Page images
PDF
EPUB

Preamble.

in general convention, to consider, discuss and propose a new Constitution, or alterations and amendments to the existing Constitution of this Commonwealth; and by an act passed on the thirteenth of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fiftyone, did further provide for submitting the same to the people for ratification or rejection, and the same having been submitted accordingly was ratified by them; And, whereas, the General Assembly of Virginia, by an act passed on the twenty-first day of December, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, did provide for the election, by the people, of delegates to meet in general convention, to consider, discuss and adopt alterations and amendments to the existing Constitution of this Commonwealth, the delegates so assembled did, therefore, having maturely considered the premises, adopt a revised and amended Constitution as the form of government of Virginia; And, whereas, the Congress of the United States did, by an act passed on the second day of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, and entitled "An act to provide for the more efficient government of the rebel States," and by acts supplementary thereto passed on the twentythird day of March and the nineteenth day of July, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, provide for the electica, by the people of Virginia,

qualified to vote under the provisions of said acts, of delegates to meet in convention to frame a Constitution or form of government for Virginia in conformity with said acts; and by the same acts did further provide for the submitting of such Constitution to the qualified voters for ratification or rejection;

We, therefore, the delegates of the good people of Virginia, elected and in convention assembled, in pursuance of said act, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do propose to the people the following Constitution and form of government for this Commonwealth:

WASHINGTON.

We, the people of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution.

WISCONSIN.

We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings, form a more perfect government, insure domestic tranquility, and promote the general welfare, do establish this Constitution.

WYOMING.

We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political and religious liberties, and desiring to secure them to ourselves and perpetuate them to our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

No Person to be Disfranchised.

NO PERSON TO BE DISFRANCHISED.

ARTICLE I.

I Section 1. No member of this State shall be disfranchised,

2 or deprived of any of the rights or privileges secured to any 3 citizen thereof, unless by the law of the land, or the judgment

[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

All political power is inherent in the people, and government is instituted for their protection, security and benefit; and they have the right to alter, reform or abolish the same in such manner as they may think proper. 3. II.

The equality of all persons before the law is recognized, and shall ever remain inviolate; nor shall any citizen ever be deprived of any right, privilege or immunity, nor exempted from any burden or duty, on account of race, color or previous condition. 18. II.

The General Assembly shall not grant to any citizen or class of

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]
[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]
« PreviousContinue »