Constitution of Massachusetts
The supreme law of Massachusetts, alongside the U.S. Constitution.
Preamble
The preamble of the constitution provided a model that was drawn on when the United States Constitution was composed a few years later, including some phrases near the end. It reads:
The end of the institution, maintenance, and administration of government, is to secure the existence of the body politic, to protect it, and to furnish the individuals who compose it with the power of enjoying in safety and tranquillity their natural rights, and the blessings of life: and whenever these great objects are not obtained, the people have a right to alter the government, and to take measures necessary for their safety, prosperity and happiness.
The body politic is formed by a voluntary association of individuals: it is a social compact, by which the whole people covenants with each citizen, and each citizen with the whole people, that all shall be governed by certain laws for the common good. It is the duty of the people, therefore, in framing a constitution of government, to provide for an equitable mode of making laws, as well as for an impartial interpretation, and a faithful execution of them; that every man may, at all times, find his security in them.
We, therefore, the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the goodness of the great Legislator of the universe, in affording us, in the course of His providence, an opportunity, deliberately and peaceably, without fraud, violence or surprise, of entering into an original, explicit, and solemn compact with each other; and of forming a new constitution of civil government, for ourselves and posterity; and devoutly imploring His direction in so interesting a design, do agree upon, ordain and establish the following Declaration of Rights, and Frame of Government, as the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Overview
Constitution of Massachusetts
Constitution of Massachusetts
American state constitution
| Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts |
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The title page and first articles, the Declaration of Rights, in the first published edition of the 1780 Constitution |
| Overview |
| Jurisdiction |
| Subordinate to |
| Created |
| Presented |
| Ratified |
| System |
| Government structure |
| Branches |
| Chambers |
| Executive |
| Judiciary |
| History |
| First legislature |
| First executive |
| First court |
| Amendments |
| Last amended |
| Commissionedby |
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| Supersedes |
| Full text |
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the fundamental governing document of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, one of the 50 individual states that make up the [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Un
Sourced from Wikipedia (CC-BY-SA 3.0). For the official text, consult the Massachusetts Secretary of State.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.