften losgebürget werden können, ausgenommen in Hauptverbrechen95 , wenn der Beweis klar oder die Vermuthung groß ist; und das Vorrecht des Writs96 von Habeas Corpus soll nie97 aufgehoben werden, es sey denn daß die öffentliche Sicherheit in Zeiten einer Rebellion oder feindlichen Einfalles solches erfordert.
S ECT. 15. That no commission of Oyer and Terminer or Gaol115 delivery shall be issued.
15. A BSCH . Daß keine Commission von Oyer und Terminer oder Gefängniß-Erledigung ertheilet werden solle.
S ECT. 16. That the person of a debtor, where there is not strong116 presumption of fraud, shall not be continued in Prison after delivering up his117 estate for the benefit of his creditors in such manner as shall be prescribed by law.
16. A BSCH . Daß die Person eines Schuldners, wenn nicht ein98 starker Verdacht eines Betruges wider ihn vorhanden ist, nicht im Gefängniß gehalten werden solle, nachdem derselbe sein ganzes99 Vermögen zum Gebrauch seiner Gläubiger, auf solche Art als durch Gesetze wird vorgeschrieben werden, aufgegeben.
S ECT. 17. That no ex post facto law, nor any law impairing contracts shall be made.
17. A BSCH . Daß kein ex post facto Gesetz100 , oder Gesetze, wodurch Contracte gebrochen101 werden, gemacht werden sollen.
S ECT. 18. That no person shall be attainted of treason or felony by the legislature.
18. A BSCH . Daß die Gesetzgebung niemanden durch Proclamation des Hochverraths oder Hauptverbrechens102 schuldig erklären soll.
S ECT. 19. That no attainder shall work corruption of blood, nor, except during the life of the offender, forfeiture of estate to the commonwealth; that the estates of such persons as shall destroy their own lives shall descend or vest118 as in case of natural death; and if any person shall be killed by casualty119 , there shall be no forfeiture by reason thereof.
19. A BSCH . Daß keine Schuldigerklärung (attainder) das Blut anstecken103 , noch, ausgenommen während der Lebenszeit des Verbrechers, Confiscation des Vermögens an den Staat wirken solle. Daß das Vermögen solcher Personen die sich selbst das Leben nehmen, eben so gehen und vererben solle als in natürlichen Todesfällen. Und wann irgend eine Person durch Zufall getödtet wird, desfalls keine Verwirkung statt finden solle.
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V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1790) S ECT. 20. That the citizens have right120 , in a peaceable manner, to assemble together for their common good, and to apply to those invested with the powers of government for redress of grievances, or other proper purposes, by petition, address121 or remonstrance.
20. A BSCH . Daß die Bürger das Recht haben sich zu ihrem gemeinen Besten friedlich zu versammeln, und sich an diejenigen, denen die Gewalt der Regierung aufgetragen worden, um Abhelfung der Beschwerden und andern Endzwecken, durch Bittschrift, Addressen oder Vorstellung, zu wenden.
S ECT. 21. That the right of the citizens to bear arms in defence of themselves and the state shall not be questioned.122
21. A BSCH . Daß das Recht der Bürger, für die Vertheidigung ihrer selbst und des Staats Waffen zu tragen, nie104 in Zweifel gezogen werden soll.
S ECT. 22. That no standing army shall, in time of peace, be kept up without the consent of the legislature; and the military shall, in all cases, and at all times, be in strict subordination to the civil power.
22. A BSCH . Daß zu Friedenszeiten keine stehende Armee, ohne Einwilligung der Gesetzgebenden Macht, unterhalten werden soll, und das die Kriegsmacht in allen Fällen und zu allen Zeiten der Bürgerlichen Gewalt vollkommen unterworfen seyn solle.
S ECT. 23. That no Soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any House without the consent of the owner, nor, in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
23. A BSCH . Daß kein Soldat in Friedenszeiten in irgend ein Haus, ohne Zustimmung des Eigenthümers, einquartieret werden solle, noch auch in Kriegszeiten, ausser auf solche Art, wie es durch Gesetze vorgeschrieben werden wird.
S ECT. 24. That the legislature shall not grant any title of nobility or hereditary distinction, nor create any office, the appointment to123 which shall be for a longer term than during good behaviour.
24. A BSCH . Daß die Gesetzgebende Macht keine adeliche Titel oder erbliche Unterscheidungszeichen ertheilen, noch irgend ein Amt errichten soll, wozu die Anstellung länger als während guter Aufführung ist.
S ECT. 25. That emigration from the state shall not be prohibited.
25. A BSCH . Daß die Auswanderung von dem Staate nicht verboten werden solle.
S ECT. 26. To guard against transgressions of the high powers, which we have delegated, WE DECLARE, that every thing in this article is excepted out of the general powers of government, and shall for ever remain inviolate.124
26. A BSCH . Damit der Ueberschreitung derjenigen grossen Rechte105 , welche wir abgegeben haben, vorgebeuget werde, so erklären wir, daß eine jede Sache, welche in diesem Artikel ausgedruckt ist, von den allgemeinen Rechten106 der Regierung ausgenommen, und für immer unverletzt verbleiben solle.
SCHEDULE125 That no inconvenience may arise from the alterations and amendments in the Con-
SCHEDUL107 Damit keine Unbequemlichkeit aus denen Veränderungen und Verbesserungen in
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P ENNSYLVANIA stitution of this Commonwealth and in order to carry the same into compleat operation it is hereby declared and ordained –
der Regierungsverfassung dieser Republik entstehen mögen, und in der Absicht selbige zur vollständigen Wirksamkeit zu bringen, so wird es hiemit erklärt und verordnet,
F IRST . That all laws of this Commonwealth, in force at the time of making the said alterations and amendments in the said Constitution and not inconsistent therewith, and all rights, actions, prosecutions, claims and contracts, as well of individuals as of bodies corporate shall continue as if the said alterations and amendments had not been made.
1. Daß alle Gesetze dieser Republik, welche zur Zeit daß die besagten Veränderungen und Verbesserungen in der besagten Regierungsverfassung gemacht wurden, in Kraft waren, und mit derselben nicht unbestehbar sind, und alle Rechte, Processe, Anklagen108 , Forderungen und Contracte, sowol von einzelnen Personen als von incorporirten Stiftungen109 , fortdauern sollen, als ob die besagten Veränderungen und Verbesserungen nicht gemacht wären.
S ECOND . That the President and Supreme Executive Council shall continue to exercise the executive authority of this Commonwealth, as heretofore, until the third tuesday of December next; but no intermediate vacancies in the Council shall be supplied by new elections.
2. Daß der Präsident und Hohe Vollziehende Rath fortfahren sollen die Vollziehende Gewalt dieser Republik bis zum dritten Dienstag im nächsten Decembermonat wie vorhin auszuüben, doch sollen vorfallende Erledigungen im Rath nicht durch neue Wahlen ersetzet werden.
T HIRD . That all officers126 in the appointment of the Executive Department shall continue in the exercise of the duties of their respective offices until the first day of September One Thousand seven hundred and ninety one; unless their commissions shall sooner expire by their own limitations, or the said offices become vacant by death or resignation: and no longer, unless re-appointed and commissioned by the Governor except that the Judges of the Supreme Court shall hold their offices for the terms in their commissions respectively expressed.
3. Daß alle Beamten, so von dem Vollziehenden Fache110 angestellet werden, in der Verwaltung der Pflichten ihrer verschiedenen Aemter bis zum ersten Tag Septembers, Ein tausend sieben hundert und ein und neunzig fortfahren sollen, es sey dann, daß ihre Bestallungen durch ihre eigene Einschränkung eher zu Ende gehen, oder die besagten Aemter durch Tod oder Abdankung erlediget werden, aber nicht länger, wenn sie nicht von dem Gouverneur wiederum angestellet und bestallet sind: Ausgenommen, daß die Richter des Obergerichts ihre Aemter für so lange behalten sollen, als in ihren verschiedenen Bestallungen ausgedrücket ist.
F OURTH . That Justice shall be administered in the several counties of the State until the period aforesaid, by the same Justices, in the same Courts, and in the same manner as heretofore.
4. Daß Gerechtigkeit in den verschiedenen Caunties dieses Staats, bis zu dem vorbemeldeten Zeitpuncte, durch dieselben Richter, in denselben Gerichten, und auf dieselbe Art wie vorhin, gehandhabet werden soll.
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C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1790) F IFTH . That no person now in commission as Sheriff shall be eligible at the next election for a longer term than will, with the time, which he shall have served in the said office complete the term of three years.
5. Daß niemand, welcher jetzt die Bestallung als Scheriff hat, bey der nächsten Wahl für eine längere Zeit erwählet werden kan, als nöthig ist111 , mit der Zeit welche er bereits gedienet, die Zeit von drey Jahren ausmachen.
S IXTH . That, until the first enumeration shall be made as directed in the fourth section of the first article of the Constitution established by this Convention, the City of Philadelphia and the several counties shall be respectively entitled to elect the same number of Representatives as is now prescribed by law.
6. Daß bis die erste Zählung geschehen, wie selbige in dem vierten Abschnitt des ersten Artikels der von dieser Convention errichteten Regierungsverfassung verordnet worden, die Stadt Philadelphia und die verschiedenen Caunties berechtiget seyn sollen, die nemliche Anzahl Representanten zu erwählen, als wie jetzt durch die Gesetze vorgeschrieben worden.
S EVENTH . That the first Senate shall consist of Eighteen Members, to be chosen in districts formed as follows, to wit127 : The city of Philadelphia and the counties of Philadelphia and Delaware shall be a district, and elect128 three Senators: The County of Chester shall be a district and shall elect one Senator: The County of Bucks shall be a district and shall elect one Senator: The County of Montgomery shall be a district and shall elect one Senator: The County of Northampton shall be a district and shall elect one Senator: The Counties of Lancaster and York shall be a district and shall elect three Senators. The Counties of Berks and Dauphin shall be a district and shall elect two Senators: The Counties of Cumberland and Mifflin shall be a district, and shall elect one Senator: The Counties of Northumberland, Luzerne and Huntingdon shall be a district and shall elect one Senator: The Counties of Bedford and Franklin shall be a district and shall elect one Senator: The Counties of Westmoreland and Allegany shall be a district and shall elect one Senator: And the Counties of Washington and Fayette shall be a district and shall elect two Senators: Which Senators shall serve until the first enumeration before mentioned shall be made, and the representation
7. Daß der erste Senat aus achtzehn Gliedern bestehen soll, welche in Districten, die auf folgende Art gebildet sind, erwählet werden sollen; nämlich: Die Stadt Philadelphia, die Caunty Philadelphia, und die Caunty Delaware, sollen ein District seyn, und sollen drey Senatoren erwählen; die Caunty Chester soll ein District seyn, und soll einen Senator erwählen; die Caunty Bucks soll ein District seyn, und soll einen Senator erwählen; die Caunty Montgomery soll ein District sein, und soll einen Senator erwählen;112 die Caunty Northampton soll ein District seyn, und soll einen Senator erwählen; die Caunties Lancaster und York solle ein District seyn, und sollen drey Senatoren erwählen; die Caunties Berks und Dauphin sollen ein District seyn, und sollen zwey Senatoren erwählen; die Caunties Cumberland und Mifflin sollen ein District seyn, und sollen einen Senator erwählen; die Caunties Northumberland, Luzerne und Huntingdon sollen ein District seyn, und sollen einen Senator erwählen; die Caunties Bedford und Franklin sollen ein District seyn, und sollen einen Senator erwählen; die Caunties Westmoreland und Allegheny sollen ein District seyn, und sollen einen Senator erwählen; und die Caunties Waschington und Fayette sollen ein District seyn, und sollen zwey Se-
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P ENNSYLVANIA in both Houses of the Legislature shall be established by law, and chosen as in the Constitution is directed. Any vacancy129 , which shall happen in the Senate, within the said time shall be supplied as prescribed in the nineteenth Section of the first article.
natoren erwählen; welche Senatoren dienen sollen bis die erste Zählung, wie vorhin bemeldet, geschehen, und die Representation in beiden Häusern der Gesetzgebung, durch Gesetze eingerichtet, und wie in der Regierungsverfassung verordnet, erwählet worden. Einige Erledigungen, welche im Senat während dieser Zeit vorfallen, sollen aufgefüllet werden, wie solches in dem neunzehnten Abschnitt des ersten Artikels vorordnet ist.
E IGHTH . That the elections of Senators shall be conducted, and the returns thereof made, to the Senate, in the same manner as is prescribed by the election laws of the State for conducting and making return of the election of Representatives. In those districts which consist of more than one county, the Judges of the district elections within each county, after having formed a return of the whole election within that county in such manner as is directed by law, shall send the same, by one or more of their number to the place herein after mentioned within the district, of which such county is a part, where the Judges so met shall compare and cast up the several county returns, and execute, under their hands and seals, one general and true return for the whole district: that is to say, The Judges of the district composed of the City of Philadelphia & the Counties of Philadelphia and Delaware shall meet in the State House in the City of Philadelphia; the Judges of the district composed of the counties of Lancaster and York shall meet at the Court House in the County of Lancaster; the130 Judges of the district composed of the counties of Berks and Dauphin shall meet at Middletown in the county of Berks; the Judges of the district composed of the counties of Cumberland and Mifflin shall meet in Greenwood township, county of Cumberland, at the house now occupied by David Miller; the Judges of the district composed of the counties of
8. Daß die Wahl der Senatoren auf die Art geführet, und der Bericht davon an den Senat erstattet werden soll, wie solches durch die Wahlgesetze des Staats für Führung der Wahlen und Einsendung der Berichte der Wahlen für Representanten, verordnet worden. In denjenigen Districten, welche aus mehr als einer Caunty bestehen, sollen die Richter der District Wahlen in einer jedweden Caunty, nachdem sie einen Bericht von der ganzen Wahl innerhalb solcher Caunty, auf die durch die Gesetze vorgeschriebene Art gemachet, dieselbe mit einem oder mehreren aus ihrem Mittel, an den hierin nachher benannten Ort innerhalb des Districts, wovon selbige Caunty ein Theil ist, senden, welche die Richter die also zusammen gekommen vergleichen, und die verschiedenen Caunty Berichte aufzählen, und alsdenn unter ihrer Hand und Siegel einen allgemeinen und wahrhaften Bericht des ganzen Districts ausfertigen sollen, das ist zu sagen: Die Richter des Districts, welcher aus der Stadt Philadelphia und den Caunties Philadelphia und Delwar bestehet, sollen an dem Staatshause in der Stadt Philadelphia zusammen kommen; die Richter des Districts, welcher aus den Caunties Lancaster und York bestehet, sollen an dem Courthause in der Caunty Lancaster zusammen kommen; die Richter des Districts, welcher aus den Caunties Berks und Dauphin bestehet, sollen zu Middletown, in der Caunty Berks, zusammen kommen; die Richter
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V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1790) Northumberland, Luzerne and Huntingdon shall meet131 in the town of Sunbury132 ; the Judges of the district composed of the Counties of Bedford and Franklin shall meet at the House now occupied by John Dickey, in Air township, Bedford County; the Judges of the district composed of the counties of Westmoreland and Allegany shall meet in Westmoreland county, at the Court House in the town of Greensborough; and the Judges of the district composed of the counties of Washington and Fayette shall meet at the Court House in the town of Washington in Washington county, on the third tuesday in October respectively for the purposes aforesaid.
des Districts, welcher aus denen Caunties Cumberland und Mifflin bestehet, sollen in Greenwood Taunschip, in der Caunty Cumberland, am Hause welches der David Miller jetzt bewohnet, zusammen kommen; die Richter des Districts, welcher aus den Caunties Northumberland, Luzerne und Huntingdon bestehet, sollen am Courthause113 in dem Orte Sunbury zusammen kommen; die Richter des Districts, welcher aus den Caunties Bedford und Franklin bestehet, sollen am Hause welches jetzt von John Dickey bewohnet wird, in Air Taunschip, in Bedford Caunty, zusammen kommen; die Richter des Districts, welcher aus den Caunties Westmoreland und Allegheny bestehet, sollen in Westmoreland Caunty, am Courthause in dem Orte Greenborough, zusammen kommen; und die Richter des Districts, welcher aus denen Caunties Waschington und Fayette bestehet, sollen an dem Courthause im Orte Waschington, in Waschington Caunty, am dritten Dienstage im October, zu obbemeldeten Endzwecken zusammen kommen.
N INTH . That the election of the Governor shall be conducted, in the several counties, in the manner prescribed by the laws of the State for the election of Representatives, and the returns in each county shall be sealed by the Judges of the elections and transmitted to the President of the Supreme Executive Council, directed to the Speaker of the Senate, as soon after the election as may be.133
9. Daß die Wahl eines Gouverneurs in den verschiedenen Caunties, auf die durch die Gesetze des Staats für die Wahl der Representanten vorgeschriebene Art geführet werden solle; und die Berichte in einer jedweden Caunty sollen durch die Richter der Wahlen versiegelt, und sobald als möglich nach der Wahl, an den Sprecher des Senats addressirt, an den Präsidenten des Hohen Vollziehenden Raths eingesandt werden.
DONE in Convention the second day of September, in the year of our lord one Thousand seven hundred and ninety and of the Independence of the United States of America the fifteenth. IN TESTIMONY whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names
Geschehen in der Convention, am zweyten Tage Septembers, im Jahr unsers Herrn Ein tausend sieben hundert und neunzig, und der Unabhängigkeit der Vereinigten Staaten von America im fünfzehnten. Zu Urkund dessen haben wir unsere Namen hierunter geschrieben.
THOMAS MIFFLIN, President134
THOMAS MIFFLIN, Präsident114
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P ENNSYLVANIA James Wilson Hilary Baker W[illia]m Lewis Tho[mas] McKean
Paul Grosscup135 Balser Geehr136 S[amuel] Sitgreaves John Arndt
George Gray W[illiam] Robinson jun[io]r R[obert] Hare Enoch Edwards Sam[uel] Ogden Tho[ma]s Jenks Jur J[oh]n Barclay Abraham Stout
Peter Rhoads Joseph Powell137
William Gibbons Thomas Bull James Boyd Edw[ard] Hand Rob[er]t Coleman Sebastian Graff John Hubley John Brack Bill138 H[enr]y Miller Hen[ry] Slagle140 William Reed Benj[ami]n Tyson Benj[ami]n Pedan Matthew Dill W[illia]m Irvine James Power Joseph Hiester141 Christian Lower Abraham Lincoln
John Piper Charles Smith Simon Snyder William Findley W[illia]m Todd Alex[ande]r Addison J[oh]n Hoge David Redick James Ross John Smilie Albert Gallatin Ja[me]s Mc Lene Geo[rge] Matthews James Morris Lindsay Coats139 Jonathan Shoemaker John Gloninger William Brown Alex[ander] Graydon Timothy Pickering And[re]w Henderson J[oh]n Gibson Tho[ma]s Beale John Sellers Natha[niel] Newlin
James Wilson, Hilary Baker, George Gray, William Robinson, junr. Robert Hare, Enoch Edwards,
William Lewis, Thomas M’Kean, Samuel Sitgreaves, John Arndt,
Samuel Ogden, Thomas Jenks115 , John Barclay, Abraham Stout, William Gibbons, Thomas Bull,
John Piper, Charles Smith, Simon Snyder, William Findley, William Todd, Alexander Addison,
James Boyd, Edward Hand, Robert Coleman, Sebastian Graff, John Hubley, John Breckbill, Henry Miller, Henry Slegle117 , William Reed, Benjamin Tyson, Benjamin Pedan, Matthew Dill, William Irvine120 ,
John Hoge, David Redick116 , James Roß, John Smilie, Albert Gallarin, James M’Lene, George Matthews, James Morris, Lindsay Coates118 , Jonathan Shoemaker119 , John Gloninger, William Brown, Alexander Graydon,
James Power, Joseph Heister121 ,
Timothy Pickering, Andrew Henderson,
Christian Lower, Abraham Lincoln, Paul Groscop, Baltzer Gehr,
John Gibson, Thomas Beale, John Sellers, Nathaniel Newlin.
Attest
Peter Rhoads, Joseph Powell,
Bezeugniß.
JOS[EPH] REDMAN Secretary J[ACOB] SHALLUS As[sistant] Secretary.
JOSEPH REDMAN, Secretair. JACOB SHALLUS122 , Assistirender Secretair.
1
1
Verified by The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia: Printed by Zachariah
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Verified by Die Regierungsverfassung der Republik Pennsylvanien. (Aus dem Englischen übersetzt), Ger-
C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1790) Poulson, Junior, on the West Side of Fourth-Street, Between Market-Street and Arch-Street, MDCCXC [1790], 29 p. [hereafter quoted as Constitution A], and corrected according to the enrolled manuscript preserved in the Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg, PA. Also checked against Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as Altered and Amended by the Convention, For that Purpose freely chosen and assembled, and by them proposed for the Consideration of their Constituents, Philadelphia: Printed by Zachariah Poulson, Junior, on the West Side of Fourth-Street, Between Market-Street and ArchStreet, MDCCXC [1790], 28 p. [hereafter quoted as Constitution B], and against the versions as published in Minutes of the Convention of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which Commenced at Philadelphia, On Tuesday the twenty-fourth Day of November, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-Nine, for the Purpose of Reviewing, and if they see occasion, Altering and Amending, the Constitution of this State, Philadelphia: Printed by Zachariah Poulson, Jun. in Fourth-Street, between Market-Street and Arch-Street, MDCCLXXXIX [1789], 212–222, in The Proceedings Relative to Calling the Conventions of 1776 and 1790. The Minutes of the Convention that Formed the Present Constitution of Pennsylvania, Together With the Charter to William Penn, the Constitutions of 1776 and 1790, and a View of the Proceedings of the Convention of 1776, and the Council of Censors, Harrisburg: Printed by John S. Wiestling, Market Street, 1825, 296–307, in Journal of the Convention of the State of Pennsylvania, to Propose Amendments to the Constitution, Commenced and Held at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, on the Second Day of May, 1837, [vol. I,] Harrisburg: Printed by Thompson & Clark, 1837, 3–19, in Constitutions of Pennsylvania of 1790 & 1838. Printed by Order of the House of Representatives, Harrisburg: Printed by Boas & Coplan, 1839, 28 p., and in Constitutions of Pennsylvania. Constitution of the United States, Compiled by Legislative Reference Bureau Under the direction of Robert L. Cable, Harrisburg, PA: s.n., 1986, 367–390. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the enrolled manuscript. Italics are used to represent emphasized elements in the enrolled manuscript. Obvious typographical errors in printed versions have not been considered in the annotations. In an extra-constitutional effort led by the conservatives finally to get rid of the radical constitution of 1776 (q.v.), before suffering another defeat in the Council of Censors due to meet in 1790, where an insurmountable two-thirds majority was required, a convention was called to meet in Philadelphia on November 24, 1789. On February 26, 1790, it adjourned after having drafted a Constitution which was printed and distributed for public consideration (here Constitution B). As it did not appear to raise major controversies, the convention reconvened on August 9,
mantaun: Gedruckt bey Michael Billmeyer, 1790, 28 p., and checked against the original English version (q.v.). Also checked against the version as published in Geseze der Republik Pennsylvanien, in übersezten Auszügen. Enthaltend die brauchbaren öffentlichen Geseze bis zu dem Jahr 1805, einschließlich: So wie auch die Regierungs-Verfassungen der Vereinigten Staaten und von Pennsylvanien, hrg. unter Authorität eines Gesezes der General-Assembly, paßirt im April, 1805, Reading: Gedruckt und herausgegeben von Johann Ritter und Carl Kessler, 1807, xxv-xlix. The version of February 26, 1790, distributed for the consideration of the people (Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, As Altered and Amended by the Convention, For that Purpose freely chosen and assembled, and by them proposed For the Consideration of their Constituents, Philadelphia: Printed by Zachariah Poulson, Junior, on the West Side of Fourth-Street, Between Market-Street and Arch-Street, MDCCXC [1790], 28 p., herafter quoted as Constitution B), was also translated into German as Die Regierungsverfassung der Republik Pennsylvanien, Wie selbige, von der zu dem Endzweck frey erwählten und versammelten Convention verändert und verbessert, und ihren Constituenten zur Ueberlegung vorgeleget worden. (Aus dem Englischen übersetzt), Philadelphia: Gedruckt bey Melchior Steiner, in der Rees-strasse, zwischen der Zweyten- und Dritten-strasse, 1790, 20 p. The Billmeyer print heavily relied on the Steiner print and basically restricted itself to inserting those changes and additions introduced by the second convention finalizing the text, which in some cases, however, escaped its attention. To avoid redundancies, in editing the translation annotations have been inserted only when the translation is unclear, the meaning of the original distorted, alterations in the final English text had not been acknowledged, or differences in meaning between the two German translations of 1790 and 1807 occurred. Differences in style between the translations have not been annotated. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Billmeyer print. 2 In English original, “The legislative power of this commonwealth”; in 1807 print, xxv, “Das Recht dieser Republik, Geseze zu geben,”. 3 In English original, “City, Town or Borough”; in 1807 print, xxvi, “Stadt, Dorf oder Marktflecken”. 4 In English original, “separate”; in 1807 print, xxvi, “besondere”. 5 In English original, “taxable”; in 1807 print, xxvi, “steuerfähigen”. 6 In English original, here and throughout “legislature”; in 1807 print, xxvi, and also throughout, “Gesezgebung”. 7 In English original, “separate”; in 1807 print, xxvi, “besondern”. 8 In 1807 print, xxvi, word missing. 9 In English original, “districts”; in 1807 print, xxvi, “Bezirke”.
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P ENNSYLVANIA 1790, and finalized the constitution (here Constitution A) on September 2, 1790. It was not submitted to a vote of the people (cf. Robert L. Brunhouse, The CounterRevolution in Pennsylvania 1776–1790 [1942], Harrisburg: The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, 1971, esp. 226–227; Rosalind L. Branning, Pennsylvania Constitutional Development, Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1960, 17–20; Thomas W. Clark, “Virtuous Democrats, Liberal Aristocrats: Political Discourse and the Pennsylvania Constitution, 1776–1790,” Ph.D. diss., University of Frankfurt am Main/Germany 2001, 309–325). The constitution remained in force until 1838, when it was replaced by the third constitution of Pennsylvania (q.v.). 2 In Boas & Coplan print, 3, preamble missing. 3 In Constitution B, 4, “; unless, he shall have been absent on the public business of the United States or of this State. No person, residing within any City, Town or Borough, which shall be entitled to a separate representation, shall be elected a Member for any County; nor shall any person, residing without the limits of any such City, Town or Borough, be elected a Member therefore” missing; in Wiestling print, 296, in Convention Journal, I, 3, and in Boas & Coplan print, 3, “thereof”. 4 In Constitution B, 4, “to at least”. 5 In Convention Journal, I, 4, and in Wiestling print, 297, “agreeable”. 6 In Constitution B, 4, “of each county respectively”. 7 In Convention Journal, I, 4, word missing. 8 In Constitution A, 5, in Convention Minutes, 213, in Convention Journal, I, 4, in Wiestling print, 297, in Boas & Coplan print, 4, and in 1986 print, 368, “When”. 9 In Constitution B, 5, instead of “district containing such a number of taxable inhabitants as shall be entitled to elect not more than four Senators: Where a district shall be composed of two or more Counties, they shall be adjoining.”: “containing, as nearly as may be, such a number of taxable inhabitants as shall be entitled to elect one Senator: Where that cannot be done, then such number of adjoining counties shall be formed into one district as shall be entitled to elect not more than four Senators; but”. 10 In 1986 print, 369, word missing. 11 In Constitution B, 5, “; unless he shall have been absent on the public business of the United States or of this State” missing. 12 Ibid., 6, “its own”. 13 Ibid., “but contested”. 14 Ibid., last three words missing. 15 Ibid., “either”. 16 Ibid., “may, in their judgment,”. 17 In 1986 print, 370, “journal”. 18 In Constitution B, 6, “and of the places where they shall sit in Committee”. 19 Ibid., “as, in their judgment,”. 20 Ibid., 7, last two words missing.
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10
In English original, “Speaker pro tempore”; in 1807 print, xxvii, “einstweiligen Sprecher”. 11 As in Steiner print 5, corresponding the previous English version “of its own members; but contested elections shall” (Constitution B, 6) instead of the final text “of its members. Contested elections shall”; in 1807 print, xxviii, “seiner Glieder urtheilen. Bestrittene Wahlen sollen”. 12 In English original, “a quorum”; in 1807 print, xxviii, “die hinlängliche Anzahl”. 13 In English original, “may be authorized”; in 1807 print, xxviii, “die Gewalt erhalten”. 14 As in Steiner print 5, corresponding to the previous English version “for either branch” (Constitution B, 6) instead of the final text “for a branch”; in 1807 print, xxviii, “für einen Zweig”. 15 In English original, “a branch of the legislature of a free State”; in 1807 print, xxviii, “der Gesezgebung eines freyen Staats”. 16 In English original, last three words missing; not so in Constitution B, 6 (“in their judgment”), and consequently in Steiner print, 5; in 1807 print, xxviii, also missing. 17 In English original, “secrecy”; in 1807 print, xxviii, “Verschwiegenheit”. 18 In English original, “of each House”; in 1807 print, xxviii, “jedes Hauses”. 19 In English original, “Felony”; in 1807 print, xxix, “Felonie”. 20 In English original, “session”; in 1807 print, xxix, “Sizung”. 21 In English original, “questioned”; in 1807 print, xxix, “zur Verantwortung gezogen”. 22 In English original, “No senator or representative”; in 1807 print, xxix, “Kein Senator oder Repräsentant”. 23 In English original, last two words missing; not so in Constitution B, 7 (“the authority of”), and consequently in Steiner print, 6; in 1807 print, xxix, also missing. 24 In English original, “Attorney at law”; in 1807 print, xxix, “eines gerichtlichen Anwaldes”. 25 In English original, “bills”; in 1807 print, xxix, “Bills”. 26 In English original, last five words missing; not so in Constitution B, 8 (“, before it become a law,”), and consequently in Steiner print, 6; in 1807 print, xxix, also missing. 27 As in Steiner print 7, corresponding the previous English version “the Senate and House of Representatives” (Constitution B, 8) instead of the final text “both Houses”; in 1807 print, xxx, “beyder Häuser”. 28 As in Steiner print 7, corresponding the previous English version “throughout” (Constitution B, 9) instead of the final text “of the commonwealth”; in 1807 print, xxxi, “dieser Republik”. 29 As in Steiner print, 8, corresponding the previous English version “be capable of exercising” (Constitution B, 10) than corrected “shall exercise”; in 1807 print,
V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1790) 21
Ibid., “was”. Ibid., “the authority of this”. 23 Ibid., last five words missing. 24 Ibid., “Speaker of that House”. 25 Ibid., “propose or concur with”. 26 Ibid., 8, “the House of Representatives and the Senate”. 27 Ibid., “shall, before it become a law,”. 28 Ibid., in Convention Journal, I, 6, and in Wiestling print, 298, “approve it”. 29 In Constitution B, 8, “together with”. 30 Ibid., “it shall likewise”. 31 Ibid., “become”. 32 Ibid., “all such”. 33 In Boas & Coplan print, 8, “prevented”. 34 In Constitution B, 8, “the Senate and House of Representatives”. 35 Ibid., “the same”. 36 Ibid., 9, “the Senate and House of Representatives”. 37 Ibid., “throughout”. 38 Ibid., “be transmitted, under seal,”. 39 Ibid., last four words missing. 40 Ibid., “his office”. 41 In Boas & Coplan print, 10, “and an”. 42 In Constitution B, 10, “be capable of exercising”. 43 In Constitution A, 10, “any”. 44 In Boas & Coplan print, 10, “and an”. 45 In Constitution B, 10, “if that shall not be the case”. 46 Ibid., “the original”. 47 In Convention Journal, I, 7, in Wiestling print, 299, and in Boas & Coplan print, 10, “and Recorder”. 48 In Constitution B, 11, as sect. 10. 49 In Boas & Coplan print, 11, “on”. 50 In Constitution B, 11, as sect. 11. 51 Ibid., “necessary or expedient”. 52 Ibid., as sect. 12. 53 Ibid., as sect. 13. 54 Ibid., as sect. 14. 55 Ibid., instead of last four words “, who shall, in such case, be chosen at the next annual election, shall be duly qualified and commence the exercise of his office”. 56 In Boas & Coplan print, 11, word missing. 57 In Constitution B, 12, as sect. 15. 58 Ibid., “Executive Department”. 59 Ibid., as sect. 17. 60 Ibid., 13, “the days of the elections respectively”; in Convention Journal, I, 8, and in Wiestling print, 300, “elections”. 61 In Constitution B, 13, “assessed upon him”. 62 Ibid., in Convention Journal, I, 9, and in Wiestling print, 300, “age”. 63 In Constitution B, 13, “representative or public”. 64 Ibid., “, unless in the choice of committees and their own officers” added. 65 In Boas & Coplan print, 13, “II”. 66 In Convention Journal, I, 9, in Wiestling print, 300, 22
xxxi, “soll das Amt des Gouvernörs versehen können”. 30 In English original, “within the limits”; in 1807 print, xxxii, “in dem Bezirk”. 31 In English original, “holding or exercising”; in 1807 print, xxxii, “bekleidet”. 32 In English original, “recorder of Deeds”; in 1807 print, xxxii, “Registrators von Schriften”. 33 In English original, “or”; in 1807 print, xxxii, “oder”. 34 In English original, “pardons”; in 1807 print, xxxii, “Begnadigung”. 35 In English original, “impeachment”; in 1807 print, xxxii, “wo Anklagen vor dem Senat angebracht werden”. 36 In English original, “executive department”; in 1807 print, xxxii, “vollziehenden Regierungs-Fach”. 37 As in Steiner print, 9, corresponding the previous English version “necessary or expedient” (Constitution B, 11) instead of the final text “expedient”; in 1807 print, xxxiii, “dienlich”. 38 In English original, “shall be by Ballot”; in 1807 print, xxxiv, “durch Stimmzettel geschehen”. 39 As in Steiner print, 10, corresponding the previous English version “persons in their representative or public capacities” (Constitution B, 13) instead of the final text “persons in their representative capacities”; in 1807 print, xxxiv, “Personen als Repräsentanten”. 40 In English original, “viva voce”; in 1807 print, xxxiv, “mit lauter Stimme (Viva Voce)”. 41 In English original, “the sole power of impeaching”; in 1807 print, xxxiv, “Anklagen vor dem Senat anzubringen”. 42 In English original, “the Senators shall be upon oath or affirmation”; in 1807 print, xxxiv, “sollen die Senatoren durch Eyd oder feyerliche Versicherung verpflichtet werden”. 43 In English original, “shall be liable to impeachment for any misdemeanor in office”; in 1807 print, xxxv, “sollen einer Anklage vor dem Senat, für irgend ein Misverhalten als Beamte, unterworfen seyn”. 44 In English original, “indictment”; in 1807 print, xxxv, “einer Anklage von der Grand Jury, (Indictment)”. 45 In English original, “Supreme Court”; in 1807 print, xxxv, “Supreme Court”. 46 In English original, “courts”; in 1807 print, xxxv, “Courten”. 47 In English original, “Court of Common Pleas”; in 1807 print, xxxv, “Court von Common Pleas”. 48 In English original, here and subsequently “legislature”; in 1807 print, xxxv, “Gesezgebung”. 49 In English original, “any of them”; in 1807 print, xxxv, “irgend einen derselben”. 50 In English original, “no fees or perquisites of office”; in 1807 print, xxxv, “keine Sporteln oder AmtsAccidentien”. 51 In English original, “circuits”; in 1807 print, xxxvi,
377
P ENNSYLVANIA in Boas & Coplan print, 13, and in 1986 print, 376, “of”. 67 In Constitution B, 13, last two words missing. 68 Ibid., 14, “on”. 69 Ibid., “party convicted”. 70 In Convention Journal, I, 9, in Boas & Coplan print, 13, and in 1986 print, 377, “jail”. 71 In Convention Journal, I, 10, in Boas & Coplan print, 15, and in 1986 print, 377, “jail”. 72 In Constitution B, 15, in Convention Journal, I, 10, in Wiestling print, 301, and in Boas & Coplan print, 15, “by law, divided”. 73 In Constitution B, 15, “aforesaid” added. 74 In Convention Journal, I, 10, in Wiestling print, 301, in Boas & Coplan print, 15, and in 1986 print, 378, “jail”. 75 In Constitution B, 16, “of them”. 76 In Convention Journal, I, 10, in Wiestling print, 301, in Boas & Coplan print, 15, and in 1986 print, 378, “jail”. 77 In Constitution A, 15, in Constitution B, 16, in Convention Minutes, 217, in Convention Journal, I, 10, in Wiestling print, 301, in Boas & Coplan print, 16, and in 1986 print, 378, “powers”. 78 In Constitution A, 15, in Convention Minutes, 217, in Convention Journal, I, 10, in Wiestling print, 301, and in Boas & Coplan print, 16, “powers”. 79 In 1986 print, 378, “compos”. 80 In Constitution B, 16, “shall, as soon as conveniently may be,”. 81 Ibid., “in”. 82 Ibid., “therein”. 83 Ibid., “in the respective counties”. 84 In Convention Minutes, 217, in Convention Journal, I, 11, in Wiestling print, 302, and in Boas & Coplan print, 16, “Court”. 85 In Constitution B, 17, “shall” added. 86 In Convention Journal, I, 11, and in Wiestling print, 302, “courts”. 87 In Constitution B, 17, “shall, within their respective counties,”. 88 Ibid., word missing. 89 Ibid., “to be fixed in such manner as shall”. 90 In Boas & Coplan print, 17, word missing. 91 In Constitution B, 18, last two words missing. 92 In Convention Journal, I, 11, “elections”. 93 In Constitution B, 18, “respectively” added. 94 Ibid., word missing. 95 Ibid., “commissioned”. 96 Ibid., “if they shall so long behave themselves well,” missing. 97 Ibid., sentence missing. 98 Ibid., 23, “But those”. 99 Ibid., as second sentence in art. IX, sect. 21. 100 In 1986 print, 380, “register”. 101 In Constitution B, 11, as art. II, sect. 9. 102 Ibid., 12, last three words missing.
378
“Kreiße”. 52 In English original, “capital”; in 1807 print, xxxvi, “Haupt-”. 53 In English original, “any of them”; in 1807 print, xxxvi, “irgend einige derselben”. 54 In English original, “power”; in 1807 print, xxxvii, “Rechten”. 55 In English original, “of the persons and estates”; in 1807 print, xxxvii, “für das Vermögen”. 56 In English original, “writs”; in 1807 print, xxxvii, “schriftliche Befehle”. 57 In English original, “convenient”; in 1807 print, xxxvii, “solchen schicklichen”. 58 In 1807 print, xxxvii, last four words missing. 59 As in Steiner print, 13, corresponding the previous English version “to be fixed in such manner as shall be directed by law” (Constitution B, 17) instead of the final text “as are or shall be directed by law”; in 1807 print, xxxvii-xxxviii, “als durch das Gesez vorgeschrieben sind oder vorgeschrieben werden”. 60 In English original, “an office for the recording of Deeds”; in 1807 print, xxxviii, “ein Amt für die Niederlage von Schriften über erhaltene Rechte (Deeds)”. 61 In English original, “for each office” added; also in Steiner print, 13, and in 1807 print, xxxviii (“für jedes Amt”). 62 In English original, “disciplined”; in 1807 print, xxxix, “dienstfähig gemacht”. 63 In English original, “recorders of Deeds”; in 1807 print, xxxix, “die Protokollisten von Schriften”. 64 In English original, “authority”; in 1807 print, xxxix, “Ansehn”. 65 In English original, “Attornies at law”; in 1807 print, xxxix, “Gerichts-Anwalde”. 66 In English original, “highways”; in 1807 print, xxxix, “Strassen”. 67 In English original, “seminaries of learning”; in 1807 print, xxxix, “hohe Schulen”. 68 In English original, “corporate bodies”; in 1807 print, xl, “einverleibter Körper”. 69 In English original, “all officers executive and Judicial”; in 1807 print, xl, “alle andere Beamte, die zum vollziehenden und gerichtlichen Fach gehören,”. 70 In English original, “constitution”; in 1807 print, xl, “Constitution”. 71 In English original, “equally free and independent”; in 1807 print, xl, “gleich, frey und unabhängig”. 72 In English original, “their own”; in 1807 print, xl, “sein”. 73 In English original, “authority”; in 1807 print, xli, “Ansehn”. 74 In English original, “the rights of conscience”; in 1807 print, xli, “die Rechte der Gewißens-Freyheit”. 75 In English original, “can”; in 1807 print, xli, “kann”. 76 In English original, “any religious establishments”; in 1807 print, xli, “irgend einer Religion”. 77 In English original, “any office or place of trust or
C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1790) 103 Ibid.,
as art. II, sect. 16. 20, “or erect”. 105 Ibid., “press”. 106 Ibid., “restraining”. 107 Ibid., 21, instead of last two sentences: “In prosecutions for libels, their truth or design may be given in evidence on the general issue, and their nature and tendency, whether proper for public information, or only for private ridicule or malice, be determined by the jury, under the direction of the court, as in other cases.”. 108 In Convention Journal, I, 14, in Boas & Coplan print, 23, and in 1986 print, 384, “counsel”. 109 In Constitution B, 21, last two words missing. 110 Ibid., “or, by leave of the court, for oppression and misdemeanor in office” missing. 111 Ibid., “Nor shall any person”. 112 Ibid., in Constitution B, 22, in Convention Minutes, 219, in Convention Journal, I, 14, in Wiestling print, 304, in Boas & Coplan print, 23, and in 1986 print, 384, “being made”. 113 In Constitution B, 22, sentence missing. 114 Ibid., “, or the execution thereof,” added. 115 In Convention Journal, I, 15, in Wiestling print, 305, in Boas & Coplan print, 24, and in 1986 print, 385, “jail”. 116 In Constitution B, 22, “a strong”. 117 Ibid., “all his”. 118 Ibid., 23, “shall go”. 119 Ibid., “casualty or accident”. 120 Ibid., in Convention Journal, I, 15, in Wiestling print, 305, in Boas & Coplan print, 24, and in 1986 print, 386, “a right”. 121 In Boas & Coplan print, 25, “redress”. 122 In Constitution B, 23, additional sentence added, here as act. VI, sect. 2. 123 In enrolled manuscript, and in 1986 print, 387, “of”. 124 In Boas & Coplan print, 25, rest missing. 125 In Constitution B, 25, heading missing. 126 In Convention Minutes, 220, “offices”. 127 In Convention Journal, I, 17, and in Wiestling print, 306, “viz”. 128 In Constitution B, 26, “shall elect”. 129 In Constitution A, 27, in Constitution B, 27, in Convention Minutes, 221, in Convention Journal, I, 17, in Wiestling print, 306, and in 1986 print, 389, “vacancies”. 130 In 1986 print, 389, “and the”. 131 In Constitution B, 28, “meet at the Court House”. 132 Ibid., “Sunsbury”. 133 Ibid., rest missing. 134 In enrolled manuscript, Thomas Mifflin appears to have signed first, however, without adding his quality as president of the convention. In 1986 print, 390, subsequent names of signers missing, excepting the two secretaries. 135 In Constitution A, 29, in Convention Minutes, 222, 104 Ibid.,
profit”; in 1807 print, xli, “irgend ein einträgliches Amt oder Amt oder Stelle des Vertrauens”. 78 In English original, “trial by Jury”; in 1807 print, xli, “Verhör vor einer Jury”. 79 In English original, “printing Presses”; in 1807 print, xli, “Drucker-Preßen”. 80 In English original, “write”; in 1807 print, xli, “schreiben”. 81 In English original, “responsible”; in 1807 print, xli, “verantwortlich”. 82 In English original, “men in a public capacity”; in 1807 print, xli, “Personen als Diener des Publicums”. 83 In English original, “direction”; in 1807 print, xlii, “Leitung”. 84 In English original, “warrant”; in 1807 print, xlii, “Befehl”. 85 In English original, “council”; in 1807 print, xlii, “Rechts-Beystand”. 86 In English original, “witnesses”; in 1807 print, xlii, “Zeugen”. 87 In English original, “indictment”; in 1807 print, xlii, “Anklage von der Grand Jury”. 88 In English original, “his Peers”; in 1807 print, xlii, “seines Gleichens (Peers)”. 89 In English original, “the law of the land”; in 1807 print, xlii, “nach den Gesezen des Landes”. 90 In English original, “actual”; in 1807 print, xlii, “wirklichen”. 91 In English original, “misdemeanor in office”; in 1807 print, xlii, “Misverhalten im Amte”. 92 In English original, “courts”; in 1807 print, xliii, “Courten”. 93 In English original, “authority”; in 1807 print, xliii, “Ansehn”. 94 In English original, “punishments”; in 1807 print, xliii, “Leibes-Strafen”. 95 In English original, “capital offences”; in 1807 print, xliii, “Haupt-Verbrechen”. 96 In English original, “of the writ”; in 1807 print, xliii, “der Schrift”. 97 In English original, “not”; in 1807 print, xliii, “nicht”. 98 In English original, word missing; not so in Constitution B, 22, and consequently in Steiner print, 16; in 1807 print, xliii, word also missing. 99 In English original, word missing; not so in Constitution B, 22 (“all”), and consequently in Steiner print, 16; in 1807 print, xliii, word also missing. 100 In English original, “no ex post facto law”; in 1807 print, xliv, “kein Gesez für eine That nachdem dieselbe begangen worden”. 101 In English original, “impairing”; in 1807 print, xliv, “aufgehoben”. 102 In English original, “felony”; in 1807 print, xliv, “Felonie”. 103 In English original, “no attainder shall work corruption of blood”; in 1807 print, xliv, “keine Ueberwei-
379
P ENNSYLVANIA in Convention Journal, I, 19, and in Wiestling print, 307, “Groscop”. 136 In Constitution A, 29, in Convention Minutes, 222, in Convention Journal, I, 19, and in Wiestling print, 307, “Baltzer Gehr”. 137 In Constitution A, 29, in Convention Minutes, 222, in Convention Journal, I, 19, and in Wiestling print, 307, “Powel”. 138 In Constitution A, 29, in Convention Minutes, 222, “Breckbill”; in Convention Journal, I, 18, and in Wiestling print, 307, “Brechbill”. 139 In Constitution A, 29, in Convention Minutes, 222, in Convention Journal, I, 19, and in Wiestling print, 307, “Coates”. 140 In Constitution A, 29, in Convention Minutes, 222, in Convention Journal, I, 18, and in Wiestling print, 307, “Slegle”. 141 In Constitution A, 29, and in Convention Minutes, 222, “Heister”.
380
sung, Familienlosigkeit”. English original, “not”; in 1807 print, xliv, “nicht”. 105 In English original, “high powers”; in 1807 print, xlv, “hohen Gewalt”. 106 In English original, “powers”; in 1807 print, xlv, “Rechten”. 107 In 1807 print, xlv, “Zettel”. 108 In English original, “actions, prosecutions”; in 1807 print, xlv, “bürgerliche und peinliche Prozeße”. 109 In English original, “bodies corporate”; in 1807 print, xlv, “einverleibter Körper”. 110 In English original, “Executive Department”; in 1807 print, xlv, “gesezvollziehende Fach”. 111 In English original, “than will”; in 1807 print, xlvi, “als [. . . ] seyn soll”. 112 In 1807 print, xlvi, clause on Montgomery county missing. 113 As in Steiner print, 20, corresponding the previous English version “at the Court House” (Constitution B, 28) which was dropped in the final version; in 1807 print, xlviii, words also missing. 114 In 1807 print, xlix, “Präsident” missing. 115 Ibid., “Jenks, jun.”. 116 Ibid., “Reddick”. 117 Ibid., “Slagle”. 118 Ibid., “Coats”. 119 Ibid., “Schoemaker”. 120 Ibid., “Irwine”. 121 Ibid., “Hiester”. 122 Ibid., “Schallus”. 104 In
Constitution of Pennsylvania (1838)
Verfassung von Pennsylvanien (1838)
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as amended by the Convention of one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven-thirty eight1
Abänderungen zu der Constitution von Pennsylvanien, durch eine Convention zu Einer Abstimmung des Volkes, am zweiten Dienstag im October, 1838, für deren Annahme oder Verwerfung, vorgeschlagen1
W E , The People of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, ordain and establish this Constitution for its Government.2
Constitution von 1838
ARTICLE I3
ARTIKEL 1
S ECT. 1. The legislative power of this Commonwealth shall be vested in a General Assembly, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.
A BSCH . 1. Das Recht dieser Republik, Gesetze zu geben2 , soll einer General Assembly, welche aus einem Senat und einem Hause der Repräsentanten bestehen soll, übertragen sein.
S ECT. 2. The representatives shall be chosen annually by the citizens of the city of Philadelphia and of each county respectively on the second tuesday of October.
A BSCH . 2. Die Repräsentanten sollen jährlich auf den zweiten Dienstag im October, von den Bürgern der Stadt Philadelphia und jeder Caunty besonders, gewählt werden.
S ECT. 3. No person shall be a representative who shall not have attained the age of twenty one years, and have been a citizen and inhabitant of the State three years next preceding his election, and the last year
A BSCH . 3. Es soll niemand ein Repräsentant sein, welcher nicht das Alter von ein und zwanzig Jahren erreicht hat, und nicht ein Bürger und Einwohner des Staats in den drei nächsten Jahren vor seiner Wahl,
381
P ENNSYLVANIA thereof an inhabitant of the district in and for which he shall be chosen a representative, unless he shall have been absent on the public business of the United States or of this State.
und das letztere Jahr ein Einwohner des Distrikts3 war, in, und für, welchen er als ein Repräsentant erwählt werden wird; er sei denn in öffentlichen Geschäften der Vereinigten Staaten oder dieses Staats abwesend gewesen.
S ECT. 4. Within three years after the first meeting of the General Assembly, and within every subsequent term of seven years, an enumeration of the taxable inhabitants shall be made in such manner as shall be directed by law. The number of representatives shall at the several periods of making such enumeration, be fixed by the Legislature, and apportioned among the city of Philadelphia and the several counties, according to the number of taxable inhabitants in each; and shall never be less than sixty nor greater than one hundred. Each county shall have at least one representative, but no county hereafter erected shall be entitled to a separate representation until a sufficient number of taxable inhabitants shall be contained within it, to entitle them to one representative agreeably to the ratio which4 shall then be established.
A BSCH . 4. Innerhalb drei Jahren nach der ersten Zusammenkunft der General-Assembly, und innerhalb jedem folgenden Zeitraum von sieben Jahren, soll eine Zählung der taxbaren Einwohner, auf solche Art, als das Gesetz vorschreiben wird, geschehen. Die Anzahl der Repräsentanten soll, zu den verschiedenen Zeiten, wann solche Zählungen geschehen, von der Gesetzgebung4 bestimmt, und in der Stadt Philadelphia und den verschiedenen Caunties, nach der Anzahl der taxbaren Einwohner in jeder derselben, eingetheilt werden, und ihre Anzahl soll sich nie unter sechzig und nie über ein hundert belaufen. Jede Caunty soll wenigstens einen Repräsentanten haben; allein keine in der Folge zu errichtende Caunty soll zu einer besonderen Repräsentation berechtigt sein, bis dieselbe so viele taxbare Einwohner enthält, daß sie, nach dem alsdann festgesetzten Verhältniß, zu einem Repräsentanten berechtigt ist.
S ECT. 5. The senators shall be chosen for three years by the citizens of Philadelphia and of the several counties at the same time, in the same manner, and at the same places where they shall vote for representatives.
A BSCH . 5. Die Senatoren sollen von den Bürgern von Philadelphia und den verschiedenen Caunties, zu der nämlichen Zeit, auf die nämliche Art und an den nämlichen Orten, wo sie für die Repräsentanten stimmen, für drei Jahre erwählt werden.
S ECT. 6. The number of senators shall, at the several periods of making the enumeration before mentioned, be fixed by the Legislature and apportioned among the districts formed as hereinafter directed according to the number of taxable inhabitants in each; and shall never be less than one fourth, nor greater than one third, of the number of representatives.
A BSCH . 6. Die Anzahl der Senatoren soll, zu den Zeiten, wann die vorermeldeten Zählungen geschehen, von der Gesetzgebung bestimmt und unter die Distrikte, welche so, wie hierin hernach vorgeschrieben ist, gebildet sind, nach der Anzahl der taxbaren Einwohner, in jedem derselben eingetheilt werden; und sollen nie weniger als ein Viertheil, noch mehr als ein Drittheil der Anzahl der Repräsentanten sein.
382
C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1838) S ECT. 7. The senators shall be chosen in districts, to be formed by the legislature; but no district shall be so formed as to entitle it to elect more than two senators, unless the number of taxable inhabitants in any city or county shall, at any time, be such as to entitle it to elect more than two, but no city or county shall be entitled to elect more than four senators; when a district shall be composed of two or more counties, they shall be adjoining; neither the city of Philadelphia nor any county shall be divided in forming a district.
A BSCH . 7. Die Senatoren sollen in Distrikten erwählt werden, welche die Gesetzgebung zu bilden hat; allein kein Distrikt soll so gebildet werden, daß er zu mehr als zwei Senatoren berechtigt wäre, es sei denn, daß die Zahl der taxbaren Einwohner in irgend einer Stadt oder Caunty zu irgend einer Zeit so wäre, um sie zu berechtigen mehr als zwei zu erwählen; jedoch soll keine Stadt oder Caunty berechtigt sein, mehr als vier Senatoren zu erwählen. Wenn ein Distrikt aus zwei oder mehreren Caunties bestehen wird, so sollen dieselben aneinander liegend sein. Weder die Stadt Philadelphia noch irgend eine Caunty soll bei der Bildung eines Distriktes getheilt werden.
S ECT. 8. No person shall be a senator, who shall not have attained the age of twenty five years and have been a citizen and inhabitant of the State four5 years next before his election, and the last year thereof an inhabitant of the district for which he shall be chosen, unless he shall have been absent on the public business of the United States or of this State; and no person elected as aforesaid shall hold said office after he shall have removed from such district.
A BSCH . 8. Keine Person soll ein Senator sein, welche nicht das Alter von fünf und zwanzig Jahren erreicht hat und nicht ein Bürger und Einwohner des Staates in den nächsten vier Jahren vor seiner Erwählung, und hiervon das letzte Jahr ein Einwohner des Distriktes, für welchen er erwählt wird, war; er sei denn in öffentlichen Geschäften der Vereinigten Staaten oder dieses Staates abwesend gewesen; und keine Person, wie vorersagt erwählt, soll ersagtes Amt behalten, nachdem dieselbe aus dem Distrikt gezogen ist.
S ECT. 9. The senators who may be elected at the first general election after the adoption of the amendments to the constitution, shall be divided by lot into three classes. The seats of the senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the first year; of the second class at the expiration of the second year; and of the third class at the expiration of the third year; so that thereafter one third of the whole number of Senators may be chosen every year. The Senators elected before the amendments to the constitution shall be adopted, shall hold their offices during the terms for which they shall respectively have been elected.
A BSCH . 9. Die Senatoren, welche bei der ersten allgemeinen Wahl nach der Annahme der Verbesserungen zu dieser Constitution, erwählt werden mögen, sollen durch Loose in drei Classen getheilt werden. Die Sitze der Senatoren der ersten Classe, sollen nach dem Ablauf des ersten Jahrs erledigt werden; der zweiten Classe, nach dem Ablauf des zweiten Jahrs; und der dritten Classe, nach dem Ablauf des dritten Jahrs; so daß nach diesem jedes Jahr ein Drittheil der ganzen Zahl der Senatoren erwählt werden möge. Die Senatoren, welche vor der Annahme der Verbesserungen zu der Constitution erwählt sind, sollen ihre Aemter während dem Zeitraum, behalten für welchen sie verschiedentlich erwählt worden. 383
P ENNSYLVANIA S ECT. 10. The General Assembly shall meet on the first tuesday of January, in every year, unless sooner convened by the Governor.
A BSCH . 10. Die General-Assembly soll auf den ersten Dienstag des Januars, in jedem Jahr zusammenkommen, wenn sie nicht der Gouvernör eher zusammen beruft.
S ECT. 11. Each house shall choose its speaker and other officers; and the Senate shall also choose a Speaker pro tempore, when the Speaker shall exercise the office of Governor.
A BSCH . 11. Jedes Haus soll einen Sprecher und andere Beamten erwählen; auch soll der Senat einen einstweiligen Sprecher5 erwählen, wenn der Sprecher das Amt des Gouvernörs versieht.
S ECT. 12. Each house shall judge of the qualifications of its members. Contested elections shall be determined by a committee to be selected, formed and regulated in such manner as shall be directed by law. A majority of each house shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized by law to compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner and under such penalties as may be provided.
A BSCH . 12. Jedes Haus soll über die erforderlichen Eigenschaften seiner Glieder urtheilen. Bestrittene Wahlen sollen durch eine Committee entschieden werden, welche auf solche Art, als das Gesetz bestimmen wird, ausgewählt, gebildet und eingerichtet werden soll. Eine Mehrheit jedes Hauses soll die hinlängliche Anzahl6 , um Geschäfte zu verrichten, ausmachen; allein eine geringere Anzahl kann die Sitzung von Tag zu Tag aufschieben, und kann durch ein Gesetz die Gewalt erhalten, die abwesenden Glieder, auf solche Art und unter solchen Strafen, als verfügt sein mögen, zu nöthigen sich einzufinden.
S ECT. 13. Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behaviour, and with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member, but not a second time for the same cause; and shall have all other powers necessary for a branch of the legislature of a free State.
A BSCH . 13. Jedwedes Haus kann die Regeln seiner Verhandlungen bestimmen, seine Glieder wegen ungebührlichem Betragen bestrafen, und, mit Zustimmung zweier Drittheile, ein Glied ausstoßen; jedoch nicht ein Zweitesmal für ein und die nämliche Ursache; u. soll alle andere, für einen Zweig der Gesetzgebung eines freien Staats nöthige, Gewalt haben.
S ECT. 14. The legislature shall not have power to enact laws annulling the contract of marriage in any case where, by law, the courts of this Commonwealth are or may hereafter6 be empowered to decree a divorce.
A BSCH . 14. Die Gesetzgebung soll keine Gewalt haben, Gesetze zu machen um in irgend einem Fall Heiraths-Contrakte aufzulösen, in welchem die Courten dieser Republik durch das Gesetz autorisirt sind, oder in Zukunft werden mögen, Ehescheidungen zu gestatten.
S ECT. 15. Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and publish them weekly, except such parts7 as may require secrecy; and the yeas and nays of the mem-
A BSCH . 15. Jedes Haus soll ein Tagebuch von seinen Verhandlungen führen und dieselben wöchentlich bekannt machen, ausgenommen solche Theile, als Verschwiegen-
384
V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1838) bers on any question shall at the desire of any two of them, be entered on the journals.
heit erfordern mögen; und die Jas und Neins der Glieder über irgend eine Frage sollen, auf Verlangen von irgend einigen zweien von ihnen, in die Tagebücher eingetragen werden.
S ECT. 16. The doors of each house and of committees of the whole shall be open, unless, when the business shall be such as ought to be kept secret.
A BSCH . 16. Die Thüren jedes Hauses und der Committeen des Ganzen sollen offen sein, außer wenn die Geschäfte so beschaffen sind, daß sie Verschwiegenheit erfordern sollten.
S ECT. 17. Neither house shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting.
A BSCH . 17. Kein Haus soll, ohne die Einwilligung des andern, seine Sitzung länger als drei Tage verschieben, auch an keinen andern Platz verlegen, als den, wo die beiden Häuser ihre Sitzungen eben halten.
S ECT. 18. The Senators and representatives shall receive a compensation for their services to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the treasury of the Commonwealth. They shall in all cases, except treason, felony and breach or8 surety of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at the session of their respective houses, and in going to and returning from the same. And for any speech or debate in either house they shall not be questioned in any other place.
A BSCH . 18. Die Senatoren und Repräsentanten sollen für ihre Dienste Vergütigung erhalten, welche durch ein Gesetz zu bestimmen und aus der Schatzkammer der Republik zu bezahlen ist. Sie sollen in allen Fällen, außer Verrath, Felonie, Friedensbruch und wenn Sicherung des Friedens es fordert, von Verhaftung frei sein, so lange sie der Sitzung ihrer respectiven Häuser abwarten, und während sie dahin gehen und von dort zurückkehren: Und sie sollen für keine Rede oder Debatte in einem der beiden Häuser, an irgend einem andern Orte, zur Verantwortung gezogen werden.
S ECT. 19. No Senator or representative shall, during the time for which he shall have been elected, be appointed to any civil office under this Commonwealth which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which shall have been increased during such time: and no member of Congress or other person holding any office (except of attorney at law and in the militia) under the United States or this Commonwealth, shall be a member of either house during his continuance in Congress or in office.
A BSCH . 19. Kein Senator oder Repräsentant soll, während der Zeit, für welche er erwählt worden ist, in irgend einem bürgerlichen Amte unter dieser Republik angestellt werden, welches während solcher Zeit ist errichtet oder dessen Einkünfte vermehrt worden sind; und kein Glied des Congresses, oder andere Person, welche irgend ein Amt (ausser das eines gerichtlichen Anwaldes und in der Miliz) unter den Vereinigten Staaten oder dieser Republik bekleidet, soll ein Glied eines der beiden Häuser sein, so lange er im Congreß ist oder das Amt bekleidet.
385
P ENNSYLVANIA S ECT. 20. When vacancies happen in either house the Speaker shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies.
A BSCH . 20. Wenn sich in irgend einem der beiden Häuser Stellen-Erledigungen ereignen, so soll der Sprecher schriftliche Befehle zu einer Wahl ausgehen lassen, um solche erledigte Stelle wieder zu besetzen.
S ECT. 21. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the house of representatives, but the Senate may propose amendments as in other bills.
A BSCH . 21. Alle Bills für die Erhebung von Einkünften sollen in dem Hause der Repräsentanten ihren Ursprung nehmen; allein der Senat kann, wie in andern Bills, Verbesserungen vorschlagen.
S ECT. 22. No money shall be drawn from the treasury but in consequence of appropriations made by law.
A BSCH . 22. Aus der Schatzkammer soll kein Geld gezogen werden, als zufolge von Bestimmungen, die durch ein Gesetz gemacht worden sind.
S ECT. 23. Every bill which shall have passed both houses shall be presented to the Governor. If he approve he shall sign it, but if he shall not approve he shall return it with his objections9 to the house in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large upon their journals and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration two thirds of that house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent with the objections to the other house by which likewise it shall be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that house, it shall be a law. But in such cases the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons voting for or against the bill shall be entered on the journals of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the Governor within ten days (Sundays10 excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, it shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the General Assembly by their adjournment, prevent11 its return, in which case it shall be a law, unless sent back within three days after their next meeting.
A BSCH . 23. Eine jede Bill, welche beide Häuser passirt hat, soll dem Gouvernör vorgelegt werden; wenn er dieselbe billigt, so soll er sie unterschreiben; billigt er aber dieselbe nicht, so soll er sie, mit seinen Einwendungen, an das Haus, in welchem sie ihren Ursprung hatte, wieder zurück schicken, welches die Einwendungen ganz in sein Tagebuch eintragen und die Bill wieder in Erwägung ziehen soll; wenn nun, nach einer solchen Wiedererwägung, zwei Drittheile dieses Hauses einig werden, daß die Bill passiren soll, so soll die Bill, nebst den Einwendungen, dem andern Hause zugeschickt werden, von welchem sie ebenfalls wieder erwogen werden soll; und wenn nun zwei Drittheile dieses Hauses dieselbe billigen, so soll sie ein Gesetz sein. Allein in diesen Fällen sollen die Stimmen beider Häuser durch Jas und Neins bestimmt, und die Namen der Personen, welche für oder gegen die Bill stimmen, sollen in die Tagebücher der beiden Häuser verschiedentlich eingetragen werden. Wenn irgend eine Bill nicht von dem Gouvernör innerhalb zehn Tagen, (Sonntage ausgenommen) nachdem ihm dieselbe überreicht worden, zurück geschickt werden sollte, so soll sie, auf eben die Art, als ob er sie unterzeichnet hätte, ein Gesetz werden; außer wenn die General-Assembly durch die Verschiebung ihrer Sitzung ih-
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C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1838) re Zurückschickung verhinderte; in diesem Fall soll sie ein Gesetz werden, wenn sie nicht innerhalb drei Tagen nach ihrer nächsten Zusammenkunft zurück geschickt wird. S ECT. 24. Every order, resolution or vote to which the concurrence of both houses may be necessary (except on a question of adjournment) shall be presented to the Governor, and before it shall take effect, be approved by him, or being disapproved, shall be repassed by two thirds of both houses according to the rules and limitations prescribed in case of a bill.
A BSCH . 24. Jedwede Verordnung, Beschluß oder Stimmung, wozu die Zustimmung beider Häuser nöthig sein mag, sollen (außer wenn die Frage von der Verschiebung der Sitzung ist) dem Gouvernör vorgelegt, und, ehe sie wirkende Kraft erlangen, von ihm gebilligt, oder, wenn er sie nicht billigt, von zwei Drittheilen beider Häuser wieder passirt werden, nach den Regeln und Einschränkungen, welche im Fall einer Bill vorgeschrieben sind.
S ECT. 25. No corporate body shall be hereafter created, renewed or extended, with banking or discounting privileges, without six months previous public notice of the intended12 application for the same in such manner as shall be prescribed by law. Nor shall any charter for the purposes aforesaid, be granted for a longer period than twenty years, and every such charter shall contain a clause reserving to the legislature the power to alter, revoke or annul the same whenever in their opinion it may be injurious to the citizens of the commonwealth, in such manner however that no injustice shall be done to the corporators. No law hereafter enacted, shall create, renew or extend the charter of more than one corporation.
A BSCH . 25. Kein incorporirter Körper, mit dem Recht Bank- oder Wechselgeschäft zu betreiben, soll nach diesem erschaffen, erneuert oder ausgedehnt werden, ohne sechs Monate vorherige öffentliche Nachricht von dem Ansuchen7 für dieselben, auf solche Art, wie es von dem Gesetz vorgeschrieben werden soll. Noch soll einiger Freibrief für vorersagte Endzwecke, für einen längern Zeitraum als zwanzig Jahre ertheilt werden; und jeder solche Freibrief soll eine Clausel enthalten, in welcher der Gesetzgebung das Recht vorbehalten wird, denselben abzuändern, zurückzunehmen oder zu vernichten, wenn in ihrer Meinung derselbe den Bürgern dieser Republik nachtheilig ist, auf solche Art jedoch, daß den Stockhaltern8 kein Unrecht geschieht. Kein in Zukunft passirtes Gesetz soll mehr wie eine Corporation9 erschaffen, erneuern oder ausdehnen.
ARTICLE II13
ARTIKEL 2
S ECT. 1. The Supreme Executive power of this Commonwealth shall be vested in a Governor.
A BSCH . 1. Die höchste vollziehende Gewalt dieser Republik soll auf einem Gouvernör beruhen.
S ECT. 2. The Governor shall be chosen on the second tuesday of October, by the citizens of the Commonwealth, at the places
A BSCH . 2. Der Gouvernör soll auf den zweiten Dienstag im October, von den Bürgern dieser Republik, an den Oertern, wo sie
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P ENNSYLVANIA where they shall respectively vote for representatives. The returns of every election for Governor shall be sealed up and transmitted to the seat of government, directed to the Speaker of the Senate, who shall open and publish them in the presence of the members of both houses of the legislature. The person having the highest number of votes shall be Governor. But if two or more shall be equal and highest in votes, one of them shall be chosen Governor by the joint vote of the members of both houses. Contested elections shall be determined by a Committee to be selected from both houses of the legislature, and formed and regulated in such manner as shall be directed by law.
verschiedentlich für Repräsentanten stimmen, gewählt werden. Die Berichte von jeder Gouvernörswahl sollen zugesiegelt und nach dem Sitz der Regierung geschickt und an den Sprecher des Senats gerichtet werden, welcher sie in Gegenwart der Glieder der beiden Häuser eröffnen und bekannt machen soll. Die Person, welche die höchste Anzahl der Stimmen hat, soll Gouvernör sein. Allein wenn zwei oder mehrere gleich sein und die mehrsten Stimmen haben sollten, so soll einer von ihnen durch die vereinigten Stimmen der Glieder beider Häuser zum Gouvernör erwählt werden. Bestrittene Wahlen sollen durch eine Committee entschieden werden, welche aus beiden Häusern der Gesetzgebung ausgehoben und auf solche Art gebildet und eingerichtet sein soll, wie das Gesetz vorschreiben wird.
S ECT. 3. The Governor shall hold his office during three years from the third tuesday of January next ensuing his election, and shall not be capable of holding it longer than six in any term of nine years.
A BSCH . 3. Der Gouvernör soll sein Amt während drei Jahren, von dem auf seine Wahl nächst folgenden dritten Dienstag im Januar an, bekleiden, und soll nicht fähig sein, es länger zu bekleiden als sechs Jahre in jedem Zeitraum von neun Jahren.
S ECT. 4. He shall be at least thirty years of age, and have been a citizen and an14 inhabitant of this State seven years next before his election; unless he shall have been absent on the public business of the United States or of this State.
A BSCH . 4. Er muß wenigstens dreißig Jahre alt u. ein Bürger und Einwohner dieses Staates sieben Jahre nächst vor seiner Wahl gewesen sein; es sei denn, daß er in öffentlichen Geschäften dieses Staats oder der Vereinigten Staaten10 abwesend gewesen sei.
S ECT. 5. No member of Congress or person holding any office under the United States or15 this State, shall exercise the office of Governor.
A BSCH . 5. Kein Glied des Congresses oder eine Person, welche irgend ein Amt unter den Vereinigten Staaten oder diesem Staat bekleidet, soll das Amt eines Gouvernörs versehen können.
S ECT. 6. The Governor shall at stated times receive for his services, a compensation, which shall be neither increased nor diminished during the period for which he shall have been elected.
A BSCH . 6. Der Gouvernör soll zu festgesetzten Zeiten für seine Dienste eine Vergütung erhalten, welche während dem Zeitraum, für welchen er erwählt ist, weder vermehrt noch vermindert werden soll.
S ECT. 7. He shall be commander-in-chief of the army and navy of this Common-
A BSCH . 7. Er soll der Ober-Befehlshaber der Armee und der Flotte dieser Republik
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V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1838) wealth, and of the militia, except when they shall be called into the actual service of the United States.
und der Miliz sein; außer wenn dieselbe in den wirklichen Dienst der Vereinigten Staaten berufen werden sollte.
S ECT. 8. He shall appoint a Secretary of the Commonwealth during pleasure, and he shall nominate and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate appoint all judicial officers of 16 courts of record, unless otherwise provided for in this Constitution. He shall have power to fill all vacancies that may happen in such judicial offices during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session; Provided, that in acting on executive nominations the Senate shall sit with open doors, and in confirming or rejecting the nominations of the Governor, the vote17 shall be taken by yeas and nays.
A BSCH . 8. Er soll einen Secretär der Republik für so lange, als es ihm beliebt, ernennen, und er soll vorschlagen und mit dem Rath und der Beistimmung des Senats alle gerichtliche Beamten von Protokoll-Courten11 anstellen, es sei denn anders in dieser Constitution vorgeschrieben. Er soll Macht haben, alle leere Stellen zu besetzen, die während der Abwesenheit12 des Senats in solchen gerichtlichen Aemtern vorfallen, indem er Bestallungen gestattet, die am Ende ihrer nächsten Sitzung13 auslaufen: Vorausgesetzt, Daß der Senat mit offenen Thüren sitzen soll, wenn er über Anstellungen vom Gouvernör handelt; und bei Bestätigung oder Verwerfung der Ernennungen des Gouvernörs soll die Stimme durch Jas und Neins genommen werden.
S ECT. 9. He shall have power to remit fines and forfeitures, and grant reprieves and pardons, except in cases of impeachment.
A BSCH . 9. Er soll das Recht haben, Strafen und Verwirkungen zu erlassen und Aufschub der Strafe und Begnadigung zu ertheilen, außer in Fällen, wo Anklagen vor dem Senat14 angebracht werden.
S ECT. 10. He may require information in writing, from the officers in the executive department upon18 any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices.
A BSCH . 10. Er kann schriftlich von den Beamten in dem vollziehenden Regierungsfach15 Nachrichten über irgend einen Gegenstand, welcher sich auf die Pflichten ihrer verschiedenen Aemter bezieht, verlangen.
S ECT. 11. He shall from time to time, give to the General Assembly information of the state of the Commonwealth, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge expedient.
A BSCH . 11. Er soll, von Zeit zu Zeit, der General-Assembly Nachricht von dem Zustande der Republik ertheilen, und zu ihrer Erwägung solche Maßregeln, als er für dienlich erachten wird, anempfehlen.
S ECT. 12. He may, on extraordinary occasions, convene the General Assembly; and in case of disagreement between the two houses, with respect to the time of adjournment, adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper, not exceeding four months.
A BSCH . 12. Er kann bei außerordentlichen Gelegenheiten die General-Assembly zusammenberufen; und im Falle beide Häuser, in Ansehung der Zeit, auf welche ihre Sitzung verschoben werden soll, nicht einig sind, so kann er ihre Sitzung bis auf eine solche Zeit, als er für schicklich hält, jedoch nicht über vier Monate, verschieben. 389
P ENNSYLVANIA S ECT. 13. He shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.
A BSCH . 13. Er soll Sorge tragen, daß die Gesetze getreulich vollzogen werden.
S ECT. 14. In case of the death or resignation of the Governor, or of19 his removal from office, the Speaker of the Senate shall exercise the office of Governor, until another Governor shall be duly qualified; but in such case another Governor shall be chosen at the next annual election of representatives, unless such death, resignation or removal, shall occur within three calendar months immediately preceding such next annual election, in which case a Governor shall be chosen at the second succeeding annual election of representatives. And if the trial of a contested election shall continue longer than until the third monday of January next ensuing the election of Governor, the Governor of the last year or the Speaker of the Senate who may be in the exercise of the executive authority, shall continue therein until the determination of such contested election, and until a Governor shall be duly qualified as aforesaid.
A BSCH . 14. In dem Fall, daß der Gouvernör stirbt oder sein Amt niederlegt, oder seines Amtes entsetzt wird, soll der Sprecher des Senats das Amt eines Gouvernörs verwalten, bis ein anderer Gouvernör gehörig verpflichtet ist; allein in solchem Fall soll bei der nächsten jährlichen Wahl für Repräsentanten ein anderer Gouvernör erwählt werden, es sei denn, daß solcher Tod, Amtsniederlegung oder Amtsentsetzung sich innerhalb drei Calendermonaten gleich vor solcher nächsten jährlichen Wahl ereigne, in solchem Fall soll bei der zweiten nächstfolgenden Wahl für Repräsentanten ein Gouvernör erwählt werden. Und wenn die Untersuchung einer bestrittenen Wahl länger dauern sollte, als den dritten Montag im Januar, welcher nächst auf die Gouvernörs Wahl folgt, so soll der Gouvernör von dem letzten Jahre, oder der Sprecher des Senats, welcher etwa das Amt eines Gouvernörs bekleiden mag, darin verbleiben, bis solche bestrittene Wahl entschieden und ein Gouvernör, wie vorbesagt, gehörig verpflichtet ist.
S ECT. 15. The Secretary of the Commonwealth, shall keep a fair register of all the official acts and proceedings of the Governor, and shall when required, lay the same and all papers, minutes and vouchers relative thereto, before either branch of the legislature, and shall perform such other duties as shall be enjoined him by law.
A BSCH . 15. Der Secretär der Republik soll eine getreuliche Registratur von allen amtsmäßigen Verrichtungen halten und soll, wenn es verlangt wird, dieselbe, nebst allen Schriften, Protokollen und Quittungen, welche sich darauf beziehen, einem jeden der beiden Zweige der Gesetzgebung vorlegen und solche andere Geschäfte verrichten, als die Gesetze ihm auferlegen werden.
ARTICLE III20
ARTIKEL 3
S ECT. 1. In elections by the citizens every white freeman of the age of twenty one years, having resided in this State one year, and in the election district where he offers to vote, ten days immediately preceding21 such election, and within two years paid a
A BSCH . 1. Bei den Wahlen der Bürger soll jeder weiße Freimann, welcher ein und zwanzig Jahre alt ist und in diesem Staat ein Jahr, und in dem Wahldistrikt, wo er stimmen will, zehn Tage gleich vor solcher Wahl gewohnt hat, und innerhalb zwei Jah-
390
C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1838) State or County tax, which shall have been assessed at least ten days before the election, shall enjoy the rights of an elector. But a citizen of the United States who had previously been a qualified voter of this State and removed therefrom and returned, and who shall have resided in the election district, and paid taxes as aforesaid shall be entitled to vote, after residing in the state six months. Provided, that white freemen, citizens of the United States, between the ages of twenty-one and twenty two years, and having resided in the State one year, and in the election district ten days as aforesaid, shall be entitled to vote, although they shall not have paid taxes.
ren einen Staats- oder Caunty-Tax bezahlte, der wenigstens zehn Tage vor der Wahl auferlegt worden, die Rechte eine Erwählers genießen. Allein ein Bürger der Vereinigten Staaten, der vorher ein Stimmfähiger16 dieses Staats gewesen, und aus demselben gezogen und zurückgekehrt ist, und der wie vorersagt in dem Wahldistrikt gewohnt und Taxen bezahlt hat, soll ein Recht haben zu stimmen, nachdem er sechs Monate in dem Staat wohnte; Mit dem Vorbehalt, Daß weiße Freimänner, Bürger der Vereinigten Staaten, zwischen dem Alter von ein und zwanzig und zwei und zwanzig Jahren, die ein Jahr im Staat und, wie vorersagt, zehn Tage in dem Wahldistrikt gewohnt, zu stimmen berechtigt sein sollen, obschon sie keine Taxen bezahlt haben.
S ECT. 2. All elections shall be by ballot, except those by persons in their representative capacities, who shall vote viva-voce.
A BSCH . 2. Alle Wahlen sollen durch Stimmzettel geschehen, außer wenn dieselben durch Personen als Repräsentanten geschehen, welche mit lauter Stimme (viva voce) stimmen sollen.
S ECT. 3. Electors shall in all cases, except treason, felony, and breach or22 surety of the peace, be privileged from arrest, during their attendance on elections, and in going to and returning from them.
A BSCH . 3. Die Erwähler sollen in allen Fällen, außer Verrath, Felonie, und zur Sicherung oder wegen Bruch des Friedens, von Verhaft frei sein, während sie sich bei den Wahlen befinden und dahin gehen oder von dort zurückkehren.
ARTICLE IV23
ARTIKEL 4
S ECT. 1. The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeaching.
A BSCH . 1. Das Haus der Repräsentanten soll das alleinige Recht haben, Anklagen vor dem Senat anzubringen17 .
S ECT. 2. All impeachments shall be tried by the Senate; when sitting for that purpose, the Senators shall be upon oath or affirmation. No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present.
A BSCH . 2. Alle vor den Senat gebrachte Klagen sollen von dem Senat verhört und gerichtet werden. Wenn sie zu diesem Endzweck sitzen, sollen die Senatoren durch Eid oder feierliche Versicherung verpflichtet werden. Niemand soll, ohne Zustimmung von zwei Drittheilen der gegenwärtigen Glieder, für schuldig angesehen werden.
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P ENNSYLVANIA S ECT. 3. The Governor, and all other civil officers under this Commonwealth, shall be liable to impeachment for any misdemeanour in office; But judgment, in such cases, shall not extend further than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold any office of honour, trust or profit, under this Commonwealth: The party, whether convicted or acquitted, shall nevertheless be liable to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment according to law.
A BSCH . 3. Der Gouvernör und alle andere bürgerliche Beamte unter dieser Republik sollen einer Anklage vor dem Senat, für irgend ein Mißverhalten als Beamte, unterworfen sein; allein das Urtheil soll sich, in solchen Fällen nicht weiter erstrecken, als daß sie ihres Amts entsetzt und unfähig gemacht werden, irgend ein Ehren-Amt, ein Amt des Zutrauens oder ein einträgliches Amt in dieser Republik zu bekleiden: die Partei soll, sie mag nun überwiesen oder losgesprochen sein, dem ungeachtet einer Anklage von der Grand Jury (Indictment)18 , eines Verhörs, Urtheil-Spruchs und Bestrafung nach den Gesetzen, unterworfen sein.
ARTICLE V24
ARTIKEL 5
S ECT. 1. The judicial power of this Commonwealth, shall be vested in a Supreme Court, in Courts of Oyer and Terminer and General Jail Delivery, in a Court of Common Pleas, Orphans’ Court, Register’s Court, and a Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace, for each county; in Justices of the Peace, and in such other Courts as the legislature, may from time to time establish.
A BSCH . 1. Die gerichtliche Gewalt dieser Republik soll eine Supreme-Court, Courten von Oyer und Terminer und allgemeiner Gefängniß-Erledigung, eine Court von Common Pleas, eine Waisen-Court, RegistrirersCourt und eine Court von vierteljährigen Sitzungen zum Besten des Friedens für jede Caunty, Friedensrichter und solche andere Courten, innehaben, als die Gesetzgebung von Zeit zu Zeit errichten mag.
S ECT. 2. The judges of the Supreme Court, of the several Courts of Common Pleas, and of such other Courts of Record as are or shall be established by law, shall be nominated by the Governor, and by and with the consent of the Senate appointed and commissioned by him. The judges of the Supreme Court shall hold their offices for the term of fifteen years if they shall so long behave themselves well. The president judges of the several Courts of Common Pleas and of such other Courts of Record as are or shall be established by law, and all other judges required to be learned in the law, shall hold their offices for the term of ten years if they shall so long behave themselves well. The Associate judges of the
A BSCH . 2. Die Richter der SupremeCourt und der verschiedenen Courten von Common Pleas und solcher andern Protokoll-Courten, als durch Gesetze errichtet sind oder errichtet werden mögen, sollen von dem Gouvernör vorgeschlagen und durch und mit der Zustimmung des Senats angestellt und von ihm bestallt werden. Die Richter der Supreme-Court sollen ihre Aemter für den Zeitraum von fünfzehn Jahren behalten, wenn sie sich so lange gut betragen. Die Präsidentrichter der verschiedenen Courten von Common Pleas, und solcher andern Protokoll-Courten, als durch Gesetze errichtet sind oder errichtet mögen werden, und alle andere Richter von denen gefordert wird, in den Gesetzen erfahren zu
392
V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1838) Courts of Common Pleas shall hold their offices for the term of five years if they shall so long behave themselves well. But for any reasonable cause which shall not be sufficient ground of impeachment, the Governor may remove any of them on the address of two-thirds of each branch of the legislature. The judges of the Supreme Court and the presidents of the several Courts of Common Pleas shall at stated times receive for their services an adequate compensation to be fixed by law, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office, but they shall receive no fees or perquisites of office, nor hold any other25 office of profit under this Commonwealth.
sein19 , sollen ihre Aemter für den Zeitraum von zehn Jahren behalten, wenn sie sich so lange gut betragen. Die Gehülfsrichter20 der Courten von Common Pleas sollen ihre Aemter für den Zeitraum von fünf Jahren behalten, wenn sie sich so lange gut betragen. Allein wegen irgend einer billigen Ursach, welche keinen hinlänglichen Grund zu einer Anklage vor dem Senat gewährt, kann der Gouvernör, auf die Addresse von zwei Drittheilen von jedem Zweige der Gesetzgebung, irgend einen derselben absetzen. Die Richter der Supreme-Court und die Präsidenten der verschiedenen Courten von Common Pleas, sollen zu bestimmten Zeiten für ihre Dienste eine angemessene, durch das Gesetz festgesetzte, Vergütung erhalten, welche nicht vermindert werden soll, so lange sie sich im Amte befinden; allein sie sollen keine Sporteln oder Amts-Accidentien21 erhalten, noch irgend ein anderes einträgliches Amt unter dieser Republik bekleiden.
S ECT. 3. Until otherwise directed by law, the Courts of Common Pleas shall continue as at present established. Not more than five counties shall at any time be included in one judicial district organized for said Courts.
A BSCH . 3. Bis es durch das Gesetz anders verordnet wird, sollen die Courten von Common Pleas fortdauern, wie sie jetzt eingerichtet sind. Nicht mehr als fünf Caunties sollen zu irgend einer Zeit in einen GerichtsDistrikt eingeschlossen werden, der für ersagte Court organisirt wird.
S ECT. 4. The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court shall extend over the State; and the judges thereof, shall by virtue of their offices, be justices of Oyer and Terminer and General Jail Delivery, in the several counties.
A BSCH . 4. Die Gerichtsbarkeit der Supreme-Court soll sich auf den ganzen Staat erstrecken, und die Richter derselben sollen, kraft ihres Amts, Richter von Oyer und Terminer und allgemeiner Gefängniß-Erledigung in den verschiedenen Caunties sein.
S ECT. 5. The judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in each county, shall by virtue of their offices, be justices of Oyer and Terminer and General jail delivery, for the trial of capital and other offenders therein; any two of the26 said judges, the president being one, shall be a quorum; but they shall not hold a court of oyer and terminer, or jail delivery, in any county, when27 the judges of the Supreme court, or any of them, shall
A BSCH . 5. Die Richter der Court von Common Pleas in jeder Caunty sollen, kraft ihres Amts, Richter von Oyer und Terminer und allgemeiner Gefängniß-Erledigung sein, um Haupt-22 und andere Verbrecher in derselben zu richten: irgend jede zwei der ersagten Richter, wenn der Präsident einer davon ist, sollen eine hinlängliche Anzahl zur Verrichtung von Geschäften sein; allein sie sollen keine Court von Oyer und Ter-
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P ENNSYLVANIA be sitting in the same county. The party accused, as well as the Commonwealth, may, under such regulations as shall be prescribed by law, remove the indictment and proceedings or a transcript thereof, into the Supreme Court.
miner oder Gefängiß-Erledigung in irgend einer Caunty halten, wenn die Richter der Supreme-Court, oder irgend einige derselben, in der nämlichen Caunty Sitzung halten. Die angeklagte Partei sowohl als die Republik mögen, unter solchen Verordnungen, als das Gesetz vorschreibt, die Anklage und das Verfahren, oder ein Abschrift davon, vor die Supreme Court bringen.
S ECT. 6. The Supreme Court, and the several courts of common pleas, shall, besides28 the powers heretofore usually exercised by them, have the power29 of a court of chancery, so far as relates to the perpetuating of testimony, the obtaining of evidence from places not within the State, and the care of the persons and estates of those who are non compotes30 mentis. And the legislature shall vest in the said courts such other powers to grant relief in equity, as shall be found necessary: and may, from time to time, enlarge or diminish those powers or vest them in such other courts as they shall judge proper, for the due administration of justice.
A BSCH . 6. Die Supreme-Court und die verschiedenen Courten von Common Pleas sollen, außer denen Rechten, welche sie vor diesem gewöhnlich ausgeübt haben, auch die Rechte einer Kanzlei-Court haben, insofern sie die Fortsetzung von Zeugnissen, die Erhaltung von Zeugniß von Oertern außer dem Staat, und die Sorge für das Vermögen23 derer, welche ihren völligen Verstand nicht haben, betreffen. Und die Gesetzgebung soll den ersagten Courten solche andere Rechte, nach Billigkeit Abhülfe und Unterstützung zu leisten, als man für nöthig erachten wird, ertheilen; und kann, von Zeit zu Zeit, diese Rechte ausdehnen oder einschränken, oder andern Courten übertragen, als sie für die gehörige Gerechtigkeitspflege für dienlich erachten mag.
S ECT. 7. The judges of the court of common pleas of each county, any two of whom shall be a quorum, shall compose the court of Quarter Sessions of the peace, and orphan’s court thereof; and the register of wills, together with the said judges, or any two of them, shall compose the register’s court of each county.
A BSCH . 7. Die Richter der Court von Common Pleas in jeder Caunty, wovon jede zwei eine hinlängliche Anzahl zur Verrichtung von Geschäften sein sollen, sollen die Court der vierteljährlichen Sitzungen für Frieden und die Waisen-Court derselben (Caunty) ausmachen; und der Registrirer von Willen soll, mit den ersagten Richtern, oder jeden zweien derselben, die Registrirers-Court jeder Caunty ausmachen.
S ECT. 8. The judges of the courts of common pleas shall, within their respective counties have the31 like powers with the judges of the Supreme Court, to issue writs of certiorari to the justices of the peace, and to cause their proceedings to be brought before them, and the like right and justice to be done.
A BSCH . 8. Die Richter der Courten von Common Pleas sollen in ihren verschiedenen Caunties, nebst den Richtern der Supreme-Court, das Recht haben, schriftliche Befehle von Certiorari an die Friedensrichter ausgehen und sich ihr Verfahren vorlegen und gleiches Recht und Gerechtigkeit ausüben lassen.
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C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1838) S ECT. 9. The president of the court in each circuit within such circuit, and the judges of the court of common pleas within their respective counties, shall be justices of the peace, so far as relates to criminal matters.
A BSCH . 9. Der Präsident der Court in jedem Kreise soll, in solchem Kreise, und die Richter der Court von Common Pleas sollen, in ihren verschiedenen Caunties, Friedensrichter in Ansehung peinlicher Sachen sein.
S ECT. 10. A register’s office, for the probate of wills and granting letters of administration, and an office for the recording of deeds, shall be kept in each county.
A BSCH . 10. In jeder Caunty soll ein Registratur-Amt für die gerichtliche Niederlage von Willen und für die Ertheilung von Administrations-Scheinen, und ein Amt für die Niederlage von Kaufbriefen gehalten werden.
S ECT. 11. The style of all process shall be “The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” All prosecutions shall be carried on in the name and by the authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and conclude, “against the peace and dignity of the same.”
A BSCH . 11. Die Schreibart alles Verfahrens soll sein: „Die Republik von Pennsylvanien.“ Alle Prozesse wegen Vergehungen sollen im Namen und auf das Ansehen der Republik von Pennsylvanien betrieben werden und sich schließen: gegen den Frieden und Würde derselben.
ARTICLE VI32
ARTIKEL 6
S ECT. 1. Sheriffs and coroners shall, at the times33 and places of election of representatives, be chosen by the citizens of each county. One person shall be chosen for each office, who shall be commissioned by the Governor. They shall hold their offices for three years, if they shall so long behave themselves well, and until a successor be duly qualified; but no person shall be twice chosen or appointed sheriff, in any term of six years. Vacancies in either of the said offices shall be filled by an appointment, to be made by the Governor, to continue until the next general election, and until a successor shall be chosen and qualified as aforesaid.
A BSCH . 1. Die Scheriffs u. Coroners sollen zu den Zeiten und an den Plätzen, wann und wo die Wahl für Repräsentanten gehalten wird, von den Bürgern jeder Caunty gewählt werden. Für jedes Amt soll eine Person erwählt werden, die der Gouvernör bestallen soll. Sie sollen ihr Amt drei Jahre lang, und bis ein Nachfolger gehörig verpflichtet ist, behalten, wenn sie sich so lange gut betragen; allein keine Person soll, in einem Zeitraum von sechs Jahren, zweimal als Scheriff erwählt werden. Erledigte Stellen in beiden der ersagten Aemter sollen durch eine Ernennung, welche von dem Gouvernör geschehen soll, besetzt werden und bis zur nächsten allgemeinen Wahl und bis ein Nachfolger erwählt und, wie vorersagt, gehörig verpflichtet ist, dauern.
S ECT. 2. The freemen of this commonwealth shall be armed, organized and disciplined for its defence, when and in such
A BSCH . 2. Die Freileute dieser Republik sollen zu deren Vertheidigung bewaffnet organisirt und dienstfähig gemacht24
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P ENNSYLVANIA manner as may be directed by law. Those who conscientiously scruple to bear arms, shall not be compelled to do so, but shall pay an equivalent for personal service.
werden, wann und auf solche Art, als durch das Gesetz verordnet werden mag. Diejenigen, welche Gewissens wegen Bedenken haben, Waffen zu tragen, sollen nicht dazu gezwungen werden, sondern sollen den Werth persönlicher Dienste bezahlen.
S ECT. 3. Prothonotaries of the Supreme Court shall be appointed by the said Court for the term of three years if they so long behave themselves well. Prothonotaries and clerks of the several other courts, Recorders of deeds, and Registers of wills, shall at the times and places of election of representatives, be elected by the qualified electors of each county, or the districts34 over which the jurisdiction of said courts extends, and shall be commissioned by the Governor. They shall hold their offices for three years if they shall so long behave themselves well, and until their successors shall be duly qualified. The legislature shall provide by law, the number of persons in each county who shall hold said offices, and how many and which of said offices shall be held by one person. Vacancies in any of the said offices shall be filled by appointments to be made by the Governor, to continue until the next general election, and until successors shall be elected and qualified as aforesaid.
A BSCH . 3. Protonotarien von der Supreme-Court sollen von der ersagten Court für den Zeitraum von drei Jahren angestellt werden, wenn sie sich so lange gut betragen. Protonotarien und Schreiber der verschiedenen andern Courten, Recorders von Kaufbriefen und Registrirer von Willen, sollen zu der Zeit und an den Plätzen der Wahl für Repräsentanten, durch die Stimmfähigen jeder Caunty oder der Distrikte, über welche die Gerichtsbarkeit der ersagten Court sich erstreckt, erwählt, und von dem Gouvernör bestallt werden. Sie sollen ihre Aemter drei Jahre lang behalten, wenn sie sich so lange gut betragen, und bis ihre Nachfolger gehörig verpflichtet sind. Die Gesetzgebung soll durch Gesetze die Anzahl Personen in jeder Caunty vorschreiben, die ersagte Aemter einnehmen sollen, und wie viele und welche der ersagten Aemter von einer Person bedient werden sollen. Erledigte Stellen in irgend einem der ersagten Aemter, sollen durch, vom Gouvernör gemachte, Anstellungen besetzt werden, welche bis zur nächsten allgemeinen Wahl und bis Nachfolger erwählt, und, wie vorersagt, gehörig verpflichtet sind, dauern sollen.
S ECT. 4. Prothonotaries, clerks of the peace and orphans’ courts, recorders of deeds, registers of wills, and sheriffs, shall keep their offices in the county town of the county in which they, respectively, shall be officers, unless when the Governor shall, for special reasons, dispense therewith, for any term not exceeding five years after the county shall have been erected.
A BSCH . 4. Die Protonotarien, Schreiber der Friedens-Gerichte und der Waisen-Gerichte, die Recorders von Kaufbriefen, die Registrirer von Willen und die Scheriffs, sollen ihre Amtsstuben in der Caunty-Stadt der Caunty, in welcher jeder von ihnen sein Amt bedient, halten, außer wenn sie der Gouvernör, aus besondern Ursachen, für einen gewissen Zeitraum, von nicht über fünf Jahren, nachdem die Caunty eingerichtet sein wird, davon freispricht.
396
V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1838) S ECT. 5. All commissions shall be in the name and by the authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and be sealed with the State seal, and signed by the Governor.
A BSCH . 5. Alle Bestallungen sollen im Namen und unter dem Ansehen25 der Republik von Pennsylvanien geschehen, und mit dem Staats-Siegel besiegelt und von dem Gouvernör unterzeichnet werden.
S ECT. 6. A State Treasurer shall be elected annually, by joint vote of both branches of the legislature.
A BSCH . 6. Ein Staats-Schatzmeister soll jährlich durch die vereinigten Stimmen beider Zweige der Gesetzgebung erwählt werden.
S ECT. 7. Justices of the peace or aldermen shall be elected in the several wards, boroughs, and townships at the time of the election of constables by the qualified voters thereof, in such number as shall be directed by law, and shall be commissioned by the Governor for a term of five years; but no township, ward or borough shall elect more than two justices of the peace or aldermen without the consent of a majority of the qualified electors within such township35 , ward or borough.
A BSCH . 7. Friedensrichter oder Aldermänner sollen in den verschiedenen Wards, Ortschaften26 und Taunschips, zu der Zeit der Wahl für Constables, von den qualifizirten Erwählern derselben, erwählt werden, in solcher Anzahl, als durch das Gesetz bestimmt werden mag, die von dem Gouvernör für einen Zeitraum von fünf Jahren bestallt werden sollen. Allein es soll kein Taunschip, Ward oder Ortschaft mehr als zwei Friedensrichter oder Aldermänner erwählen, ohne die Einwilligung einer Mehrheit der Stimmfähigen innerhalb solchem Taunschip, Ward oder Ortschaft.
S ECT. 8. All officers whose election or appointment is not provided for in this constitution, shall be elected or appointed as shall be directed by law. No person shall be appointed to any office within any county who shall not have been a citizen and an inhabitant therein one year next before his appointment, if the county shall have been so long erected; but if it shall not have been so long erected, then within the limits of the county or counties out of which it shall have been taken. No member of congress from this state, or any person holding or exercising any office or appointment of trust or profit under the United States, shall at the same time hold or exercise any office in this state, to which a salary is, or fees or perquisites are by law annexed; and the legislature may by law declare what State offices are incompatible. No member of the Senate or of the house of representatives shall be appointed by the Governor to any
A BSCH . 8. Alle Beamten, für deren Erwählung oder Anstellung nicht in dieser Constitution gesorgt ist, sollen erwählt oder angestellt werden, wie es durch das Gesetz verordnet wird. Niemand soll in irgend ein Amt innerhalb irgend einer Caunty angestellt werden, wenn er nicht ein Jahr lang ein Bürger oder Einwohner nächst vor seiner Anstellung, wenn die Caunty so lange errichtet, darin gewesen ist; wenn aber die Caunty nicht so lange errichtet gewesen, alsdann innerhalb der Gränzen der Caunty oder Caunties, von welchen dieselben genommen ist. Kein Mitglied des Congresses von diesem Staat, noch irgend eine Person, welche eine Anstellung eines einträglichen Amtes oder Amt des Zutrauens unter den Vereinigten Staaten bekleidet, soll, zu gleicher Zeit, irgend ein Amt in dieser Republik bekleiden oder ausüben, dem eine Besoldung, oder durch das Gesetz Sporteln oder Gewinn27 beigefügt ist; und die Gesetzge-
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P ENNSYLVANIA office during the term for which he shall have been elected.
bung mag durch das Gesetz erklären, welche Staatsämter unverträglich sind. Kein Mitglied von dem Senat oder Hause der Repräsentanten, soll während dem Zeitraum, für den es erwählt ist, von dem Gouvernör zu irgend einem Amte angestellt werden.
S ECT. 9. All officers for a term of years shall hold their offices for the terms respectively specified, only on the condition that they so long behave themselves well; and shall be removed on conviction of misbehaviour in office or of any infamous crime.
A BSCH . 9. Alle Beamten für einen Zeitraum von Jahren, sollen ihre Aemter verschiedentlich für die bestimmten Zeiträume, nur auf die Bedingung, so lange behalten, als sie sich gut betragen; und sollen, auf Ueberführung eines Mißverhaltens im Amte oder eines schändlichen Verbrechens, abgesetzt werden.
S ECT. 10. Any person who shall, after the adoption of the amendments proposed by this Convention to the Constitution, fight a duel, or send a challenge for that purpose, or be aider or abettor in fighting a duel, shall be deprived of the right of holding any office of honour or profit in this State, and shall be punished otherwise in such manner as is, or may be prescribed by law; but the executive may remit the said offence and all its disqualifications.
A BSCH . 10. Irgend eine Person, die nach Annahme der, von dieser Convention zu der Constitution angebotenen, Verbesserungen einen Zweikampf fechtet28 , oder für jenen Zweck eine Herausforderung übersendet, oder ein Gehülfe oder Anstifter bei dem Fechten eines Zweikampfes ist, soll des Rechts, ein Amt von Ehre oder Gewinn in diesem Staat zu halten, verlustig sein, und soll auf andere Art bestraft werden, wie es von dem Gesetz verordnet ist oder verordnet werden mag; allein der Gouvernör mag das ersagte Vergehen und alle die daraus entspringenden Unfähigkeiten erlassen.
ARTICLE VII36
ARTIKEL 7
S ECT. 1. The legislature shall, as soon as conveniently may be, provide by law, for the establishment of schools throughout the State, in such manner that the poor may be taught gratis.
A BSCH . 1. Die Gesetzgebung soll, sobald es sich schicklicherweise thun läßt, durch ein Gesetz für die Errichtung von Schulen durch den ganzen Staat auf solche Art sorgen, daß die Armen unentgeldlich Unterricht erhalten.
S ECT. 2. The arts and sciences shall be promoted in one or more seminaries of learning.
A BSCH . 2. Künste und Wissenschaften sollen durch eine oder mehrere hohe Schulen befördert werden.
S ECT. 3. The rights, privileges, immunities and estates of religious societies and corporate bodies, shall remain as if the con-
A BSCH . 3. Die Rechte, Vorrechte, Freiheiten und Vermögen religiöser Gesellschaften und incorporirter Körper sollen bleiben,
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C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1838) stitution of this State had not been altered or amended.
als ob die Constitution dieses Staats nicht verändert oder verbessert worden wäre.
S ECT. 4. The legislature shall not invest any corporate body or individual with the privilege of taking private property for public use, without requiring such corporation or individual to make compensation to the owners of said property, or give adequate security37 therefor, before such property shall be taken.
A BSCH . 4. Die Gesetzgebung soll keine Körperschaft oder einzelne Personen mit dem Vorrecht bekleiden, privat Eigenthum für öffentlichen Gebrauch wegzunehmen, ohne von solcher Körperschaft oder einzelnen Person zu fordern, den Eignern ersagten Eigenthums Vergütigung zu machen oder hinlänglich Versicherung dafür zu stellen, bevor solch Eigenthum weggenommen wird.
ARTICLE VIII38
ARTIKEL 8
Members of the General Assembly, and all officers, executive and judicial, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support the constitution of this Commonwealth, and to perform the duties of their respective offices with fidelity.
Die Glieder der General-Assembly und alle andere Beamte, die zum vollziehenden und gerichtlichen Fach gehören29 , sollen durch Eid oder feierliche Versicherung verpflichtet sein, die Constitution dieser Republik zu unterstützen und die Pflichten ihrer verschiedenen Aemter getreulich auszuüben.
ARTICLE IX39
ARTIKEL 9
That the general, great, and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognised and unalterably established, W E D ECLARE , That40
Damit die allgemeinen, großen und wesentlichen Grundsätze von Freiheit und freier Regierung anerkannt und unverletzlich festgesetzt sein mögen, so erklären wir:
S ECT. 1. All men are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent and indefeasible rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, of acquiring, possessing and protecting property and reputation, and of pursuing their own happiness.
A BSCH . 1. Daß alle Menschen gleich, frei und unabhängig30 geboren sind und gewisse mit ihrer Natur verbundene und unverletzbare Rechte haben, worunter sich folgende befinden: Leben und Freiheit zu genießen und zu vertheidigen, Vermögen und Ehre31 zu erwerben, zu besitzen und zu beschützen, und sein Glück zu befördern zu suchen.
S ECT. 2. All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness; For the advancement of these41 ends, they have, at all times, an
A BSCH . 2. Daß alle Macht und Gewalt vom Volk abhängt und alle freie Regierungen auf sein Ansehen gegründet und zu seinem Frieden, Sicherheit und Glück eingesetzt sind: Zur Beförderung dieser Endzwe-
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P ENNSYLVANIA unalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish their government, in such manner as they may think proper.
cke hat es, zu allen Zeiten, ein unveräußerliches und unverletzbares Recht, seine Regierung, auf solche Art, als es für dienlich erachten mag, zu verändern, zu verbessern oder abzuschaffen.
S ECT. 3. All men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God, according to the dictates of their own consciences; no man can, of right, be compelled to attend, erect, or support any place of worship, or to maintain any ministry against his consent; no human authority can, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience; and no preference shall ever be given, by law, to any religious establishments or modes of worship.
A BSCH . 3. Daß alle Menschen ein natürliches und unverletzbares Recht haben, Gott den Allmächtigen so zu verehren, als es ihr Gewissen vorschreibt; daß, von Rechtswegen, niemand kann gezwungen werden, an einem Ort öffentlicher Gottesverehrung gegen seinen Willen zu erscheinen, einen solchen zu errichten oder zu unterstützen oder irgend einige Geistlichkeit (Diener der Religion)32 zu erhalten; daß kein menschliches Ansehn, in irgend einem Falle, über die Rechte der Gewissens-Freiheit gebieten oder sich mit denselben mitteln33 kann; und daß durch kein Gesetz irgend einer Religion oder Art, Gott zu verehren, irgend jemals einen Vorzug geben kann.
S ECT. 4. No person who acknowledges the being of a God and a future state of rewards and punishments, shall on account of his religious sentiments be disqualified to hold any office or place of trust or profit under this Commonwealth.
A BSCH . 4. Daß keine Person, welche an Gott und an Belohnung und Strafe in einem künftigen Leben glaubt, wegen seinen Gesinnungen, in Ansehung der Religion, unfähig sein soll, irgend ein einträgliches Amt oder Amt oder Stelle des Vertrauens34 unter dieser Republik zu bekleiden.
S ECT. 5. Elections shall be free and equal.
A BSCH . 5. Daß die Wahlen gleich und frei sein sollen.
S ECT. 6. Trial by jury shall be as heretofore, and the right thereof remain inviolate.
A BSCH . 6. Daß das Verhör vor einer Jury, wie es vor diesem war, sein und das Recht desselben unverletzt bleiben soll.
S ECT. 7. The printing presses shall be free to every person who undertakes to examine the proceedings of the legislature, or any branch of government: And no law shall ever be made to restrain the right thereof. The free communication of thoughts and opinions is one of the invaluable rights of man; and every citizen may freely speak, write and print on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty. In prosecutions42 for the publication of papers
A BSCH . 7. Daß die Drucker-Pressen einem jeden, welcher es unternimmt, das Verfahren der Gesetzgebung oder irgend eines Zweigs der Regierung zu untersuchen, frei sein sollen: und es soll nie ein Gesetz gemacht werden, wodurch das Recht derselben eingeschränkt wird. Die freie Mittheilung von Gedanken und Meinungen ist eins der unschätzbaren Rechte des Menschen; und jeder Bürger darf über irgend einen Gegenstand frei reden, schreiben und drucken,
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V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1838) investigating the official conduct of officers, or men in a public capacity, or where the matter published is proper for public information, the truth thereof may be given in evidence: And in all indictments for libels the jury shall have a right to determine the law and the facts under the direction of the court, as in other cases.
ist aber für den Mißbrauch dieser Freiheit verantwortlich. Bei gerichtlicher Belangung für Bekanntmachung von Schriften, worin das amtliche Betragen der Beamten oder von Personen, als Diener des Publikums35 , untersucht wird, oder wo die bekannt gemachten Sachen mit Schicklichkeit dem Publikum vorgelegt werden können36 , darf die Wahrheit derselben zum Zeugniß angeführt werden; und in allen Anklagen für Schmähschriften soll die Jury das Recht haben, unter der Leitung der Court, über das, was Rechtens ist, und die Sache selbst, zu entscheiden.
S ECT. 8. The people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions, from unreasonable searches and seizures: And no warrant to search any place, or to seize any person or things, shall issue, without describing them as nearly as may be, nor without probable cause supported by oath or affirmation.
A BSCH . 8. Daß das Volk in ihren Personen, Häusern, Schriften und Besitzungen vor unbilligen Nachsuchungen und Wegnahmen sicher sein sollen; und daß kein Befehl37 für die Untersuchung irgend eines Ortes oder für die Verhaftnehmung irgend einer Person oder Sache ausgegeben werden soll, ohne sie so genau als möglich zu beschreiben, noch ohne wahrscheinliche Ursache, welche durch Eid oder feierliche Versicherung unterstützt worden.
S ECT. 9. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused hath a right to be heard by himself and his counsel, to demand the nature and cause of the accusation against him, to meet the witnesses face to face, to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favour, and, in prosecutions by indictment or information, a speedy public43 trial, by an impartial jury of the vicinage; he cannot be compelled to give evidence against himself, nor can he be deprived of his life, liberty, or property, unless by the judgment of his peers, or the law of the land.
A BSCH . 9. Daß, in allen peinlichen Prozessen, der Angeklagte ein Recht hat, in Person und durch seinen Rechts-Beistand gehört zu werden; die Art und Ursache der gegen ihn angebrachten Klage zu fordern; daß ihm die Zeugen vor Augen gestellt werden; Zwangs-Befehl zu erhalten, um Zeugen zu seinen Gunsten beizubringen; und, bei Prozessen auf eine Anklage von der GrandJury38 und auf Anzeige, ein baldiges Verhör vor einer unparteiischen Jury von der Nachbarschaft zu haben: Daß er nicht gezwungen werden kann Zeugniß gegen sich selbst zu geben, noch seines Lebens, Freiheit oder Eigenthums beraubt werden kann, als auf ein Urtheil von Personen seines Gleichens (Peers) oder nach den Gesetzen des Landes39 .
S ECT. 10. No person shall, for any indictable offence, be proceeded against crimi-
A BSCH . 10. Daß Niemand, für irgend eine anklagbare Vergehung, einen Prozeß
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P ENNSYLVANIA nally by information, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger, or by leave of the court, for oppression and misdemeanour in office. No person shall, for the same offence, be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall any man’s property be taken or applied to public use, without the consent of his representatives, and without just compensation being made.
auf eine Anzeige zu untergehen haben soll; außer in Fällen, welche sich bei der Landoder Seemacht oder bei der Miliz, wenn dieselbe, zu Kriegszeiten oder zu Zeiten öffentlicher Gefahr, sich in wirklichen Diensten befindet; oder auf ertheilte Erlaubniß der Court, für Unterdrückung und Mißverhalten im Amte, ereignen. Niemand soll, für ein und ebendasselbe Verbrechen, zweimal einen Prozeß zu untergehen haben, wo es auf Leibes- oder Lebensstrafen ankommt; auch soll Niemandes Vermögen genommen oder zum öffentlichen Besten verwendet werden, ohne daß seine Repräsentanten darein willigen und ohne daß ihm dafür eine billige Vergütigung gemacht wird.
S ECT. 11. All courts shall be open, and every man for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person or reputation shall have remedy by the due course of law, and right and justice administered, without sale, denial or delay. Suits may be brought against the commonwealth in such manner, in such courts, and in such cases as the legislature may by law direct.
A BSCH . 11. Daß alle Courten offen sein sollen, und Jedermann für eine Verletzung, welche ihm an seinem Lande, Gütern, Person oder guten Ruf geschehen, durch die gehörige Wirkung der Gesetze, Hülfe erhalten und ihm Recht und Gerechtigkeit ohne Verkauf, Versagung oder Aufschub widerfahren soll. Klagen gegen die Republik können auf solche Art, in solchen Courten und in solchen Fällen angebracht werden, als die Gesetzgebung durch ein Gesetz verordnen mag.
S ECT. 12. No power of suspending laws shall be exercised, unless by the legislature, or its authority.
A BSCH . 12. Daß nur von der Gesetzgebung oder auf ihr Ansehen das Recht, die Wirkung von Gesetzen für eine Zeit auszusetzen, ausgeübt werden kann.
S ECT. 13. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel punishments inflicted.
A BSCH . 13. Daß keine außerordentlich große Bürgschaft verlangt, noch außerordentlich große Geldstrafen auferlegt, noch grausame Leibesstrafen40 angethan werden sollen.
S ECT. 14. All prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offences, when the proof is evident or presumption great; and the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless, when, in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it.
A BSCH . 14. Daß alle Gefangenen auf hinlängliche Sicherheit bürgschaftsfähig sein sollen, außer bei Hauptverbrechen41 , wenn der Beweis klar und die Vermuthung groß ist; und daß das Vorrecht der Schrift42 von habeas corpus nicht ausgesetzt werden soll, außer wenn in Fällen von Rebellion
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C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1838) oder eines Einfalles, die öffentliche Sicherheit es erfordern mag. S ECT. 15. No commission of Oyer and terminer or gaol44 delivery shall be issued.
A BSCH . 15. Daß keine Commission von Oyer und Terminer oder Gefängniß-Erledigung ausgestellt werden soll.
S ECT. 16. The person of a debtor, where there is not strong presumption of fraud, shall not be continued in prison, after delivering up his estate for the benefit of his creditors, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law.
A BSCH . 16. Daß die Person eines Schuldners, wo keine große Vermuthung von Betrug vorhanden ist, nicht im Gefängniß gehalten werden soll, nachdem er sein Vermögen zum Besten seiner Gläubiger, auf solche Art, als durch das Gesetz verordnet werden mag, ausgeliefert hat.
S ECT. 17. No ex post facto law, nor any law impairing contracts shall be made.
A BSCH . 17. Daß kein Gesetz für eine That, nachdem dieselbe begangen worden, und kein Gesetz, wodurch Verträge aufgehoben werden43 , gemacht werden soll.
S ECT. 18. No person shall be attainted of45 treason or felony by the legislature.
A BSCH . 18. Daß niemand des Verraths oder Felonie von der Gesetzgebung gültig erklärt44 werden soll.
S ECT. 19. No attainder shall work corruption of blood, nor except during the life of the offender, forfeiture of estate to the commonwealth; the estates of such persons as shall destroy their own lives, shall descend or vest as in case of natural death; and if any person shall be killed by casualty, there shall be no forfeiture by reason thereof.
A BSCH . 19. Daß keine Ueberweisung, Familienlosigkeit45 noch, außer während der Lebenszeit des Uebertreters, Verwirkung des Vermögens an die Republik, bewirken soll; daß das Vermögen solcher Personen, welche sich ihr Leben nehmen, vererben und übergehen soll als im Fall eines natürlichen Todes; und wenn eine Person durch einen Zufall getötet werden sollte, so soll dies keine Verwirkung hervorbringen.
S ECT. 20. The citizens have a right, in a peaceable manner, to assemble together, for their common good, and to apply to those invested with the powers of government for redress of grievances, or other proper purposes, by petition, address46 or remonstrance.
A BSCH . 20. Daß die Bürger das Recht haben, sich auf eine friedliche Art, für ihr gemeinschaftliches Beste zu versammeln und sich an diejenigen, welche die RegierungsGewalt besitzen, den Beschwerden abzuhelfen, oder für andere Endzwecke, durch Bittschriften, Zuschriften, oder Vorstellungen, zu wenden.
S ECT. 21. The right of47 citizens to bear arms, in defence of themselves and the State, shall not be questioned.
A BSCH . 21. Daß das Recht der Bürger, zu ihrer und zur Vertheidigung des Staats, Waffen zu tragen, nicht in Frage gezogen werden soll.
S ECT. 22. No standing army shall, in
A BSCH . 22. Daß in Friedenszeiten, oh-
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P ENNSYLVANIA time of peace, be kept up without the consent of the legislature; and the military shall, in all cases, and at all times, be in strict subordination to the civil power.
ne Einwilligung der Gesetzgebung, keine stehende Armee gehalten werden soll; und das Kriegswesen soll, in allen Fällen und zu allen Zeiten, der bürgerlichen Gewalt streng unterworfen sein.
S ECT. 23. No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
A BSCH . 23. Daß kein Soldat, in Friedenszeiten, in irgend ein Haus einquartirt werden soll, wenn der Eigner es nicht zufrieden ist; auch in Kriegszeiten, nur auf eine Art, wie durch das Gesetz vorgeschrieben ist.
S ECT. 24. The legislature shall not grant any title of nobility or hereditary distinction, nor create any office the appointment to48 which shall be for a longer term than during good behaviour.
A BSCH . 24. Daß die Gesetzgebung keinen adelichen Titel oder erbliche Unterscheidungen ertheilen, noch ein Amt errichten soll, dessen Inhaber es länger als während guter Ausführung bedienen soll.
S ECT. 25. Emigration from the State shall not be prohibited.
A BSCH . 25. Daß die Auswanderung aus dem Staate nicht verboten werden soll.
S ECT. 26. To guard against transgressions of the high powers which we have delegated, WE DECLARE, That every thing in this article is excepted out of the general powers of government, and shall for ever remain inviolate.
A BSCH . 26. Um die Uebertretung der von uns übertragenen hohen Gewalt vorzubeugen, so erklären wir, daß jede in diesem Artikel enthaltene Sache eine Ausnahme von den allgemeinen Rechten46 der Regierung ist, und für immer unverletzt bleiben soll.
ARTICLE X49
ARTIKEL 10 – (NEUER ARTIKEL)
Any amendment or amendments to this constitution may be proposed in the Senate or House of Representatives, and if the same shall be agreed to by a majority of the members elected to each House, such proposed amendment or amendments shall be entered on their journals, with the yeas and nays taken thereon, and the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall cause the same to be published three months before the next election, in at least one newspaper in every county in which a newspaper shall be published; and if in the legislature next afterwards50 chosen such proposed amendment or amendments shall be agreed to by a majority of
Irgend eine Verbesserung oder Verbesserungen zu dieser Constitution mögen in dem Senat oder dem Hause der Repräsentanten vorgeschlagen werden, und wenn dieselben von einer Mehrheit der erwählten Glieder zu jedem Hause gebilligt werden, dann soll solche vorgeschlagene Verbesserung oder Verbesserungen mit den darüber genommenen Jas und Neins in ihre Tagebücher eingetragen werden, und der Sekretär der Republik soll dieselben drei Monate vor der nachfolgenden Wahl, in wenigstens einer Zeitung in jeder Caunty, wo eine Zeitung herausgegeben wird, bekannt machen lassen; und wenn in der nächst nachher erwählten Ge-
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V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1838) the members elected to each house, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, shall cause the same again to be published in manner aforesaid, and such proposed amendment or amendments shall be submitted to the people in such manner and at such time, at least three months, after being so agreed to by the two houses as the legislature shall prescribe; and if the people shall approve and ratify such amendment or amendments by a majority of the qualified voters of this State voting thereon, such amendment or amendments shall become a part of the constitution; but no amendment or amendments shall be submitted to the people oftener than once in five years; Provided, that if more than one amendment be submitted, they shall be submitted in such manner and form that the people may vote for or against each amendment separately and distinctly.
setzgebung solche vorgeschlagene Verbesserung oder Verbesserungen von einer Mehrheit von der zu jedem Hause erwählten Glieder angenommen werden, so soll der Sekretär der Republik dieselben wieder auf die nämliche Art, wie vorersagt, bekannt machen lassen, und die ersagte Verbesserung oder Verbesserungen sollen auf solche Art und zu solcher Zeit, wenigstens drei Monate, nachdem sie von beiden Häusern genehmigt worden, als die Gesetzgebung vorschreiben mag, dem Volk vorgelegt werden; und wenn das Volk solche Verbesserung oder Verbesserungen durch eine Mehrheit der Stimmfähigen des Staats, die darüber stimmen, billigt und genehmigt, so soll solche Verbesserung oder Verbesserungen ein Theil der Constitution ausmachen; allein keine Verbesserung oder Verbesserungen sollen dem Volk öfter als Einmal in fünf Jahren vorgelegt werden: Vorausgesetzt, Daß wenn mehr wie eine Verbesserung vorgelegt wird, dieselben auf solche Art und Form vorgelegt werden sollen, daß das Volk für oder gegen jede Verbesserung abgesondert und allein stimmen kann.
SCHEDULE
ZUSATZURKUNDE ZU DER CONSTITUTION VON 183847
That no inconvenience may arise from the alterations and amendments in the Constitution of this Commonwealth, and in order to carry the same into complete operation, it is hereby declared and ordained, That,
Damit aus den Abänderungen und Verbesserungen in der Verfassung dieses Staats kein Nachtheil entstehe, und dieselben in volle Kraft gesetzt werden mögen, wird hierbei erklärt und beschlossen:
S ECT. 1. All laws of this commonwealth in force at the time when the said alterations and amendments in the said constitution shall take effect, and not inconsistent therewith, and all rights, actions, prosecutions51 , claims52 , and contracts as well of individuals as of bodies corporate, shall continue as if the said alterations and amendments had not been made.
1. Daß alle Gesetze dieser Republik, welche zu der Zeit, da solche Veränderungen und Verbesserungen in der besagten Constitution gemacht werden, in Kraft und damit nicht unverträglich sind, und alle Rechte, bürgerliche und peinliche Prozesse48 , Ansprüche und Verträge, einzelner Personen sowohl als auch incorporirter Körper, so fortbestehen sollen, als ob erwähnte Abänderungen und Verbesserungen nicht gemacht worden wären.
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P ENNSYLVANIA S ECT. 2. The alterations and amendments in the said constitution shall take effect from the first day of January, eighteen hundred and thirty nine.
2. Die Abänderungen und Verbesserungen in benannter Constitution sollen mit dem ersten Tage Januars ein tausend acht hundert und neun und dreißig in Kraft treten.
S ECT. 3. The clauses, sections and articles of the said constitution, which remain unaltered, shall continue to be construed and have effect as if the said constitution had not been amended.
3. Die Klauseln, Abschnitte und Artikel der erwähnten Constitution, welche unverändert bleiben, sollen ferner so ausgelegt werden und in Wirksamkeil bleiben, als ob die Constitution nicht abgeändert worden wäre.
S ECT. 4. The General Assembly which shall convene in December, eighteen hundred and thirty eight, shall continue its session, as heretofore, notwithstanding the provision in the eleventh section of the first article, and shall at all times be regarded as the first General Assembly under the amended constitution.
4. Die General-Assembly, die im December ein tausend acht hundert und acht und dreißig zusammen kommen wird, soll ihre Sitzungen49 , wie früher, fortsetzen, ungeachtet der Vorschriften des eilften Abschnitts des ersten Artikels, und sie soll zu jeder Zeit als die erste General-Assembly unter der verbesserten Constitution betrachtet werden.
S ECT. 5. The Governor who shall be elected in October eighteen hundred and thirty-eight, shall be inaugurated on the third tuesday in January, eighteen hundred and thirty nine, to which time the present executive term is hereby extended.
5. Der Gouvernör, der im October ein tausend acht hundert und acht und dreißig erwählt wird, soll am dritten Dienstag des Januars ein tausend acht hundert und neun und dreißig in das Amt eingesetzt werden, bis zu welcher Zeit die Amtsdauer des jetzigen Gouvernörs anmit ausgedehnt wird.
S ECT. 6. The commissions of the judges of the Supreme Court, who may be in office on the first day of January next shall expire in the following manner: The commission which bears the earliest date shall expire on the first day of January, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty two; the commission next dated shall expire on the first day of January Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty five; the commission next dated shall expire on the first day of January, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty eight; the commission next dated shall expire on the first day of January Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty one; and the commission last dated shall expire on the
6. Die Amtszeiten50 der Richter der Supreme-Court, die am ersten Tage des nächsten Januars im Amte sind, sollen auf folgende Weise zu Ende gehen: Die Bestallung, welche das früheste Datum trägt, soll am ersten Tage des Januars ein tausend acht hundert und zwei und vierzig erlöschen; die zunächst datirte Bestallung am ersten Tage des Januars ein tausend acht hundert und fünf und vierzig; die nächstfolgend datirte Bestallung am ersten Januar ein tausend acht hundert und acht und vierzig; die darauf folgende Bestallung am ersten Januar ein tausend acht hundert und ein und fünfzig; und die letzt datirte Bestallung soll am ersten Tage des Januars ein tausend acht hundert und vier und fünfzig erledigt wer-
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C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1838) first day of January, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty four.
den.
S ECT. 7. The commissions of the President judges of the several judicial districts and of the associate law judges of the first judicial district53 shall expire as follows; the commissions of one half of those who shall have held their offices ten years or more at the adoption of the amendments to the constitution, shall expire on the twenty seventh day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine; the commissions of the other half of those who shall have held their offices ten years or more at the adoption of the amendments to the constitution, shall expire on the twenty seventh day of February one thousand eight hundred and forty two; the first half to embrace those whose commissions shall bear the oldest date. The commissions of all the remaining judges who shall not have held their offices for54 ten years at the adoption of the amendments to the constitution shall expire on the twenty seventh day of February next after the end of ten years from the date of their commissions.
7. Die Bestallungen der vorsitzenden Richter in den einzelnen Gerichts-Bezirken und die der beigesellten gesetzlichen Richter des ersten Gerichts-Bezirks erlöschen folgendermaßen: Die Bestallungen der Hälfte von jenen, die ihr Amt, zur Zeit der Genehmigung der Verbesserungen der Constitution, zehn Jahre oder länger in Besitz hatten, sollen am sieben und zwanzigsten Tage des Februars ein tausend acht hundert und neun und dreißig aufhören; die Bestallungen der andern Hälfte von jenen, die ihr Amt, zur Zeit der genehmigten Verbesserungen der Constitution, zehn Jahre oder länger in Besitz hatten, sollen am sieben und zwanzigsten Februar ein tausend acht hundert und zwei und vierzig aufhören: die erste Hälfte soll jene enthalten, deren Bestallung das älteste Datum trägt. Die Bestallungen aller übrigen Richter, die ihr Amt, zur Zeit der genehmigten Verbesserungen der Constitution, nicht zehn Jahre lang bekleidet haben, sollen am sieben und zwanzigsten Februar, zunächst dem Ende von zehn Jahren vom Datum ihrer Bestallung aufhören.
S ECT. 8. The Recorders of the several Mayors Courts, and other criminal courts55 in this Commonwealth, shall be appointed for the same time, and in the same manner, as the president judges of the several judicial districts; of those now in office, the commission oldest in date shall expire on the twenty seventh day of February one thousand eight hundred and forty one, and the others every two years thereafter according to their respective dates. Those oldest in date56 expiring first.
8. Die Recorders der verschiedenen Mayors-Courten und anderen Criminal-Courten in diesem Staate, sollen für dieselbe Zeit und auf dieselbe Weise, wie die vorsitzenden Richter der verschiedenen Gerichts-Distrikte, angestellt werden; die Bestallung Jener, die jetzt im Amte sind und das älteste Datum haben, sollen am sieben und zwanzigsten Februar ein tausend acht hundert und ein und vierzig, und die der Uebrigen zwei Jahre später, nach ihren betreffenden Daten erlöschen; die Aeltesten im Dato zuerst.
S ECT. 9. The legislature at its first session under the amended constitution, shall divide the other associate judges of the State into four classes. The commissions57 of those of the first class shall expire on the twenty
9. Die Gesetzgebung hat bei ihrer ersten Sitzung51 unter der abgeänderten Constitution die übrigen Gehülfs-Richter52 des Staats in vier Klassen zu theilen. Die Bestallungen jener der ersten Klasse sollen am sieben
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P ENNSYLVANIA seventh day of February, eighteen hundred and forty; of those of the second class on the twenty seventh day of February eighteen hundred and forty one; of those of the third class, on the twenty seventy day of February eighteen hundred and forty two; and of those of the fourth class, on the twenty seventh day of February eighteen hundred and forty three. The said classes from the first to the fourth shall be arranged according to the seniority of the commissions of the several judges.
und zwanzigsten Tage des Februars ein tausend acht hundert und vierzig erlöschen; die der zweiten Klasse am sieben und zwanzigsten Februar ein tausend acht hundert und ein und vierzig; die der dritten Klasse am sieben und zwanzigsten Februar ein tausend acht hundert und zwei und vierzig; und die der vierten Klasse am sieben und zwanzigsten Februar ein tausend acht hundert und drei und vierzig. Die erwähnten Klassen, von der ersten bis zur vierten, sollen nach dem Alter der Bestallungen der sämmtlichen Richter geordnet werden.
S ECT. 10. Prothonotaries, clerks of the several courts (except of the Supreme court) recorders of deeds, and registers of wills shall be first elected under the amended constitution, at the election of representatives in the year eighteen hundred and thirty nine, in such manner as may be prescribed by law.
10. Protonotare, Schreiber sämmtlicher53 Courten (die der Supreme-Court ausgenommen), Recorders von Kaufbriefen und Testaments-Registratoren sollen unter der verbesserten Constitution zuerst bei der Wahl von Repräsentanten im Jahre ein tausend acht hundert und neun und dreißig, auf solche Weise erwählt werden, als es durch das Gesetz bestimmt sein wird.
S ECT. 11. The appointing power shall remain as heretofore, and all officers in the appointment of the executive department shall continue in the exercise of the duties of their respective offices until the legislature shall pass such laws as may be required by the eighth section of the sixth article of the amended constitution, and until appointments shall be made under such laws; unless their commissions shall be superseded by new appointments, or shall sooner expire by their own limitations, or the said offices shall become vacant by death or resignation, and such laws shall be enacted by the first legislature under the amended constitution.
11. Das Recht der Anstellung54 bleibt so, wie es früher war, und alle Beamten, die von dem Executiven Departement angestellt werden, sollen ferner die Pflichten ihrer betreffenden Aemter ausüben, bis die Gesetzgebung solche Gesetze passirt, wie der achte Abschnitt des sechsten Artikels der verbesserten Constitution verlangt, und bis Anstellungen unter solchen Gesetzen geschehen; es sei denn, daß deren Bestallungen durch neue Anstellungen aufgehoben werden, oder früher durch ihre eigne Beschränkung zu Ende gehen, oder diese Aemter durch Sterbefälle oder Abdankungen erledigt werden; und solche Gesetze sollen durch die erste Gesetzgebung unter der verbesserten Constitution gemacht werden.
S ECT. 12. The first election for aldermen and justices of the peace shall be held in the year eighteen hundred and forty, at the time fixed for the58 election of constables. The legislature at its first session under the amended constitution shall provide for
12. Die erste Wahl für Aldermänner und Friedensrichter soll im Jahr 1840, zur Zeit der Wahl von Constables, geschehen. Die Gesetzgebung hat bei ihrer ersten Sitzung55 unter der verbesserten Constitution für benannte Wahl und für nachfolgende ähnliche
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V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1838) the said election and for subsequent similar elections. The aldermen and justices of the peace now in commission, or who may in the interim be appointed, shall continue to discharge the duties of their respective offices, until fifteen days after the day which shall be fixed by law for the issuing of new commissions, at the expiration of which time, their commissions shall expire. In testimony that the foregoing is the amended constitution of Pennsylvania as agreed to in convention, We the officers and members of the Convention have hereunto signed our names at Philadelphia, the twenty second day of February, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the sixty second.
JOHN SERGEANT, President.
Wahlen zu sorgen. Die Aldermänner und Friedensrichter, gegenwärtig im Amte oder die in der Zwischenzeit angestellt werden mögen, sollen fortfahren die Pflichten ihrer betreffenden Aemter auszuüben, bis fünfzehn Tage nach demjenigen Tage, der durch das Gesetz zur Ausübung von neuen Bestallungen bestimmt sein wir-d, mit Verlauf dessen ihre Bestallungen erlöschen sollen. Zur Bestätigung, daß obiges die verbesserte Constitution von Pennsylvanien sei, wie sie durch die Convention genehmigt wurde, haben wir, die Beamten und Mitglieder der Convention, anmit unsere Namen unterzeichnet, zu Philadelphia, am zwei und zwanzigsten Februar des Jahrs ein tausend acht hundert und acht und dreißig seit Christi Geburt56 , und des zwei und sechzigsten seit der Unabhängigkeit der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika. JOHN SERGEANT, Präsident. (Zeugniß) – S. SCHOCH, Secretär. Geo. L. Fauß, J. Williams,
Daniel Agnew Wm. Ayres M. W. Baldwin Ephraim Banks John Y. Barclay Jacob Barndolar59
Wm. Hiester William High Jos. Hopkinson John Houpt Jabez Hyde Charles Jared Ingersoll Phs. Jenks George M. Keim James Kennedy Aaron Kerr
Chas. A. Barnitz Andrew Bedford Thos. S. Bell James Cornell Biddle Lebbeus L. Bigelow
Jos. Konigmacher
Saml. C. Bonham Chas. Brown Jeremiah Brown William Brown Pierce Butler
Jacob Krebs H. G. Long David Lyons Wm. P. Maclay60 Alex. Magee
} Gehülfs-Secretäre57.
Daniel Agnew, Wm. Ayres, M. W. Baldwin, Ephraim Banks58 , John Y. Barclay, Jacob Barndolar59 ,
Wm. Hiester, William High, Jos. Hopkinson, John Houpt, Jabez Hyde, Chas. J. Ingersoll,
Chas. A. Barnitz, Andrew Bedford, Thos. S. Bell, James Cornell Biddle, Lebbeus L. Bigelow, Saml. C. Bonham, Chas. Brown, Jeremiah Brown, William Brown, Pierce Butler,
Phineas Jenks, Georg M. Keim, James Kennedy, Aaron Kerr, Jos. Konigmacher60 , Jacob Krebs, H. G. Long David Lyons, Aler. Magee, Joel K. Mann,
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P ENNSYLVANIA Samuel Carey George Chambers John Chandler Jos. R. Chandler Ch. Chauncey Nathaniel Clapp James Clarke John Clarke William Clark Sam. Cleavenger62 A. J. Cline Lindley Coates R. E. Cochran Thos. P. Cope Joshua F. Cox Walter Craig Rich. M. Crain Geo. T. Crawford Cornelius Crum John Cummin Thomas S. Cunningham William Curll Wm. Darlington Mark Darrah Harmar64 Denny John Dickey Joshua Dickerson Jacob Dillinger Ja[me]s Donagan J. R. Donnell Joseph M. Doran James Dunlop Thomas Earle D. M. Farrelly Robt. Fleming Walter Forward John Foulkrod Joseph Fry Jr. John Fuller John A. Gamble William Gearhart
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Joel K. Mann Benjn. Martin John J. M’Cahen Thomas M’Call61 E. T. M’Dowell James M’Sherry W. M. Meredith James Merrill Levi Merkel Wm. L. Miller James Montgomery Christian Myers63 D. Nevin Wm. Overfield Hiram Payne Matthias Pennypacker James Pollock James Porter James Madison Porter Saml. A. Purviance E. C. Reigart
Samuel Carey, John Cummin, T. S. Cunningham, William Curll, Wm. Darlington, Georg Chambers, John Chandler, Jos. R. Chandler, Chas. Chauncey, Nathaniel Clapp, James Clarke, John Clarke, Wm. Clark, A. J. Cline, Lindley Coates, R. E. Cochran,
Wm. M. Meredith, Jas. Merrill, Levi Merkel, Wm. L. Miller, Jas. Montgomery, Christian Myers, D. Nevin, Wm. Overfield, Hiram Payne, M. Pennypacker, James Porter, J. M. Porter, S. A. Purviance, James Pollock, E. C. Reigart, A. H. Read
Thos. P. Cope, Josua F. Cox, Walter Craig,
G. W. Riter, John Ritter, H. G. Rogers,
Richard Crain, Geo. T. Crawford,
S. Royer, J. M. Russell,
A. H. Read Geo. W. Riter Jno. Ritter H. Gold Rogers Samuel Royer James M. Russell Daniel Saeger65 John Morin Scott Tobias Sellers G. Seltzer Geo. Serrill Henry Scheetz George Shilleto66 Thomas H. Sill Geo. Smith Wm. Smyth Joseph Snively Jno. B. Sterigere Thaddeus Stevens67 Jacob Stickel
Cornelius Crum, Benjamin Martin, John J. M’Cahen, E. T. M’Dowell, James M’Scherry, Mark Darrah, Harmar Denny, John Dickey, Joshua64 Dickerson, Jacob Dillinger, James Donagan, J. R. Donnell, Jos. M. Doran, Jas. Dunlop, Thomas Earle, D. M. Farrelly, Robert Fleming, Walter Forward, John Foulkrod, Joseph Fry, jun.
Daniel Saeger61 , John M. Scott, Tobias Sellers, G. Seltzer, Geo. Serrill, Henry Scheetz62 , Geo. Shilleto63 , Thomas H. Sill, Geo. Smith, Wm. Smyth, Joseph Snively, John B. Sterigere, Jacob Stickel, E. W.65 Sturdevant, Thomas Taggart, M. J. Thomas, James Todd, T. Weaver, J. B. Weidman, R. G. White,
C ONSTITUTION OF P ENNSYLVANIA (1838) David Gilmore Virgil Grenell William L. Harris Thomas Hastings Ezra S. Hayhurst Wm. Hays Abm. Helffenstein M. Henderson Wm. Henderson
Ebenezer W.68 Sturdevant Thomas Taggart Morgan J. Thomas James Todd Thomas Weaver Jacob B. Weidman R. G. White Geo. W. Woodward R. Young
John Fuller,
Geo. W. Woodward,
John A. Gamble, William Gearhart, David Gilmore, Virgil Grenell, William L. Harris, Thomas Hastings, Ezra S. Hayhurst, William Hays, A. Helffenstein, M. Henderson, Wm. Henderson,
R. Young
Attest69 . S. SHOCH Secretary. G. L. FAUSS70 J. WILLIAMS 1
} Assistant Secretaries.71
Verified by The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as Amended by the Convention of One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-Seven Eight. Adopted by the People on the Ninth Day of October, 1838, Gettysburg: Printed by Robert G. Harper, 1838, 17 p., and corrected according to the enrolled manuscript preserved in the Pennsylvania State Archives at Harrisburg, PA. Also checked against Amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania, Proposed by a Convention to a Vote of the People, For Their Ratification or Rejection, on the Second Tuesday of October, 1838: Together with the Existing Constitution, [Philadelphia: John C. Clark, 1838,] 16 p., and the versions published in Proceedings and Debates of the Convention of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to Propose Amendments to the Constitution, Commenced at Harrisburg, May 2, 1837, Reported by John Agg, Stenographer to the Convention, Assisted by Messrs. Wheeler, Kingman, Drake, and M’Kinley, vol. XIII, Harrisburg: Printed by Packer, Barrett, and Parke, 1839, 230–258, in Constitutions of Pennsylvania of 1790 & 1838. Printed by Order of the House of Representatives, Harrisburg: Printed by Boas & Coplan, 1839, 28 p., and in Constitutions of Pennsylvania. Constitution of the United States, Compiled by Legislative Reference Bureau, under the direction of Robert L. Cable, Harrisburg PA: s.n., 1986, 309–342. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation follows the Harper print, with obvious typographical errors tacitly corrected and not considered in the annotations. Though the convention of 1837–38 understood its task to consist in merely moderately amending the Constitution of 1790 (q.v.), with the amendments barely succeeding in receiving a
1
Verified by Verhandlungen und Debatten der Convention der Republik Pennsylvanien, um Verbesserungen zu der Constitution vorzuschlagen, Angefangen zu Harrisburg, Mai 2, 1837. Berichtet von John Agg, Schnellschreiber: Mit Beihülfe der Herren Wheeler, Kingman, Drake und M’Kinley, XIII, Harrisburg: Gedruckt bei E. Guyer, 1839, 287–322. The German translation heavily relied on the translation of the 1790 constitution (q.v.) as published in Geseze der Republik Pennsylvanien, in übersezten Auszügen. Enthaltend die brauchbaren öffentlichen Geseze bis zu dem Jahr 1805, einschließlich: So wie auch die RegierungsVerfassungen der Vereinigten Staaten und von Pennsylvanien, hrg. unter Authorität eines Gesezes der GeneralAssembly, paßirt im April, 1805, Reading: Gedruckt und herausgegeben von Johann Richter und Carl Kessler, 1807, xxv-xlix, though substantially improving it whenever appropriate and inserting translations of the amendments of 1838. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Verhandlungen und Debatten, XIII. 2 In English original, “The legislative power of this commonwealth”. 3 In Verhandlungen und Debatten, XIII, 287, all amendments of the constitution of 1790 are indicated by quotation marks and here, according to the English original, put in italics. 4 In English original, here and throughout “legislature”. 5 In English original, “a Speaker pro tempore”. 6 In English original, “a quorum”. 7 In English original, “intended application”. In Convention Debates, XIII, 236, “intended” missing.
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P ENNSYLVANIA majority of the popular vote in the October election of 1838 (113,971 voting for to 112,759 voting against it, with opposition coming mainly from the south-eastern and southern counties of the state, cf. Convention Debates, XIII, 260–261), the result has been traditionally understood to constitute the Constitution of 1838 (cf. Rosalind L. Branning, Pennsylvania Constitutional Development, Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1960, 21–33; Eric Ledell Smith, “The End of Black Voting Rights in Pennsylvania: African Americans and the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention of 1837– 1838,” in: Pennsylvania History, 65 [1998], 279–299). Subsequently, the constitution was amended in 1850 (q.v.), 1857 (q.v.), 1864, and 1872. It was replaced by the fourth Constitution of Pennsylvania in 1874. 2 In Clark print, 1, in Convention Debates, XIII, 230, and in Boas & Coplan print, 3, sentence missing. 3 In 1986 print, 311, “Of the Legislature” added. 4 Ibid., 312, “of which”. 5 Ibid., 314, “for four”. 6 In Clark print, 3, in Convention Debates, XIII, 233, in Boas & Coplan print, 6, and in 1986 print, 315, “hereafter may”. 7 In 1986 print, 315, “part”. 8 In Convention Debates, XIII, 234, and in Boas & Coplan print, 7, “of”. 9 In 1986 print, 317, “objection”. 10 Ibid., “Sunday”. 11 In Clark print, 5, in Convention Debates, XIII, 235, in Boas & Coplan print, 8, and in 1986 print, 317, “prevented”. 12 In Clark print, 5, in Convention Debates, XIII, 236, and in Boas & Coplan print, 8, word missing. 13 In 1986 print, 318, “Of the Executive” added. 14 Ibid., 319, word missing. 15 In Convention Debates, XIII, 237, “or of”. 16 Ibid., and in Boas & Coplan print, 10, “of the”. 17 In 1986 print, 319, “votes”. 18 In Clark print, 7, in Convention Debates, XIII, 238, in Boas & Coplan print, 11, and in 1986 print, 320, “on”. 19 In Clark print, 7, in Convention Debates, XIII, 238– 239, in Boas & Coplan print, 11, and in 1986 print, 320, word missing. 20 In 1986 print, 321, “Of Elections” added. 21 Ibid., “proceeding”. 22 In Clark print, 8, in Convention Debates, XIII, 240, in Boas & Coplan print, 13, and in 1986 print, 322, “of”. 23 In 1986 print, 322, “Of Impeachment” added. 24 Ibid., 323, “Of the Judiciary” added. 25 Ibid., 325, word missing. 26 In Clark print, 10, in Convention Debates, XIII, 243, in Boas & Coplan print, 15, and in 1986 print, 325, word missing. 27 In 1986 print, 325, “where”. 28 In Harper print, 9, in Clark print, 10, in Convention
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8
In English original, “corporators”. In English original, “the charter of more than one corporation”. 10 In English original, “of the United States or of this State”. 11 In English original, “courts of record”. 12 In English original, “recess”. 13 In English original, “session”. 14 In English original, “impeachment”. 15 In English original, “executive department”. 16 In English original, “qualified voter”. 17 In English original, “the sole power of impeaching”. 18 In English original, indictment”. 19 In English original, “to be learned in the law”. 20 In English original, “Associate judges”. 21 In English original, “fees or perquisites of office”. 22 In English original, “capital”. 23 In English original, “of the persons and estates”. 24 In English original, “disciplined”. 25 In English original, “authority”. 26 In English original, “boroughs”. 27 In English original, “fees or perquisites”. 28 In English original, “fight a duel”. 29 In English original, “all officers, executive and judicial”. 30 In English original, “equally free and independent”. 31 In English original, “reputation”. 32 In English original, “ministry”. 33 In English original, “interfere”. 34 In English original, “any office or place of trust or profit”. 35 In English original, “men in a public capacity”. 36 In English original, “is proper for public information”. 37 In English original, “warrant”. 38 In English original, “by indictment”. 39 In English original, “the law of the land”. 40 In English original, “punishments”. 41 In English original, “capital offences”. 42 In English original, “writ”. 43 In English original, “impairing contracts”. 44 In English original, “attainted”. 45 In English original, “corruption of blood”. 46 In English original, “powers”. 47 In English original, “Schedule”. 48 In English original, “rights, actions, prosecutions”. 49 In English original, “its session”. 50 In English original, “commissions”. 51 In English original, “session”. 52 In English original, “associate judges”. 53 In English original, “of the several”. 54 In English original, “appointing power”. 55 In English original, “session”. 56 In English original, “Anno Domini”. 57 In English original, “Assistant Secretaries”. 58 In Verhandlungen und Debatten, XIII, 320, “Baks”. 59 Ibid., “Barndollar”. 9
V ERFASSUNG VON P ENNSYLVANIEN (1838) Debates, XIII, 243, in Boas & Coplan print, 16, and in 1986 print, 326, “beside”. 29 In Clark print, 10, in Convention Debates, XIII, 243, in Boas & Coplan print, 16, and in 1986 print, 326, “powers”. 30 In 1986 print, 326, “compos”. 31 In Clark print, 10, in Convention Debates, XIII, 244, in Boas & Coplan print, 16, and in 1986 print, 326, word missing. 32 In 1986 print, 327, “Of Sheriffs and Coroners” added. 33 Ibid., “time”. 34 Ibid., 328, “district”. 35 In Convention Debates, XIII, 247, “townships”. 36 In 1986 print, 330, “Education” added. 37 In enrolled manuscript, word missing. 38 In 1986 print, 331, “Oaths of Office” added. 39 In enrolled manuscript, heading missing; in 1986 print, 331, “Declaration of Rights” added. 40 In Clark print, 14–15, in Convention Debates, XIII, 249–253, and in Boas & Coplan print, 21–25, word instead at the beginning of each subsequent section, except Sect. 26, and of each clause in sect. 3, 8, 9, and 19; in 1986 print, 331–336, word generally missing, except in the subclauses of sect. 3 and 19. 41 In Clark print, 14, in Convention Debates, XIII, 249, in Boas & Coplan print, 21, and in 1986 print, 331, “those”. 42 In 1986 print, 333, “prosecution”. 43 In Clark print, 14, in Convention Debates, XIII, 251, and in Boas & Coplan print, 23, word missing. 44 In Harper print, 13, in Clark print, 15, in Convention Debates, XIII, 252, in Boas & Coplan print, 24, and in 1986 print, 334, “jail”. 45 In 1986 print, 335, “to”. 46 In Clark print, 15, in Convention Debates, XIII, 252, and in Boas & Coplan print, 25, “redress”. 47 In Clark print, 15, in Convention Debates, XIII, 252, in Boas & Coplan print, 25, and in 1986 print, 336, “of the”. 48 In enrolled manuscript, and in 1986 print, 336, “of”. 49 In 1986 print, 337, “Amendments” added. 50 Ibid., “afterward”. 51 In Clark print, 16, in Convention Debates, XIII, 254, in Boas & Coplan print, 26, and in 1986 print, 340, “prosecutions, actions”. 52 In Convention Debates, XIII, 254, “claim”. 53 In 1986 print, 341, “districts”. 54 In Convention Debates, XIII, 255, word missing. 55 In 1986 print, 341, last four words missing. 56 In Convention Debates, XIII, 255, “dates”. 57 Ibid., “commission”. 58 In 1986 print, 342, word missing. 59 In Convention Debates, XIII, 256, “Barndollar”. 60 In Harper print, 16–17, and in Convention Debates, XIII, 256–258, name missing. 61 In Harper print, 16–17, and in Convention Debates,
60 61 62 63 64 65
Ibid., 321, “Königmacher”. Ibid., 322, “Säger”. Ibid., “Schietz”. Ibid., “Schellito”. Ibid., 321, “Josua”. Ibid., 322, “M.”.
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P ENNSYLVANIA XIII, 256–258, name missing. 62 In Harper print, 16–17, and in Convention Debates, XIII, 256–258, name missing. 63 In Harper print, 17, “Meyers”. 64 Ibid., “Harmer”. 65 In Convention Debates, XIII, 258, “Seager”. 66 Ibid., “Shellito”. 67 In Harper print, 16–17, and in Convention Debates, XIII, 256–258, name missing. 68 In Convention Debates, XIII, 258, “M.”. 69 In Harper print, 17, in Clark print, 16, and in Convention Debates, XIII, 256, “(Attest)”; in 1986 print, 342, word missing. 70 In Harper print, 17, “Faus”. 71 In Clark print, 16, and in Boas & Coplan print, 28, followed by statement “(Names of the Delegates omitted.)”; in 1986 print, 342, names of delegates missing; in Convention Debates, XIII, 256, names of secretaries before names of delegates.
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Amendment of 1850 Resolution Relative to an Amendment of the Constitution1
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, That the Constitution of this Commonwealth be amended in the second section of the fifth article, so that it shall read as follows: The judges of the Supreme Court, of the several Courts2 of Common Pleas, and of such other courts of record as are or shall be established by law, shall be elected by the qualified electors of the Commonwealth, in the manner following, to wit: The judges of the Supreme Court by the qualified electors of the Commonwealth at large; the president judges of the several Courts of Common Pleas, and of such other courts of record as are or shall be established by law, and all other judges required to be learned in the law, by the qualified electors of the respective districts over which they are to preside or act as judges; and the associate judges of the Courts of Common Pleas by the qualified electors of the counties respectively. The judges of the Supreme Court shall hold their offices for the term of fifteen years, if they shall3 so long behave themselves well (subject to the allotment hereinafter provided for, subsequent to the first election); the president judges of the several Courts of Common Pleas, and of such other courts of record as are or shall be established by law, and all other judges required to be learned in the law, shall hold their offices for the term of ten years, if they shall so long behave themselves well; the associate judges of the Courts of Common Pleas shall hold their offices for the
term of five years, if they shall so long behave themselves well; all of whom shall be commissioned by the Governor, but for any reasonable cause, which shall not be sufficient grounds of impeachment, the Governor shall remove any of them on the address of two-thirds of each branch of the Legislature. The first election shall take place at the general election of this Commonwealth next after the adoption of this amendment, and the commissions of all the judges who may be then in office shall expire on the first Monday of December following, when the terms of the new judges shall commence. The persons who shall then be elected judges of the Supreme Court shall hold their offices as follows: One of them for three years, one for six years, one for nine years, one for twelve years, and one for fifteen years, the term of each to be decided by lot by the said judges, as soon after the election as convenient, and the result certified by them to the Governor, that the commissions may be issued in accordance thereto. The judge whose commission will first expire shall be chief justice during his term, and thereafter each judge whose commission shall first expire shall in turn be the chief justice; and if two or more commissions shall expire on the same day, the judges holding them shall decide by lot which shall be the chief justice. Any vacancies happening by death, resignation, or otherwise in any of the said courts, shall be filled by appointment by the Governor, to continue till the first Monday of December succeeding the next general election.
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P ENNSYLVANIA The judges of the Supreme Court and the presidents of the several Courts of Common Pleas shall, at stated times, receive for their services an adequate compensation, to be fixed by law, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office; but they shall receive no fees or perquisites of office, nor hold any other office of profit under this Commonwealth, or under the government of the United States or any other State of this Union. The judges of the Supreme Court, during their continuance in office, shall reside within the Commonwealth; and the other judges during their continuance in office shall reside within the district or county for which they were respectively elected.
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1
Verified by Laws of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Passed at the Session of 1851, in the Seventy-Fifth Year of Independence. With an Appendix. Published by Authority, Harrisburg: Theo. Fenn & Co., Printers to the State, 1851, 758–759, and checked against the version as published in Constitutions of Pennsylvania. Constitution of the United States, Compiled by Legislative Reference Bureau, under the direction of Robert L. Cable, Harrisburg PA: s.n., 1986, 323–324. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Session law volume. The amendment had been approved by the legislature in 1849 and, again, in 1850, and was ratified by the people in October 1850 (cf. Laws of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Passed at the Session of 1850, in the Seventy-Fourth Year of Independence. With an Appendix. Published by Authority, Harrisburg: J. M. G. Lescure, Printer to the State, 1850, 427–428). 2 In Session law print, 758, “Court”. 3 In Constitutions of Pennsylvania, 324, word missing.
Amendments of 1857 Resolution Proposing Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth1
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, That the following amendments are proposed to the constitution of the commonwealth, in accordance with the provisions of the tenth article thereof.
FIRST AMENDMENT There shall be an additional article to said constitution to be designated as article eleven, as follows: –
Article XI Of Public Debts S ECT. 1. The state may contract debts, to supply casual deficits or failures in revenues, or to meet expenses not otherwise provided for; but the aggregate amount of such debts direct and contingent, whether contracted by virtue of one or more acts of the general assembly, or at different periods of time, shall never exceed seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and the money arising from the creation of such debts, shall be applied to the purpose for which it was obtained, or to repay the debts so contracted, and to no other purpose whatever. S ECT. 2. In addition to the above limited power the state may contract debts to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, defend the state in war, or to redeem the present outstanding indebtedness of the state; but the
money arising from the contracting of such debts, shall be applied to the purpose for which it was raised, or to repay such debts, and to no other purpose whatever. S ECT. 3. Except the debts above specified, in section one and two of this article, no debt whatever shall be created by, or on behalf of the state. S ECT. 4. To provide for the payment of the present debt, and any additional debt contracted as aforesaid, the legislature shall, at its first session, after the adoption of this amendment, create a sinking fund, which shall be sufficient to pay the accruing interest on such debt, and annually to reduce the principal thereof by a sum not less than two hundred and fifty thousand dollars; which sinking fund shall consist of the net annual income of the public works, from time to time owned by the state, or the proceeds of the sale of the same, or any part thereof, and of the income or proceeds of sale of stocks owned by the state, together with other funds, or resources, that may be designated by law. The said sinking fund may be increased, from time to time, by assigning to it any part of the taxes, or other revenues of the state, not required for the ordinary and current expenses of government, and unless in case of war, invasion or insurrection, no part of the said sinking fund shall be used or applied otherwise than in extinguishment of the public debt, until the amount of such debt is reduced below the sum of five millions of dollars.
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P ENNSYLVANIA S ECT. 5. The credit of the commonwealth shall not in any manner, or event, be pledged, or loaned to, any individual, company, corporation, or association; nor shall the commonwealth hereafter become a joint owner, or stockholder, in any company, association, or corporation. S ECT. 6. The commonwealth shall not assume the debt, or any part thereof, of any county, city, borough, or township; or of any corporation, or association; unless such debt shall have been contracted to enable the state to repel invasion, suppress domestic insurrection, defend itself in time of war; or to assist the state in the discharge of any portion of its present indebtedness. S ECT. 7. The legislature shall not authorize any county, city, borough, township, or incorporated district, by virtue of a vote of its citizens, or otherwise, to become a stockholder in any company, association, or corporation; or to obtain money for, or loan its credit to, any corporation, association, institution, or party.2
SECOND AMENDMENT There shall be an additional article to said constitution, to be designated as article XII, as follows:
Article XII Of New Counties No county shall be divided by a line cutting off over one-tenth of its population, (either to form a new county or otherwise,) without the express assent of such county, by a vote of the electors thereof; nor shall any new county be established, containing less than four hundred square miles.
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THIRD AMENDMENT From section two of the first article of the constitution, strike out the words, “of the city of Philadelphia, and of each county respectively;” from section five, same article, strike out the words, “of Philadelphia and of the several counties;” from section seven, same article, strike out the words, “neither the city of Philadelphia nor any,” and insert in lieu thereof the words, “and no;” and strike out “section four, same article,” and in lieu thereof insert the following: “S ECT. 4. In the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, and in every seventh year thereafter, representatives to the number of one hundred, shall be apportioned and distributed equally, throughout the state, by districts, in proportion to the number of taxable inhabitants in the several parts thereof; except that any county containing at least three thousand five hundred taxables, may be allowed a separate representation; but no more than three counties shall be joined, and no county shall be divided, in the formation of a district. Any city containing a sufficient number of taxables to entitle it to at least two representatives, shall have a separate representation assigned it, and shall be divided into convenient districts of contiguous territory, of equal taxable population as near as may be, each of which districts shall elect one representative.” At the end of section seven, same article, insert these words, “the city of Philadelphia shall be divided into single senatorial districts, of contiguous territory as nearly equal in taxable population as possible; but no ward shall be divided in the formation thereof.” The legislature, at its first session, after the adoption of this amendment, shall divide the city of Philadelphia into senatorial and representative districts, in the manner
A MENDMENTS OF 1857 above provided; such districts to remain unchanged until the apportionment in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.
FOURTH AMENDMENT There shall be an additional section to the first article of said constitution, which shall be numbered and read as follows: S ECT. 26. The legislature shall have the power to alter, revoke, or annul, any charter of incorporation hereafter conferred by, or under, any special, or general law, whenever in their opinion it may be injurious to the citizens of the commonwealth; in such manner, however, that no injustice shall be done to the corporators.
1
Verified by Laws of the General Assembly of the State of Pennsylvania, Passed at the Session of 1857, in the Eighty-First Year of Independence. With an Appendix, Harrisburg: A. Boyd Hamilton, State Printer, 1857, 809–811, and checked against the version as published in Constitutions of Pennsylvania. Constitution of the United States, Compiled by Legislative Reference Bureau, under the direction of Robert L. Cable, Harrisburg PA: s.n., 1986, 311–313, 318, 337–340. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Session law volume. The amendment had been approved by the legislature in 1856 (cf. Laws of the General Assembly of the State of Pennsylvania, Passed at the Session of 1856, in the Eightieth Year of Independence. With an Appendix, Harrisburg: A. Boyd Hamilton, State Printer, 1856, xxxiii-xxxv) and, again, in 1857, and was ratified by the people in October 1857. 2 In 1854, the legislature had adopted the following resolution, proposing as an amendment to the constitution: proposition 1, to be article XI S ECT. 1. The aggregate amount of debts hereafter contracted by the Commonwealth shall never exceed the sum of five hundred thousand dollars, except in case of war to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, or to redeem the public debt of the Commonwealth, and the money so raised shall be applied to the purpose for
which the debt may be contracted or pay such debts, and to no other purpose. S ECT. 2. To pay the public debt of the Commonwealth, and debts which may hereafter be contracted in case of war to repel invasion, suppress insurrection and to redeem the public debt, the Legislature shall at their next session after the adoption of this section into the constitution, provide by law for the creation of a sinking fund, which shall not be abolished till the said public debts be wholly paid, to consist of all the net annual income from the public works and stocks owned by the Commonwealth, or any other funds arising under any revenue law now existing or that may be hereafter enacted, so far as the same may be required to pay the interest of said debts semi-annually, and annually to reduce the principal thereof by a sum not less than five hundred thousand dollars, increased yearly by compounding at a rate of not less than five per centum per annum; the said sinking fund shall be invested in the loans of the Commonwealth, which shall be cancelled from time to time in a manner to be provided by law: no portion of the sinking fund shall ever be applied to the payment of the debt of five hundred thousand dollars mentioned in the first section of this article, but the said sinking fund shall be applied only to the purposes herein specified. S ECT. 3. The credit of the Commonwealth shall not in any way be given or loaned to or in aid of any individual, company, corporation or association, nor shall the Commonwealth hereafter become a joint owner or stockholder in any company, association or corporation in this Commonwealth or elsewhere, formed for any purposes. S ECT. 4. The Commonwealth shall never assume the debts of any county, city, borough or township, or of any corporation or association, unless such debts shall have been contracted to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, or to defend the State in war. proposition 2, to be article XI Prohibiting Municipal Subscriptions The Legislature shall never authorize any county, city, borough or township, by vote of its citizens or otherwise, to become a stockholder in any joint stock company, association or corporation, or to raise money for, or loan its credit to, or in aid of any such company or association. (Laws of the General Assembly of the State of Pennsylvania, Passed at the Session of 1854, in the Seventy-Eighth Year of Independence. With an Appendix, Harrisburg: A. Boyd Hamilton, State Printer, 1854, 721–722). The propositions were not readopted by the subsequent legislature, but newly introduced in modified form and adopted in 1856 to become part of the amendments of 1857.
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Failed Declaration of Rights of Rhode Island (1790)
Ratification of the Constitution of the United States by the Convention of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence-Plantations1
WE the DELEGATES of the PEOPLE of the STATE of RHODE-ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE-PLANTATIONS, duly elected and met in CONVENTION, having maturely considered the CONSTITUTION for the UNITED STATES of AMERICA, agreed to on the Seventeenth Day of September, A.D. 17872 , by the Convention then assembled at Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (a Copy whereof precedes these Presents) and having also seriously and deliberately considered the present Situation of this State, DO DECLARE and MAKE KNOWN,3 1st. THAT there are certain4 natural rights, of which men, when they form a social compact, cannot deprive or divest their posterity, among which are the enjoyment5 of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety. 2. That all power is naturally vested in and consequently derived from the people; that magistrates therefore, are6 their trustees and agents, and at all times amenable to them.7 3. That the powers of government8 may be reassumed by the people whensoever9 it shall become necessary to10 their happiness. That the rights of the State11 respectively to nominate and12 appoint13 all14 State officers, and15 every other16 power,
jurisdiction and right, which is not by the said Constitution17 clearly delegated to the Congress of the United States, or to18 the department19 of government thereof, remains20 to the people of the several States or21 their respective State governments to whom they may have granted the same; and that those clauses in the22 Constitution which23 declare that Congress shall not have or exercise certain powers, do not imply that Congress24 is entitled to any powers not given by the said Constitution; but such clauses are to be construed either25 as exceptions to certain specified powers, or as inserted merely for greater caution.26 4. That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not27 by force or violence, and therefore all men have an equal natural and unalienable right to the free exercise of religion according to the dictates of conscience; and that no particular religion,28 sect or society ought to be favoured or established by law in preference to others. 5. That the legislative, executive and judiciary powers of government should be separate and distinct; and29 the members of the two first may be restrained from oppression by feeling and participating the public burthen30 , they should at fixed periods be reduced to a private station, return into the mass of the people, and the vacancy31 be
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R HODE I SLAND supplied by certain and regular elections, in which all or any part of the former members to be eligible or ineligible, as the rules of the Constitution of Government and the Laws shall direct. 6. That elections of representatives in the legislature ought to be free and frequent; and all men having sufficient evidence of permanent common interest with, and attachment to the community, ought to have the right of suffrage; and no aid, charge, tax or fee can be set, rated or levied upon the people, without their own consent or that of their Representatives so elected; nor can they be bound by any law to which they have not, in like manner, assented for the public good. 7. That all power of suspending laws, or the execution of laws by any authority, without the consent of the Representatives of the people in the Legislature, is injurious to their rights, and ought not to be exercised32 . 8. That in all capital and criminal33 prosecutions a man hath a right to demand the cause and nature of his accusation, to be confronted with the accusers and witnesses, to call for evidence, and to34 be allowed council35 in his favour, and to a fair and speedy trial by an impartial jury of his vicinage, without whose unanimous consent he cannot be found guilty (except in the government of the land and naval forces) nor can he be compelled to give evidence against himself. 9. That no freeman ought to be taken, imprisoned or disseized of his freehold, liberties, privileges or franchises, or outlawed or exiled, or in any manner destroyed, or deprived of his life, liberty or property, but by the trial by jury or by the law36 of the land. 10. That every freeman restrained of his liberty is entitled to a remedy to enquire into the lawfulness thereof, and to remove
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the same if unlawful, and that such remedy ought not to be denied or delayed. 11. That in controversies respecting property, and in37 suits between man and man, the ancient trial by jury as hath been exercised by us and our ancestors from the time whereof the memory of man is not to the38 contrary39 , is one of the greatest securities to the rights of the people, and ought to remain sacred and inviolate40 . 12. That every freeman41 ought to obtain right and justice freely and without sale, completely and without denial, promptly and without delay; and that all establishments or42 regulations contravening these rights are oppressive and unjust. 13. That excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel or43 unusual punishments inflicted. 14. That every person has a right to be secure from all unreasonable searches and seizures of his person, his papers, or his property, and therefore that all warrants to search suspected places, or to44 seize any person, his papers, or his45 property, without information upon oath or affirmation, of sufficient cause, are grievous and oppressive, and that all general warrants (or such in which the place or person suspected are46 not particularly designated) are dangerous and ought not to be granted. 15.47 That the people have a right to48 freedom of speech, and of writing and publishing their sentiments; that the49 freedom of the press is one of the greatest bulwarks of liberty, and ought not to be violated. 16.50 That the people have a right peaceably to assemble together to consult for their common good, or to instruct their representatives; and that every person has a right to petition or apply51 to the Legislature for redress of grievances.
FAILED D ECLARATION OF R IGHTS OF R HODE I SLAND (1790) 17.52 That the people have a right to keep and bear arms; that a well regulated militia, including the body of the people capable of bearing arms, is the proper, natural and safe defence of a free State; that the militia shall not be subject to martial law, except in time of war, rebellion, or insurrection; that standing armies in time of peace are dangerous to liberty, and ought not to be kept up, except in cases of necessity; and that at all times the military53 should be under strict subordination to the civil power54 ; that in time of peace no soldier ought to be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner; and in time of war only by the civil magistrate55 , in such manner as the law directs.56 18. That any person religiously scrupulous of bearing arms ought to be exempted, upon57 payment of an equivalent to employ another58 to bear arms in his stead.59 UNDER these impressions, and declaring that the rights aforesaid cannot be abridged or violated, and that the explanations aforesaid, are consistent with the said Constitution, and in confidence that the amendments hereafter60 mentioned, will receive an early and mature consideration, and conformably to the fifth article of said Constitution, speedily become a part thereof; WE, the said DELEGATES, in the Name and in the Behalf of the PEOPLE of the STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS, do by these Presents, assent to and ratify the said Constitution. IN FULL CONFIDENCE, nevertheless, that until the amendments hereafter proposed61 shall be agreed to and ratified, in62 pursuant to the aforesaid fifth article, the militia of this State will not be continued in service out of this State for a longer term than six weeks, without the consent of the Legislature thereof; that the Congress will not make or alter any regulation in this State respecting the times, places
and manner of holding elections for Senators or Representatives, unless the Legislature of this State shall neglect or refuse to make laws or regulations for the purpose, or from any circumstance be incapable of making the same; and that in those cases such power will only be exercised until the Legislature of this State shall make provision in the premises; that the Congress will not lay direct taxes within this State but when63 the monies arising from the impost, tonnage, and excise shall be insufficient for the public exigencies; nor until the64 Congress shall have first made a requisition upon this State to assess, levy, and pay the65 amount of such requisition made agreeable66 to the census fixed in the said Constitution in such way and manner as the Legislature of this State shall judge best, and that the67 Congress will not lay or make68 any capitation or poll tax. DONE IN CONVENTION, at Newport, in the County of Newport, in the State of Rhode-Island and Providence-Plantations, the 29th Day of May, in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety, and the69 Fourteenth Year of the Independence of the United States of America. BY ORDER70 , DANIEL OWEN, President. ATTEST, DANIEL UPDIKE, Secretary.
1
Verified by Ratification of the Constitution of the United States by the Convention of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence-Plantations, [Newport, RI: Printed by Peter Edes, 1790], broadside [Evans 22848], 1 p. Checked against the version published as The Bill of Rights, and Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, as agreed to by the Convention of the State of Rhode-Island and ProvidencePlantations, at South-Kingstown, in the County of Washington, on the First Monday of March, A.D. 1790, [Providence: Printed by John Carter, 1790], broadside [Evans 22845], in Providence Gazette (Providence, R.I.), March 13, 1790, 2, in Journal of the First Session
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R HODE I SLAND of the Senate of the United States of America, Begun and Held at the City of New York, March 4, 1789, and in the Thirteenth Year of the Independence of the Said States. Printed by order of the Senate of the United States, Washington: Printed by Gales & Seaton, 1820, 159–161, in William R. Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, With the Journal of the Convention that Adopted the Constitution, 1765–1790, ed. by Reuben Aldridge Guild, Providence: Providence Press Company, Printers to the State, 1870, 674–677, and in Theodore Foster, Minutes of the Convention Held at South Kingstown, Rhode Island, in March, 1790, Which Failed to Adopt the Constitution of the United States. Transcribed with Annotations and an Introduction by Robert C. Cotner, Providence: Printed for the Rhode Island Historical Society, 1929, 93–95. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Newport broadside. The second part of the document, containing twentyone amendments (the number varies in the several sources) proposed to the Federal Constitution (q.v.), is left out here. On the controversial Rhode Island Declaration of Rights of 1790, cf. Kevin D. Leitao, “Rhode Island’s Forgotten Bill of Rights,” in: Roger Williams University Law Review, 1 (1996), 31–61; Patrick T. Conley, Liberty and Justice: A History of Law and Lawyers in Rhode Island, 1636–1998, East Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1998, 177; id., Neither Separate nor Equal. Legislature and Executive in Rhode Island Constitutional History, East Providence: Rhode Island Publications Society, 1999, 42–43. Whatever the merit of Leitao’s argument, it has to be admitted that the legal status of the Bill of Rights as proposed by the Convention was, to say the least, ambiguous, a result of the controversial debate between supporters and opponents of the Federal Constitution and Rhode Island joining the Union. The first Convention of March 6 followed the example of its counterparts in Virginia and North Carolina in producing what was an only slightly adapted version of George Mason’s draft of a Federal Bill of Rights of June 9, 1788 to be added to the Constitution together with a set of amendments. However, it was simultaneously suggested that the Convention adopt the Federal Bill of Rights proposed by Congress in 1789 (q.v.) and the Committee which had drafted the Rhode Island Bill of Rights had different ideas as well: “We, the subscribers, being the committee appointed to report the amendments necessary to the proposed Constitution of the United States of America, do report: That, previous to the adoption of the Federal Constitution, there be a Declaration, or Bill of Rights, asserting and securing from encroachments the essential and inalienable rights of the people of this State” (quoted from Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 650). This call for a Rhode Island Declaration of Rights was seconded in debate by Henry Marchant: “The Com(mit)t(ee) drew up a Bill of Rights – has no objection because we may de-
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clare that the People have such and such Rights & that when we adopt the Constitu(tion) it may appear that we claim such and such Rights Similar to what was done by New York” (Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 78). Indeed, the New York convention, sitting in Poughkeepsie, had adopted, on July 26, 1788, “the bill of rights, and form of the ratification of the Constitution, with the amendments” (The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution, as Recommended by the General Convention at Philadelphia, in 1787, ed by Jonathan Elliot [Elliot’s Debates], 5 vols., 2nd ed., Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company, [1836], repr. 1937. II, 413), the text of which (“Declaration of Rights and Form of Ratification”) is reprinted in The Documentary History of the Ratification of the Constitution, ed. by John P. Kaminski et al., vol. XVIII: Commentaries on the Constitution, Public and Private, VI, Madison: Wisconsin State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1995, 297–301). The comparison between the New York and the Rhode Island texts is highly revealing. The preamble is identical, except for the obvious replacement of “New-York” with “Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations”, and the telling phrase “considered the present Situation of this State”, where the New York text had read “considered the present situation of the United States”. While in the New York declaration sections were not numbered and any allusions to nature and natural rights were strictly avoided, while references, when made, were to the United States, the Rhode Island document deliberately used a different language – that of modern constitutionalism. A majority of the Convention complied with the logic that natural rights and universal principles were the basis of human rights and constituted legitimate government and could be declared as forming the foundations of Rhode Island law, this without contradicting the Federal Constitution and even capable of elaborating on it, as sect. 6 does. The second Convention, therefore, with its resolution of May 29, dropped the ambiguous reference of March 6 to its Bill of Rights as a proposal to complement the US Constitution and simply made a statement of irrevocable principles that amounts to a Declaration of Rights by the State of Rhode Island. In the context of the ongoing political manoeuvring over the hotly contested question of ratification, any other interpretation of the Convention’s act fails to explain why it was now willing to ratify the Federal Constitution, agreed to the Rhode Island Bill of Rights and the proposed amendments to the Federal Constitution, and, this time around, recommended that the Rhode Island legislature ratify the twelve articles of the Federal Bill of Rights, with the exception of the second, (cf. Robert C. Cotner, “Introduction”, in: Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 26), which advice was followed about a week later. Why the Convention’s Declaration of Rights was afterwards “forgotten” in Rhode Island is another story (a telling example is the highly
FAILED D ECLARATION OF R IGHTS OF R HODE I SLAND (1790) appreciated history by Irwin H. Polishook, Rhode Island and the Union, 1774–1795, Evanston, IL: Northwestern University Press, 1969, 221, who all but ignores it). However, it does not compromise the significance of the document in 1790, which confirms the resounding impact the ideas of modern constitutionalism had even in a state which for the next fifty years would resist all pressures to give itself a modern constitution. 2 In Senate Journal, 159, and in Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 674, “in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven”. 3 In March 6 print, in Providence Gazette, 2, and in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 93, preamble missing; instead, in March 6 print, heading “Declaration of Rights”, and in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 93, “Rhode Island’s Bill of Rights”. 4 In Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 93, “certain and”. 5 In Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 674, “enjoyments”. 6 In Senate Journal, 159, “are therefore”. 7 In Providence Gazette, 2, section missing, subsequent sections 3–14 numbered 2–13. 8 In Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 675, “civil government”. 9 In Providence Gazette, 2, “whenever”. 10 In Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 675, “for”. 11 In March 6 print, in Senate Journal, 159, in Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 675, and in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 93, “States”. 12 In Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 93, last two words missing. 13 In Senate Journal, 159, last two words missing. 14 In Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 93, “the”. 15 In Providence Gazette, 2, “the rights of the State respectively to nominate and appoint all State officers, and” missing. 16 In Providence Gazette, 2, word missing. 17 In Newport broadside, “Convention”. 18 In Providence Gazette, 2, word missing. 19 In March 6 print, in Providence Gazette, 2, in Senate Journal, 159, in Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 675, and in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 93, “departments”. 20 In March 6 print, in Providence Gazette, 2, in Senate Journal, 159, in Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 675, and in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 93, “remain”. 21 In Providence Gazette, 2, “or to”. 22 In March 6 print, in Providence Gazette, 2, in Senate Journal, 159, in Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 675, and in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 93, “the said”. 23 In Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 93, “that”. 24 Ibid., “shall not have or exercise certain powers, do not imply that Congress” missing.
25
In Senate Journal, 159, word missing. In Providence Gazette, 2, “And that each State have and retain full powers and authority to nominate and appoint their respective State officers, agreeable to their existing Constitutions” added. 27 In Senate Journal, 159, “and not”. 28 In March 6 print, in Providence Gazette, 2, in Senate Journal, 159, and in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 93, “religious”. 29 In March 6 print, in Providence Gazette, 2, in Senate Journal, 159, in Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 675, and in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 93, “and that”. 30 In March 6 print, in Providence Gazette, 2, and in Senate Journal, 159, “burthens”; in Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 675, and in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 93, “burdens”. 31 In March 6 print, in Providence Gazette, 2, in Senate Journal, 159, in Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 675, and in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 93, “vacancies”. 32 In Providence Gazette, 2, “granted”. 33 In Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 94, “criminal and capital”. 34 In March 6 print, in Providence Gazette, 2, in Senate Journal, 160, in Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 676, and in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 94, word missing. 35 In March 6 print, in Providence Gazette, 2, in Senate Journal, 160, in Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 676, and in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 94, “counsel”. 36 In Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 94, “laws”. 37 Ibid., “in all”. 38 Ibid., “be”. 39 In Providence Gazette, 2, “as hath been exercised by us and our ancestors from the time whereof the memory of man is not to the contrary” missing, instead “in the extent that it obtains by the common law”. 40 In Senate Journal, 160, “inviolable”. 41 In Providence Gazette, 2, “person”. 42 In Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 95, “and”. 43 In Providence Gazette, 2, “and”; in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 95, “nor”. 44 In March 6 print, in Providence Gazette, 2, in Senate Journal, 160, in Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 676, and in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 95, word missing. 45 In Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 676, word missing. 46 In Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 95, “is”. 47 In March 6 print, in Senate Journal, 160, in Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 676, and in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 95, order of sect. 15 and 16 reversed. 48 In Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 95, “to the”. 49 In March 6 print, in Senate Journal, 160, in Staples, 26
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R HODE I SLAND Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 676, and in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 95, word missing. 50 In Providence Gazette, 2, “14.”. 51 In Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 95, “appeal”. 52 In Providence Gazette, 2, “16.”. 53 In Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 95, “militia”. 54 Ibid., “powers”. 55 In Providence Gazette, 2, “magistrates”. 56 Ibid., rest missing. 57 In Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 677, and in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 95, “upon the”. 58 In Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 95, “others”. 59 In March 6 print, instead of subsequent two paragraphs directly followed by eighteen “Amendments to the Constitution of the United States” and the concluding phrase “In Convention, March 6, 1790. Voted, That the Bill of Rights and Amendments, proposed to the Federal Constitution, be referred to the Freemen of the several towns, at their meetings on the Third Wednesday of April next, for their consideration: That one copy thereof be sent to each Town-Clerk in the State, one to each Member of the Convention, and one to each Member of the Upper and Lower Houses of Assembly; and
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that they be sent to the Sheriffs of the several Counties, to be distributed.” The same in Foster, Minutes of the Convention, 96–98, however with only eighteen articles and without concluding phrase. 60 In Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 677, “hereinafter”. 61 In Senate Journal, 160, “and undermentioned” added. 62 Ibid., and in Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 677, word missing. 63 In Senate Journal, 161, “where”. 64 Ibid., word missing. 65 In Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 677, “to the”. 66 Ibid., “agreeably”. 67 In Senate Journal, 161, word missing. 68 Ibid., and in Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 677, last two words missing. 69 In Senate Journal, 161, and in Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 677, “in the”. 70 In Senate Journal, 161, and in Staples, Rhode Island in the Continental Congress, 677, “of the Convention” added.
Failed Constitution of Rhode Island (1824)
Constitution of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations1
WE, the People of the State of RhodeIsland and Providence Plantations, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the government thereof:
ARTICLE I Of the Distribution of Powers 1. The powers of the government shall be distributed into three distinct departments: the Legislative, Executive and Judicial. 2. No person or persons, belonging to one of these departments, shall exercise any of the powers properly belonging to either of the others, except in cases herein expressly directed or permitted.
ARTICLE II Of the Legislative Department
Section 1 1. The Legislative power shall be vested in two distinct Houses or branches; the one to be styled the Senate, the other the House of Representatives, and both together, the General Assembly. The style of their laws shall be – Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations. 2. If any Senator or Representative, in the General Assembly of this State, shall
be appointed to any office under the government of the United States, and shall accept of the same, after his election as such Senator or Representative, his seat shall thereby become vacated; and any person, who holds an office under the government of the United States, may be elected a member of the General Assembly, and may hold his seat therein, if, at the time of taking his seat, he shall have resigned said office, and shall declare the same, on oath, if required. No member of the General Assembly shall, during the time for which he shall have been elected, be appointed to any civil office, under this State, which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which shall have been increased, during the time for which he was elected. – No member of the General Assembly shall take any fees, be of counsel, or act as an2 advocate before either branch of the Legislature, under penalty of forfeiting his seat, upon due proof thereof. 3. There shall be one session of the General Assembly holden annually at Newport, on the first Tuesday of May; and one other session, holden alternately at Providence and South Kingstown, on the second Monday of January in each year; and the adjournments from said sessions, respectively, shall be holden at East-Greenwich3 and Bristol, alternately. 4. The Senators and Representatives shall, in all cases of civil process, be privileged from arrest, during the session of the General Assembly, and for two days before
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R HODE I SLAND the commencement, and two days after the termination of any session thereof; and for any speech in debate, in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other place. 5. Each House shall be the judge of the elections and qualifications of its own members; and the majority shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn, from day to day, and may compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties as each House may prescribe. 6. Each House may determine the rules of proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two thirds of the members elected, expel a member, but not a second time for the same cause. 7. Each House shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and publish the same, when required by one fifth of its members. The yeas and nays of the members of either House shall, at the desire of one fifth of those present, be entered on the journal. 8. Every bill which shall have passed both Houses of the General Assembly, shall be presented to the Governor. If he approve of it, he shall sign and transmit it to the Secretary; but if not, he shall return it to the House, in which it shall have originated, with his objections thereto, which shall be entered on their journal at large. The House shall then proceed to reconsider the bill; and if, after such reconsideration, that House shall again pass it, it shall be sent, with the objections, to the other House, which shall also reconsider it; and, if approved by that House, it shall become a law. But in such cases, the votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and nays; and the names of the members, voting for and against the bill, shall be entered on the journal of each House respectively. If the bill shall not be returned by
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the Governor, within two days, (Sundays excepted,) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall become a law, in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the General Assembly, by their adjournment, prevent its return; in which case, it shall not be a law. 9. The civil and military officers, heretofore elected in grand committee, shall hereafter be elected annually by the General Assembly, in joint committee, composed of the two Houses of the Legislature, excepting as is otherwise provided by this Constitution; and excepting the captains and subalterns of the militia, who shall be elected by the written votes of the members, composing their respective companies, in such manner as the Legislature may prescribe; and such officers, so elected, shall be approved of and commissioned by the Governor, who shall determine their rank; and if said companies shall neglect or refuse to make such elections, after being duly notified, then the Governor shall appoint suitable persons to fill such offices.
Section 2 Of the Senate 1. The Senate shall consist of ten members, to be chosen annually, by the electors, by general ticket; but no person shall be elected to the place of Senator, unless he be possessed of a freehold in this State, sufficient to qualify him to be an elector, and shall be a freeman and inhabitant of the same. In case an election of a majority of Senators should fail, in any instance, to be made by the electors, at their annual election, the vacancies shall be filled by the House of Representatives; and all vacancies, in the Senate, from any other cause, shall be filled by the two Houses in joint committee.
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (1824) 2. The Lieutenant-Governor shall, by virtue of his office, be President of the Senate, and have, when in committee of the whole, a right to debate; and when the Senate is equally divided, to give the casting vote. 3. When the government shall be administered by the Lieutenant-Governor, or he shall be unable to attend as President of the Senate, the Senate shall elect one of their own members, President pro tempore. 4. The Secretary of State shall be, by virtue of his office, Secretary of the Senate.
Section 3 Of the House of Representatives 1. The House of Representatives shall consist of members elected by the electors of the several towns, in their respective town meetings, on the third Wednesday of April, annually. Each town, having three thousand inhabitants, and under five thousand, shall be entitled to elect three Representatives; each town, having five thousand inhabitants, and under eight thousand, shall be entitled to elect four Representatives; each town, having eight thousand inhabitants, and under twelve thousand, shall be entitled to elect five Representatives; each town, having twelve thousand inhabitants, and under seventeen thousand, shall be entitled to elect six Representatives: and each town, having seventeen thousand inhabitants, shall be entitled to elect seven Representatives; but no town shall be entitled to elect more than seven Representatives; nor shall any town be entitled to less than two. The representation in the several towns in this State shall be apportioned agreeably to the census of the people of the United States, taken in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty, in conformity to the Constitution thereof; and said apportionment shall continue to have effect,
until a new census be taken of the people of the United States, as by their constitution is provided. The representation in the several towns in this State shall be apportioned, agreeably to said new census; and so on, at each subsequent period thereafter, whenever a new4 census of the people of the United States shall be taken under the constitution thereof. 2. No person shall be eligible to the place of Representative, in the General Assembly, unless he be a freeman, and an inhabitant of the town for which he shall be elected, and possessed of a freehold in the same, sufficient to qualify him to be an elector, according to this Constitution. 3. The House of Representatives shall have authority to elect their own Speaker, Clerk and other officers. 4. Whenever the seat of a member of the House of Representatives shall be vacated by death, resignation, or otherwise, the vacancy may be filled by a new election.
Section 4 Of Impeachments 1. The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment. 2. All impeachments shall be tried by the Senate; and, when sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath or affirmation. No person shall be convicted, except on concurrence of two thirds of the members elected. When the Governor is impeached, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court shall preside. 3. The Governor and all other executive and judicial officers shall be liable to impeachment; but judgments in such cases shall not extend further than to removal from office. The party convicted shall, nevertheless, be liable and subject to indictment, trial and punishment, according to law.
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ARTICLE III Of the Executive Department 1. The Supreme Executive power of this State shall be vested in a Governor, who shall be chosen by the electors, properly qualified, and shall hold his office for the term of one year, from the first Tuesday in May, next succeeding his election, and until his successor be duly qualified. But if no person shall have a majority of votes, the Senate and House of Representatives, in joint committee, shall choose a Governor, by ballot, from the two persons having the highest number of votes. No person shall be eligible to the office of Governor, who does not possess the qualifications of an elector, and who shall not have attained to the age of thirty years, and who is not a native born citizen of the United States, and who shall not have been for the term of five years, resident within this State; or who, at the time of his election, or during the term for which he was elected, shall not be a resident therein. 2. There shall also be chosen, in the same manner as hereinbefore provided for the election of Governor, a LieutenantGovernor, who shall continue in office, for the same term of time, and possess the same qualifications, as are required in the case of the Governor. 3. A Secretary of State, GeneralTreasurer and Attorney-General, shall also be chosen on the third Wednesday of April, annually, in the same manner, and for the same term of time, as hereinbefore provided, as to the election of Governor and Lieutenant-Governor. And in case an election of the Secretary of State, AttorneyGeneral, or General-Treasurer, should fail to be made by the electors, at their annual election, or in case of a vacancy in either of said offices, from any other causes, the vacancy or vacancies shall be filled by the Leg-
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islature, in joint committee of both branches thereof. 4. The Governor shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons, after conviction, in all cases, except those of impeachment. He shall preside in the joint committee of both Houses, when assembled for the election of officers, and shall have a casting vote therein, if the joint committee be equally divided. – He shall, from time to time, give to the General Assembly information of the state of the Government, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall deem expedient. 5. In case of a disagreement between the two Houses of the General Assembly, respecting the time or place of adjournment, the person administering the office of Governor, may adjourn them to such time and place as he shall think proper; provided that the time of adjournment shall not be extended beyond the day of the next stated session. 6. The person administering the office of Governor, may, on special emergencies, convene the General Assembly at any town in this State, at any other time than herein before provided. And in case of danger from the prevalence of contagious diseases, in either of the places, in which the General Assembly may by law meet, or to which they may have been adjourned, or from other circumstances, he may, by proclamation, convene said Assembly at any other place within this State. 7. All commissions shall be in the name and by the authority of the State of RhodeIsland and Providence Plantations; shall be sealed with the State seal, signed by the Governor, and attested by the Secretary. 8. The Governor shall be Commander in Chief of the Militia of this State.
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (1824) 9. In case of the death, resignation, refusal, or inability to serve, or removal from office, of the Governor, or his impeachment, or absence from the State, the LieutenantGovernor shall exercise the powers and authority appertaining to the office of Governor until another be chosen, at the next annual election for Governor, and be duly qualified, or until the Governor, impeached or absent, shall be acquitted or return, or his inability be removed. 10. If, during the vacancy of the office of Governor, the Lieutenant-Governor shall die, resign, refuse, or be unable to serve, or be removed from office, or if he shall be impeached, or absent from the State, the President of the Senate, pro tempore, shall in like manner administer the government until he be superseded by a Governor or Lieutenant-Governor. 11. The compensation of the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor shall be established by law, and shall not be varied so as to take effect, until after an election, which shall next succeed the passage of the law establishing such compensation. 12. The duties of the Secretary, GeneralTreasurer and Attorney-General, shall be the same under this Constitution, as are now established by law, or as the Legislature may, from time to time, prescribe.
ARTICLE IV Of the Judiciary Department 1. The Judicial power of this State shall be vested in one Supreme Judicial Court, a Circuit Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace, and in such other Courts, inferior to the Supreme Judicial Court, as the Legislature may, from time to time, ordain and establish: and the jurisdiction of the Supreme Judicial Court
and all other Courts, may, from time to time, be regulated by the Legislature. 2. There shall be annually appointed, in each town, a sufficient number of Justices of the Peace, with such jurisdiction as the Legislature may prescribe. 3. The Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court and Circuit Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace shall be appointed in the manner provided by this Constitution. They shall be removable from office, by impeachment, or on the joint resolution of both branches of the Legislature, two thirds of the number elected of each branch concurring therein. But no person, who was a member of the Legislature at the time of such removal, shall be appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned thereby: and in all cases of removal by joint resolution of both branches of the Legislature, the causes of removal, and the ayes and nays thereon, shall be stated, and entered upon the journal of each House. 4. The Supreme Judicial Court shall consist of one Chief Justice and two Associate Justices, a majority of whom shall form a quorum. The Chief Justice shall be appointed for the term of six years; the second Justice, for the term of four years; and the third Justice, for the term of two years; but all subsequent appointments, at the end of either of these terms, shall be for the term of six years. The Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court shall receive a compensation which shall not be diminished during their term of office. 5. The Circuit Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace shall consist of five Justices, one Justice to be taken from each county: and the jurisdiction of said Court shall extend to every county in this State; and the terms of said Court shall be holden in each county, as shall be
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R HODE I SLAND prescribed by law. The Justices of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace shall be appointed for the term of one year. 6. No Judge shall charge Juries on matters of fact; but may state the testimony, and declare the law. 7. The Courts of Probate, in this State, shall remain as at present established by law, until the Legislature shall otherwise prescribe.
ARTICLE V Of Elections and the Right of Suffrage 1. Every person, who now is, or hereafter may be, admitted a freeman, previous to the adoption of this Constitution, shall be an elector, so long as he shall be possessed of the qualifications by which he was admitted to be a freeman; and, hereafter, every free white male citizen, of the age of twenty-one years, who is really and truly possessed, in his own proper right, of a5 real estate, within this State, of the value of one hundred and thirty-four dollars, or which shall rent for seven dollars per annum, being an estate in fee simple, fee tail, or an estate in reversion, which qualifies no other person, or at least an estate for the person’s own life, shall be entitled to be admitted a freeman in the town in which his estate lies; and being so admitted, shall be an elector, and no other persons: provided, however, that the yearly value of such life estate shall exceed the amount of the rent reserved, (if any,) by the sum of seven dollars, per annum: and provided, that no person, whose estate is under mortgage, and the mortgagee is in possession of such estate, either by suit at law, or by consent of the mortgager, shall be admitted to vote in the election of any
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officer in this State, or be capable of acting as an elector therein; but the mortgagee having possession of the land as aforesaid, shall be admitted to vote in the election of officers, if he be in other respects qualified: provided, however, that no mortgager, while in possession of the mortgaged premises, shall be admitted to vote thereon, unless his interest therein shall exceed the sum of one hundred and thirty-four dollars, over and above all sums secured by mortgage: and provided also, that no person shall be admitted to vote in any town in this State, for Representatives to the General Assembly, or for any town officers, or in any town affairs, who has not a sufficient freehold in such town. 2. Electors shall, in all cases, except in those of treason, felony and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest, during their attendance at elections, and in going to and returning from the same; said privilege not to extend further than on said day of election. 3. The privileges of an elector shall be forfeited by a conviction of bribery, forgery, perjury, theft, or other infamous crime; but such elector, so forfeiting his privileges, may be restored to the same by the General Assembly. 4. No person shall be eligible to any office in this State, other than offices in the militia, or town-offices, unless he possess a freehold sufficient to qualify him to be an Elector. 5. The Town-Meetings in this State, for choosing the Governor, LieutenantGovernor, Senators and Representatives to the General Assembly, Secretary of State, Attorney-General and General-Treasurer, shall be holden on the third Wednesday of April, annually.
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (1824) 6. Every person who shall vote for the officers mentioned in the preceding paragraph, excepting for Representatives to the General Assembly, shall have his name written at length on the back of his vote at the time of delivering in the same: and the names of all the officers voted for shall be put upon one ticket; and all the votes, so taken, shall be, in open Town-Meeting, sealed up by the Town Clerk, and shall, together with a list of the persons voting for Governor, be delivered by said Town Clerk to a Senator or one of the Representatives of such town, whose duty it shall be to deliver them to the Speaker of the House of Representatives after the said House shall be duly organized; which votes shall be opened, counted and declared, as the House of Representatives shall direct. 7. The oath of office shall be administered to the persons, who shall have been declared to be elected, in the manner in the preceding paragraph recited, by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and in presence of the House.
ARTICLE VI A Declaration of certain Constitutional Rights and Principles 1. Every person, within this State, ought to find a certain remedy, by having recourse to the laws, for all injuries or wrongs which he may receive in his person, property or character. He ought to obtain right and justice freely, and without being obliged to purchase it; completely and without any denial; promptly and without delay; conformably to the laws. 2. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated: and no warrant shall issue, but on complaint in writing,
upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and describing, as nearly as may be, the place to be searched, and the person or things to be seized. 3. No person shall be holden to answer a capital or other infamous crime, unless on presentment or indictment by a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service, in time of war or public danger. No person shall be liable to be tried, after an acquittal, for the same crime or offence. 4. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel punishments6 inflicted; and all punishments ought to be proportioned to the offence. 5. All prisoners ought to be bailable7 by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offences, when the proof is evident, or the presumption great. The privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety shall require it, nor ever, without the authority of the Legislature, nor for a longer period than sixty days at any one time. 6. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the privilege of a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury; to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process to obtain them in his favor; and to have the assistance of counsel in his defence. Nor shall he be deprived of his life, liberty or property unless by the judgment of his peers, or the law of the land. 7. The person of a debtor, where there is not strong presumption of fraud, ought not to be confined in prison, after he shall have delivered up his property for the benefit of his creditors, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law.
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R HODE I SLAND 8. Retrospective laws, punishing offences, committed before the existence of such laws, are oppressive and unjust, and ought not to be made. 9. No man in a court of common law, shall be compelled to give evidence against himself. 10. Every man being presumed to be innocent, until pronounced guilty by the law, all acts of severity, that are not necessary to secure an accused person, ought to be repressed. 11. The citizens have a right in a peaceable manner to assemble for their common good, and to apply to those invested with the powers of government, for redress of grievances, or other proper purposes, by petition, address, or remonstrance. 12. The liberty of the press, being essential to the security of freedom in a State, any citizen may publish his sentiments on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty. 13. The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate. 14. Private property shall not be taken for public uses, without just compensation. 15. The military power shall always be held in strict subordination to the civil authority. 16. No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner; nor, in time of war, but in manner to be prescribed by law. 17. Whereas Almighty God hath created the mind free, and all attempts to influence it, by temporal punishments or burthens, or by civil incapacitations, tend to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness; and whereas a principal object of our venerable ancestors, in their migration to this country, and
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their settlement of this State, was, as they expressed it, to hold forth a lively experiment, that a flourishing civil State may stand, and be best maintained with full liberty in religious concernments: We therefore declare, that no man shall be compelled to frequent, or support, any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor enforced, restrained, molested or burthened, in his body or goods, nor disqualified from holding any office, nor otherwise suffer on account of his religious belief; and that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument, to maintain their opinion in matters of religion; and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge or affect their civil capacities; and that all other religious rights and privileges of the people of this State, as now enjoyed, shall remain inviolate and inviolable. 18. The enumeration of the foregoing rights shall not be construed to impair nor deny others retained by the people.
ARTICLE VII Of Education 1. A fund shall be created from all monies received for taxes on licenses, granted under the authority of this State, for the support of Free Schools, which shall be called the School Fund, and shall be invested and remain a perpetual fund and shall continue to accumulate, until the interest arising therefrom, together with the taxes annually paid on licenses, shall be sufficient to support Free Schools, at least three months in each year, in every town in this State. 2. All charitable donations for the support of Free Schools, shall be invested and applied agreeably to the will and pleasure of the donors. 3. The General Assembly shall make all the necessary provisions by law for carrying this article into effect; but no law shall
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (1824) ever be passed, authorizing said fund to be diverted to any other use than the support of Free Schools, in the several towns in this State, as provided in the first paragraph of this article.
ARTICLE VIII Of Amendments The General Assembly may propose amendments to this Constitution, by the votes8 of two thirds of the members of each House. Such propositions shall be published in the newspapers, and printed copies thereof shall be sent, by the Secretary, with the names of all the members who shall have voted thereon, with the yeas and nays, to all the Town Clerks in the State; and said propositions shall be, by said Clerks, inserted in the warrants or notices by them to be issued, for warning the next annual town meetings, in April; and the Clerks shall read them to the electors, when assembled, with the names of all the Senators and Representatives who shall have voted thereon, with the yeas and nays, before the election of Senators and Representatives shall be had. If two thirds of the members chosen at said annual meeting present in each House shall approve any proposition thus made, the same shall be published in the newspapers, and again sent to the electors, in the mode to be prescribed by the act of approval; and, if then approved by two thirds of the electors of the State, present and voting thereon, in Town-Meeting, to be specially convened for that purpose, shall become a part of the Constitution of this State.
ARTICLE IX General Provisions 1. This Constitution, if adopted, shall go
into operation on the first Tuesday of May, in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty five. The first election of Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Senators and Representatives, Secretary, Attorney-General and General-Treasurer, under said Constitution, shall be had on the third Wednesday of April next preceding. All civil, judicial and military officers, now appointed, or who shall hereafter be appointed by the General Assembly, or other competent authority, before the said first Tuesday of May, shall hold their offices, and may exercise their powers, until ten days thereafter. All laws now in force, and not repugnant to this Constitution, shall continue in force until they expire by their own limitation, or are repealed by the General Assembly. All charters, contracts, judgments, actions and rights of action, shall be as valid as though this Constitution had not been made. The present government shall exercise all the powers, not repugnant to this Constitution with which it is now clothed, until the said first Tuesday of May, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-five. 2. All debts contracted, and engagements entered into, before the adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the State as if this Constitution had not been formed. 3. This Constitution shall be the Supreme Law of the State; and the Judges of all the Courts, and all other officers, whether civil or military, shall be bound, by oath or affirmation, to its due observance. 4. The Supreme Judicial Court, established by this Constitution, shall have the same jurisdiction as the Supreme Judicial Court at present established, and shall have jurisdiction of all causes which may be appealed to or pending in the same, and shall be holden at the same times and places, in each county, as the present Supreme Judi-
435
R HODE I SLAND cial Court, until the Legislature shall otherwise prescribe. 5. The Circuit Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace shall have the same jurisdiction as the present Courts of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace, in the several counties, and shall have jurisdiction of all causes which may be appealed to or pending in the said Courts of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace in the respective counties; and shall be holden at the same times and places in the respective counties, as the said Courts of Common Pleas, until the Legislature shall otherwise prescribe; and all writs and processes, which may be made returnable to the said Courts of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace, shall be returned to, and the same proceedings shall be had thereon in the said Circuit Court of Common Pleas, in each county, as might have been had thereon, in the said Courts of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace. Done in Convention, at Newport, the third day of July, in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty-four, and of American Independence the forty-eighth. ELISHA R. POTTER, President of the Convention. Attest –
436
CHRISTOPHER ELLERY ROBBINS, WELCOME ARNOLD BURGESS9 ,
1
Secretaries.
Verified by Constitution of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, as Adopted by the Convention, Assembled at Newport, June 21, 1824, Providence: Printed by Jones & Maxcy, at the Office of the Patriot, 1824, 18 p., and checked against Proposed Constitution Of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, as adopted by the Convention, assembled at Newport, June 21, 1824, Newport, R.I.: [s.n.,] 1824, broadside, and Proposed Constitution. Freemen of Rhode-Island!, [s.l., s.n., 1824], 2 p., broadside (Rhode Island Historical Society, RHi X3 6704; hereafter cited as RIHS broadside). The original manuscript is not known to have survived. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Jones & Maxcy print. The proposed constitution was submitted to the people who rejected it on October 11, 1824 by 3,206 votes against 1,668 in support of it (cf. Patrick T. Conley, Democracy in Decline. Rhode Island’s Constitutional Development 1776–1841, Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1977, 211–212). A new convention met in February 1834, but failed to produce a constitution (cf. ibid., 252–263; on both conventions, cf. also the short remarks by Elisha R. Potter, Considerations on the Questions of the Adoption of a Constitution, and Extension of Suffrage in Rhode Island, Boston: Thomas H. Webb & Co., 1842, 15). The movement for a constitution finally climaxed in the crisis of 1841 (q.v.). 2 In Newport broadside, and in RIHS broadside, 1, word missing. 3 In RIHS broadside, 1, “East-Greenwhich”. 4 In Newport broadside, and in RIHS broadside, 1, word missing. 5 In Newport broadside, word missing. 6 Ibid., and in RIHS broadside, 2, “punishment”. 7 In Newport broadside, “bailed”. 8 Ibid., “vote”. 9 Ibid., “Burges”.
Failed Constitution of Rhode Island (1841) [Revised Statutes of Rhode Island]1
PART I OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT AND THE ADMINISTRATION THEREOF2 TITLE I Of the jurisdiction and civil divisions of the State and of the rights of the inhabitants thereof3
Chapter 14 Of the jurisdiction and civil divisions of the State S ECT. 1. The sovereignty and jurisdiction of the State shall extend over all places within the boundaries thereof, subject only, to such rights of concurrent jurisdiction over certain places as have been ceded to the United States; which places shall continue subject to such concurrent jurisdiction according to the tenor and effect of the several acts of cession by this State. S ECT. 2. This State shall continue divided into five distinct and separate counties in the following manner: The towns of Newport, Portsmouth, Jamestown, New Shoreham, Middletown, Tiverton and Little Compton, and the islands adjacent, heretofore within the jurisdiction of either of said towns shall be constituted and are hereby made one county, and shall be known by the name of the county of Newport: and Newport shall be the county town.
The towns of Providence, Smithfield, Scituate, Glocester, Cumberland, Cranston, Johnston, North Providence, Foster and Burrillville, and all places within the jurisdiction of said towns, shall be constituted and are hereby made one county, and shall be known by the name of the county of Providence; and Providence shall be the county town. The towns of South Kingstown, North Kingstown, Westerley, Charlestown, Exeter, Richmond and Hopkinton, and all places within the jurisdiction of either of the said towns, shall be constituted and are hereby made one county, and shall be known by the name of the county of Washington: and South Kingstown shall be the county town. The towns of Bristol, Warren and Barrington, and all places within the jurisdiction of either of said towns, shall be constituted and are hereby made one county, and shall be known by the name of the county of Bristol; and Bristol shall be the county town. The towns of East Greenwich, Warwick, West Greenwich and Coventry, and all places within the jurisdiction of either of said towns, shall be constituted and are hereby made one county; and shall be known by the name of the county of Kent; and East Greenwich shall be the county town. S ECT. 3. The boundary lines of each of said towns shall remain as now established, and each town shall continue to be entitled to all the immunities, privileges and powers heretofore granted by the General Assembly.
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R HODE I SLAND
Chapter 25 Of the rights of the inhabitants of this State Substance of act declaratory of certain rights &c. Page 66 Substance of act rel to religious freedom &c. Page 68 Substance of act in amendment of same Page 668
TITLE II
vote by themselves in all public affairs, and shall elect their speaker and two clerks.9 S ECT. 5. The Senate and the house of Representatives shall join in grand committee in such cases as are prescribed by law, and may at any other times when they see cause, and when so joined shall set an vote together. In such cases the presiding officer of the senate shall preside, and shall have only the casting vote. S ECT. 6. Section 4 Page 100
6
Of the General Assembly
S ECT. 7. Sec. 8 Page 101
Chapter 3
S ECT. 8. Sec. 9 Page 101
S ECT. 1. The Legislative powers of the State shall continue to be vested in the General Assembly, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives.7
S ECT. 9. Sec. 2 Page 100 Governor and State seal.
S ECT. 2. There shall be two stated sessions of the General Assembly holden each year, one on the first Wednesday in May at Newport, and the other on the last Wednesday in October. The next stated session in October shall be holden at South Kingstown, the next after at East Greenwich, the next after that at South Kingstown and the next after that at Bristol, and so continue to be holden alternately at those towns. The adjournments from the stated October session shall be holden at Providence.8 S ECT. 3. The Senate shall consist of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the Senators. The Governor shall preside in the Senate, and in his absence the Lieutenant Governor, and in the absence of both Governor & Lieutenant Governor the Senior Senator present, The Senate shall sit apart from the Representatives, and debate and vote in all public affairs of the State. S ECT. 4. The house of Representatives shall consist of the Representatives of the several towns. They shall set debate and
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Chapter 4 Of Statutes and Legislative proceedings10 will embrace act directing the method of passing acts of the assembly act of Jan. 1841, construction of Statutes. Act for Performance of Duties of Gov. in certain cases. Act directing method of preferring petitions to the G. A.
TITLE III Of Elections11
Chapter 5 Of Elections and the Elective Franchise 829. 89. 535. 555. 793. 811. 838. 869. 1032. 1040. 2000. 940. 1090, 12 June 1840 25 ”
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (1841)
Chapter 6
TITLE IV
Of the Election of General Officers and members of the General Assembly12
Of Taxes and Revenue15
Act regulating the manner of admitting Freemen &c. 565. 569. 598. 599. 298. 650. 1080. 622. 530. 815. 643. 724. 738. 555. 641 Secy of State 298. 701. 913. 536. 537. 299. 663. 719. 857. 546. 553. 598. 562. 913. 916. 918 Genl Treasurer 299. 812 Atty General 99. 299. 237 Gov. 602 Senators 532. 602 Representatives
Chapter 9 Of the assessment and collection of taxes16 Act regulating the assessing & collecting taxes 310. 603. 701. 714. 826. 828. 437.
Chapter 10 Taxes on Banks licenses &c. sales at auction17
Chapter 7
Act to impose a duty upon licensed persons &c. &c. and sales at auction. 523. 537. 545. 553. 585. 756. 597. 737. 892. 893. 404. 648. 813.
Of the Election of Senators and Representatives and Electors13
Chapter 11 Duty and tax on Lotteries18
Act relative to same subject 104. 808. 859. 689. 806. 949 27 June 1840.
Act in relation to Lotteries 640.658. 723. 724. 738.408. 935. 891 Act in relation to Venders of foreign Lottery tickets 667. 727. 733. 754.
Chapter 8
Chapter 12
Of the Election of State, County and town Officers by the General Assembly14
Of fines and Penalties accruing to the State19
Judges, Public Notaries, Justices of the Peace, Military Officers, Inspectors general of produce & merchandize 902. 300 Act for appointments of Public Notaries 304. 556. 546. 583. 602. 660. 809. 1011. 1012. 1082. 2010. 2013. 920. 923. Act relating to sheriffs & 300. 580. an act appointing Coroners
319 Act to prevent detenmtion of fines 356 Act requiring Clerks of Courts to account
Chapter 13 Of property of the State20 [?]3. 814. 1054. 1055 Disposition of surplus money of U S lent this State 421 Use of State Jails granted to U S 576 Estimate
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TITLE V
TITLE VII
Of the Militia21
Public Instruction25
Chapter 17 Chapter 14 651 Freemen exempt Act rel[ative] to Jany 1840 – 28 June 1840
TITLE VI Of Towns and their Officers22
Chapter 15 Of the powers and duties of Towns and their Officers23
An act to establish public Schools 663. 688. 701. 707. 730. 758. 773. 792. 803. 852. 865. 866. 857. 891. 923. 946. 686. 953. 955. 1014. 1081. 1092. 1095. 2000. 1016. 1028. 1037. 1042. 1043. 1045. 1046. 2002. 2011. 1052. 1060. 792. 1079. 44 May 1840 18 June [1840] 706. 712. 887. 1081. 1092. 18 [June 1840] 2002. 2011. 35 [June 1840]
TITLE VIII Public Health26
Chapter 18 Act declaring towns to be bodies corporate 535. 620. 690. 758. 597. 642. 726. 895. 254. 642. 727. 755. 837. 860. 1033. 1010. 1029. 1051. 928. 536. 928. 649 Act authorizing Town Councils to make certain rules 758 Town Clerks to swear Officers 1051 Town Treasurers to give bond 449 Act enforcing Town acts relatrive to Fire Engines 215 Act empowering Town Clerks to appoint deputies 258 Act establishing Election of Town Officers
Of the establishment of a board of health in each Town27 805. 261 Act appointing town Councils boards of health
Chapter 19 Of the prevention of contagious & infectious diseases28 264. 804. 846 Act to prevent the spreading of
TITLE IX Highways. Bridges and Ferries29
Chapter 16
Chapter 20
Fences24
Of the laying out of highways
399. 845 Act regulating Fences
440
268. 690. 1050 An act for laying out highways
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (1841)
Chapter 21 Of the repairing of highways and bridges Act for mending highways & bridges 290.860. 897. 1086. 2005. 497. 498. 614. 580 497 Weybossett Bridge 497 Pawtuxet ” 498 Apponang ” 498 Hunts ” 1045 Pawtucket ”
Chapter 22 Of Ferries 410. 847 Act regulating Ferries
Bushell of Onions 393 An act regulating the weight of a Rope of Onions 1018. 572 An act regulating the weight of a Bushell of Potatoes 377 An act regulating Millers toll 407 An act establishing a just and equal method of guaging 721. 611 An act substituting nett for gross weight 1070. 694. An act to regulate the measuring of salt, Grain & Sea Coal – 3 June 1840 2001. 731 An act to prevent fraud in weighing Beef 853. An act providing for sealing of Hay scales 425. 596. 642. 692. 841. 1041. 1039. Hawking and Peadling
TITLE X Of the regulation of trade in certain cases30
Chapter 23 Of the inspection of provisions and other merchandize regulating the sale thereof 378. 732. 815. 2001 An act to regulate inspection of Beef & Pork 385. 551. 578. 672. 612. act to regulate inspection of Pickled Fish 633. 706. 712 act to regulate inspection of Scythe Stones 387. 739. 753. 1082 act to regulate inspection of Lime 390. 637. 717. 741. 759. 778. regulate inspection of Lumber 422. 736 An act to prevent fraud in charcoal and fire wood 391. An act to prevent fraud in Hoops 388 An act to prevent fraud in the tare of Butter Firking 392. 921 An act ascertaining the weight of a Bushell of Meal 1018 An act ascertaining the weight of a
Chapter 24 Of Sales at Auction and on Commission 403. 648. an act establishing Auctioneers 813. 562. 750. an act relating to Agents Principals & Factors
Chapter 25 Of Bills of Exchange and Promissory Notes 354 an act ascertaining damages on Bills &c. 355 an act concerning promissory Notes
Chapter 26 Of Limited Partnerships 936 act authorizing
Chapter 27 Of Preventing of Frauds & Perjuries in Contracts 366. Act to prevent frauds and perjuries 825 Mortgages of Personal Property
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Chapter 28
TITLE XII
General provisions respecting trade
Internal Police32
319 an act introducing the dollar and cents parts as money of account 367 an act fixing the rate of legal interest 1055 an act relating to Partners joint debtors
TITLE XI Of Corporations & Proprietors of Common Lands31
Chapter 29
Chapter 33 of Paupers 271 an act ascertaining what shall constitute a legal settlement 272. an act providing for the relief support &c of the Poor 642. 620 1010 1029 2009
Of Banks and other Corporations an act to regulate Process against Banks 546. 601. 601. 618. 532. 892. 611. 957. 430. 2008. 1093. 1088. 941. 947. 955. 1026. 892. 898. 916. 927. 901. 934. 685. 553. 437 to prevent circulation of private notes as currency 856 Masonic Societies 436. Act to regulate process against Corporations
Chapter 30 Of Turnpikes Rail Roads &c. 1007. 921. 438 act to provide for keeping turnpikes in repair 2003 Providence & Pawtucket 1007. 1020. 1037. 1045. 1087. 1095
Chapter 34 Licenses Act passed Jany 1841 – also 527. 603. 620. 702. 928.
Chapter 35 Of proceedings in Basterdy 280 an act regulating proceedings in Basterdy
Chapter 36 Observance Sunday & prevention of immorality 414 act prohibiting sports & labor on Sunday 415 act to prevent Gaming
Chapter 31
Chapter 37
Acts in relation to Fire Engines 627. 631. 705. 707. 700. 710. 713. 1005. 700
Law of the Roads
Chapter 32
439 an act relative to the passing of Teams &c on the road 439 an act to prevent excessive riding 428 an act for the erection of Guide Posts
Common Lands 446 Act confirming grants made by Newport &c. 447 Act quieting possessions in Bristol
442
Chapter 38 Of the Natives 2003. 445 Indians
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (1841)
Chapter 39 Fisheries 819. 1044. 660. 687. 817. an act for the preservation of Oysters 509. 929. an act relative to catching Lobsters 510 an act relative to purloining fish from Nets, weirs &c 510 an act to prevent fish from being hindred in passing into Point Judith Ponds 512 an act to prevent fish from being hindred in passing into Puncatest 517 an act to prevent fish from being hindred in passing into Mill Cove 511 an act to prevent drawing Seines in Eartons Pond 511 an act to prevent drawing Seines in Kehemuit River 515 an act to prevent drawing Seines in Warren River 516. 848 an act to prevent drawing Seines in Little Compton Shores 850. 516 an act to prevent drawing Seines in Warwick Cove 513. 515. 651. 698 act to regulate Fisheries in Paweatuck River 643. 632 act to prevent drawing Seines Seekonk River 661. Act to authorize E Gifford to plant Oysters in Mount Hope Bay Expired 749 act to regulate Fishery in Palmers River 8. 9 act to regulate the taking of Shell fish in Warren River
Chapter 40 Of Slaves 441 act relating to
Chapter 41 Of Estrays and Pounds 397 an act for crying horses &c 507 Rams
398 an act establishing pounds 508 Sheep & Goats 394 an act for impounding Cattle &c
Chapter 42 Horses, Hogs, Sheep & Cattle at large in certain places 499. 637 North Providence 499 Providence. 500 Newport 501 Pawtuxet 502 Warren 581. 503 Chepatehet 630. 504 hogs various places 505 Prov[idence] & Newport 537. 598. 506 Coventry 530 Prov. 542 Cumberland. 619. Burrillville. 647. 663. 665 So[uth] Kingstown 711 Smithfield. 717 Westerly 727. 737 Glocester. 807. 828 Coventry 848. 855 E[ast] Greenwich. 846 Wickford 956 Brands Iron Works 1031. 1943 Tiverton
TITLE XIII Of Powers granted to Towns to regulate Police33
Chapter 43 Powers granted to all the Towns 865. 440. Act relative to Theatrical exhibitions 236. act to regulate assize of Bread 297 act to prevent Drunkness 756. 397. 396. act concerning Dogs 468. 638. 839. act to prevent firing guns &c 2007 Vaccination 649 to make rules relative to Sabbath breaking & Drunkness act to regulate Bowling allies 25 June 1840
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Chapter 44 Powers granted to particular Towns and Districts Newport An act providing in case of fire 449. 610. 652. 686. 659. 680. 691. 699. 714. 731. 760. 845. 851. 1069. 1078. 1083. 1095. 622. 623. 737. 891. 896. 912. 1084. 643. Town Fund 565. 603. 660. 680. 691. 851. 911 453 An Act relating to overseers of the Poor 912. 896. 845. 457. an act to provide for repairs of Streets &c 46 may 1840 459 an act to preserve pavements in Queens Street 731. 651. 610 Schools 658 Domestic Animals 699 Long Wharf 1018 Town Council to appoint Overseers of Poor 1095. 1083. 1095. Courts of Justice. 1069 Burials
656 Slaughter Houses 820 House of Correction 731 Harbor Master 778. 741 Surveyor General of Lumber 1070. 760. 2012 Charter to City 815 Inspectors of Beef and Pork Pawtuxet 485 act incorporating Village of Pawtuxet North Providence 490. 637. 722. 888. 1004. 607. 622. act for better ordering of the Police 888 assylum Bristol 492. 558 act to regulate Police 494 act providing in case of fire 558 act relative to overseers of Poor
Warren 646. 590 act to regulate police
Providence An act to enlarge and explain powers of town meetings 460. 527. 530. 571. 531. 555. 604. 643. 618. 655. 678. 690. 710. 731. 732. 759. 760. 770. 778. 812. 868. 851. 814. 815. 823. 824. 820. 825. 837. 945. 860. 1006. 1005. 1018. 1070. 2012. 2013. 656. 826. 926. 936. June 18, 1840 732. 467. 656. 799 an act providing in case of fire 759. 469. 826 an act Wooden Buildings & Lumber 472 an act Gunpowder 478. 527 Highways 478. 571 Sidewalks 480 Low Grounds 483 Carriages passing Churches on Sunday 483 Storing Lime 926. 484 Harbor
444
Little Compton 747 To sell useless highways Portsmouth 800 Asylum act Westerly 944 To regulate Fishery in Pawcatuck River Smithfield 951 Asylum 1008 Woonsoket Village incorporated Cumberland 1057 Asylum
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (1841)
TITLE II
PART II
Domestic Relations36
OF THE ACQUISITION ENJOYMENT AND TRANSMISSION OF PROPERTY. THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS AND OTHER PRIVATE RIGHTS34 TITLE I Property and the alienation thereof35
Chapter 45 Conveyances of Real Estate & Personal by deed 202. 749. 862. 1097 act regulating conveyances of Real Estate
Chapter 48 Husband and Wife 367. act to regulate marriages & Divorce 37 Oct 1840 370. 535. 681. 722. 1033. 374. 1070. 1081. act to prevent clandestine Marriages 1070. 374 an act registering Marriages
Chapter 49 Guardians and Wards 245. 1041. 1050. 924 an act respecting Guardians
Chapter 50 Masters and Apprentices 249 an act respecting Masters and Apprentices.
PART III Chapter 46 Title to Property by descent & settlement of Intestate Estates 222. 854. 942. 648. 647. 636. 942. 942 act directing descent of Intestate Estates 241. act securing the estates of persons dying without heirs 243. 729. act for equal distribution of insolvent estates
COURTS AND JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS IN CIVIL CASES37 TITLE I38 Chapter 51 of Courts in General 840. 863
Chapter 52 Chapter 47 Of Wills 216. 886. 925. act describing manner of devising lands &c 221. 596. act relating to Foreign wills
Of the Supreme Judicial Court 107. 853. 840. 904.644. an act to establish a Supreme Judicial Court 933. 960. 1042. 1098. 709. 896. 911. 918. 982. 1030. 120. 121. 121. an act authorizing Court to enforce production of Books
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Chapter 53
Chapter 59
Of Courts of Common Pleas
Of Depositions
112. 656. 840. 120. act establishing Courts of Common Pleas 115 act establishing Special Courts
200. 1007. 1013. 1051. 926. 1069. act relative to taking
Chapter 54 Of Justices of the Peace 142. 898. act providing for Proceedings before in Civil cases
Chapter 55 Of Courts of Probate 211. 587. 596. 648. 649. 635. 578. 647. 854. 866. 924. 928. 1050 an act establishing Courts of Probate
Chapter 60 Of Reviews 133 act relative to reviews
Chapter 61 Of Persons imprisoned for Debt 175. 550. 568. 551. 835. act relating to 718. 1089. 1094. 2009. 2006. 645. 863. 923. 2006. Jail yeards 419. 729. 563. 541. 917. 1024. 714. 1052. 594. 1044. 951. 720. 720. 2011. 906 acts relative to
Chapter 62 TITLE II
Of Int on Executions and Judgments
Of Proceedings in Courts39
309. act allowing Int on Judgments & Ex"cens
Chapter 56 Proceedings in the commencement and prosecution of pints 772. 150. 1004. 867. 887. act prescribing forms of writs &c 729. 123. 886. 929. 2000. 1098. 2004. act prescribing manner of Proceedings 1010. 159. Act relating to Foreign attachments
TITLE III Proceedings in special Cases40
Chapter 63 Of the writs of Habeas Corpus 180 act relative to
Chapter 64 Of Replevin
Chapter 57
184 act relating to
Of Bail
Chapter 65 173. 646. an act relating to Bail
Chapter 58 Of Jurors 136. 689. 760. 799. 1099. 624. act relative to Jurors
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Of Dower 635. 188 act relating to 39. Oct 1840
Chapter 66 Of Account 193 act relating to
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (1841)
TITLE IV41
Chapter 67 Of Forcible Entry and Declaimer
Chapter 75 195 act relating to
Proceedings before Courts of Probate
Chapter 68
TITLE V42
Of Waste
Chapter 76
199. 910 act relating to
Of Proceedings in Equity cases
Chapter 69 TITLE VI
Of Partition
Limitations of Actions43
206. 920. 943 act relating to
Chapter 70 Redemption of Mortgages 835. 209 act relating to
Chapter 77 Limitations of personal actions 364. 535
Chapter 78 Chapter 71 Lien Law
363. 735 act for quieting possession &c
939. 829
TITLE VII Of Costs44
Chapter 72 Charitable uses
Chapter 79
252 act to redress mismanagement of Lands &c
Chapter 73
Relative to Costs 165. 926. 1070. 1081. 1095. 812. 894. 1006. 1099. act relating to
Insolvent Debtors
PART IV
773. 736. 721. 699. 1038. act in relation to Insolvent Debtors
OF CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS45
Chapter 74 Chapter 80
Regulation of Water Mills 374. 1034. 1040. 868. 887. 1098. an act regulating water Mills 53 Oct 1840
Offences against Sovereignty of State 961
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R HODE I SLAND
Chapter 81
Chapter 89
Of Offences against the persons of Individuals
Of County Jails
Chapter 90
962
Of the Officers and Discipline of the State Prison
Chapter 82 Of Offences against private property 965. 409. 410. 423. 428. 614. 1097
Chapter 83 Of Offences against Public Justice & against the peace 969. 722. 808. 417. 148 an act to prevent riots &c
Chapter 84 Of Forgery and Counterfeiting 973
Chapter 85 Of Offences against chastity morality and Decency 977. 1079. 444
Chapter 86 Of Offences against Public Health
Chapter 87 General provisions concerning crimes and punishments
Chapter 88 Of proceedings for the prevention of Crimes and for the Apprehension examination and trial of Offences 983. 809. 825
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998. 1039. 1053. 1073. 1078. 1082. 2010. 1047. 1066. 1 Verified by Failed Constitution of Rhode Island (1841), original manuscript preserved in the Rhode Island Historical Society at Providence, RI. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the original. In January, 1840, the General Assembly resolved “That William R. Staples be and hereby is appointed to revise and digest the public laws of this state; and that John H. Clark, J. F. Simmons, E. R. Potter, Alfred Bosworth and George G. King be a committee to examine the acts revised; and, together with the said William R. Staples, to report the same to the general assembly; with such alterations, amendments or additions, if any, as they have to recommend” (Acts and Resolves of the Rhode Island General Assembly, 1839–1840, [s.l., s.n., s.a.], 33). In January, 1841, it was additionally resolved “that the committee appointed to revise the statutes of this state, be requested to bring together all those statutes which relate to the same subject, and to digest the same under proper titles, chapters and sections, if deemed expedient by the committee” (Acts and Resolves of the Rhode Island General Assembly, 1841– 1842, [s.l., s.n., s.a.], 49). When Staples presented his “outline” “as an arrangement of the statutes currently in existence – generally conforming to the arrangement of the Statutes of Massachusetts” to the committee, John H. Clark and E. R. Potter, on Feb. 6, 1841, replied in the name of the committee that they were of opinion “that it would not be expedient to adopt the system of which an outline is here given, but that the old arrangement with perhaps some improvements and a good index would answer the purpose better than the one here proposed” (comments by Staples and the committee at the end of the original). In a situation where the demand for a constitution became ever more pressing Staples obviously had decided, while following closely the Massachusetts arrangement of 1836, to produce something like an ersatz constitution, as he inserted general, constitutionlike headings where he deemed them appropriate (cf. The Revised Statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Passed November 4, 1835; To which are subjoined, An Act in Amendment thereof, and an Act expressly to repeal the Acts which are consolidated therein, Both passed in February 1836; And to which are prefixed, The Constitutions of the United States and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Printed
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (1841) and published, by Virtue of a Resolve of Nov. 3, 1835; Under the Supervision and Direction of Theron Metcalf and Horace Man, Boston: Published by Dutton & Wentworth, State Printers, 1836, xvi, 1007 p.). But with the assembly’s decision in late January, 1841 to call a convention the following November to draft a constitution, Staples’s makeshift constitution appeared redundant. The subsequent political crisis produced three constitutions in rapid succession, the People’s Constitution (q.v.), the Landholders’ Constitution (q.v.), and the Constitution of Rhode Island (q.v.) while the revision of the statutes was stalled. In January, 1843, Staples had concluded that “[t]he adoption of the State constitution together with the laws made since the revisal, will, as he apprehends, render much of his former work of little value.” He suggested presenting a new report within a year’s time, which the House and the Senate agreed to on Jan. 19 and 21, 1843, respectively (Report of the Committee on the revision of the Public Laws, Rhode Island State Archives). The result was published as Public Laws of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, Revised by a Committee, and Finally Enacted by the General Assembly at the Session in January, 1844, Providence: Printed and Published by Knowles & Vose, 1844, viii, 594 p. It was not arranged in “titles, chapters and sections” and contained a copious index of 50 pages. Staple’s initial model, however, was not forgotten. When Rhode Island next revised its statutes in 1857, they were once again arranged in “titles, chapters and sections”. But the difference in the phrasing of the headings, especially of the initial titles and chapters, in comparison with Staples’s 1840–41 effort underscores his intention at that time of creating a constitution-like text rather than a mere revision of the statutes (cf. The Revised Statutes of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations: To Which are Prefixed, the Constitutions of the United States and of the State. Published by Authority of the General Assembly, Providence: Sayles, Miller and Simons, 1857, xv, 804 p.). Apart from its legal details, Staples’s 1841 outline merits particular attention for his attempt to create something approximating a constitution on the basis of existing laws at a time when Rhode Island was in dire need of one. 2 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 56, “Part I. Of the internal administration of the government”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, no corresponding heading. 3
In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 56, “Title I. Of the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth; and the statutes and legislative proceedings”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 45, heading of Title II “Of the jurisdiction and civil divisions of the State”. 4
In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 56, “Title I. Chapter 1. Of the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth; and of the concurrent jurisdiction of the United States over places ceded by the Commonwealth”; in
Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 45, “Title II. Of the jurisdiction and civil divisions of the State”. 5 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, and in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, no corresponding titles or chapters. 6 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, and in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, no corresponding titles or chapters. 7 Cf. Constitution of 1842, art. IV, sect. 2. 8 Cf. Constitution of 1842, art. IV, sect. 3. 9 Cf. Constitution of 1842, art. V. 10 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 58, “Title I. Chapter 2. Of statutes and legislative proceedings”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 35, “Title I. Of legislative proceedings and of statutes”. 11 Cf. Constitution of 1842, art. VIII; in Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 62, “Title II. Of elections, other than of militia, town, and parish officers”. In Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 67, “Title VI. Of elections”. 12 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 66, “Title II. Chapter 5. Of the election of governor, lieutenant governor, senators and representatives in the General Court”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 67– 89, in Title VI no chapter with corresponding heading. Cf., however, Constitution of 1842, art. II. 13 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 66, “Title II. Chapter 5. Of the election of governor, lieutenant governor, senators and representatives in the General Court”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 67– 89, in Title VI no chapter with corresponding heading. 14 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 146, 157, 174 “Title V. Chapter 13. Of certain State officers”, “Title VI. Chapter 14. Of counties and county officers”, “Title VII. Chapter 15. Of the powers and duties of towns; and the election, qualifications and duties of town officers”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 63, 96, “Title V. Of certain State officers”, Title VII. Chapter 33. Of the election and qualification of town officers”. 15 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 74, “Title III. Of the assessment and collection of State taxes; and of the funds, revenue, and property of the Commonwealth, and the administration thereof”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 104, “Title VIII. Of the levy, assessment and collection of taxes”. 16 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 82, “Title III. Chapter 8. Of the collection of taxes”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 107, 109, “Title VIII. Chapter 39. Of the levy and assessment of taxes”, “Title VIII. Chapter 40. Of the collection of taxes”. 17 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 89, “Title III. Chapter 9. Of taxes on banks, and on sales by auction”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 104–116, no corresponding chapter. 18 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 74–95, and in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 104–
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R HODE I SLAND 116, no corresponding chapters. 19 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, no corresponding chapter; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 572, “Title XXXII. Of fines, penalties, forfeitures, and imprisonment”. 20 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 93, “Title III. Chapter 11. Of the public buildings and other public property”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 47, “Title III. Of the property and revenue of the State”. 21 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 95, “Title IV. Chapter 12. Of the militia”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 598, “Title XXXIV. Of the militia”. 22 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 174, “Title VII. Of towns and town officers”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 89, “Title VII. Of towns and town officers”. 23 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 174, “Title VII. Chapter 15. Of the powers and duties of towns; and the election, qualifications, and duties of town officers”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 89– 103, no corresponding chapter. 24 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 195, “Title VII. Chapter 19. Of fences and fence viewers; of pounds and the impounding of cattle; and of field drivers”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 220, “Title XV. Chapter 91. Of fences”. 25 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 217, “Title X. Of public instruction”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 159, “Title XIII. Of public instruction”. 26 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 207, “Title IX. Of the public health”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, no corresponding heading. 27 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 207– 216, and in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, no corresponding chapters. 28 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 207– 216, no corresponding chapter; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 182, “Title XIV. Of internal police. Chapter 74. Of regulations for the prevention of infectious and contagious diseases”. 29 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 228, “Title XI. Of highways, bridges and ferries; and of town ways”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 117, “Title IX. Of highways, bridges and ferries”. For this and subsequent titles, in the United States of the 1840s and 1850s with hardly any exception more properly considered to be a matter of legislation and not of constitution, reference to the individual chapters will be omitted. 30 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 252, “Title XII. Of the regulation of trade in certain cases”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 264, “Title XVIII. Of the regulations of trade”. 31 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 308, “Title XIII. Of corporations; and proprietors of common lands”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 281, 311, “Title XIX. Of corporations”, “Title XIX. Chapter 133. Of proprietors of common and undivided lands”.
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32 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 366, “Title XIV. Of the internal police of the Commonwealth”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 179, “Title XIV. Of internal police”. 33 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, and in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, no corresponding titles or headings. 34 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 404, “Part II. Of the acquisition, the enjoyment and the transmission of property, real and personal; the domestic relations, and other matters connected with private rights”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, no division into different parts. 35 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 404, “Title I. Or real property, and the alienation thereof”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 333, “Title XXII. Of real and personal estate, of the title to, alienation of, and liens upon the same”. 36 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 474, “Title VII. Of the domestic relations”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 311, “Title XX. Of the domestic relations”. 37 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 498, “Part III. Of courts and judicial officers, and proceedings in civil cases”. In Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, no division into different parts. 38 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 98, “Title I. Of courts, and judicial officers”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 386, “Title XXV. Of the judiciary and its officers”. 39 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836,545, “Title II. Of actions in general”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 444, “Title XXVII. Of proceedings in courts”. 40 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 642, “Title IV. Of proceedings in special cases”. In Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 496, “Title XXIX. Of proceedings in special cases”. 41 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, and in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, no corresponding titles or chapters. 42 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, and in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, no corresponding titles or chapters. 43 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 695, “Title V. Of the limitation of actions”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 429, “Title XXVI. Of actions and process. Chapter 177. Of the limitation of actions”. 44 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 702, “Title VI. Of costs, and the fees of officers”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, 459, “Title XXVII. Of proceedings in courts. Chapter 190. Of costs, double costs and double interest, and of taxation of costs”. 45 In Revised Statutes (Massachusetts), 1836, 714, “Part IV. Of crimes and punishments, and proceedings in criminal cases”; in Revised Statutes (Rhode Island), 1857, no division into different parts, however, 524, “Title XXX. Of crimes and punishments”.
Failed Constitution of Rhode Island (People’s Constitution) (1841)
Constitution of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations1
WE, the PEOPLE of the S TATE of R HODE I SLAND and P ROVIDENCE P LANTATIONS, grateful to Almighty God for his blessing vouchsafed to the “lively experiment” of Religious and Political Freedom here “held forth” by our venerated ancestors, and earnestly imploring the favor of his gracious Providence toward2 this our attempt to secure, upon a permanent foundation, the advantages of well ordered and rational Liberty, and to enlarge and transmit to our successors the inheritance that we have received, do ordain and establish the following CONSTITUTION of Government for this State
ARTICLE I Declaration of Principles and Rights 1. In the spirit and in the words of R OGER W ILLIAMS, the illustrious Founder of this State, and of his venerated associates, W E DECLARE , “that this government shall be a D EMOCRACY,” or government of the P EO PLE , “by the major consent” of the same, “ONLY IN CIVIL THINGS.” The will of the people shall be expressed by Representatives freely chosen, and returning at fixed periods to their constituents. This State shall be, and forever remain, as in the design of its Founder, sacred to “S OUL L IBERTY,” to the rights of conscience, to freedom of thought, of expression and of action, as hereinafter set forth and secured.
2. All men are created free and equal, and are endowed by their Creator with certain natural, inherent and inalienable Rights; among which are life, liberty, the acquisition of property, and the pursuit of happiness. Government cannot create or bestow these rights, which are the gift of God; but it is instituted for the stronger and surer defense of the same; that men may safely enjoy the rights of life and liberty, securely possess and transmit property, and, so far as laws avail, may be successful in the pursuit of happiness. 3. All political power and sovereignty are originally vested in, and of right belong to the P EOPLE. All free governments are founded in their authority, and are established for the greatest good of the whole number. The P EOPLE have therefore an inalienable and indefeasible right, in their original, sovereign and unlimited capacity, to ordain and institute government, and, in the same capacity, to alter, reform, or totally change the same, whenever their safety or happiness requires. 4. No favor or disfavor ought to be shown in legislation toward any man, or party, or society, or religious denomination. The laws should be made not for the good of the few, but of the many; and the burdens of the State ought to be fairly distributed among its citizens. 5. The diffusion of useful knowledge, and the cultivation of a sound morality, in the
451
R HODE I SLAND fear of God, being of the first importance in a Republican State, and indispensible to the maintenance of its liberty, it shall be an imperative duty of the Legislature to promote the establishment of Free Schools, and to assist in the support of Public Education. 6. Every person in this State ought to find a certain remedy, by having recourse to the laws, for all injuries or wrongs which may be done to his rights of person, property or character. He ought to obtain right and justice freely and without purchase, completely and without denial, promptly and without delay, conformably to the laws. 7. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated; and no warrant shall issue but on complaint in writing upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and describing, as nearly as may be, the place to be searched, and the person or things to be seized. 8. No person shall be held to answer to a capital or other infamous charge unless on indictment by a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service, in time of war or public danger. – No person shall be tried, after an acquittal, for the same crime or offense. 9. Every man being presumed to be innocent, until pronounced guilty by the law, all acts of severity, that are not necessary to secure an accused person, ought to be repressed. 10. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel or unusual punishments inflicted; and all punishments ought to be proportioned to the offense. 11. All prisoners shall be bailable upon sufficient surety, unless for capital offenses,
452
when the proof is evident, or the presumption great. The privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when, in cases of rebellion, or invasion, the public safety shall require it. 12. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall have the privilege of a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury; be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; be confronted with the witnesses against him; have compulsory process to obtain them in his favor, and at the public expense, when necessary; have the assistance of counsel in his defence, and be at liberty to speak for himself. Nor shall he be deprived of his life, liberty or property unless by the judgment of his peers, or the law of the land. 13. The right of trial, by jury shall remain inviolate; and in all criminal cases the jury shall judge both of the law and of the facts. 14. Any person in this State, who may be claimed, to be held to labor or service, under the laws of any other State, territory, or district, shall be entitled to a jury trial, to ascertain the validity of such claim. 15. No man in a Court of common law shall be required to criminate himself. 16. Retrospective laws, civil and criminal, are unjust and oppressive, and shall not be made. 17. The People have a right to assemble in a peaceable manner, without molestation or restraint, to consult upon the public welfare; a right to give instructions to their Senators and Representatives; and a right to apply to those invested with the powers of Government for3 redress of grievances, for the repeal of injurious laws, for the correction of faults of administration, and for all other purposes.
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (P EOPLE ’ S C ONSTITUTION ) (1841) 18. The liberty of the Press being essential to the security of freedom in a State, any citizen may publish his sentiments on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty; and in all trials for libel, both civil and criminal, the truth, spoken from good motives and for justifiable ends, shall be a sufficient defense to the person charged. 19. Private property shall not be taken for public uses without just compensation; nor unless the public good require it; nor under any circumstances until compensation shall have been made, if required. 20. The military shall always be held in strict subordination to the civil authority. 21. No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner; nor in time of war but in manner to be prescribed by law. 22. Whereas Almighty God hath created the mind free, and all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments, or burdens, or by civil incapacitations, tend to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness; and whereas a principal object of our venerated ancestors in their migration to this country, and their settlement of this State, was, as they expressed it, to hold forth a lively experiment, that a flourishing civil State may stand, and be best maintained, with full liberty in religious concernments, W E therefore DE CLARE , that no man shall be compelled to frequent, or support any religious worship, place or ministry whatsoever, nor be enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor disqualified from holding any office, nor otherwise suffer on account of his religious belief; and that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion; and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge or affect their civil capacities; and that all other religious rights and privileges of the people of this State,
as now enjoyed, shall remain inviolate and inviolable. 23. No witness shall be called in question before the Legislature, nor in any Court of this State, nor before any magistrate, or other person, authorised to administer an oath, or affirmation, for his or her religious belief, or opinions, or any part thereof; and no objection to a witness, on the ground of his or her religious opinions, shall be entertained or received. 24. The citizens shall continue to enjoy and freely excise all the rights of fishery, and privileges of the shore, to which they have been heretofore entitled under the charter and usages of this State. 25. The enumeration of the forgoing rights shall not be construed to impair nor deny others retained by the people.
ARTICLE II Of Electors and the Right of Suffrage 1. Every white male citizen of the United States, of the age of twenty-one years, who has resided in this State for one year, and in any town, city, or district of the same for six months, next preceding the election at which he offers to vote, shall be an elector of all officers, who are elected, or may hereafter be made eligible by the People. But persons in the military, naval, or marine service of the United States shall not be considered as having such established residence, by being stationed in any garrison, barrack, or military place, in any town or city in this State. 2. Paupers and persons under guardianship, insane, or lunatic are excluded from the electoral right; and the same shall be forfeited on conviction of bribery, forgery, perjury, theft, or other infamous crime; and shall
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R HODE I SLAND not be restored unless by an act of the General Assembly. 3. No person, who is excluded from voting, for want of the qualification first named in section first of this article, shall be taxed, or be liable to do military duty; provided that nothing in said first article shall be so construed as to exempt from taxation any property or persons now liable to be taxed. 4. No elector who is not possessed of, and assessed for ratable property, in his own right, to the amount of one hundred and fifty dollars, or who shall have neglected, or refused to pay any tax assessed upon him, in any town, city, or district, for one year preceding the town, city, ward, or district meeting at which he shall offer to vote, shall be entitled to vote on any question of taxation, or the expenditure of any4 public moneys in such town, city, or district, until the same be paid. 5. In the city of Providence, and other cities, no person shall be eligible to the office of mayor, alderman, or common council man, who is not taxed, or who shall have neglected or refused to pay his tax, as provided in the preceding section. 6. The voting for all officers chosen by the People, except town or city officers, shall be by ballot; that is to say, by depositing a written or printed ticket in the ballot box, without the name of the voter written thereon. Town or city officers shall be chosen by ballot, on the demand of any two persons entitled to vote for the same. 7. There shall be a strict registration of all qualified voters in the towns and cities of the State; and no person shall be permitted to vote, whose name has not been entered upon the list of voters before the polls are opened. 8. The General Assembly shall pass all necessary laws for the prevention of fraudu-
454
lent voting by persons not having an actual, permanent residence, or home, in the State, or otherwise disqualified according to this Constitution; for the careful registration of all voters, previously to the time of voting; for the prevention of frauds upon the ballot box; for the preservation of the purity of elections; and for the safe keeping and accurate counting of the votes; to the end that the will of the People may be freely and fully expressed, truly ascertained and effectually exerted, without intimidation, suppression, or unnecessary delay. 9. The electors shall be exempted from arrest on days of election, and one day before, and one day after the same, except in cases of treason, felony, or breach of the peace. 10. No person shall be eligible to any office by the votes of the People, who does not possess the qualifications of an elector.
ARTICLE III Of the Distribution of Powers 1. The powers of the Government shall be distributed into three departments, the Legislative, the Executive and the Judicial. 2. No person or persons connected with one of these departments shall exercise any of the powers belonging to either of the others, except in cases herein directed or permitted.
ARTICLE IV Of the Legislative Department 1. The Legislative power shall be vested in two distinct Houses, the one to be called the House of Representatives, the other the Senate, and both together the General Assembly. The concurrent votes of the two Houses shall be necessary to the enactment
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (P EOPLE ’ S C ONSTITUTION ) (1841) of laws; and the style of their laws shall be – Be it enacted by the General Assembly, as follows. 2. No member of the General Assembly shall be eligible to any civil office under the authority of the State during the term for which he shall have been elected. 3. If any Representative, or Senator, in the General Assembly of this State shall be appointed to any office under the Government of the United States, and shall accept the same, after his election as such Senator or Representative, his seat shall thereby become vacant. 4. Any person who holds an office under the Government of the United States, may be elected a member of the General Assembly, and may hold his seat therein, if at the time of5 taking his seat he shall have resigned said office, and shall declare the same on oath, or affirmation, if required.
8. Each House shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and publish the same when required by one-fifth of its members. The yeas and nays of the members of either House, shall, at the desire of any five members present, be entered on the journal. 9. Neither House shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than two days, nor to any other place than that at which the General Assembly is holding its session. 10. The Senators and Representatives shall, in all cases of civil process, be privileged from arrest, during the session of the General Assembly, and for two days before the commencement, and two days after the termination of any session thereof. For any speech in debate in either House, no member shall be called in question in any other place.
6. Each House shall judge of the election and qualifications of its members; and a majority of all the members of each House, whom the towns and senatorial districts are entitled to elect, shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn, from day to day, and may compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties as each House may have previously prescribed.
11. The civil and military officers, heretofore elected in grand committee, shall hereafter be elected annually by the General Assembly, in joint committee, composed of the two Houses of the General Assembly, excepting as is otherwise provided in this Constitution; and excepting the captains and subalterns of the militia, who shall be elected by the ballots of the members composing their respective companies, in such manner as the General Assembly may prescribe; and such officers, so elected, shall be approved of and commissioned by the Governor, who shall determine their rank; and if said companies shall neglect or refuse to make such elections, after being duly notified, then the Governor shall appoint suitable persons to fill such offices.
7. Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds of the members elected, expel a member; but not a second time for the same cause.
12. Every bill and every resolution requiring the concurrence of the two Houses (votes of adjournment excepted6 ) which shall have passed both Houses of the General Assembly, shall be presented to the Governor for his revision. If he approve of it,
5. No member of the General Assembly shall take any fees, be of counsel, or act as advocate in any case pending before either branch of the General Assembly, under penalty of forfeiting his seat, upon due proof thereof.
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R HODE I SLAND he shall sign and transmit the same to the Secretary of State; but if not, he shall return it to the House in which it shall have originated, with his objections thereto, which shall be entered at large on their journal. The House shall then proceed to reconsider the bill; and if, after such reconsideration, that House shall pass it, by a majority of all the members elected, it shall be sent, with the objections, to the other House, which shall also reconsider it; and if approved by that House, by a majority of all the members elected, it shall become a law. If the bill shall not be returned by the Governor within forty-eight hours (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall become a law, in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the General Assembly, by their adjournment, prevent its return, in which case it shall not be a law. 13. There shall be two sessions of the General Assembly in every year; one session to be held at Newport, on the first Tuesday of June, for the organization of the government, the election of officers, and for other business; and one other session on the first Tuesday of January, to be held at Providence, in the first year after the adoption of this Constitution, and in every second year thereafter. In the intermediate years, the January session shall be forever hereafter7 held in the counties of Washington, Kent, or Bristol, as the General Assembly may determine, before their adjournment in June.
ARTICLE V Of the House of Representatives 1. The House of Representatives shall consist of members chosen by the electors in the several towns and cities,8 in their respective town and ward meetings, annually. 2. The Towns and Cities shall severally be entitled to elect members, accord-
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ing to the apportionment which follows, viz: – Newport to elect five; Warwick, four; Smithfield, five; Cumberland, North Providence and Scituate, three; Portsmouth, Westerly, New Shoreham, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, East Greenwich, Glocester, West Greenwich, Coventry, Exeter, Bristol, Tiverton, Little Compton, Warren, Richmond, Cranston, Charlestown, Hopkinton, Johnston, Foster and Burrillville to elect two; and Jamestown, Middletown and Barrington to elect one. 3. In the city of Providence there shall be six Representative Districts, which shall be the six wards of said city. And the electors resident in said districts, for the term of three months, next preceding the election, at which they offer to vote, shall be entitled to elect two Representatives for each district. 4. The General Assembly, in case of great inequality in the population of the wards of the city of Providence, may cause the boundaries of the six Representative districts therein to be so altered as to include in each district, as nearly as may be, an equal number of inhabitants. 5. The House of Representatives shall have authority to elect their own Speaker, clerks and other officers. The oath of office shall be administered to the Speaker by the Secretary of State, or, in his absence, by the Attorney General. 6. Whenever the seat of a member of the House of Representatives shall be vacated by death, resignation, or otherwise, the vacancy may be filled by a new election.
ARTICLE VI Of the Senate 1. The State shall be divided into twelve Senatorial Districts; and each district shall be entitled to one Senator, who shall be annually chosen by the electors in his district.
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (P EOPLE ’ S C ONSTITUTION ) (1841) 2. The first, second and third Representative Districts in the City of Providence shall constitute the first Senatorial District; the fourth fifth and sixth Representative Districts in said City the second District; the Town of Smithfield the third District; the Towns of North Providence and Cumberland the fourth District; the Towns of Scituate, Glocester, Burrillville and Johnston the fifth District; the Towns of Warwick and Cranston the sixth District; the Towns of East Greenwich, West Greenwich, Coventry and Foster the seventh District; the Towns of Newport, Jamestown and New Shoreham the eighth District; the Towns of Portsmouth, Middletown, Tiverton and Little Compton the ninth District; the Towns of North Kingstown and South Kingstown the tenth District; the Towns of Westerly, Charlestown, Exeter, Richmond and Hopkinton the eleventh District, the Towns of Bristol, Warren and Barrington the twelfth District. 3. The Lieutenant Governor, shall be, by virtue of his office, President of the Senate; and shall have a right, in case of an equal division, to vote in the same; and also to vote in joint committee of the two Houses. 4. When the Government shall be administered by the Lieutenant Governor9 , or he shall be unable to attend as President of the Senate, the Senate shall elect one of their own members President of the same.
2. All impeachments shall be tried by the Senate; and when sitting for that purpose they shall be on oath or affirmation. No person shall be convicted except by10 vote of two thirds of the members elected. When the Governor is impeached, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall preside, with a casting vote in all preliminary questions. 3. The Governor, and all other Executive and Judicial officers, shall be liable to impeachment; but judgments in such cases shall not extend further than11 removal from office. The party convicted shall nevertheless be liable to indictment, trial and punishment, according to law.
ARTICLE VIII Of the Executive Department 1. The Chief Executive power of this State shall be vested in a Governor, who shall be chosen by the electors, and shall hold his office for one year, and until his successor be duly qualified. 2. No person holding any office or place under the United States, this State, any other of the United States, or any foreign Power, shall exercise the office of Governor. 3. He shall take care that the laws are faithfully executed.
Of Impeachments
4. He shall be commander in chief of the military and naval forces of the State, except when called into the actual service of the United States; but he shall not march nor convey any of the citizens out of the State without their consent, or that of the General Assembly, unless it shall become necessary in order to march or transport them from one part of the State to another, for the defense thereof.
1. The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment.
5. He shall appoint all civil and military officers, whose appointment is not by this
5. Vacancies in the Senate occasioned by death, resignation, or otherwise, may be filled by a new election. 6. The Secretary of State shall be, by virtue of his office, Secretary of the Senate.
ARTICLE VII
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R HODE I SLAND Constitution, or shall not, by law, be otherwise provided for. 6. He shall, from time to time, inform the General Assembly of the condition of the State; and recommend to their consideration such measures as he may deem expedient. 7. He may require from any military officer, or any officer in the executive department, information upon any subject relating to the duties of his office. 8. He shall have power to remit forfeitures and penalties, and to grant reprieves, commutation of punishments, and pardons after conviction, except in cases of impeachment. 9. The Governor shall, at stated times, receive for his services a compensation, which shall not be increased, nor diminished, during his continuance in office. 10. There shall be elected, in the same manner as is provided for the election of Governor, a Lieutenant Governor, who shall continue in office for the same term of time. Whenever the office of Governor shall become vacant by death, resignation, removal from office or otherwise, the Lieutenant Governor shall exercise the office of Governor, until another Governor shall be duly qualified. 11. Whenever the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor shall both become vacant, by death, resignation, removal from office, or otherwise, the President of the Senate shall exercise the office of Governor until a Governor be duly qualified; and should such vacancies occur during a recess of the General Assembly, and there be no President of the Senate, the Secretary of State shall, by proclamation convene the Senate, that a President may be chosen to exercise the office of Governor.
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12. Whenever the Lieutenant Governor, or President of the Senate shall exercise the office of Governor, he shall receive the compensation of Governor only; and his duties as President of the Senate shall cease while he shall continue to act as Governor; and the Senate shall fill the vacancy by an election from their own body. 13. In case of a disagreement between the two Houses of the General Assembly respecting the time or place of adjournment, the person exercising the office of Governor may adjourn them to such time or place as he shall think proper; provided, that the time of adjournment shall not be extended beyond the first day of the next stated session. 14. The person exercising the office of Governor may, in cases of special necessity, convene the General Assembly at any town, or city, in this State, at any other time than herein before provided. And, in case of danger, from the prevalence of epidemic or contagious diseases, or from other circumstances, in the place, in which the General Assembly are next to meet, he may, by proclamation, convene the Assembly at any other place within the State. 15. A Secretary of State, a General Treasurer, and an Attorney General shall also be chosen annually, in the same manner and for the same time as is herein provided respecting the Governor. The duties of these offices12 shall be the same as are13 now or may hereafter be prescribed by law. Should there be a failure to choose either of them, or should a vacancy occur in either of their offices, the General Assembly shall fill the place by an election in joint committee. 16. The electors in each county shall, at the annual elections, vote for an inhabitant of the county to be sheriff of said county, for one year and until a successor be duly qualified. In case no person shall have a majority
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (P EOPLE ’ S C ONSTITUTION ) (1841) of the electoral votes of his county for Sheriff, the General Assembly, in joint committee, shall elect a Sheriff from the two candidates, who shall have the greatest number of votes in such county. 17. All commissions shall be in the name of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, sealed with the seal of the State, and attested by the Secretary.
ARTICLE IX General Provisions 1. This Constitution shall be the supreme law of the State; and all laws contrary to, or inconsistent with the same, which may be passed by the General Assembly, shall be null and void. 2. The General Assembly shall pass all necessary laws for carrying this Constitution into effect. 3. The Judges of all the Courts, and all other officers, both civil and military, shall be bound by oath or affirmation to the due observance of this Constitution, and of the Constitution of the United States. 4. No jurisdiction shall hereafter be entertained by the General Assembly in cases of insolvency, divorce, sale of real estate of minors, or appeal from judicial decisions, nor in any other matters appertaining to the jurisdiction of Judges, and Courts of law. But the General Assembly shall confer upon the Courts of the State all necessary powers for affording relief in the cases herein named; and the General Assembly shall exercise all other jurisdiction and authority, which they have heretofore entertained, and which is not prohibited by, or14 repugnant to this Constitution. 5. The General Assembly shall, from time to time, cause estimates to be made of the
ratable property of the State, in order to the equitable apportionment of State taxes. 6. Whenever a direct tax is laid by the State, one sixth part thereof shall be assessed on the polls of the qualified electors; provided that the tax on15 a poll shall never exceed the sum of fifty cents, and that all persons who actually perform military duty, or duty in the fire department, shall be exempted from said poll tax. 7. The General Assembly shall have no power hereafter to incur State debts, to an amount exceeding the sum of Fifty Thousand dollars, except in time of war, or in case of invasion, without the express consent of the People. Every proposition for such increase shall be submitted to the electors, at the next annual election, or on some day to be set apart for that purpose; and shall not be farther entertained by the General Assembly, unless it receive the votes of a majority of all the persons voting. This section shall not be construed to refer to any money that now is, or hereafter may be, deposited with this State by the General Government. 8. The assent of two thirds of the members elected to each House of the General Assembly shall be requisite to every bill appropriating the public moneys, or property, for local or private purposes; or for creating, continuing, altering or renewing any body politic or corporate, banking corporations excepted. 9. Hereafter when any bill creating, continuing, altering or renewing any banking corporation, authorized to issue its promissory notes for circulation shall pass the two Houses of the General Assembly, instead of being sent to the Governor, it shall be referred to the electors for their consideration, at the next annual election, or on some day to be set apart for that purpose, with printed tickets, containing the question, shall said bill (with a brief description thereof16 ) be
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R HODE I SLAND approved, or not; and if a majority of the electors voting shall vote to approve said bill, it shall become a law, otherwise not. 10. All grants of incorporation shall be subject to future acts of the General Assembly, in amendment or repeal thereof, or in any wise affecting the same, and this provision shall be inserted in all acts of incorporation hereafter granted. 11. The General Assembly shall exercise, as heretofore, a visitatorial power over corporations. Three Bank Commissioners shall be chosen at the June session for one year, to carry out the powers of the General Assembly in this respect. And Commissioners for the visitation of other corporations, as the General Assembly may deem expedient, shall be chosen at the June session for the same term of office. 12. No city council, or other government, in any city, shall have power to vote any tax upon the inhabitants thereof, excepting the amount necessary to meet the ordinary public expenses in the same, without first submitting the question of an additional tax, or taxes, to the electors of said city; and a majority of all who vote shall determine the question. But no elector shall be entitled to vote, in any city, upon any question of taxation thus submitted, unless he shall be qualified by the possession, in his own right, of ratable property to the amount of one hundred and fifty dollars, and shall have been assessed thereon to pay a city tax, and shall have paid the same, as provided in section fourth of Article II. Nothing in that Article shall be so construed as to prevent any elector from voting for town officers, and, in the city of Providence, and other cities, for mayor, aldermen, and members of the common council. 13. The General Assembly shall not pass any law, nor cause any act or thing to be
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done, in any way to disturb any of the owners or occupants of land in any territory now under the jurisdiction of any other State, or States, the jurisdiction whereof may be ceded to, or decreed to belong to this State; and the inhabitants of such territory shall continue in the full, quiet and undisturbed enjoyment of their titles to the same, without interference in any way on the part of this State.
ARTICLE X Of Elections 1. The election of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, General Treasurer, Attorney General, and also of Senators and Representatives to the General Assembly, and of Sheriffs, of the counties, shall he held on the third Wednesday of April, annually. 2. The names of the persons voted for as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, General Treasurer, Attorney General and Sheriffs of the respective counties, shall be put upon one ticket; and the tickets shall be deposited by the electors in a box by themselves. The names of the persons voted for as Senators, and as Representatives shall be put upon separate tickets, and the tickets shall be deposited in separate boxes. The polls for all the officers named in this section shall be opened at the same time. 3. All the votes given for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, General Treasurer, Attorney General, Sheriffs, and also for Senators shall remain in the ballot boxes till the polls be closed. These votes shall then, in open town and ward meetings, and in the presence of at least ten qualified voters, be taken out and sealed up, in separate envelopes, by the moderators and town clerks and by the wardens and ward
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (P EOPLE ’ S C ONSTITUTION ) (1841) clerks, who shall certify the same and forthwith deliver or send them to the Secretary of State, whose duty it shall be securely to keep the same, and to deliver the votes for State Officers and Sheriffs to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, after the House shall be organized, at the June Session of the General Assembly. The votes last named shall, without delay, be opened, counted and declared, in such manner as the House of Representatives shall direct; and the oath of office shall be administered to the persons who shall be declared to be elected, by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and in the presence of the House; provided that the Sheriffs may take their engagement before a Senator, Judge or Justice of the Peace. The votes for Senators shall be counted by the Governor and Secretary of State within seven days from the day of election; and the Governor shall give certificates to the Senators who are elected. 4. The boxes containing the votes for Representatives to the General Assembly in the several towns shall not be opened till the polls for Representatives are declared to be closed. The votes shall then be counted17 by the moderator and clerk, who shall announce the result, and give certificates to the persons elected. If there be no election, or not an election of the whole number of Representatives, to which the town is entitled, the polls for Representatives may be re-opened, and the like proceedings shall be had, until an election shall take place; provided however that an adjournment of the election may be made to a time not exceeding seven days from the first meeting. 5. In the city of Providence, and other cities, the polls for Representatives shall be kept open during the whole time of voting for the day; and the votes in the several wards shall be sealed up, at the close of the meeting by the wardens and ward clerks, in the
presence of at least ten qualified electors, and delivered to the city clerks. The mayor and aldermen of said city, or cities, shall proceed to count said votes within two days from the day of election; and if no election, or an election of only a portion of the Representatives, whom the Representative Districts are entitled to elect, shall have taken place, the mayor and aldermen shall order a new election, to be held not more than ten days from the day of the first election; and so on till the election of Representatives shall be completed. Certificates of election shall be furnished to the persons chosen by the city clerks. 6. If there be no choice of a Senator, or Senators, at the annual election, the Governor shall issue his warrant to the town and ward clerks of the several towns and cities, in the Senatorial District or Districts, that may have failed to elect, requiring them to open town or ward meetings for another election, on a day not more than fifteen days beyond the time of counting the votes for Senators. If, on the second trial there shall be no choice of a Senator, or Senators, the Governor shall certify the result to the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and the House of Representatives, and as many Senators as shall have been chosen, shall forthwith elect, in joint committee, a Senator or Senators, from the two candidates, who may receive the highest number of votes in each district. 7. If there be no choice of Governor, at the annual election, the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall issue his warrant to the clerks of the several towns and cities requiring them to notify town and ward meetings for another election, on a day to be named by him, not more than thirty, nor less than twenty days beyond the time of receiving the report of the committee of the House of Representatives, who shall count the votes for Governor. If, on this second trial
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R HODE I SLAND there shall be no choice of a Governor, the two Houses of the General Assembly, shall, at their next session, in joint committee elect a Governor from the two candidates having the highest number of votes, to hold his office for the remainder of the political year, and until his successor be duly qualified. 8. If there be no choice of Governor and Lieutenant Governor at the annual election, the same proceedings for the choice of a Lieutenant Governor shall be had as are18 directed in the preceding section; provided, that the second trial for the election of Governor and Lieutenant Governor shall be on the same day; and also provided, that, if the Governor shall be chosen at the annual election, and the Lieutenant Governor shall not be chosen, then the last named officer shall be elected in joint committee of the two Houses, from the two candidates having the highest number of votes, without a further appeal to the electors. The Lieutenant Governor, elected as is19 provided in this section, shall hold his office as is provided in the preceding section respecting the Governor. 9. All town, city, and ward meetings for the choice of Representatives, Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs, Senators, State Officers, Representatives to Congress, and Electors of President and Vice President shall be notified by the town, city, and ward clerks, at least seven days before the same are held. 10. In all elections held by the people under this Constitution, a majority of all the electors voting shall be necessary to the choice of the person or persons voted for. 11. The oath, or affirmation, to be taken by all the officers named in this article shall be the following. You, being elected to the place of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, General Treasurer, Attorney General, or to the places of Senators or Representatives, or to the office of Sheriff
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or Justice of the Peace, do solemnly swear, or severally solemnly swear, or affirm, that you will be true and faithful to the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, and that you will support the Constitution thereof; that you will support the Constitution of the United States, and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of your aforesaid office, to the best of your abilities and understanding – So help you God! or, this affirmation you make and give upon the peril of the penalty of perjury.
ARTICLE XI Of the Judiciary 1. The Judicial power of this State shall be vested in one Supreme Court, and in such other Courts, inferior to the Supreme Court, as the Legislature may, from time to time, ordain and establish; and the jurisdiction of the Supreme and of all other Courts, may, from time to time, be regulated by the General Assembly. 2. Chancery powers may be conferred on the Supreme Court; but no other Court exercising chancery powers shall be established in this State, except as is now provided by law. 3. The Justices of the Supreme Court shall be elected in joint committee of the two Houses, to hold their offices for one year, and until their places be declared vacant by a resolution to that effect, which shall be voted for by a majority of all the members elected to the House in which it may originate, and be concurred in by the same vote of the other House, without revision by the Governor. Such resolution shall not be entertained at any other than the annual session for the election of public officers; and, in default of the passage thereof at the said session, the Judge, or Judges, shall hold his or their place or places for another year. But
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (P EOPLE ’ S C ONSTITUTION ) (1841) a Judge of any Court shall be removable from office, if, upon impeachment, he shall be found guilty of any official misdemeanor. 4. In case of vacancy by the death, resignation, refusal, or inability to serve, or removal from the State of a Judge of any Court, his place may be filled by the joint committee, until the next annual election; when, if elected, he shall hold his office as herein provided. 5. The Justices of the Supreme Court shall receive a compensation, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office. 6. The Judges of the Courts inferior to the Supreme Court shall be annually elected in joint committee of the two Houses, except as herein provided. 7. There shall be annually elected by each town, and by the several wards in the city of Providence, a sufficient number of Justices of the Peace, or Wardens, resident therein, with such jurisdiction as the General Assembly may prescribe. And said Justices, or Wardens, (except in the towns of New Shoreham and Jamestown) shall be commissioned by the Governor. 8. The General Assembly may provide, that Justices of the Peace, who are not reelected, may hold their offices for a time not exceeding ten days beyond the day of the annual election of these officers. 9. The Courts of Probate in this State, except the Supreme Court, shall remain as at present established by law, until the General Assembly shall otherwise prescribe.
ARTICLE20 XII Of Education 1. All moneys which now are, or may hereafter be appropriated, by the authority
of the State, to public education, shall be securely invested, and remain a perpetual fund for the maintenance of Free Schools in this State; and the General Assembly are prohibited from diverting said moneys, or fund, from this use, and from borrowing, appropriating, or using the same, or any part thereof, for any other purpose, or under any pretence whatsoever. But the income derived from said moneys, or fund, shall be annually paid over, by the General Treasurer, to the towns and cities of the State, for the support of said schools, in equitable proportions: provided, however, that a portion of said income may, in the discretion of the General Assembly, be added to the principal21 of said fund. 2. The several towns and cities shall faithfully devote their portions of said annual distribution to the support of Free Schools; and, in default thereof, shall forfeit their shares of the same, to the increase of the fund. 3. All charitable donations for the support of Free Schools, and other purposes of Public Education, shall be received by the General Assembly, and invested, and applied agreeably to the terms prescribed by the donors; provided the same be not inconsistent with the Constitution, or with sound public policy; in which case the donation shall not be received.
ARTICLE XIII Amendments The General Assembly may propose amendments to this Constitution by the vote of a majority of all the members elected to each House. Such propositions shall be published in the newspapers of the State; and printed copies of said22 propositions shall be sent by the Secretary of State, with the names of all the members who shall have voted thereon, with the yeas and nays,
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R HODE I SLAND to all the town and city clerks in the State; and the said propositions shall be by said clerks inserted in the notices, by them issued, for warning the next annual town and ward meetings in April, and the town and ward clerks shall read said propositions to the electors when thus assembled, with the names of all the Representatives and Senators who shall have voted thereon, with the yeas and nays, before the election of Representatives and Senators shall be had. If a majority of all the members elected at said annual meetings, present in each House, shall approve any proposition23 thus made, the same shall be published, as before provided, and then sent to the electors in the mode provided in the act of approval; and, if then approved by a majority of the electors who shall vote in town and ward meetings, to be specially convened for that purpose, it shall become a part of the Constitution of the State.
ARTICLE XIV Of the Adoption of the Constitution 1. This Constitution shall be submitted to the People, for their adoption, or rejection, on Monday, the 27th day of December next, and on the two succeeding days; and all persons voting are requested to deposit in the ballot-boxes printed or written tickets in the following form: – I am an American citizen, of the age of twenty-one years, and have my permanent residence or home in this State. I am, (or not) qualified to vote under the existing laws of this State. I vote for (or against) the Constitution formed by the Convention of the People, assembled at Providence, and which was proposed to the People by said Convention, on the 18th day of November, 1841. 2. Every voter is requested to write his name on the face of his ticket; and every person, entitled to vote as aforesaid, who from
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sickness, or other causes, may be unable to attend and vote in the town or ward meetings, assembled for voting upon said Constitution, on the days aforesaid, is requested to write his name upon a ticket, and to obtain the signature upon the back of the same of a person who has given24 his vote, as a witness thereto. And the Moderator, or Clerk of any town or ward meeting, convened for the purpose aforesaid, shall receive such vote, on either of the three days next succeeding the three days before named for voting on said Constitution. 3. The citizens of the several towns in this State, and of the several wards in25 the city of Providence, are requested to hold town and ward meetings on the days appointed, and for the purpose aforesaid; and also to choose in each town, and ward, a Moderator and Clerk, to conduct said meetings and receive the votes. 4. The Moderators and Clerks are required to receive and carefully to keep the votes of all persons qualified to vote as aforesaid, and to make registers of all the persons voting; which, together with the tickets given in by the voters, shall be sealed up, and returned by said moderators, and clerks, with certificates signed and sealed by them, to the clerks of the Convention of the People, to be by them safely deposited and kept, and laid before said Convention, to be counted and declared, at their next adjourned meeting on the 12th day of January, 1842. 5. This Constitution, except so much thereof as relates to the election of the officers named in the sixth section of this article, shall, if adopted, go into operation on the first Tuesday in26 May, in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-two. 6. So much of the Constitution as relates to the election of27 officers named in this
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (P EOPLE ’ S C ONSTITUTION ) (1841) section, shall go into operation on the Monday before the third Wednesday of April next preceding. The first election under this Constitution of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, General Treasurer, and Attorney General, of Senators and Representatives, of Sheriffs for the several counties, and of Justices of the Peace for the several towns, and the Wards of the city of Providence, shall take place on the Monday aforesaid. 7. The electors of the several towns and wards are authorized to assemble on the day aforesaid, without being notified as is provided in section ninth of article Xth, and without the registration required in section seventh of Article II28 , and to choose moderators and clerks, and proceed in the election of the officers named in the preceding section. 8. The votes given in29 at the first election for Representatives to the General Assembly, and for Justices of the Peace, shall be counted by the moderators and clerks of the towns, and wards, chosen as aforesaid; and certificates of election shall be furnished by them to the Representatives and Justices of the Peace elected. 9. Said moderators and clerks shall seal up, certify, and transmit to the House of Representatives all the votes that may be given in, at said first election, for Governor and State officers, and for Senators and Sheriffs; and the votes shall be counted as the House of Representatives may direct. 10. The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall, at the first session of the same, qualify himself to administer the oath of office to the members of the House, and to other officers, by taking and subscribing the same oath in30 presence of the House. 11. The first session of the General Assembly shall be held in the city of Provi-
dence, on the first Tuesday of May, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fortytwo, with such adjournments as may be necessary; but all other sessions shall be held as is provided in Article IV of this Constitution. 12. If any of the Representatives whom the towns, or districts31 , are entitled to choose, at the first annual election aforesaid, shall not be then elected, or if their places shall become vacant during the year, the same proceedings may be had to complete the election, or to supply vacancies, as are directed concerning elections in the preceding sections of this article. 13. If there shall be no election of Governor or Lieutenant Governor, or of both of these officers, or of a Senator or Senators, at the first annual election, the House of Representatives, and as many Senators as are chosen, shall forthwith elect, in joint committee, a Governor, or Lieutenant Governor, or both, or a Senator or Senators, to hold their offices for the remainder of the political year, and, in the case of the two officers first named, until their successors shall be duly qualified. 14. If the number of32 Justices of the Peace determined by the several towns and wards on the day of the first annual election, shall not be then chosen, or if vacancies shall occur, the same proceedings shall be had as are provided for in this Article in the case of a non-election of Representatives and Senators, or of vacancies in their offices. The Justices of the Peace thus elected, shall hold office for the remainder of the political year, or until the second annual election of Justices of the Peace, to be held on such day as may be prescribed by the General Assembly. 15. The Justices of the Peace elected in pursuance of the provisions of this Article may be engaged by the persons acting as
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R HODE I SLAND moderators of the town and ward meetings, as herein provided; and said Justices, after obtaining their certificates of election, may discharge the duties of their office, for a time not exceeding twenty days, without a commission from the Governor. 16. Nothing contained in this Article, inconsistent with any of the provisions of other Articles of the Constitution, shall continue in force for a longer period than the first political year under the same. 17. The present government shall exercise all the powers with which it is now clothed, until the said first Tuesday of May, one thousand eight hundred and forty-two, and until their successors under this Constitution shall be duly elected and qualified. 18. All civil, Judicial and military officers now elected, or who shall hereafter be elected by the General Assembly, or other competent authority, before the said first Tuesday of May, shall hold their offices and may exercise their powers until that time. 19. All laws and statutes, public and private, now in force, and not repugnant to this Constitution, shall continue in force until they expire by their own limitation, or are repealed by the General Assembly. All contracts, judgments, actions, and rights of action, shall be as valid as if this Constitution had not been made. All debts contracted, and engagements entered into, before the adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the State, as if this Constitution had not been made. 20. The Supreme Court, established by this Constitution, shall have the same jurisdiction as the Supreme Judicial Court at present established; and shall have jurisdiction of all causes which may be appealed to, or pending in the same; and shall be held at the same times and places, in each county, as the present Supreme Judicial Court, until
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the General Assembly shall otherwise prescribe. 21. The citizens of the town of New Shoreham shall be hereafter exempted from military duty, and the duty of serving as jurors in the Courts of this State. The citizens of the town33 of Jamestown shall be forever hereafter exempted from military field duty. 22. The General Assembly shall, at their first session after the adoption of this Constitution, propose to the electors the question, whether the word “white,” in the first line of the first section of Article II of the Constitution shall be stricken out. The question shall be voted upon at the succeeding annual election; and if a majority of the electors voting shall vote to strike out the word aforesaid, it shall be stricken from the Constitution; otherwise, not. If the word aforesaid shall be stricken out, section 3d of Article II shall cease to be a part of the34 Constitution. 23. The President, Vice Presidents35 , and Secretaries, shall certify and sign this Constitution, and cause the same to be published. Done in Convention, at Providence, on the 18th day of November, in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-one, and of American Independence the sixtysixth. JOSEPH JOSLIN, President of the Convention. WAGER WEEDEN, Vice Presidents. SAMUEL H. WALES, Attest: WILLIAM H. SMITH, JOHN S. HARRIS, 1
Secretaries.
Verified by Constitution of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, as Finally Adopted by the Convention of the People, Assembled at Providence, on the 18th Day of November, 1841, Providence: Printed at the New Age Office, 1842, 22 p., and
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (P EOPLE ’ S C ONSTITUTION ) (1841) checked against Proposed Constitution of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, as Finally Adopted by the People’s Convention, Assembled at Providence on the 18th day of November, 1841, [s.l., s.n., s.a.,] 8 p. [hereafter quoted as Proposed Constitution A], Proposed Constitution of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, as Finally Adopted by the People’s Convention, Assembled in Providence, on the 18th day of November, 1841, [Providence: Printed at the Office of the New Age, s.a.,] 16 p. [hereafter quoted as Proposed Constitution B], and against the version published in Arthur May Mowry, The Dorr War. The Constitutional Struggle in Rhode Island, [1901], reprinted New York and London: Chelsea House Publishers, 1970, 322–346. The original manuscript is not known to have survived. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the 1842 print. Obvious typographical errors have been tacitly corrected. The constitution was submitted to the people on December 27– 29, 1841, and adopted by 13,944 to 52 votes, but the long transition period until early May 1842, provided by the constitution, allowed the law and order forces to muster their troops. Though the Landholders’ Constitution (q.v.) was rejected by the people in March 1842, the conservatives won the election on April 20, 1842, due to the restricted electorate under the old charter and, backed by President Tyler, successfully reclaimed legitimate government (cf. Patrick T. Conley, Democracy in Decline. Rhode Island’s Constitutional Development 1776–1841, Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1977, 315–333; Mowry, Dorr War, 107–118; cf. also Elisha R. Potter, Considerations on the Questions of the Adoption of a Constitution, and Extension of Suffrage in Rhode Island, Boston: Thomas H. Webb & Co., 1842, 18–21). 2 In Mowry, Dorr War, 322, “towards”. 3 Ibid., 325, “for the”. 4 Ibid., 326, word missing.
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In Proposed Constitution A, 3, in Proposed Constitution B, 5, and in Mowry, Dorr War, 328, “of his”. 6 In 1842 print, 9, “accepted”. 7 In Proposed Constitution A, 3, word missing. 8 Ibid., “in the several towns and cities,” missing. 9 In 1842 print, 11, “Government”. 10 In Mowry, Dorr War, 332, “by a”. 11 In Proposed Constitution A, 4, in Proposed Constitution B, 7, and in Mowry, Dorr War, 332, “than to”. 12 In Proposed Constitution A, 4, in Proposed Constitution B, 8, and in Mowry, Dorr War, 334, “officers”. 13 In Mowry, Dorr War, 334, word missing. 14 Ibid., 335, “nor”. 15 Ibid., “upon”. 16 Ibid., “of it”. 17 Ibid., 338, “declared”. 18 Ibid., 339, word missing. 19 Ibid., word missing. 20 In 1842 print, 18, “Section”. 21 In Proposed Constitution A, 7, “principle”. 22 In Mowry, Dorr War, 342, “such”. 23 In Proposed Constitution A, 7, “propositions”. 24 Ibid., and Proposed Constitution B, 14, “given in”. 25 In Mowry, Dorr War, 343, “of”. 26 In Proposed Constitution A, 7, in Proposed Constitution B, 14, and in Mowry, Dorr War, 343, “of”. 27 In Proposed Constitution A, 7, in Proposed Constitution B, 14, and in Mowry, Dorr War, 343, “of the”. 28 In Proposed Constitution A, 7, “2d”. 29 In Mowry, Dorr War, 344, word missing. 30 In Proposed Constitution A, 7, in Proposed Constitution B, 15, and in Mowry, Dorr War, 344, “in the”. 31 In Mowry, Dorr War, 344, “district”. 32 Ibid., 345, “of the”. 33 Ibid., 346, last three words missing. 34 Ibid., “this”. 35 In 1842 print, 22, “President”.
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Failed Constitution of Rhode Island (Landholders’ Constitution) (1842)
Constitution of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations36
We, the People of the State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the government thereof.
ARTICLE I Declaration of Certain Constitutional Rights and Principles In order effectually to secure the religious and political freedom established here by our venerated ancestors, and to preserve the same for their posterity, we do declare that the inherent essential and unquestionable rights and principles hereinafter mentioned, among others, shall be established, maintained and preserved, and shall be of paramount obligation in all legislative, judicial and executive proceedings. S ECT. 1. Every person, within this State ought to find a certain remedy by having recourse to the laws, for all injuries or wrongs which he may receive in his person property or character. He ought to obtain right and justice freely and without being obliged to purchase it completely and without denial, promptly & without delay; conformably to the laws. S ECT. 2. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, papers & possessions, against unreasonable searches and
seizures, shall not be violated; and no warrant shall issue, but on complaint in writing, upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and describing as nearly as may be, the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. S ECT. 3. No person shall be holden to answer for a capital or other infamous crime, unless on presentment or indictment by a grand jury, except in cases of impeachment, or such offences as are usually cognizable by a justice of the peace, or in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual Service, in time of war or public danger. No person shall be tried after an acquittal, for the same offence. S ECT. 4. Excessive bail Shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel punishments inflicted; & all punishments ought to be proportioned to the offence. S ECT. 5. All persons imprisoned ought to be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offences, when the proof is evident, or the presumption great. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when, in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety shall require it, nor ever without the authority of the General Assembly. S ECT. 6. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the privilege of a
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R HODE I SLAND speedy & public trial by an impartial jury; to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation, to be confronted with the witnesses against him, to have compulsory process for obtaining them in his favor, & to have the assistance of counsel in his defence, & be at liberty to speak for himself; nor shall he be deprived of life, liberty or property, unless by the judgment of his peers, or the law of the land. S ECT. 7. The person of a debtor where there is not strong presumption of fraud, ought not to be continued in prison, after he shall have delivered up his property for the benefit of his creditors, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law. S ECT. 8. No ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, shall be made. S ECT. 9. No man in a court of common law shall be compelled to give evidence criminating himself. S ECT. 10. Every man being presumed innocent, until pronounced guilty by the law, all acts of severity, that are not necessary to secure an accused person, shall be repressed. S ECT. 11. The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate. S ECT. 12. Private property shall not be taken for public uses, without just compensation. S ECT. 13. The citizens shall continue to enjoy and freely exercise the rights of fishery, and all other rights to which they have been heretofore entitled under the charter of this State, except as is herein otherwise provided. S ECT. 14. The military shall always be held in strict subordination to the civil authority.
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S ECT. 15. No soldier, shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner; nor in time of war but in manner to be prescribed by law. S ECT. 16. The liberty of the press being essential to the security of freedom in a State, any person may publish his sentiments on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty; and in all trials for libel, both civil and criminal, the truth, unless published from malicious motives shall be a sufficient defence to the person charged. S ECT. 17. The citizens have a right in a peaceable manner to assemble for their common good, and to apply to those invested with the powers of Government, for redress of grievances, or other purposes, by petition, address or remonstrance. S ECT. 18. The right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. S ECT. 19. Slavery shall not be tolerated in this State. S ECT. 20. Whereas Almighty God hath created the mind free; and all attempts to influence it, by temporal punishments or burthens, or by civil incapacitations, tend to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness; and whereas a principal object of our venerable ancestors, in their migrations to this country, and their settlement of this State, was, as they expressed it, to hold forth a lively experiment, that a flourishing, civil State, may stand and be best maintained, with full liberty in religious concernments. We therefore declare that no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship place or ministry whatever; nor enforced, restrained, molested or burthened in his body or goods; nor disqualified from holding any office; nor otherwise suffer, on account of his religious belief. And that all men shall be free to profess, and by
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (L ANDHOLDERS ’ C ONSTITUTION ) (1842) argument to maintain their opinion in matters of religion; and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge or affect their civil capacities. S ECT. 21. The enumeration of the foregoing rights shall not be construed to impair or deny others retained by the people.
ARTICLE II Of the Right of Suffrage S ECT. 1. Every person who is now a freeman and qualified voter shall continue to be so, so long as he retains the qualifications upon which he was admitted. S ECT. 2. Hereafter, every white male native citizen of the United States, or any territory thereof, of the full age of twenty-one years, who shall have had his actual permanent residence and home in this State, for the period of one year, and in the town or city in which he may claim a right to vote, six months next preceding the time of voting, and shall be seized in his own right of a freehold real estate in such town or city, of the value, at least, of one hundred and thirty four dollars, over and above all incumbrances, shall therefrom have a37 right to vote in the election of all civil officers, and on all questions in all legal town or ward meetings. S ECT. 3. Every white male native citizen of the United States, or any territory thereof, of the full age of twenty-one years who shall have had his actual permanent residence and home in this State for the period of two years, and in the town or city in which he may claim a38 right to vote, six months, next preceding the time of voting, shall have a39 right to vote in the election of all civil officers and on all questions, in all legal town or ward meetings. Provided, however, that no person who is
not now a freeman, shall be allowed to vote upon any motion to impose a tax, or incur expenditures, in any town or city, unless he possess the freehold qualification required by this article, or shall have been taxed on40 property valued, at least, at one hundred and fifty dollars, within one year from the time he may offer to vote, and shall have paid such tax in said town or city. S ECT. 4. Any white male native of any foreign country of the full age of twenty-one years, naturalized in the United States according to law, who shall have had his actual permanent residence and home in this State for the period of three years after his naturalization, and in the town or city in which he may claim a41 right to vote, six months next preceding the time of voting, and shall be seized in his own right, of a freehold real estate, in such town or city, of the value, at least, of one hundred and thirty four dollars over and above all incumbrances shall, therefrom, have a right to vote in the election of all civil officers, and in all questions in all town or ward meetings. But no person in the military, naval, marine, or any other service of the United States shall be considered as having the required residence by reason of being employed in any garrison, barrack, or military or naval station in this State. And no pauper, lunatic, or person non-compos mentis, or under guardianship, shall be permitted to vote; nor shall any person convicted of any crime deemed infamous at common law be permitted to exercise that privilege, until he be restored thereto by the General Assembly. Persons residing on land ceded by this State to the United States shall not be entitled to exercise the privilege of electors during such residence. S ECT. 5. The General Assembly shall, as soon as may be after the adoption of this Constitution, provide for the registration of voters; and shall also have full power generally to enact all laws necessary to carry this
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R HODE I SLAND article into effect, and to prevent abuse and fraud in voting. S ECT. 6. All persons entitled to vote shall be protected from arrest in civil cases, on the days of election, and on the day preceding, and the day following an election. S ECT. 7. In the city of Providence and all other cities, no person shall be eligible to the office of mayor, alderman, or common council man, who is not qualified to vote upon a motion to impose a tax or incur expenditures as herein provided. S ECT. 8. The General Assembly shall have power to provide by special or general laws for the admission of any native male citizen of the United States, or any territory, who shall have had his permanent residence and home in this State for two years, but who is not otherwise qualified under this article, to vote, on such conditions as they may deem proper, except for taxes and expenditures.
ARTICLE III Of the Distribution of Powers The powers of the government shall be distributed into three distinct branches: the Legislative, Executive and Judicial.
ARTICLE IV
Shall have a negative on the other; the one to be styled the Senate, the other the House of Representatives; and both together, the General Assembly. The style of their laws shall be, “It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows.” S ECT. 3. There shall be one session of the General Assembly holden annually at Newport, on the first Tuesday of May; & one other annual Session to be holden on the last Monday of October, once in two years at South Kingstown, and the intermediate years alternately at Bristol & East Greenwich: and the adjournment from the October Session shall be holden at Providence. S ECT. 4. No member of the General Assembly shall take any fees, or be of counsel, in any case pending before either branch of the General Assembly under penalty of forfeiting his seat upon due proof thereof to the satisfaction of the branch of which he is a member. S ECT. 5. The person & estate of every member of the General Assembly shall be free and exempt from all process in any civil action during the Session of the General Assembly, and for two days before the commencement and after the termination thereof; & all process served contrary hereto Shall be void. And for any speech in debate, in either house, no member shall be questioned in any other place.
S ECT. 1. This Constitution shall be the supreme law of the State, and all laws inconsistent therewith shall be void. The General Assembly shall pass all such laws as are necessary to carry this Constitution into effect.
S ECT. 6. Each House shall be the judge of the elections and qualifications of its members; and a majority shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, & may compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties as each House may prescribe.
S ECT. 2. The Legislative power, under this Constitution, shall be vested in two distinct Houses or branches, each of which
S ECT. 7. Each House may determine the rules of proceedings42 punish contempts, punish its members for disorderly behavior,
Of the Legislative Power
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FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (L ANDHOLDERS ’ C ONSTITUTION ) (1842) and, with the concurrence of two thirds expel a member; but not a second time for the same cause. S ECT. 8. Each House shall keep a journal of its proceedings. The yeas and nays of the members of either House, shall, at the desire of one fifth of those present, be entered on the journal. S ECT. 9. Neither House shall during a Session, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than two days, nor to any other place than that in which they may be sitting. S ECT. 10. The General Assembly shall continue to exercise the Judicial power, the power of visiting corporations, and all other powers they have heretofore exercised not inconsistent with this Constitution. S ECT. 11. The General Assembly shall regulate the compensation of the Governor and other officers elected by general ticket, or by the General Assembly, and of the members of the General Assembly, subject to the limitations contained in this Constitution. S ECT. 12. All lotteries shall hereafter be prohibited in this State except those already authorized by the General Assembly. S ECT. 13. The General Assembly shall have no power, hereafter to incur State debts, to an amount exceeding fifty thousand dollars, except in time of war, or in43 case of invasion without the express consent of the people; nor in any case without such consent to pledge the faith of the State for the payment of the obligations of others. This section shall not be construed to refer to any money that may be deposited with this State by the Government of the United States. S ECT. 14. The assent of two thirds of the members elected to each branch of the General Assembly shall be required to every bill
appropriating the public moneys or property for local or private purposes. S ECT. 15. The General Assembly shall from time to time provide for making new valuations of property, for the assessment of taxes, in such manner as they may deem best. No direct State tax shall be assessed on44 the rateable property of the State before a new estimate of such property shall45 be taken. S ECT. 16. Whenever a direct tax is laid by the State, one sixth part thereof shall be assessed on the polls of the qualified electors; provided that the tax on a poll shall never in any one tax exceed the sum of fifty cents. S ECT. 17. The General Assembly may provide by law for the continuance in office of any officers of annual appointment until other persons are qualified to take their places.
ARTICLE V Of the House of Representatives S ECT. 1. The House of Representatives shall consist of members elected by the Electors of the several towns and cities in the respective town and ward meetings. Each town or city having four thousand inhabitants, and under six thousand five hundred, shall be entitled to elect three Representatives; each town or city having six thousand five hundred inhabitants, and under ten thousand shall be entitled to elect four Representatives; each town or city having ten thousand inhabitants, and under fourteen thousand, shall be entitled to elect five Representatives; each town or city having fourteen thousand inhabitants, and under eighteen thousand, shall be entitled to elect six Representatives; each town or city having eighteen thousand inhabitants and under twenty two thousand, shall be entitled to elect seven Representatives; each town
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R HODE I SLAND or city having over twenty-two thousand inhabitants shall be entitled to elect eight Representatives. But no town or city shall be entitled to elect more than eight Representatives; and every town or city shall be entitled to elect two. The Representation of the several towns and cities in this State shall be apportioned agreeable to the last census of the people of the United States, preceding the election. S ECT. 2. The House of Representatives shall have authority to elect its Speaker, Clerks, and other officers. The oath of office shall be administered by the Secretary of State, or in his absence by the Attorney General. The Clerks shall be engaged by the Speaker. S ECT. 3. Whenever the seat of a member of the House of Representatives shall be vacated by death, resignation, or otherwise, the vacancy may be filled by a new election. S ECT. 4. The senior member from the town of Newport, present, shall preside in46 the organization of the House.
ARTICLE VI Of the Senate S ECT. 1. The Senate shall consist of nineteen members to be chosen annually by the majority of electors by Districts. The State shall be divided into Sixteen Districts, as follows. First. The Town of Newport shall constitute the first Senatorial district, and shall be entitled to elect two Senators. Second. The Towns of Portsmouth, Middletown, Tiverton, Little Compton New Shoreham & Jamestown shall constitute the second Senatorial district, and shall be entitled to elect two Senators. Third. The City of Providence shall constitute the third Senatorial district and shall
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be entitled to elect two Senators. Fourth. The Town of Smithfield shall constitute the fourth Senatorial district & shall be entitled to elect one Senator. Fifth. The Towns of Cumberland & North Providence shall constitute the fifth Senatorial district & shall be entitled to elect one Senator. Sixth. The Towns of Scituate, Cranston & Johnston shall constitute the sixth senatorial district and shall be entitled to elect one senator. Seventh. The Towns of Glocester, Foster & Burrillville shall constitute the seventh Senatorial district and shall be entitled to elect one senator. Eighth. The Town of South Kingstown shall constitute the eighth senatorial district, and shall be entitled to elect one senator. Ninth. The Towns of Westerly & Charlestown shall constitute the ninth Senatorial district, and shall be entitled to elect one senator. Tenth. The Towns of Hopkinton and Richmond shall constitute the tenth Senatorial district, and shall be entitled to elect one senator. Eleventh. The Towns of North Kingstown & Exeter shall constitute the eleventh Senatorial district, and shall be entitled to elect one Senator. Twelfth. The Town of Bristol shall constitute the twelfth Senatorial district, and shall be entitled to elect one Senator. Thirteenth. The Towns of Warren & Barrington shall constitute the thirteenth Senatorial district, and shall be entitled to elect one Senator. Fourteenth. The Towns of East Greenwich & West Greenwich shall constitute the fourteenth Senatorial district, & shall be entitled to elect one Senator. Fifteenth. The Town of Coventry shall constitute the fifteenth Senatorial district, and shall be entitled to elect one Senator. Sixteenth. The Town of Warwick shall
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (L ANDHOLDERS ’ C ONSTITUTION ) (1842) constitute the sixteenth Senatorial district, and shall be entitled to elect one Senator. And no more than one Senator shall be elected from any town for the same term in the second Senatorial district.
office. The party convicted, shall nevertheless, be liable to indictment, trial and punishment, according to law.
S ECT. 2. The Lieutenant Governor shall ex officio be a member of the Senate. The Secretary of State shall be by virtue of his office Secretary of the Senate, unless otherwise provided by law, and the Senate may elect such other officers as they may deem necessary.
Of the Executive Power
S ECT. 3. If by reason of death, resignation or absence, there be no Governor or Lieutenant Governor present to preside in the Senate, the Senate shall elect one of their own number to preside until the Governor or Lieutenant Governor returns, or until one of said offices is filled according to this Constitution, and until such election is made by the Senate the Secretary of State shall preside.
ARTICLE VII Of Impeachments S ECT. 1. The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment. S ECT. 2. All impeachments shall be tried by the Senate; and when sitting for that purpose, they shall be under oath or affirmation. No person shall be convicted except by vote of two-thirds of the members elected. When the Governor is impeached, the Chief or Presiding Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court for the time being, shall preside, with a casting vote in all preliminary questions. S ECT. 3. The Governor, and all other Executive and Judicial officers shall be liable to impeachment; but judgment in such cases, shall not extend further than to removal from
ARTICLE VIII
S ECT. 1. The chief executive Power of this State shall be vested in a Governor. S ECT. 2. The Governor shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed. S ECT. 3. He shall be Captain-General and Commander-in Chief of the military and naval forces of this State, except when they shall be called into the service of the United States. S ECT. 4. He shall have power to grant reprieves, after conviction, in all cases, except those of impeachment, until the end of the next session of the General Assembly, and no longer. S ECT. 5. The person filling the office of Governor shall preside in the Senate and in Grand Committee, and shall have a right in case of equal division to vote, not otherwise. S ECT. 6. He may fill vacancies in office not otherwise provided for by this Constitution or by law, until the same shall be filled by the General Assembly or the people. S ECT. 7. In case of disagreement between the two Houses of the General Assembly, respecting the time or place of adjournment, certified to him by either, he may adjourn them to such time and place as he shall think proper; provided that the time of adjournment shall not be extended beyond the day of the next stated session. S ECT. 8. He may, on special emergencies, convene the General Assembly at any town in this State, at any time not provided for by law, and in case of danger from the
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R HODE I SLAND prevelance of epidemic or contagious diseases, in either of the places in which the General Assembly may by law meet or to which they may have been adjourned; or from other circumstances, he may, by proclamation, convene said Assembly, at any other place within this State. S ECT. 9. All commissions shall be in the name and by47 authority of the State of Rhode Island and Providence-Plantations; shall be sealed with the State seal, signed by the Governor, and attested by the Secretary. S ECT. 10. In case of the death, resignation, refusal, or inability to serve, or removal from office of the Governor, or of his impeachment or absence from the State, the Lieutenant Governor shall exercise the powers and authority appertaining to the office of Governor, until another be48 chosen at the next annual election for Governor, and be duly qualified, or until the Governor impeached or absent, shall be acquitted or return. S ECT. 11. If the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor be both vacant by reason of death, resignation, absence or otherwise, the person entitled to preside over the Senate for the time being, shall in like manner administer the government, until he be superseded by a Governor or Lieutenant Governor. S ECT. 12. The compensation of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor shall be established by law, and shall not be diminished during the term for which they were elected. S ECT. 13. The duties and powers of the Secretary, Attorney General, and General Treasurer shall be the same under this Constitution, as are now established, or from time to time may be prescribed by law.
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ARTICLE IX Of Elections S ECT. 1. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Senators Representatives, Secretary of State, Attorney General & General Treasurer shall be elected at the town city or ward meetings to be holden on the third Wednesday of April annually; and shall severally hold their offices for one year, from the first Tuesday in May next succeeding their election, & until others are legally chosen & duly qualified to fill their places. S ECT. 2. The voting for all officers chosen by the people except town or city officers shall be by ballot in manner to be regulated by law. Town or city officers shall be chosen by ballot, on demand of any two persons entitled to vote for the same. S ECT. 3. The names of the persons voted for as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, General Treasurer and Attorney General, shall be put upon one ticket; and the tickets shall be deposited by the Moderator or Warden in a box by themselves. The names of the persons voted for as Senators, and as Representatives, shall be put upon separate tickets, & the tickets shall be deposited by the moderator or warden in separate boxes. The polls for all the officers named in this section Shall be opened at the same time. S ECT. 4. All the votes given for Governor Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, General Treasurer & Attorney General, and also for Senators, shall remain in the ballot boxes till the polls are closed. These votes shall then, in open town and ward meetings be taken out and sealed in separate envelopes, by the moderators and town clerks & by the wardens & ward clerks, who shall certify the same and forthwith deliver or send them to the Secretary of State, whose duty it shall be securely to keep the same,
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (L ANDHOLDERS ’ C ONSTITUTION ) (1842) and to deliver the votes for General Officers to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, after the House shall be organized, at the May Session of the General Assembly. The votes last named shall without delay, be opened counted and declared in such manner as the House of Representatives shall direct. The votes for senators shall be counted by the Governor and secretary of State, within seven days from the day of election; and the Governor shall give certificates to the Senators who are elected. S ECT. 5. The votes for Representatives in the several towns after the polls are declared to be closed for the same shall be counted by the Moderators and clerks, who shall announce the result, and give certificates to the persons elected. If there be no election, or not an election of the whole number of Representatives, to which the town is entitled the polls for Representatives may be reopened, and the like proceedings shall be had until an election shall take place: provided however that an adjournment or adjournments of the election may be made to a time not exceeding seven days from the first meeting. S ECT. 6. In the city of Providence, & other cities the polls for representatives shall be kept open during the whole time of voting for the day; and the votes in the several wards shall be sealed up at the close of the meeting by the wardens & ward clerks in open ward meeting and delivered to the city clerks49 . The Mayor & aldermen of said city, or cities, shall proceed to count said votes within two days from the day of election; and if no election or an election of only a portion of the Representatives shall have taken place, the Mayor and aldermen shall order a new election, to be held not more than ten days from the day of the first election; & so on till the election of Representatives shall be completed. Certificates of election
shall be furnished by the city clerks to the persons chosen. S ECT. 7. If no person shall have a majority of votes for the office of Governor, or Lieutenant Governor, the Senate and House of Representatives, in grand committee may choose one by ballot from the two persons having the highest number of votes. S ECT. 8. In case an election of the Secretary of State, Attorney General, or General Treasurer, should fail to be made by the electors at their annual election, the vacancy or vacancies shall be filled by the General Assembly in grand Committee from the two candidates for such office having the greatest number of the votes of the electors. Or in case of a vacancy in either of said offices from other causes between the sessions of the General Assembly the Governor shall appoint some person to fill the same until a successor elected by the General Assembly is qualified to act, & in such case, & also in all other Cases of vacancies not otherwise provided for, the General Assembly may fill the Same in any manner they may deem proper. S ECT. 9. If there be no choice of a Senator or Senators at the annual election, or if a vacancy in the Senate occur from any other cause, the Governor shall issue his warrant to the town and ward clerks of the several towns & cities in the Senatorial district or districts, that may have failed to elect, or where such vacancy may have occurred requiring them to open town or ward meetings for another election, on a day to be by him appointed, not more than fifteen days from the time of issuing such warrant, & in such election a plurality of votes shall elect. S ECT. 10. All general Officers shall take the following engagement before they act in their respective offices to wit: You –––––– being by the free vote of the freemen of this
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R HODE I SLAND State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, elected unto the place of –––––– do solemnly swear (or affirm) to be true and faithful unto this State, and to support the Constitution of this State and of the United States; that you will faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties of your aforesaid office, to the best of your abilities, according to law: So help you God. Or this affirmation you make and give upon the peril of the penalty50 of perjury. And the members of the General Assembly shall take an engagement to the same effect. S ECT. 11. In all elections held by the people, under this Constitution, a majority of all the electors voting shall be necessary to the choice of the persons voted for, except as is herein otherwise provided. S ECT. 12. The officers now elected in Grand Committee, except Justices of the peace, shall continue to be so elected until otherwise prescribed by law. S ECT. 13. The oath or affirmation shall be administered to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Senators, by the Speaker of the House of Representatives in presence of the House, or elsewhere by a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. The Secretary of State, Attorney General, and General Treasurer shall be engaged by the person exercising the office of Governor.
ARTICLE X Of Qualifications for Office S ECT. 1. No person shall be qualified to hold the office of Governor, LieutenantGovernor, Senator, or Representative in the General Assembly, unless he be a duly qualified elector. No person shall be elected Representative to the General Assembly, or to any town or city office, unless he be a qualified elector and inhabitant of the town or city which elects him.
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S ECT. 2. Every person shall be disqualified from holding any office to which he may have been elected, if he be convicted of having offered or procured any other person to offer, any bribe to secure his election or the election of any other person. S ECT. 3. The Judges of all the Courts and all other officers, both civil and military, shall be bound by oath or affirmation to support this Constitution, and the Constitution of the United States. S ECT. 4. No person who holds any office under the government of the United States, or any other State or foreign country, shall be capable of acting as a general officer, or shall take a seat in the General Assembly, unless at the time of taking his engagement, he shall have resigned his office under such other government, And if any general officer, Senator, Representative or Judge, shall after his election, accept or hold any office under any other government, he shall not be capable thereafter of acting as a general officer, Senator, Representative or Judge, but the office shall be thereby vacated.
ARTICLE XI Of the Judicial Power S ECT. 1. The Judicial power of this State shall be vested in one Supreme Judicial Court, and in such inferior Courts as the General Assembly may from time to time ordain and establish; and the jurisdiction of the Supreme and of all other Courts, may from time to time be regulated by the General Assembly. S ECT. 2. Chancery powers may be conferred by the General Assembly on the Supreme Judicial Court, but no other Court exercising Chancery powers, shall be established in this State, except as is now provided by law.
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (L ANDHOLDERS ’ C ONSTITUTION ) (1842) S ECT. 3. The Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court shall be elected in Grand Committee of the two Houses, to hold their offices until their places be declared vacant by a resolution of the General Assembly to that effect, which shall be voted for by a majority of all the members elected to the House in which it may originate, and be concurred in by the same majority of the other House. Such resolution shall not be entertained at any other than the annual Session for the election of public officers; and in default of the passage thereof at said Session the Judge or Judges shall hold his or their places as is herein provided. But a Judge of this, or of any other Court inferior to the same, shall be removable from office, if upon impeachment he shall be found guilty of any official misdemeanor. S ECT. 4. In case of vacancy by the death, resignation, refusal or inability to serve, or absence from the State of a Judge of this Court, his place may be filled by the Grand Committee until the next annual election; when the Judge elected, shall hold his office as before provided. S ECT. 5. The Judges of the Supreme Judicial Court shall receive a suitable compensation for their services, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office. S ECT. 6. The Judges of the Supreme Judicial Court, shall in all trials, instruct the Jury in the law. S ECT. 7. There shall be annually elected by each town, and by the several wards in the City of Providence, a sufficient number of Justices of the Peace or Wardens, resident therein, with such Jurisdiction as the General Assembly may prescribe. And said Justices or Wardens except in the towns of New Shoreham & Jamestown shall be commissioned by the Governor.
S ECT. 8. The Courts of Probate in this State excepting the Supreme Judicial Court, shall remain as at present established by law until the General Assembly shall otherwise prescribe.
ARTICLE XII Of Education S ECT. 1. The diffusion of Knowledge, as well as of virtue among the people being essential for the preservation of their rights and liberties, it shall be the duty of the General Assembly to promote public schools, and to adopt all other means to secure to the people the advantages and opportunities of education, which they may deem necessary and proper. S ECT. 2. The money which now is, or which may hereafter be appropriated by law for the formation of a permanent fund for the support of Public Schools, shall be securely invested and remain a perpetual fund for that purpose. S ECT. 3. All donations for the support of Public Schools or for other purposes of education, which shall be received by the General Assembly, shall be applied according to the terms prescribed by the donors. S ECT. 4. The General Assembly shall make all necessary provisions by law for carrying this article into effect. They are prohibited from diverting said monies or fund from the aforesaid uses, and from borrowing, appropriating or using the Same, or any part thereof for any other purpose under any pretence whatsoever.
ARTICLE XIII Of Amendments The General Assembly may propose amendments to this Constitution by the
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R HODE I SLAND votes of a majority of all the members elected to each house. Such propositions shall be published in the newspapers, and printed copies of said propositions shall be sent by the Secretary of State, with the names of all the members who shall have voted thereon with the yeas & nays, to all the town & city clerks in the State; and the said propositions shall be, by said clerks, inserted in the warrants or notices by them issued, for warning the next annual town and ward meetings in April, and the clerks shall read said51 propositions to the electors when thus assembled, with the names of all the Representatives and Senators who shall have voted thereon with the yeas & nays, before the election of Representatives & Senators shall be had. If a majority of all the members elected to each house, at said annual meeting, shall approve any proposition thus made, the same shall be published and sent to the electors in the mode provided in the act of approval, & if then approved by three fifths of the Electors of the State present, and voting thereon in town & ward meetings, it shall become a part of the Constitution of the State.
ARTICLE XIV Of the adoption of this Constitution S ECT. 1. This Constitution, if adopted, shall go into operation on the first Tuesday in52 May, in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty two. The first election of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, & General Treasurer, and of Representatives and Senators under said Constitution, shall be had on the third Wednesday of April next53 preceding. And the town and ward meetings therefor shall be warned and conducted as is now provided by law. All civil, judicial and military officers now elected, or who shall hereafter be elected
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by the General Assembly, or other competent authority, before the said first Tuesday of May, shall hold their offices and may exercise their powers until that time, or until their successors are qualified to act. All statutes, public and private, not repugnant to this Constitution, shall continue in force until they expire by their own limitation, or are repealed by the General Assembly. All charters, contracts, judgments, actions, and rights of action, shall be as valid as if this Constitution had not been made. The present government shall exercise all the powers, with which it is now clothed until the said first Tuesday of May one thousand eight hundred and forty two, and until their successors under this Constitution are duly elected & qualified. S ECT. 2. All debts contracted, and engagements entered into, before the adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the State, as if this Constitution had not been formed. S ECT. 3. The Supreme Judicial Court, established by this Constitution, shall have the same jurisdiction as the Supreme Judicial Court at present established, and shall have jurisdiction of all causes which may be appealed to, or pending in the same, and shall be held at the same times54 and places, and in each county, as the present Supreme Judicial Court, until otherwise prescribed by the General Assembly. S ECT. 4. The towns of Jamestown and New Shoreham shall continue to enjoy the exemptions55 from military duty which they now enjoy, until otherwise prescribed by law. Done in Convention, Feby 19th 1842. HENRY Y. CRANSTON, Prest . of the Convention. THOS A. JENCKES, Sec y . WALTER W. UPDIKE, Asst . Sec y
FAILED C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (L ANDHOLDERS ’ C ONSTITUTION ) (1842) 36 Verified by Constitution of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, As Adopted by the Convention, Assembled at Providence, November, 1841, Providence: Knowles & Vose Printers, 1842, 27 p., and corrected according to the original manuscript preserved in the Rhode Island State Archives at Providence, RI. Also checked against the version published in Arthur May Mowry, The Dorr War. The Constitutional Struggle in Rhode Island, [1901], reprinted New York and London: Chelsea House Publishers, 1970, 347– 365. Spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and paragraphing as in the original manuscript. The Constitution, usually called the Landholders’ or Freemen’s Constitution, had been drafted by the delegates of the ruling elite according to a resolution of the General Assembly of January 1841, calling for a convention in November 1841. As this convention would not be representing a major portion of the people excluded from but demanding right of suffrage, Thomas Wilson Dorr and his adherents organized the People’s Convention which drafted the so-called People’s Constitution (q.v.) in November 1841. When it was almost unanimously adopted at the end of the year, the ruling elite had to readjust its political strategy. The Landholders’ Convention, adjourned after a few days in November, reconvened in February 1842, and adopted its Constitution on February 19, 1842, to be submitted to the people on March 21–23, 1842. Though the result was discouraging – 8,689 votes against the Landholders’ Constitution, and 8,013 in support of it – the conservatives successfully prevented Dorr from assuming the office of governor in May and held on to the government.
They called for a new convention in September 1842, which drafted the successfully ratified Constitution of Rhode Island (q.v.) (cf. Patrick T. Conley, Democracy in Decline. Rhode Island’s Constitutional Development 1776–1841, Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1977, 298–316; Mowry, Dorr War, 94–106; cf. also Elisha R. Potter, Considerations on the Questions of the Adoption of a Constitution, and Extension of Suffrage in Rhode Island, Boston: Thomas H. Webb & Co., 1842, 20–21). 37 In Mowry, Dorr War , 350, “the”. 38 Ibid., “the”. 39 Ibid., “the”. 40 Ibid., “upon”. 41 Ibid., 351, “the”. 42 In Constitution of the State of Rhode-Island, 9, and in Mowry, Dorr War , 353, “proceeding”. 43 In Mowry, Dorr War , 353, “on”. 44 Ibid., “upon”. 45 Ibid., word missing. 46 Ibid., 355, “at”. 47 Ibid., 358, “by the”. 48 Ibid., “shall be”. 49 In Constitution of the State of Rhode-Island, 16, and in Mowry, Dorr War , 360, “clerk”. 50 In Mowry, Dorr War , 361, last three words missing. 51 Ibid., 364, “such”. 52 Ibid., “of”. 53 Ibid., word missing. 54 Ibid., 365, “time”. 55 Ibid., “exemption”.
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Constitution of Rhode Island (1842) Constitution of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations1
We, the People of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing upon our endeavors to secure and to transmit the same, unimpaired, to succeeding generations, do ordain and establish this Constitution of Government.
ARTICLE I Declaration of certain constitutional rights and principles In order effectually to secure the religious and political freedom established by our venerated ancestors, and to preserve the same for our posterity, we do declare that the essential and unquestionable rights and principles hereinafter mentioned, shall be established, maintained, and preserved, and shall be of paramount obligation in all legislative, judicial and executive proceedings. S ECT. 1. In the words of the Father of his Country, we declare, that “the basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and alter their constitutions of government; but that the constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all.” S ECT. 2. All free governments are instituted for the protection, safety, and happiness of the people. All laws, therefore,
should be made for the good of the whole; and the burdens of the State ought to be fairly distributed among its citizens. S ECT. 3. Whereas, Almighty God hath created the mind free; and all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens, or by civil incapacitations, tend to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness; and whereas a principal2 object of our venerable ancestors, in their migration3 to this country and their settlement of this State, was as they expressed it, to hold forth a lively experiment that a flourishing civil State may stand and be best maintained with full liberty in religious concernments; we, therefore, declare, that no man shall be compelled to frequent or to support any religious worship, place or ministry whatever, except in fulfilment of his own voluntary contract; nor enforced, restrained, molested or burthened in his body or goods; nor disqualified from holding any office; nor otherwise suffer on account of his religious belief; and that every man shall be free to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience, and to profess and by argument to maintain his opinion in matters of religion; and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge or affect his civil capacity. S ECT. 4. Slavery shall not be permitted in this State. S ECT. 5. Every person within this State ought to find a certain remedy, by having re-
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R HODE I SLAND course to the laws, for all injuries or wrongs which he may receive in his person, property, or character. He ought to obtain right and justice freely, and without purchase, completely and without denial; promptly and without delay, conformably to the laws. S ECT. 6. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, papers and possessions, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated; and no warrant shall issue, but on complaint in writing, upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and describing as nearly as may be, the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. S ECT. 7. No person shall be held to answer for a capital or other infamous crime, unless on presentment or indictment by a Grand Jury, except in cases of impeachment, or of such offenses as are cognizable by a justice of the peace; or in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger. No person shall after an acquittal, be tried for the same offence. S EC , 8. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel punishments inflicted; and all punishments ought to be proportioned to the offence. S ECT. 9. All persons imprisoned ought to be bailed by sufficient surety, unless for offences punishable by death or by imprisonment for life, when the proof of guilt is evident, or the presumption great. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety shall require it; nor ever without the authority of the General Assembly. S ECT. 10. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury; to
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be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation, to be confronted with the witnesses against him, to have compulsory process for obtaining them in his favor, to have the assistance of counsel in his defence, and shall be at liberty to speak for himself; nor shall he be deprived of life, liberty, or property, unless by the judgment of his peers, or the law of the land. S ECT. 11. The person of a debtor, when there is not strong presumption of fraud, ought not to be continued in prison, after he shall have delivered up his property for the benefit of his creditors4 , in such manner as shall be prescribed by law. S ECT. 12. No ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed. S ECT. 13. No man in a court of common law shall be compelled to give evidence criminating himself. S ECT. 14. Every man being presumed innocent, until he is pronounced guilty by the law, no act of severity which is not necessary to secure an accused person, shall be permitted. S ECT. 15. The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate. S ECT. 16. Private property shall not be taken for public uses, without just compensation. S ECT. 17. The people shall continue to enjoy and freely exercise all the rights of fishery, and the privileges of the shore, to which they have been heretofore entitled under the charter and usages of this State. But no new right is intended to be granted, nor any existing right impaired, by this declaration. S ECT. 18. The military shall be held in strict subordination to the civil authority;
C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (1842) and the law martial shall be used and exercised in such cases only as occasion shall necessarily require. S ECT. 19. No soldier shall be quartered in any house in time of peace, without the consent of the owner; nor, in time of war, but in5 manner to be prescribed by law. S ECT. 20. The liberty of the press being essential to the security of freedom in a state, any person may publish his sentiments on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty; and in all trials for libel, both civil and criminal, the truth, unless published from malicious motives, shall be sufficient defence to the person charged. S ECT. 21. The citizens have a right in a peaceable manner to assemble for their common good, and to apply to those invested with the powers of Government, for redress of grievances, or for other purposes, by petition, address or remonstrance. S ECT. 22. The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. S ECT. 23. The enumeration of the foregoing rights shall not be construed to impair or deny others retained by the people.
ARTICLE II Of the Qualifications6 of Electors SECT. 1. Every male native7 citizen of the United States, of the age of twenty one years, who has had his residence and home in this State for one year, and in the town or city in which he may claim a right to vote, six months next preceding the time of voting, and who is really and truly possessed in his own right of real estate in such town or city of the value of one hundred and
thirty four dollars over and above all incumbrances, or which shall rent for seven dollars per annum over and above any rent reserved, or the interest of any incumbrances thereon, being an estate in fee simple, fee tail, for the life of any person, or an estate in reversion or remainder, which qualifies no other person to vote, the conveyance of which estate, if by deed, shall have been recorded at least ninety days, shall there after have a right to vote in the election of all civil officers and on all questions in all legal town or ward meetings, so long as he continues so qualified. And if any person hereinbefore described shall own any such estate within this State out of the town or city in which he resides, he shall have a right to vote in the election of all general officers and members of the General Assembly in the town or city in which he shall have had his residence and home for the term of six months next preceding the election, upon producing a certificate from the clerk of the town or city in which his estate lies, bearing date within ten days of the time of his voting, setting forth that such person has a sufficient estate therein to qualify him as a voter; and that the deed, if any, has been recorded ninety days. S ECT. 2. Every ––––––8 male native citizen of the United States, of the age of twenty one years, who has had his residence and home in this State two years, and in the town or city in which he may offer to vote, six months next preceding the time of voting, whose name is registered pursuant to the act calling the contention to frame this constitution, or shall be registered in the office of the clerk of such town or city at least seven days before the time he shall offer to vote, and before the last day of December in the present year; and who has paid or shall pay a tax or taxes assessed upon his estate within this State and within a year of the time of voting to the amount of one
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R HODE I SLAND dollar, or who shall voluntarily pay at least seven days before the time he shall offer to vote, and before said last day of December, to the clerk or treasurer of the town or city where he resides, the sum of one dollar, or such sum as with his other taxes shall amount to one dollar, for the support of public schools therein, and shall make proof of the same, by the certificate of the clerk, treasurer, or collector of any town or city where such payment is made: or who being so registered, has been enrolled in any military company in this State, and done military service or duty therein, within the present year, pursuant to law, and shall (until other proof is required by law,) prove by the certificate of the officer legally commanding the regiment, or chartered, or legally authorized volunteer company in which he may have served or done duty, that he has been equipped and done duty according to law, or by the certificate of the commissioners upon military claims, that he has performed military service, shall have a right to vote in the election of all civil officers and on all questions in all legally organized town or ward meetings, until the end of the first year after the adoption of this constitution, or until the end of the year eighteen hundred and forty three. From and after that time, every such citizen who has had the residence herein required, and whose name shall be registered in the town where he resides, on or before the last day of December in the year next preceding the time of his voting, and who shall show by legal proof that he has for and within the year next preceding the time he shall offer to vote, paid a tax or taxes assessed against him in any town or city in this State to the amount of one dollar; or that he has been enrolled in a military company in this State, been equipped and done military9 duty therein according to law, and at least for one day during such year, shall have a right to vote in the election of all civil
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officers, and on all questions in all legally organized town or ward meetings. Provided, That no person shall at any time be allowed to vote in the election of the city council of the city of Providence, or upon any proposition to impose a tax or for the expenditure of money in any town or city, unless he shall within the year next preceeding, have paid a tax assessed upon his property therein, valued at least at one hundred and thirty four dollars. S ECT. 3. The assessors of each town or city shall annually assess upon every person whose name shall be registered, a tax of one dollar, or such sum as with his other taxes shall amount to one dollar, which registry tax shall be paid into the treasury of such town or city, and be applied to the support of public schools therein. But no compulsory process shall issue for the collection of any registry tax. Provided that the registry tax of every person who has performed military duty according to the provisions of the preceding section shall be remitted for the year he shall perform such duty; and the registry tax assessed upon any mariner, for any year while he is at sea, shall upon his application be remitted; and no person shall be allowed to vote whose registry tax for either of the two years next preceding the time of voting is not paid or remitted as herein provided. S ECT. 4. No person in the military, naval, marine or any other service of the United States, shall be considered as having the required residence by reason of being employed in any garrison, barrack, or military or naval station in this State: and no pauper, lunatic, person non compos mentis, person under guardianship, or member of the Narragansett tribe of Indians, shall be permitted to be registered or to vote. Nor shall any person convicted of bribery or of any crime deemed infamous at common law, be permitted to exercise that privilege, until he
C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (1842) be expressly restored thereto by act of the General Assembly. S ECT. 5. Persons residing on lands ceded by this State to the United States, shall not be entitled to exercise the privilege of electors. S ECT. 6. The General Assembly shall have full power to provide for a registry of voters, to prescribe the manner of conducting the elections, the form of certificates, the nature of the evidence to be required in case of a dispute as to the right of any person to vote, and generally to enact all laws necessary to carry this article into effect, and to prevent abuse, corruption, and fraud in voting.
ARTICLE III Of the distribution of Powers The powers of the government shall be distributed into three departments; the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
ARTICLE IV Of the Legislative Power SECT. 1. This Constitution shall be the supreme law of the State and any law inconsistent therewith shall be void. The General Assembly shall pass all laws necessary to carry this Constitution into effect. S ECT. 2. The Legislative power under this Constitution, shall be vested in two Houses, the one to be called the Senate, the other the House of Representatives; and both together the General Assembly. The concurrence of the two Houses shall be necessary to the enactment of laws. The style of their laws shall be, It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows.
S ECT. 3. There shall be two sessions of the General Assembly holden annually; one at Newport, on the first Tuesday of May, for the purposes of election and other business; the other on the last Monday of October, which last session shall be holden at South Kingstown once in two years and the intermediate years alternately at Bristol and East Greenwich; and an adjournment from the October session shall be holden annually at Providence. S ECT. 4. No member of the General Assembly shall take any fee, or be of counsel in any case pending before either House of the General Assembly, under penalty of forfeiting his seat, upon proof thereof to the satisfaction of the House of which he is a member. S ECT. 5. The person of every member of the General Assembly shall be exempt from arrest and his estate from attachment in any civil action, during the session of the General Assembly, and two days before the commencement, and two days after the termination thereof, and all process served contrary hereto shall be void. For any speech in debate in either House, no member shall be questioned in any other place. S ECT. 6. Each House shall be the judge of the elections and qualifications of its members; and a majority shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties as may be prescribed by such House or by law. The organization of the two Houses may be regulated by law, Subject to the limitations contained in this Constitution. S ECT. 7. Each House may determine its rules of proceeding, punish contempts, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a
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R HODE I SLAND member, but not a second time for the same cause. S ECT. 8. Each House shall keep a journal of its proceedings. The yeas and nays of the members of either House, shall at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered on the journal. S ECT. 9. Neither House shall, during a session, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than two days nor to any other place than that in which they may be sitting. S ECT. 10. The General Assembly shall continue to exercise the powers they have heretofore exercised, unless prohibited in this constitution. S ECT. 11. The Senators and Representatives shall receive the sum of one dollar for every day of attendance, and eight cents per mile for travelling expenses in going to & returning from the General Assembly. The General Assembly shall regulate the compensation of the Governor and all other officers, subject to the limitations contained in this constitution. S ECT. 12. All lotteries shall hereafter be prohibited in this State except those already authorized by the General Assembly. S ECT. 13. The General Assembly shall have no power, hereafter, without the express consent of the people, to incur State debts to an amount exceeding fifty thousand dollars, except in time of war, or in case of insurrection or invasion; nor shall they in any case, without such consent, pledge the faith of the State for the payment of the obligations of others. This section shall not be construed to refer to any money that may be deposited with this State by the Government of the United States. S ECT. 14. The assent of two thirds of the members elected to each House of the
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General Assembly shall be required to every bill appropriating the public money or property for local or private purposes. S ECT. 15. The General Assembly shall, from time to time, provide for making new valuations of property, for the assessment of taxes, in such manner as they may deem best. A new estimate of such property shall be taken before the first direct State tax, after the adoption of this constitution, shall be assessed. S ECT. 16. The General Assembly may provide by law for the continuance in office of any officers of annual election or appointment, until other persons are qualified to take their places. S ECT. 17. Hereafter, when any bill shall be presented to either House of the General Assembly, to create a corporation for any other than for religious, literary or charitable purposes, or for a military or fire company, it shall be continued until another election of members of the General Assembly shall have taken place, and such public notice of the pendency thereof shall be given as may be required by law. S ECT. 18. It shall be the duty of the two Houses upon the request of either, to join in grand committee for the purpose of electing Senators in Congress, at such times and in such manner as may be prescribed by law for said elections.
ARTICLE V Of the House of Representatives SECT. 1. The House of Representatives shall never exceed seventy two members, and shall be constituted on the basis of population, always allowing one Representative for a fraction exceeding half the ratio; but each town or city shall always be entitled to at least one member; and no town or city
C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (1842) shall have more than one sixth of the whole number of members to which the House is hereby limited. The present ratio shall be one representative to every fifteen hundred and thirty inhabitants, and the General Assembly may, after any new census taken by the authority of the United States or of this State, re-apportion the representation by altering the ratio; but no town or city shall be divided into districts for the choice of representatives. S ECT. 2. The House of Representatives shall have authority to elect its speaker, clerks, and other officers. The senior member from the town of Newport, if any be present shall preside in the organization of the House.
ARTICLE VI Of the Senate S ECT. 1. The Senate shall consist of the Lieutenant Governor and of one Senator from each town or city in the State. S ECT. 2. The Governor, and, in his absence, the Lieutenant Governor, shall preside in the Senate and in grand committee. The presiding officer of the Senate and grand Committee shall have a right to vote in case of equal division, but not otherwise. S ECT. 3. If, by reason of death, resignation, absence, or other cause, there be no Governor or Lieutenant Governor present to preside in the Senate, the Senate shall elect one of their own members to preside during such absence or vacancy; and until such election is made by the Senate, the Secretary of State shall preside. S ECT. 4. The Secretary of State shall, by virtue of his office be Secretary of the Senate, unless otherwise provided by law; and the Senate may elect such other officers as they may deem necessary.
ARTICLE VII Of the Executive Power S ECT. 1. The chief executive power of this State shall be vested in a Governor, who, together with a Lieutenant Governor, shall be annually elected by the people. S ECT. 2. The Governor shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed. S ECT. 3. He shall be captain-general and commander in chief of the military and naval forces of this State, except when they shall be called into the service of the United States. S ECT. 4. He shall have power to grant reprieves, after conviction, in all cases, except those of impeachment, until the end of the next session of the General Assembly. S ECT. 5. He may fill vacancies in office not otherwise provided for by this constitution or by law, until the same shall be filled by the General Assembly, or by the people. S ECT. 6. In case of disagreement between the two Houses of the General Assembly, respecting the time or place of adjournment, certified to him by either, he may adjourn them to such time and place as he shall think proper; provided that the time of adjournment shall not be extended beyond the day of the next stated session. S ECT. 7. He may, on extraordinary occasions, convene the General Assembly at any town or city in this State, at any time not provided for by law; and in case of danger from the prevalence of epidemic or contagious disease in the place in which the General Assembly are by law to meet, or to which they may have been adjourned; or for other urgent reasons, he may, by proclamation, convene said Assembly, at any other place within this State. S ECT. 8. All commissions shall be in the name and by10 authority of the State
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R HODE I SLAND of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations; shall be sealed with the State seal, signed by the Governor & attested by the Secretary.
they shall hold their offices for the remainder of the political year, and until their successors are qualified to act.
S ECT. 9. In case of vacancy in the office of Governor, or of11 his inability to serve, impeachment, or absence from the State, the Lieutenant Governor shall fill the office of Governor and exercise the powers and authority appertaining thereto, until a Governor is qualified to act, or until the office is filled at the next annual election.
S ECT. 2. The voting for Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, General Treasurer, and Representatives12 to Congress, shall be by ballot; Senators and Representatives to the General Assembly and town or city officers, shall be chosen by ballot, on demand of any seven persons entitled to vote for the same; and in all cases where an election is made by ballot or paper vote, the manner of balloting shall be the same as is now required in voting for general officers, until otherwise prescribed by law.
S ECT. 10. If the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor be both vacant by reason of death, resignation, impeachment, absence, or otherwise, the person entitled to preside over the Senate for the time being, shall in like manner fill the office of Governor during such absence or vacancy. S ECT. 11. The compensation of the Governor & Lieutenant Governor shall be established by law, and shall not be diminished during the term for which they are elected. S ECT. 12. The duties and powers of the Secretary, Attorney General and General Treasurer, shall be the same under this constitution as are now established, or as from time to time may be prescribed by law.
ARTICLE VIII Of Elections S ECT. 1. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Senators, Representatives, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and General Treasurer, shall be elected at the town, city, or ward meetings, to be holden on the first Wednesday of April annually; and shall severally hold their offices for one year from the first Tuesday of May next succeeding, and until others are legally chosen and duly qualified to fill their places. If elected or qualified after the said first Tuesday of May,
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S ECT. 3. The names of the persons voted for as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General & General Treasurer, shall be placed upon one ticket, and all votes for these officers, shall, in open town or ward meetings be sealed up by the moderators and town clerks, and by the wardens and ward-clerks, who shall certify the same, and deliver or send them to the Secretary of State; whose duty it shall be securely to keep & deliver the same to the grand committee, after the organization of the two Houses at the annual May session; and it shall be the duty of the two Houses at said session, after their organization, upon the request of either House, to join in grand committee, for the purpose of counting and declaring said votes, and of electing other officers. S ECT. 4. The town and ward clerks shall also keep a correct list or register, of all persons voting for general officers, and shall transmit a copy thereof to the General Assembly, on or before the first day of said May session. S ECT. 5. The ballots for Senators and Representatives in the several towns, shall in each case after the polls are declared to be
C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (1842) closed, be counted by the moderator, who shall announce the result, and the clerk shall give certificates to the persons elected. If, in any case, there be no election, the polls may be reopened, and the like proceedings shall be had until an election shall take place: Provided, however, that an adjournment or adjournments of the election may be made to a time not exceeding seven days from the first meeting. S ECT. 6. In the city of Providence, the polls for Senator and Representatives13 shall be kept open during the whole time of voting for the day, and the votes in the several wards shall be sealed up at the close of the meeting by the wardens and ward clerks in open ward meeting, and afterwards delivered to the city clerk. The Mayor and Aldermen shall proceed to count said votes within two days from the day of election; and if no election of Senator and Representatives, or if an election of only a portion of the Representatives shall have taken place, the Mayor and Aldermen shall order a new election, to be held not more than ten days from the day of the first election, and so on until the election shall be completed. Certificates of election shall be furnished by the city clerk to the persons chosen. S ECT. 7. If no person shall have a majority of votes for Governor, it shall be the duty of the grand committee to elect one by ballot from the two persons having the highest number of votes for the office, except when such a result is produced by rejecting the entire vote of any town, city, or ward for informality or illegality, in which case a new election by the electors throughout the State shall be ordered; and in case no person shall have a majority of votes for Lieutenant-Governor, it shall be the duty of the grand committee to elect one by ballot from the two persons having the highest number of votes for the office.
S ECT. 8. In case an election of the Secretary of State, Attorney General, or General Treasurer, should fail to be made by the electors at the annual election, the vacancy or vacancies shall be filled by the General Assembly in grand committee from the two candidates for such office having the greatest number of the votes of the electors: Or, in case of a vacancy in either of said offices from other causes, between the sessions of the General Assembly, the Governor shall appoint some person to fill the same until a successor elected by the General Assembly is qualified to act; and in such case, and also in all other cases of vacancies, not otherwise provided for, the General Assembly may fill the same in any manner they may deem proper. S ECT. 9. Vacancies from any cause in the Senate or House of Representatives may be filled by a new election. S ECT. 10. In all elections held by the people, under this constitution, a majority of all the electors voting shall be necessary to the election of the persons voted for.
ARTICLE IX Of Qualifications for Office S ECT. 1. No person shall be eligible to any civil office, (except the office of school committee,) unless he be a qualified elector for such office. S ECT. 2. Every person shall be disqualified from holding any office to which he may have been elected, if he be convicted of having offered, or procured any other person to offer, any bribe to secure his election, or the election of any other person. S ECT. 3. All general officers shall take the following engagement before they act in their respective offices, to wit: You ––– ––– being by the free vote of the electors
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R HODE I SLAND of this State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, elected unto the place of –––––– do solemnly swear (or affirm) to be true and faithful unto this State, and to support the Constitution of this State and of the United States; that you will faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties of your aforesaid office to the best of your abilities according to law: So help you God. Or, this affirmation you make & give upon the peril of the penalty of perjury. S ECT. 4. The members of the General Assembly, the Judges of all the Courts, and all other officers, both civil and military, shall be bound by oath or affirmation to support this constitution, and the Constitution of the United States. S ECT. 5. The oath, or affirmation, shall be administered to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Senators, and Representatives by the Secretary of State, or in his absence by the Attorney General. The Secretary of State Attorney General and General Treasurer, shall be engaged by the Governor, or by a Justice of the Supreme Court. S ECT. 6. No person holding any office under the government of the United States, or of any other State or country, shall act as a general officer or as a member of the General Assembly, unless at the time of taking his engagement, he shall have resigned his office under such government; and if any general officer, Senator, Representative, or Judge shall, after his election and engagement, accept any appointment under any other government, his office under this shall be immediately vacated; but this restriction shall not apply to any person appointed to take depositions or acknowledgements14 of deeds, or other legal instruments, by the authority of any other State or country.
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ARTICLE X Of the Judicial Power S ECT. 1. The Judicial power of this State shall be vested in one Supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the General Assembly may, from time to time, ordain and establish. S ECT. 2. The several Courts shall have such jurisdiction as may from time to time be prescribed by law. Chancery powers may be conferred on the Supreme Court, but on no other Court to any greater extent than is now provided by law. S ECT. 3. The Judges of the Supreme Court shall, in all trials, instruct the jury in the law. They shall also give their written opinion upon any question of law whenever requested by the Governor, or by either House of the General Assembly. S ECT. 4. The Judges of the Supreme Court shall be elected by the two Houses in grand committee. Each Judge shall hold his office15 until his place be declared vacant by a resolution of the General Assembly to that effect; which resolution shall be voted for by a majority of all the members elected to the House in which it may originate, and be concurred in by the same majority of the other House. Such resolution shall not be entertained at any other than the annual session for the election of public officers; and in default of the passage thereof at said session, the judge shall hold his place as is16 herein provided. But a Judge of any court shall be removed from office, if, upon impeachment, he shall be found guilty of any official misdemeanor. S ECT. 5. In case of vacancy by death, resignation, removal from the State or from office, refusal or inability to serve of any Judge of the Supreme Court, the office may be filled by the grand committee, until the next annual election, and the Judge then
C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (1842) elected shall hold his office as before provided. In case17 of impeachment, or temporary absence or inability, the Governor may appoint a person to discharge the duties of the office during the vacancy caused thereby. S ECT. 6. The Judges of the Supreme Court shall receive a compensation for their services, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office. S ECT. 7. The towns of New Shoreham and Jamestown may continue, to elect their wardens as heretofore. The other towns and the city of Providence, may elect such number of justices of the peace, resident therein, as they may deem proper. The jurisdiction of said justices and wardens shall be regulated by law. The justices shall be commissioned by the Governor.
ARTICLE XI Of Impeachments S ECT. 1. The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment. A vote of two thirds of all the members elected, shall be required for an impeachment of the Governor. Any officer impeached, shall thereby be suspended from office until judgment in the case shall have been pronounced. S ECT. 2. All impeachments shall be tried by the Senate; and when sitting for that purpose, they shall be under oath or affirmation. No person shall be convicted except by vote of two thirds of the members elected. When the Governor is impeached, the chief or presiding justice of the Supreme Court for the time being, shall preside, with a casting vote in all preliminary questions. S ECT. 3. The Governor and all other executive and judicial officers, shall be liable to impeachment; but judgment in such
cases shall not extend further than to removal from office. The person convicted shall, nevertheless, be liable to indictment, trial & punishment according to law.
ARTICLE XII Of Education S ECT. 1. The diffusion of knowledge, as well as of virtue among the people, being essential to the preservation of their rights and liberties, it shall be the duty of the General Assembly to promote public Schools, and to adopt all means which they may deem necessary and proper to secure to the people the advantages and opportunities of education. S ECT. 2. The money which now is, or which may hereafter be appropriated by law for the establishment of a permanent fund for the support of Public Schools, shall be securely invested & remain a perpetual fund for that purpose. S ECT. 3. All donations for the support of Public Schools or for other purposes of education, which may be received by the General Assembly, shall be applied according to the terms prescribed by the donors. S ECT. 4. The General Assembly shall make all necessary provisions by law for carrying this article into effect. They shall not divert said money or fund from the aforesaid uses, nor borrow, appropriate, or use the same, or any part thereof, for any other purpose, under any pretence whatsoever.
ARTICLE XIII On Amendments The General Assembly may propose amendments to this constitution by the votes of a majority of all the members
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R HODE I SLAND elected to each House. Such propositions for amendment shall be published in the newspapers, and printed copies of them shall be sent by18 the Secretary of State with the names of all the members who shall have voted thereon, with the yeas and nays, to all the town and city clerks in the State. The said propositions shall be, by said clerks, inserted in the warrants or notices by them issued, for warning the next annual town and ward meetings in April; and the clerks shall read said propositions to the electors when thus assembled with the names of all the Representatives and Senators who shall have voted thereon, with the yeas and nays, before the election of Senators & Representatives shall be had. If a majority of all the members elected to each House, at said annual meeting, shall approve any proposition thus made, the same shall be published and submitted to the electors in the mode provided in the act of approval; and if then approved by three fifths of the electors of the State present and voting thereon in town and ward meetings, it shall become a part of the constitution of the State.
ARTICLE XIV Of the adoption of this Constitution S ECT. 1. This constitution, if adopted, shall go into operation on the first Tuesday of May, in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty three. The first election of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and General Treasurer, and of Senators and Representatives under said constitution, shall be had on the first Wednesday of April next preceding, by the electors qualified under said constitution. And the town and ward meetings therefor shall be warned and conducted as is now provided by law. All civil and military officers now elected, or who shall
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hereafter be elected, by the General Assembly or other competent authority, before the said first Wednesday of April, shall hold their offices and may exercise their powers until the said first Tuesday of May, or until their successors shall be qualified to act. All statutes public and private, not repugnant to this constitution, shall continue in force until they expire by their own limitation, or are repealed by the General Assembly. All charters, contracts, judgments, actions, and rights of action, shall be as valid as if this constitution had not been made. The present government shall exercise all the powers with which it is now clothed, until the said first Tuesday of May, one thousand eight hundred and forty three, and until the government under this constitution is duly organized. S ECT. 2. All debts contracted & engagements entered into, before the adoption of this constitution, shall be as valid against the State as if this constitution had not been adopted. S ECT. 3. The Supreme Court, established by this constitution, shall have the same jurisdiction as the Supreme Judicial Court at present established, and shall have jurisdiction of all causes which may be appealed to or pending in the same, and shall be held at the same times and places, and in each county, as the present Supreme Judicial Court, until otherwise prescribed by the General Assembly. S ECT. 4 The towns of New Shoreham and Jamestown shall continue to enjoy the exemptions from military duty which they now enjoy, until otherwise prescribed by law. Done in Convention at East Greenwich this fifth day of November AD19 1842 JAMES FENNER President HENRY Y. CRANSTON Vice President
C ONSTITUTION OF R HODE I SLAND (1842) THO[MA]S A. JENCKES WALTER W. UPDIKE 1
Secretaries
Verified by The Constitution of the State of RhodeIsland and Providence Plantations, As Adopted by the Convention, Assembled at Newport, September, 1842, Providence: Printed by Knowles and Vose, 1842, 24 p. [hereafter quoted as print A], and corrected according to the enrolled manuscript preserved in the Rhode Island State Archives at Providence, RI. Also checked against Proposed Constitution of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, Providence: Knowles & Vose, Printers, 1842, 32 p. [hereafter quoted as print B], The Constitution of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations. Adopted, November, 1842, Providence: Printed by Knowles & Vose, 1842, 24 p. [hereafter quoted as print C], and against the version published in Arthur May Mowry, The Dorr War. The Constitutional Struggle in Rhode Island, [1901], reprinted New York and London: Chelsea House Publishers, 1970, 367–385. As print B appears to be a version made before the final revision of the whole text, perhaps as ordered to be made on September 23, 1842 (Journal of the Convention Assembled to Frame a Constitution for the State of Rhode Island, at Newport, Sept. 12, 1842. Printed by Order of the House of Representatives, at its January Session, 1859, Providence: Knowles, Anthony & Co., State Printers, 1859, 17), reference to it will be made only in relation to deviations between the enrolled manuscript and prints A and C. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the enrolled manuscript. With the People’s Constitution (q.v.) rejected by the ruling elite and the failure of their Landholders’ Constitution (q.v.), a new convention met on September 12, 1842, and on November 5, 1842, adopted this Constitution, which closely resembled the Landholders’ Constitution. It was submitted to the people on November 21–23, 1842, and ratified by them – though receiving even less approval
than the Landholders’ Constitution - with 7,024 to 51 votes (cf. Patrick T. Conley and Robert G. Flanders, Jr., The Rhode Island State Constitution. A Reference Guide [Reference Guides to the State Constitutions of the United States, ed. by G. Alan Tarr, 44], Westport, CT and London: Praeger, 2007, 23, and, with slightly different figures, Mowry, Dorr War, 287–289). The constitution went into effect in May 1843 and, with numerous amendments was only replaced in 1986 by the present constitution of Rhode Island. As to pre-Civil War amendments, three were added in 1854 (q.v.), while two others in that year and three more in 1856 (q.v.) failed. 2 In enrolled manuscript, “principle”. 3 In Mowry, Dorr War, 368, “migrations”. 4 In print C, 3, “creditor”. 5 In Mowry, Dorr War, 370, “in a”. 6 In print A, 6, in print B, 8, and in print C, 4, “Qualification”. 7 In print A, 6, in print B, 8, in print C, 4, and in Mowry, Dorr War, 370, word missing. 8 In print A, 6, in print B, 9, and in print C, 5, “[ ]”. The empty space resulted from the motion passed on September 29, at the very end of the deliberations, to strike out the word “white” (Journal of the Convention, 22, 67–68). In Mowry, Dorr War, 371, no empty space or other indication of the underlying controversy. 9 In print A, 7, in print C, 6, and in Mowry, Dorr War, 372, word missing. 10 In Mowry, Dorr War, 378, “by the”. 11 Ibid., word missing. 12 Ibid., “representative”. 13 Ibid., 379, “representative”. 14 Ibid., 381, “acknowledgment”. 15 Ibid., 382, “offices”. 16 In print C, 16, word missing. 17 In print A, 17, in print B, 25, in print C, 16, and in Mowry, Dorr War, 382, “cases”. 18 In print C, 17, “to”. 19 In print A, 20, and in print C, 19, “AD” missing.
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Amendments of 1854 An Act approving certain propositions of amendment of the Constitution of this State1
Whereas, certain articles of amendment to the Constitution of this State, were proposed by the last General Assembly, by the votes of a majority of all the members elected to each House, and such propositions have been published, and read to the electors at their annual town and ward meetings in April last, as required by the thirteenth article of the Constitution of this State, and the same are now presented to this General Assembly for their action thereon, and a majority of all the members elected to each House at said annual meeting being present and concurring therein. It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: S ECT. 1. The following propositions of amendment of the constitution of this State, passed by the last General Assembly, are hereby declared approved, and for the purposes of publication and submission to the electors, they shall be numbered and arranged as follows: Proposed amendment. Article I. No registry tax shall hereafter be assessed; nor shall the payment of such tax nor the performance of military duty be required as a qualification for voting. Proposed amendment. Article II. Every person otherwise qualified shall be permitted to vote, if his name shall be registered in the city or town where he resides, at least twenty days previous to the time of his voting.
Proposed amendment. Article III. It shall
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not be necessary for the town or ward clerks to keep and transmit to the General Assembly a list or register of all persons voting for general officers: but the General Assembly shall have power to pass such laws on the subject as they may deem expedient. Proposed amendment. Article IV. The Governor by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall hereafter exclusively exercise the pardoning power, except in cases of impeachment, to the same extent as such power is now exercised by the General Assembly. Proposed amendment. Article V. There shall be one session of the General Assembly holden annually, commencing on the last Tuesday of May, at Newport, and an adjournment from the same shall be holden annually at Providence. 1
Verified by Acts and Resolves of the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Passed at the June Session, 1854. With the Roll of Members, Proceedings of the Two Houses in Grand Committee, and Reports Ordered to be Published. State of Rhode Island, &c. Office of the Secretary of State, June 1854, Providence: Knowles & Anthony, State Printers, 1854, 17–18. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Session Law volume. The amendments had been submitted to the people in November 1854. According to the report of the Grand Committee of January 25, 1855, only the proposed amendments III-V received the constitutionally required approval, while amendments I-II fell short of the necessary 60 percent endorsement (Acts and Resolves of the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Passed at the May Session, 1855. With the Roll of Members, Proceedings of the Two Houses in Grand Committee, and Reports Ordered to be Published. State of Rhode Island, &c.
A MENDMENTS OF 1854 Office of the Secretary of State, June 1855, Providence: A. Crawford Greene, State Printer, 1855, 24–25). In January 1854 four further articles had been proposed: “Art. 5. All persons having the right to vote for Senator and Representatives in the city of Providence, shall have the right to vote in the election of the City Council of said city. Art. 6. Whenever any amendment to the Constitution shall have passed two separate General Assemblies, as now provided, it shall become a part of the Constitution of the State, when ratified by a majority of the electors voting thereon at any legal meeting called for the purpose. Art. 7. Any qualified elector removing from this State and returning thereto within six years after the date of his removal, shall, if otherwise qualified, be
entitled to vote in the place where he resides, after a residence of six months therein. Art. 8. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Senators, Representatives, Secretary of State, Attorney General and General Treasurer, shall be elected at the town, city or ward meetings, to be holden on the fourth Tuesday in March, annually” (Acts and Resolves of the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Passed at the January Session, A.D. 1854, being the Adjournment of the October Session; With the Roll of Members of the Two Houses, and Reports Ordered to Be Printed. State of Rhode Island, &c. Office of the Secretary of State, March, 1854, Providence: Sayles, Miller & Simons, Printers to the State, 1854, 276–277). Amendment I was proposed once more in 1856 (q.v.), only to fail again.
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Failed Amendments of 1856
An Act approving certain propositions of amendment of the Constitution of this State1
Whereas, certain articles of amendment to the Constitution of this State were proposed by the last General Assembly, by the votes of a majority of all the members elected to each House, and such propositions have been published, and read to the electors at their annual town and ward meetings, in April last, as required by the thirteenth article of the Constitution of this State, and the same are now presented to this General Assembly for their action thereon, and a majority of all the members elected to each House at said annual meeting being present and concurring therein, It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: S ECT. 1. The following propositions of amendment of the constitution of this State, passed by the last General Assembly, are hereby declared approved, and for the purposes of publication and submission to the electors, they shall be numbered and arranged as follows: Proposed amendment Article I. No registry tax shall hereafter be assessed; nor shall the payment of such tax, nor the performance of military duty, be required as a qualification for voting. Proposed amendment Article II. The General Assembly shall have power to assess a poll tax of not exceeding one dollar annually, upon every
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male inhabitant of this State, of the age of twenty-one years and upwards, excepting persons infirm and poor, and unable to contribute to the public charges, in manner to be provided by law, and the proceeds of such tax shall be applied to the support of the public schools. Proposed amendment Article III. Members of the General Assembly shall receive the sum of two dollars for every day of their attendance, and eight cents per mile for their traveling expenses, in going to and returning from the General Assembly.
1
Verified by Acts and Resolves of the General Assembly, of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Passed at the May Session, 1856. With the Roll of Members, Proceedings of the Two Houses in Grand Committee, and Reports Ordered to be Published. State of Rhode Island, &c. Office of the Secretary of State, May 1856, Providence: A. Crawford Greene & Brother, State Printers, 1856, 30–31. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation as in the Session Law volume. The amendments had been submitted to the people in November 1856. According to the report of the Grand Committee of March 18, 1857, amendment I fell short of the necessary 60 percent endorsement, as it had already done in 1854 (q.v.), while amendments II and III were overwhelmingly rejected (Acts and Resolves of the General Assembly, of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Passed at the January Session, 1857. With the Roll of Members, Proceedings of the Two Houses in Grand Committee, and Reports Ordered to be Published. State of Rhode Island, &c. Office of the Secretary of State, January 1857, Providence: A. Crawford
FAILED A MENDMENTS OF 1856 Greene & Brother, State Printers, 1857, 111). In January 1856 one further article had been proposed which, however, was not readopted by the subsequent legislature: “Art. III. No person shall be entitled to the privileges of an elector in this State, who has not been a resident of the United States for the period of twenty-one years” (Acts and Resolves of the General Assembly,
of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Passed at the January Session, 1856, with the Roll of Members, Proceedings of the Two Houses in Grand Committee, and Reports Ordered to Be Published. State of Rhode Island, &c. Office of the Secretary of State, January 1856, Providence: A. Crawford Greene & Brother, State Printers, 1856, 87).
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Index
apportionment of representatives, 87–88, 99–100, 161, 168, 198, 208, 246–247, 270, 271, 275, 288–289, 313, 329, 371, 456, 475 – by geographical units, 71–72, 86, 128– 129, 179–180, 260–261, 274, 456, 489 – by inhabitants, 18, 36, 42, 86, 88, 96, 100, 128–130, 134, 168, 178–179, 184– 185, 243–246, 261, 274, 282, 288, 299, 330–331, 350–351, 371, 382, 418–419, 429, 456, 473–474, 488–489 – by tax revenue, 18, 167, 330–331, 350– 351, 382, 418–419 census, 36, 42, 57, 63–64, 86–88, 96, 100, 129, 135–136, 168, 178–179, 184–185, 243–244, 299, 313, 350, 371, 382, 429, 488–489 church – separation of church and state, 23, 51, 66, 164, 177, 201, 216–217, 237, 295, 328, 365, 400, 453, 470–471 – state church, 10 citizenship, 93, 165, 297, 341 commerce, 163, 333–335, 441 constitution, 9, 23, 165, 178, 257, 312, 435, 464, 480 – amendment of, 31, 44, 108–109, 142– 143, 171, 180, 198–199, 253–254, 259– 260, 291, 311–312, 327–328, 342–344, 404, 406, 435, 463, 479, 493 – – constitutional convention, 71, 167, 171, 198–199, 254–255 – constitutional review, 70, 75–76, 143, 258–260, 342–344 – fundamental principles, 483 – legal status of, 44, 76, 109, 144–145, 435, 459, 472, 487, 494 corporations, 70–71, 139–140, 239, 250, 274, 309, 327–328, 387, 399, 417–419, 442, 459, 460, 488
debtors, 22, 165, 178, 204, 218, 296, 337, 368, 403, 433, 446, 447, 470, 480, 484 economy – banking, 38, 70–71, 140, 249–250, 273, 309, 439, 442, 459 – regulations, 38, 158, 239, 441 education, 38, 67, 107–108, 140, 237, 240– 241, 281–282, 287, 307, 364, 398, 434, 444, 451, 463, 485–486, 498 – common schools, establishment of, 22, 67, 165, 178, 201, 205, 237, 307, 341– 342, 364, 398, 440, 451, 479, 486, 493 election, eligibility for, 253, 454, 491 – age, 35, 39, 54–55, 102, 131–132, 134, 162–163, 175–176, 184–185, 190, 283, 290, 299, 302, 349, 351, 355, 381–383, 388, 430, 453 – citizenship, 35, 39, 54–55, 58, 72, 102, 131–132, 175–176, 184–185, 189–190, 283, 290, 299, 302, 304–305, 349, 351, 355, 381–383, 388, 397–398, 430, 453 – disqualifying attributes, 16, 17, 35, 57, 100, 106, 162, 164, 171, 172, 177, 179, 189, 198, 220, 236, 253, 297–298, 302, 331–333, 336, 338, 353, 385, 398, 472, 478, 491 – gender, 134, 175, 283, 290, 453 – property, 25, 87–88, 99, 102, 122, 162– 163, 169, 175–176, 179, 428, 429, 432 – race, ethnicity, 25, 175, 179, 283, 290, 453 – religion, 16, 92, 106, 483 – residence, 18, 25, 35, 39, 55, 58, 69, 102, 131–132, 162–163, 169, 175–176, 179, 184–185, 189–190, 220, 282–283, 288, 290, 299, 302, 304–305, 326–327, 349, 351, 355, 381–383, 388, 397–398, 415, 428–430, 453, 478 elections, 13, 17–19, 46, 55, 72, 86, 102, 104, 109, 114, 135–136, 140–142, 157–
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I NDEX 158, 169, 170, 183–184, 195–197, 207– 208, 223, 236, 243, 255–256, 258–260, 282, 284, 291, 297–298, 302, 304, 311– 313, 331, 338, 358, 391, 397–398, 408– 409, 418, 421, 432, 435, 438, 454, 458– 462, 464, 476–478, 480, 487, 490–491, 494 – contestation of, 38, 55, 170, 190, 302, 352, 357, 384, 390 – election committee, 352, 372, 384, 465, 476–477, 490–491 – election day, 17, 23, 25, 35, 55, 75, 101, 109, 130, 141, 143, 162, 179, 184, 190, 220, 226–227, 243, 255–256, 258–259, 270, 283, 290–291, 298, 312–313, 327– 328, 330–331, 342–344, 349–350, 355, 381–382, 387–388, 408–409, 415, 429, 430, 432, 435, 460, 464, 465, 476, 490, 494 – electoral returns, 36, 45, 58–59, 75–76, 130, 170, 190, 220–221, 223, 227, 258– 259, 302, 355, 372, 373, 387–388, 464, 465, 490 – voter registration, 127–128, 432, 454, 464, 471–472, 485–487, 490, 496 – voting procedure, 476, 491 – – ballot, 17–19, 23, 43, 58–59, 61, 64, 86, 88, 90, 102, 114, 128, 131, 161– 165, 167, 168, 170, 175–177, 190, 192, 195, 197, 236, 258–260, 284, 327–333, 338, 342–344, 358, 391, 430, 454, 455, 460, 476–477, 490–491 – – viva voce, 86, 169, 225, 298, 358, 391 electoral districts, 25–27, 35, 36, 87–88, 99–100, 114, 115, 127–130, 162, 167– 169, 179–180, 220, 244–246, 248–259, 270, 271, 274–276, 282, 284, 298–299, 331, 351, 371, 383, 456, 474, 485–486 electoral principles, 158 – equal elections, 51, 297, 365, 400 – free elections, 13, 18, 51, 157, 297, 323, 338, 365, 400, 422 – general elections, 37, 45, 132–133, 135, 139, 141, 143, 241, 251, 275, 276, 291, 396, 415 – majority principle, 298, 462, 474, 478
502
executive, 17, 35, 53–54, 58, 102, 157, 176, 189–190, 226–227, 282, 288, 298, 302, 326, 355, 387, 427, 430, 454, 457, 472, 475, 487, 489 – council of state, 9, 10, 17–20, 45, 163– 164, 170, 325–326, 331–335, 373, 492– 493 – duties, 304, 431, 458, 476 – – state of the government address, 39, 89, 102, 131, 190, 193, 228, 240, 303, 357, 389, 392–393, 430, 458 – head of state, 9, 10, 17, 19, 25, 27, 38– 40, 45, 57–60, 63, 69, 71, 74–76, 88–90, 102, 131–134, 143, 151, 162–165, 170, 176–178, 187–208, 224, 226–227, 229– 230, 288–289, 302, 310, 325–326, 331– 333, 355–357, 359, 373, 387–388, 390, 392, 406, 429–431, 438–439, 457–462, 465, 473, 475–478, 480, 488–494 – – competencies, 9, 10, 17, 19, 20, 26– 27, 36, 39, 40, 42–44, 46, 56, 59, 61–63, 65–67, 74–76, 85–86, 88–90, 92, 97, 100–104, 106, 123, 130–135, 141–142, 144, 151, 162–165, 169, 171, 176–178, 186, 190–192, 196– 197, 207, 227–230, 233–234, 237– 238, 241–242, 247, 258–259, 288– 289, 302–308, 333–335, 353–360, 362–363, 386–390, 392–393, 395– 397, 408, 415, 428, 430, 455, 457, 458, 460, 461, 463, 475–477, 479, 489–491, 493, 496 – mayor, 104, 117, 120, 454, 460, 461, 472, 477 – members, 9, 13, 23, 58–63, 67, 69, 71, 89, 102–103, 131–133, 151, 163–164, 226–227, 229, 240, 247, 302, 304, 310, 333, 335, 364, 390, 399, 428–431, 438, 455–458, 474–479, 489–490, 492 – – appointment, 89, 103, 192, 197, 339, 357–358, 363–364 – – election, 19, 26, 38–40, 45, 58–59, 75, 88–89, 102, 117, 120, 131–132, 143, 162–163, 170, 176–177, 190, 207–208, 226–227, 255, 282, 289, 302, 304, 331– 333, 355, 373, 387–388, 397, 421, 430,
I NDEX 432, 439, 457, 458, 460–462, 464, 465, 476–477, 480, 489–491, 494 – – immunity or indemnity, 490 – – impeachment, 22, 40, 41, 52, 57, 60– 61, 89, 102, 131–134, 151, 163–164, 170, 177, 180, 188–189, 224, 229–230, 288, 359, 392, 429–431, 457, 475–476, 493 – – inability to serve, 19, 40, 60–61, 89, 102–103, 131–132, 151, 163, 176, 191– 192, 229–230, 289, 302, 331–333, 357, 390, 430, 431, 458, 475–476, 489–490 – – length of term, 39, 58, 61, 88–89, 102– 103, 131–132, 142–143, 151, 162–163, 170, 176, 190, 192, 207–208, 227, 289, 302, 304, 331–333, 355, 388, 406, 421, 430, 458, 476, 490 – – plurality of offices, 39, 59, 164–165, 172, 177–178, 192–230, 302, 355–357, 388, 457, 492 – – qualifications, 58, 88, 102, 190, 302, 355, 388, 430, 478 – – re-eligibility, 39, 63, 162–163, 170, 176, 190, 302, 304, 331–333, 355, 388 – – remuneration, 39, 59–61, 69, 102, 131– 132, 163, 176, 187–188, 191, 230, 289, 310, 356, 388, 431, 458, 473, 476, 488, 490 – – responsibility, 61, 192, 304, 357–358, 390 – – right of attendance in legislature, 170, 428, 430, 475 – ministers, 10 – official seat, 304, 491 – powers, 76, 430, 459 – – adjourning legislature, 59, 88–89, 191, 228, 357, 389–390, 430, 458, 475, 489 – – appointing power, 17, 19, 27, 42–44, 61–63, 89–90, 92, 97, 103–104, 133, 142, 164, 171, 176–177, 196–197, 242, 308, 333–335, 356–358, 360, 362– 363, 389, 392–393, 395–397, 408, 415, 428, 455, 457, 463, 479, 491–493 – – – vacancies, filling of, 19, 36, 40, 43, 46, 56, 59, 62–63, 135, 144, 163, 169, 176, 186, 191, 230, 233–234,
238, 282, 288–289, 303–305, 333– 335, 389, 396, 415, 475, 477, 489 – – budgetary powers, 163, 176, 333–335 – – convoking legislature, 26, 36, 39, 59– 61, 88–89, 102, 130–131, 191, 228, 289, 303, 333–335, 357, 389–390, 430, 458, 475–476, 489 – – foreign affairs, control of, 333–335 – – judicial powers, 333–335 – – legislative powers, 282 – – – legislative initiative, 289 – – – sanctioning of laws, 39, 61–62, 85– 86, 100–101, 132, 289, 303, 353– 355, 386–387, 428, 455 – – – veto power, 61–62, 100–101, 132, 289, 303, 353–355, 386–387, 428, 455 – – military commanding power, 20, 26– 27, 39, 59, 66–67, 88–89, 102, 131– 132, 151, 163, 176, 191, 196–197, 228, 242, 282, 289, 302–303, 333–335, 356, 388–389, 430, 457, 475, 489 – – pardoning power, 27, 39, 40, 62, 88– 89, 102, 131, 163, 176, 190, 228–229, 282, 289, 303, 333–335, 357, 389, 430, 458, 489, 496 – – removal power, 103–104, 106, 123, 133–135, 141–142, 306, 359, 392–393, 415 – relation to other branches, 59, 89, 131, 228–230, 303, 333–335 feudal institutions and practices – feudal tenure, 126 government – federal - state relations, 37, 39, 75–76, 90, 165, 328–329, 421, 488–489 – – supremacy of federal law, 437 – finances, 37, 38, 126, 137–138, 240–241, 243, 283, 338–339, 342–344, 486 – – budget, 488 – – fiscal period, 137, 152 – – public debt, 38, 71–73, 107–108, 137– 139, 152, 238–241, 250, 308–310, 417– 418, 459, 473, 488, 494
503
I NDEX – – revenue, ordinary and extraordinary, 70, 143, 250, 417 – form of, 9, 483 – – democracy, 451 – public domain, 284, 290, 442 – public institutions, 237, 241, 273 – subnational government, 162, 179, 421 – – municipal government, 22, 131, 440, 443, 444, 460 – – – municipal officers, 21, 27–28, 31, 37, 43, 45, 66, 90, 104, 109, 128, 135, 140–141, 144, 165, 178, 197– 198, 207–208, 242–243, 257, 275, 276, 298, 304, 306, 333, 338, 356– 357, 362–363, 371, 395–396, 432, 435, 439, 440, 454, 458, 460, 462– 465, 476, 479 – – provincial subdivisons (counties etc), 10, 23, 27, 75, 96, 103–105, 109, 128– 129, 131, 135, 258, 274–276, 285, 288– 289, 329, 339, 397–398, 418–419, 437, 444, 464–466, 485–486, 490–491, 494 – – supervision of local government, 463 – suits against the state, 301, 367, 402 hereditary distinctions, outlawed, 158, 205, 219, 297, 369, 404 infrastructure, 440, 442 – postal system, 288–289 – railroad, 137 – roads, 125–126, 442, 444 judiciary, 35, 53–54, 63, 157, 192–193, 231, 247–248, 282, 288, 298, 304, 359, 392, 427, 431, 445, 454, 462, 472, 478, 487, 492 – attorney general, 10, 27, 43, 65, 69, 71, 103, 132–133, 143, 162–164, 171, 176– 177, 226–227, 230, 240, 255, 257–258, 333–335, 430–432, 439, 456, 460, 464, 474, 476, 478, 480, 490–492, 494 – council of censors, 342–344, 444 – courts, 91, 104, 219, 235, 256–257, 295, 326, 367, 402, 445–447, 463 – – appellate court, 20, 27, 40, 42, 43, 133– 136, 144
504
– – court of arbitration, 289 – – court of sessions, 104, 195, 305, 431 – – courts of equity, 20, 38, 40, 41, 90, 136, 143–144, 289, 335–336, 361, 394, 462, 478 – – inferior courts, 20, 27, 40–43, 46, 63– 64, 105–106, 134–136, 143–144, 193– 194, 231–233, 251, 258, 282, 289, 304– 305, 336, 359–362, 392–395, 415, 431, 432, 436, 462, 478–479, 492 – – local courts, 41, 90, 103–106, 135, 143–144, 231–232, 257, 272, 273, 304– 306 – – military courts, 42, 43, 90, 103, 142, 484–485 – – supreme court, 20, 40–42, 63, 65, 90, 105, 134, 136, 143–144, 192–193, 231, 257, 282–284, 289, 304–305, 335– 336, 359–361, 392–394, 431, 435, 445, 462, 466, 478–480, 492, 494 – – – as appellate court, 63, 193 – – – judges, 40, 41, 43, 63–65, 85–86, 90–91, 105, 134–135, 144, 163, 171, 176, 187–188, 193–194, 233–235, 272, 282, 284, 305–307, 310, 335, 364, 399, 463, 478–479, 492–493 – – – – appointment, 27, 43, 64, 135, 143, 162, 176, 194, 231, 255–256, 289, 304–305, 392–393, 415, 431, 462, 478–479, 492–493 – – – – chief justice, 41, 63, 69, 105, 170, 282, 305, 415, 429, 431, 457, 475, 493 – – – – impeachment, 22, 41, 52, 57, 64, 170, 171, 180, 224, 335, 429–431, 457, 462, 475, 478–479, 492–493 – – – – incompatibility with other offices, 21, 28, 37, 43, 90, 106, 134, 164– 165, 172, 177–178, 194, 333–335, 356–357, 392–393, 415, 492–493 – – – – number, 41, 63, 105, 135–136, 193, 231, 234, 289, 304–305, 431 – – – – qualifications, 304–305, 415 – – – – tenure, 21, 27, 43, 64, 90, 105– 106, 134, 162, 176, 194, 255–256, 289, 305, 335, 359, 392–393, 406–
I NDEX 407, 415, 431, 462, 478–479, 492 – judges, 40, 41, 43, 65, 69, 90, 103–104, 106, 133–136, 144, 163, 193–194, 224, 233–235, 272, 305–306, 335, 360–362, 364, 393–395, 399, 407–408, 431, 432, 463, 492 – – appointment or election, 19, 41–43, 105–106, 134–135, 143, 162, 172, 194, 233, 255–256, 258, 305, 333–335, 360, 415, 431, 439, 463 – – incompatibility with other offices, 37, 90, 106, 134, 164–165, 178, 194, 356– 357, 392–393, 415, 492 – – legally competent judges, 134, 306, 392–393, 415 – – removal, 41, 392–393, 492 – judicial districts, 63–64, 90, 105–106, 134–136, 193, 231–232, 258, 272, 313– 314, 360, 393, 396, 415 – juries, 446, 492 – jurisdiction, 134–135, 143–144, 193– 194, 232–233, 258, 272, 273, 282, 301, 304–306, 360, 393, 431, 435, 436, 462, 478–480, 492–494 – – appellate, 105–106, 231–232, 289, 305 – – ordinary, 41 – – original, 136, 193, 231–232, 289 – – restrictions upon, 135 – local judicial officers, 20, 21, 27–28, 34, 37, 40–43, 46, 52, 65, 90, 103–105, 114, 134–136, 143–144, 164–165, 170–172, 177–178, 194–195, 220, 233–235, 243, 255–258, 282, 284, 304, 306, 337–338, 359, 362–364, 389, 392, 395–397, 399, 407–409, 429, 431, 439, 446, 463–465, 479, 484, 493 – relation to other branches, 41, 289 – remuneration, 20, 21, 41, 43, 69, 134– 136, 144, 163, 171, 176, 187–188, 194, 234, 310, 335–336, 359, 392–393, 415, 431, 463, 479, 493 – trials, 452, 470, 479 – – hearing of evidence, 361, 394 language
– other languages, 359 law, 10, 18, 19, 54, 70–72, 157, 187, 223, 283–284, 298–301, 309, 330, 427, 454, 472 – codification of existing bodies of law, 126–127 – transitional provisions, 28, 45, 46, 73, 91–92, 108–109, 127, 143–144, 180, 206–207, 255–258, 313, 364, 370, 398– 399, 405–406, 408–409, 435, 436, 466, 471, 476, 478, 480, 484, 488, 494 – uniformity of, 27–28, 38, 65, 90–91, 130–131, 165, 178, 195, 224–225, 235– 236, 252, 336–337, 362, 395, 487, 489– 490 legislature, 9, 17, 35, 53–54, 99, 157, 161, 175, 183–184, 220, 282, 288, 298–299, 326, 349, 359, 381–472, 487 – convocation of, 18, 178, 351, 384, 406 – joint sessions, 25, 38, 43, 54, 71, 85, 101, 170, 224, 270, 279, 300, 327–328, 427, 438, 456, 465, 472, 488, 491 – lower house, 17, 25, 35, 54, 85, 99, 128, 161–162, 175, 183–184, 220–221, 288, 298–299, 325–326, 349, 381–438, 454, 456, 472–474, 487 – – members, 13, 17, 38, 45, 86, 88, 96, 109, 162, 260–261, 299, 302, 364, 399, 438, 465, 488–489, 492 – – – election, 17, 18, 25–26, 28–29, 35, 36, 38, 43, 45, 54–55, 75, 86–88, 99– 100, 129–130, 143, 157, 161–162, 168, 169, 175–176, 184–185, 207– 208, 220, 270, 282, 288, 299–300, 326–328, 330–331, 349, 372, 381, 396, 418–419, 421, 422, 427–429, 432, 439, 455, 456, 461, 464, 465, 472–474, 476–477, 480, 487–488, 490–491, 493–494 – – – immunity, indemnity, 36, 72, 130, 165, 178, 186, 222, 299–300, 353, 385, 427, 455, 472, 487 – – – incompatibility, 57, 89, 100, 130, 164, 177, 189, 333, 427, 455, 472, 487 – – – leader of lower house, 56
505
I NDEX – – – length of term, 28–29, 54, 99, 128, 143, 161, 168, 175, 184, 207–208, 220, 270, 299, 327, 349, 381, 421, 476 – – – mandatory attendance, 55, 185, 220– 221, 300, 352, 384, 428, 455, 472 – – – plurality of offices, 18, 19, 28, 37, 56, 90, 100, 130, 164–165, 172, 177– 178, 188–189, 220, 223, 298, 302, 326–327, 353, 385, 397–398, 427, 455, 478, 492 – – – qualifications, 18, 25–26, 35, 36, 54– 55, 99, 130, 162, 175, 184–185, 220– 221, 288, 299, 326–328, 349, 352, 381–382, 384, 428, 429, 455, 472, 478, 487 – – – re-eligibility, 18, 165–166, 178, 327 – – – remuneration, 36, 46, 69, 100, 130, 187–188, 223, 226, 301–302, 353, 385, 488, 498 – – – speaker, 18, 26, 36, 40, 56, 60, 69, 87, 130, 132–133, 151, 162–163, 175–176, 185, 187, 191–192, 229– 230, 288, 302, 327–328, 351–353, 384, 386, 429, 432, 433, 438, 456, 460, 461, 465, 474, 476–478, 489 – – – vacancy, 36, 56, 162, 175, 186, 222, 288, 304, 353, 386, 427–429, 455, 456, 465, 474, 491 – – powers, 18–20, 87, 169–171, 176–177, 186, 223, 225–226, 231–232, 234–236, 242, 248–289, 298, 300, 302, 306–310, 327–328, 336, 352, 359, 384, 397, 399, 407–408, 430–432, 434, 455, 459, 460, 462, 463, 465, 471–473, 477–479, 492– 493 – – – adjournment, 18, 26, 36, 55–56, 62, 85, 88, 99, 130, 162, 165–166, 175, 178, 185, 187, 220–222, 288–289, 300, 303, 327–328, 352–353, 384– 385, 427, 428, 438, 455, 465, 472– 473, 487–488, 496 – – – appointing power, 17, 18, 27, 43, 65, 89–90, 103, 141, 162–164, 169, 176, 225, 251–252, 327–329, 339, 363– 364
506
– – – – confirmation of appointments, 61– 64, 177 – – – appropriation of funds, 67, 87–88, 237, 307, 434, 463, 479 – – – budgetary power, 240 – – – bylaws, 18, 36, 87, 186, 221, 288, 300, 327–328, 352, 384, 428, 455, 472–473, 487–488 – – – impeachment, 18, 22, 27, 41, 52, 57– 58, 91, 105, 133–134, 163–164, 170, 177, 180, 188–189, 224, 288, 327– 328, 335, 358–359, 391–392, 429, 430, 457, 475, 493 – – – judiciary functions, 55–56, 186– 187, 221, 288, 300, 352, 384, 428, 455, 459, 472–473 – – – legislation, 28, 140, 301, 438, 459, 460 – – – – legislative initiative, 18, 25, 35, 44, 46, 53, 56, 65–66, 91–92, 100, 108–109, 126–127, 130, 142–143, 157, 162, 169, 175, 187, 203, 219, 222, 274, 288–289, 291, 300, 327– 328, 353, 367, 386, 402, 487, 493, 496 – – – – passage of bills, 36, 39, 56, 85–86, 100–101, 130, 132, 139, 221, 223, 289, 300, 330, 354, 387, 428 – – – – – majorities, 38, 44, 61–62, 85– 86, 100–101, 107–109, 126, 130–132, 142–143, 171, 180, 289, 291, 301, 303, 311, 353– 355, 386–387, 404, 455, 463, 479, 488, 493 – – – – promulgation, 19, 136, 142–143, 171, 180, 252–254, 291, 311, 330, 404, 435, 463, 479, 493, 496, 498 – – – – publication of laws, 66, 301 – – – – reading of bills, 19, 36, 56, 162, 171, 175–176, 180, 187, 222–223, 300, 330 – – – – restrictions, 37, 38, 131, 140, 169, 250–251, 301 – – – – – bills of attainder, 37, 93 – – – – – constitutionality of laws, 18, 85– 86
I NDEX – – – – – ex post facto laws, 37 – – – – sanctioning of laws, 25–26, 39, 85–86, 100, 130, 187, 487, 496, 498 – – – – taking effect of law, 18, 61–62, 72, 224–225, 301, 303, 327–328, 353– 355, 386–387, 428, 454, 455, 459, 463, 479 – – – – tax, revenue legislation, 22, 26, 37, 70–73, 139, 188, 223, 250, 273, 288–289, 295, 297, 300, 308, 353, 386, 459, 473, 479, 488, 498 – – – war and peace-making, 288–289 – – procedures, 487–488 – – – budget report, 56–57, 188, 252–253, 308 – – – committees, 88 – – – duration of session, 141, 288–289, 487, 496 – – – election of officers, 26, 36, 55, 99, 130, 162, 175, 185, 221, 288, 300, 327–328, 428, 429, 455, 456, 461, 462, 474, 489 – – – first/constitutive session, 26, 31, 35, 75, 126–127, 129, 136, 162–163, 167–169, 171, 189, 224, 251–252, 270, 288–289, 328–329, 351–352, 384, 417–418, 465, 466 – – – journal, 17, 19, 36, 39, 56, 61–62, 100–101, 108–109, 123, 130–132, 134–135, 139, 142–143, 163, 165, 178, 186, 221–222, 235, 253–254, 289, 300, 303, 311, 353–355, 386– 387, 404, 428, 431, 455, 473, 488 – – – – publication of, 36, 44, 88, 99, 130, 165–166, 178, 185–186, 252, 352, 384–385, 428, 455 – – – parliamentary officers, 438 – – – quorum, 18, 25, 36, 55, 87, 99, 130, 139, 185, 220–221, 288, 300, 328, 352, 384, 428, 455, 472, 487 – – – resolutions, 62, 235, 300–301, 306, 354, 387, 431, 455, 462, 478–479 – – – sessions open to public, 19, 56, 88, 99, 130, 187, 222, 300, 329, 352, 385
– – – votes, 62, 298, 329–330, 438, 457, 492 – official seat, 59, 69, 71–72, 136, 170, 178, 180, 190, 198, 227, 231, 252, 305, 310, 355, 387–388, 465 – powers, 10, 27, 34, 35, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 88–89, 101, 103–104, 131, 134–136, 141–142, 165, 251–252, 259–260, 283, 415, 417–419, 422, 454, 465, 484, 487– 488, 491, 493 – relation to other branches, 26–27 – structure – – bicameral, 25, 35, 54, 85, 99, 161, 175, 183–184, 220, 298–299, 349, 381–438, 454, 472, 487 – – unicameral, 17, 326 – third and further houses or chambers – – powers – – – judiciary functions, 134 – upper house, 9, 25, 35, 54, 85, 99, 128, 161–162, 175, 179–180, 183–184, 220, 298–299, 349, 381–438, 454, 472, 487 – – members, 13, 17, 38, 45, 54, 88, 96, 133–134, 162, 299, 302, 350–351, 364, 382, 399, 429, 438, 457, 475, 478, 489, 492 – – – appointment, 46 – – – election, 25–26, 28–29, 35, 36, 38, 45, 46, 54–55, 75, 86–88, 96, 99– 100, 128–130, 143, 157, 161–162, 167–169, 173, 175–176, 179, 184– 185, 207–208, 220, 270, 299–300, 350–351, 371, 372, 382–384, 418, 421, 422, 427, 428, 432, 439, 455, 456, 460, 461, 464, 465, 472, 474, 476–477, 480, 487–488, 490–491, 493–494 – – – immunity, indemnity, 36, 72, 130, 165, 178, 186, 222, 299–300, 353, 385, 427, 455, 472, 487 – – – incompatibility, 57, 89, 100, 130, 164, 177, 189, 427, 455, 472, 487 – – – leader of upper house, 26, 36, 40, 56, 60–61, 69, 89–91, 99, 102–103, 130, 132–134, 151, 227, 229–230, 302, 428, 429, 431, 438, 457, 458,
507
I NDEX 476, 489–490 – – – length of term, 28–29, 35, 54–55, 87, 96, 99, 128, 143, 161, 167, 175, 184–185, 207–208, 220, 270, 299, 350–351, 371, 382–384, 421, 428, 476 – – – mandatory attendance, 55, 185, 220– 221, 300, 352, 384, 428, 455, 472 – – – plurality of offices, 28, 37, 56, 89– 90, 100, 130, 164–165, 172, 177– 178, 188–189, 220, 223, 298, 302, 353, 385, 397–398, 427, 455, 478, 492 – – – qualifications, 25, 35, 36, 55, 99, 130, 162, 169, 175, 185, 220–221, 299, 351–352, 383–384, 428, 455, 472, 478, 487 – – – remuneration, 36, 46, 69, 100, 130, 187–188, 223, 226, 301–302, 353, 385, 488, 498 – – – speaker, 56, 162–163, 170, 175–176, 185, 187, 190–192, 351–353, 355, 357, 373, 384, 386–388, 390 – – – vacancy, 35, 36, 56, 162, 175, 186, 222, 304, 353, 371, 386, 427, 428, 455, 457, 458, 465, 477, 491 – – powers, 26–27, 106, 123, 142, 169– 171, 176–177, 186, 223, 225–226, 231– 232, 234–236, 242, 248–298, 300, 302, 306–310, 336, 352, 359, 384, 397, 399, 407–408, 430–432, 434, 455, 459, 460, 462, 463, 471–473, 477–479, 489, 492– 493, 496 – – – adjournment, 26, 36, 55–56, 62, 85, 88, 99, 130, 162, 165–166, 175, 178, 185, 187, 220–222, 300, 303, 352– 353, 384–385, 427, 428, 438, 455, 465, 472–473, 487–488, 496 – – – appointing power, 17, 27, 43, 65, 89– 90, 103, 141, 162–164, 169, 176, 225, 251–252, 328–329, 339, 363– 364 – – – – confirmation of appointments, 42– 44, 61–64, 103–104, 142, 144, 177, 237–238, 389, 392–393 – – – appropriation of funds, 67, 237, 307,
508
434, 463, 479 – – – budgetary power, 240 – – – bylaws, 36, 186, 221, 300, 352, 384, 428, 455, 472–473, 487–488 – – – impeachment, 41, 52, 57–58, 91, 163–164, 170, 180, 188–189, 224, 359, 391–392, 429, 430, 457, 475, 493 – – – judiciary functions, 55–56, 134, 186–187, 221, 300, 352, 384, 428, 455, 459, 472–473 – – – legislation, 28, 140, 301, 438, 459, 460 – – – – legislative initiative, 25, 35, 44, 46, 53, 56, 65–66, 91–92, 100, 108–109, 126–127, 130, 142–143, 157, 162, 169, 175, 187, 203, 219, 222, 274, 291, 300, 367, 402, 487, 493, 496 – – – – passage of bills, 39, 56, 85–86, 100–101, 130, 132, 139, 221, 223, 300, 354, 387, 428 – – – – – majorities, 38, 41, 44, 61–62, 85–86, 100–101, 107–109, 126, 130–132, 142–143, 165–166, 171, 178, 180, 291, 301, 303, 311, 353–355, 386–387, 404, 455, 463, 479, 488, 493 – – – – promulgation, 136, 142–143, 171, 180, 252–254, 291, 311, 404, 435, 463, 479, 493, 496, 498 – – – – publication of laws, 301 – – – – reading of bills, 36, 56, 162, 171, 175–176, 180, 187, 222–223, 300 – – – – restrictions, 37, 38, 131, 140, 169, 250–251, 301 – – – – – bills of attainder, 37, 93 – – – – – constitutionality of laws, 85–86 – – – – – ex post facto laws, 37 – – – – sanctioning of laws, 25–26, 37, 39, 85–86, 100, 130, 187, 487, 496, 498 – – – – taking effect of laws, 61–62, 72, 224–225, 301, 303, 353–355, 386– 387, 428, 454, 455, 459, 463, 479 – – – – tax or revenue legislation, 22, 70–
I NDEX 73, 139, 188, 223, 250, 273, 295, 297, 308, 353, 386, 459, 473, 479, 488, 498 – – procedures, 487–488 – – – committees, 88 – – – duration of session, 141, 487, 496 – – – election of officers, 36, 55, 99, 130, 162, 175, 185, 221, 300, 428, 455, 461, 462, 475 – – – first/constitutive session, 26, 31, 35, 46, 75, 126–127, 129, 136, 162–163, 167–169, 171, 189, 224, 251–252, 270, 328–329, 351–352, 384, 417– 418, 465, 466 – – – journal, 17, 36, 39, 56, 61–62, 100– 101, 108–109, 123, 130–132, 134– 135, 139, 142–143, 163, 165, 178, 186, 221–222, 235, 237–238, 253– 254, 300, 303, 311, 353–355, 386– 387, 404, 428, 431, 455, 473, 488 – – – – publication of, 36, 44, 88, 99, 130, 165–166, 178, 185–186, 252, 352, 384–385, 428, 455 – – – quorum, 25, 27, 36, 55, 87–88, 99, 130, 139, 185, 220–221, 300, 352, 384, 428, 455, 472, 487 – – – resolutions, 62, 235, 300–301, 306, 354, 387, 431, 455, 462, 478–479 – – – sessions open to public, 56, 88, 99, 130, 187, 222, 300, 352, 385 – – – votes, 60, 62, 298, 428, 438, 457, 492 lotteries, 37, 108–109, 126, 253, 310, 439, 473, 488 military, 52, 326, 466, 494 – conscription, 23, 233–234, 241–242, 454 – members, 42, 43, 90, 103, 141–142, 162, 283, 308, 439 – – special regulations for, 27, 34, 36, 42, 53, 68, 107, 125, 142, 164, 205, 236, 297, 367, 401–402, 423, 433, 452, 453, 469, 471, 485–487 – navy, 34, 484 – organization of, 23, 196–197, 242, 308
– quartering of troops, 34, 52, 218, 297, 369, 404, 422, 434, 453, 470, 485 – standing army, 14, 52, 106, 158, 204– 205, 216, 324, 369, 403–404, 422 – subordination to civil authorities, 14, 34, 52, 158, 204–205, 216, 296–297, 324, 369, 403–404, 422, 434, 453, 470, 484– 485 militia, 18, 27, 34, 42, 52–53, 66–67, 92– 93, 102–103, 141, 162–163, 165, 169, 170, 172, 176–178, 196, 220, 241–242, 288–289, 298, 308, 326–327, 353, 356, 363, 367, 385, 388–389, 395–396, 401– 402, 422, 428, 430, 432, 440, 452, 455, 469, 484 nobility – abolition of titles of, 297, 369, 404 – position of, 66 oaths, 14, 16–18, 21, 22, 28–29, 33, 38, 41, 51, 57–58, 68–69, 87, 91, 93, 105, 109, 133–134, 162, 165, 170, 176, 180, 188, 198, 202, 218, 224, 253, 283, 290, 295, 302, 306–307, 310, 324, 327–328, 340– 341, 359, 364, 366, 389, 391, 399, 401, 427, 429, 433, 435, 452, 455, 457, 459, 462, 469, 475, 477–478, 484, 492–493 – loyalty oaths, 68 – of office, 76, 106, 142, 456, 460, 465, 474, 491–492 police power, domestic security, 13, 157, 165, 178, 288–289, 306, 322, 442–444 population groups, 168, 178–179 – foreigners, 22, 68, 165, 297, 341 – minorities – – ethnic groups, 312 – – indigents, 92, 108, 126, 281–282, 287, 442 – multiethnic states – – relations between ethnic groups/nations, 92, 108, 165 – – rights and privileges of ethnic groups/nations, 281–282, 287, 311
509
I NDEX religion, 164, 171, 177, 295, 308, 328, 364, 398–399, 421 representation, 421 rights, 23, 34, 298, 312, 324–325, 342, 432, 438, 454, 470, 472 – abolition or alteration of government, popular right of, 13, 33, 50–51, 200, 215, 295, 322–323, 365, 399–400, 421, 451, 483 – assembly, freedom of, 14, 34, 53, 126, 158, 204, 215–216, 288, 296, 325, 369, 403, 422, 434, 452, 470, 485 – bearing or keeping of arms, 14, 16, 53, 158, 204–205, 216, 288, 296–297, 308, 323–324, 363, 369, 395–396, 403, 422, 470, 485 – business, freedom to conduct, 281, 287 – contract, freedom of, 281, 287, 312 – emigration, right of, 14, 297 – equality, 13, 50, 157, 200, 295–296, 321, 364–365, 399, 451 – ex post facto laws, illegality of, 14, 53, 158, 204, 225, 296, 368, 403, 422, 433, 452, 470, 484 – expression, freedom of, 14, 34, 51, 107, 126, 202, 218, 295, 324, 366, 400–401, 451 – habeas corpus, 34, 52, 63, 106–107, 125, 203, 217, 281, 287, 296, 306, 368, 402– 403, 433, 446, 452, 469, 484 – inalienability of rights, 13, 33, 50–51, 53, 88, 106, 125, 157, 165, 178, 200, 215, 219, 296, 321, 342, 364–365, 369, 399–400, 404, 421, 434, 451–453, 460, 461, 470, 485 – innocent, rights of, 434, 452, 470 – inviolability of the home, 14, 33, 51, 157, 202, 218, 288, 295, 324, 366, 401, 422, 433, 452, 469, 484 – legal rights, 34, 157, 366, 400–401, 422, 483–484 – – bail, 22, 34, 52, 125, 157, 165, 178, 203–204, 217, 281, 287, 296, 337, 368, 402–403, 422, 433, 446, 452, 469, 484 – – compulsory process (for exculpatory evidence), 14, 34, 52, 203, 217–218,
510
295–296, 323–324, 366–367, 401, 433, 452, 469–470, 484 – – confrontation with witnesses for the prosecution, 14, 28, 34, 52, 125, 157, 203, 217–218, 295–296, 323–324, 366–367, 401, 422, 433, 452, 469–470, 484 – – counsel, 14, 28, 34, 52, 91, 107, 125, 203, 217–218, 295–296, 323–324, 366–367, 401, 422, 433, 452, 469–470, 484 – – cruel or unusual punishment, prohibition of, 21, 34, 52, 125, 157, 203–204, 217, 281, 287, 296, 368, 402, 422, 433, 452, 469, 484 – – double jeopardy, 34, 52, 107, 125, 203, 217–218, 296, 367, 401–402, 433, 452, 469, 484 – – due process, 34, 107, 422, 484 – – excessive fines, prohibition of, 34, 125, 203–204, 217, 281, 287, 422, 484 – – indictment and information, 34, 41, 52, 107, 125, 157, 170, 180, 188– 189, 203, 217–218, 224, 295–296, 359, 366–367, 392, 401–402, 422, 429, 433, 452, 457, 469–470, 475, 484 – – non-self-incrimination, 14, 107, 125, 157, 203, 217–218, 296, 323–324, 366– 367, 401, 422, 434, 452, 470, 484 – – to be heard, 14, 103–104, 123, 125, 136, 141, 203, 295–296, 323–324, 366– 367, 401, 484 – – trial by jury, 14, 21, 22, 28–29, 34, 41, 51–57, 93, 106–107, 125, 157, 170, 180, 188–189, 202–203, 216–219, 224, 281, 287, 295–296, 312, 323–324, 336, 359, 365–367, 392, 400–402, 422, 429, 433, 434, 452, 457, 469–470, 475, 484 – liberty and security of person, 13, 14, 16, 33, 50, 107, 125, 157, 200, 215, 218, 281, 287, 295, 321, 323–324, 364–367, 399, 401, 421, 433, 451, 452, 469–470, 484 – life, right to, 13, 14, 16, 50, 107, 200, 215, 321, 323, 364–367, 399, 401, 421, 433, 451, 452, 469–470, 484
I NDEX – matrimony, 37, 71, 126, 169, 226, 284, 301, 310, 384, 445, 459 – movement, freedom of, 53, 312, 325, 369, 404 – personal freedom, 50, 157, 200, 215, 281, 287, 321, 364–365, 399, 451 – petition, right of, 14, 53, 126, 215–216, 288, 325, 369, 403, 422, 434, 470, 485 – popular sovereignty, 13, 50–51, 85, 88– 89, 91–92, 108–109, 126, 157, 206, 215, 281, 287, 295–296, 322, 365, 399–400, 421, 451, 452 – press, freedom of the, 14, 22, 33, 51, 107, 126, 157–158, 202, 218, 288, 295, 324, 339, 366, 400–401, 422, 434, 452, 470, 485 – privacy of mail, 33 – property rights, 14, 19, 22, 28, 33, 38, 53, 126, 157, 165, 178, 201–202, 204, 218–219, 281, 284, 287, 296, 310–312, 321, 324, 339–340, 364–365, 368–369, 399, 403, 421, 445, 448 – – expropriation, 14, 34, 51, 107, 125– 126, 157, 296, 309, 323, 367, 399, 401– 402, 434, 453, 470, 484 – – freedom of ownership, 13, 14, 50–51, 157, 200, 202, 215, 218, 295, 323–324, 366–367, 401, 433, 451, 452, 469–470 – religion, freedom of, 13, 15, 28, 33, 51, 91–92, 106, 125, 158, 164–165, 177– 178, 201, 216–217, 281, 287, 295, 321– 322, 365, 400, 421, 434, 438, 453, 470– 471, 483 – self-defense, right of, 33, 204–205, 288, 296–297, 421 – separation of powers, 35, 53–54, 157, 288, 298, 421, 427, 454, 487 – speech, freedom of, 14, 33, 51, 107, 126, 202, 218, 288, 295, 324, 366, 400–401, 422, 427, 455, 472 slavery, 13, 50, 198–201, 216, 282, 287– 288, 312, 443, 470, 483 social welfare – poor, supervision of, 442, 444 sovereign rights of the state, 447, 484
– hunting privileges, 341 – right of coinage, 247–248 state and administrative apparatus, 73– 74 – administration – – waters, 9, 107–108, 118, 132–133, 137–138, 152, 443, 484 state independence, 49, 50, 300 state insignias, 19, 20, 27, 39, 44, 61, 74, 105, 163, 176, 192, 207, 229, 304, 330, 335, 363, 397, 430, 438, 459, 489–490 state territory, 9, 10, 73–74, 107–108, 126, 138, 284, 290–291, 437, 460, 487 tariffs and duties, 107–108, 116, 118, 137, 152 taxes, 17, 28, 33, 86–87, 107–108, 137, 158, 162, 175, 184–185, 195, 326, 342– 344, 358, 390–391, 422, 439, 454, 459, 471–473, 485–486, 496, 498 – tax equity, 138, 172, 249, 273, 297, 307– 308 – tax expenditures, 239–240, 434, 459, 473 – taxation, 27, 67, 139, 154, 172, 205, 237, 239–240, 243, 249–251, 307–308, 310, 454, 460, 486, 488, 498 territorial organization, 71, 198, 225– 226, 310–311 – boundaries, 49, 158–159, 199–200, 311, 437 treason, 34, 69, 102, 186, 195–196, 222, 228–229, 236, 296, 298–300, 303, 333– 335, 353, 358, 368, 385, 391, 403, 454 voting rights, 13, 58, 72, 87, 102, 109, 195– 196, 236, 253, 283, 298, 304, 323, 331, 358, 391, 422, 430, 432, 454, 471–472, 478, 491, 496, 498 – age, 17, 26, 34, 67–68, 86–87, 101, 115, 127, 162, 169, 173, 175, 195–196, 236, 290, 297, 326, 358, 390–391, 432, 453, 471, 485–486 – citizenship, 68, 101, 127, 173, 236, 283, 290, 297, 390–391, 453, 471, 485–486
511
I NDEX – disqualifying attributes, 34, 57, 101–102, 127, 154, 169, 196, 236, 282, 297, 338, 432, 453, 454, 471, 486–487 – gender, 34, 67–68, 86–87, 101, 115, 120, 127, 169, 173, 175, 195–196, 236, 283, 290, 297, 432, 453, 471, 485–486 – property, 26, 86–88, 101, 127, 154, 162, 169, 173, 175, 432, 454, 460, 471, 485– 486 – race, ethnicity, 34, 67–68, 101, 127, 154,
512
169, 173, 175, 195–196, 236, 282–283, 290, 297, 390–391, 432, 453, 471 – residence, 17, 26, 34, 67–69, 86–87, 101, 115, 127, 162, 169, 173, 175, 195–196, 236, 283, 290, 297, 326, 358, 390–391, 453, 471, 485–487 war, state of, 52, 102, 205, 217–219, 238– 239, 297, 309, 367, 369, 401–402, 404, 433, 434, 452, 453, 459, 469–470, 473