Constitution of West Virginia

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The preamble was added to the constitution in 1960 by referendum.[10]

Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia, in and through the provisions of this Constitution, reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God and seek diligently to promote, preserve and perpetuate good government in the State of West Virginia for the common welfare, freedom and security of ourselves and our posterity.

— Constitution of West Virginia, Preamble

Article I. Relations to the US Government

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Article I defines the state in relation to the federal government. It acknowledges the supremacy of the U.S. Constitution and declares that the state constitution is set out according to the principle that powers not enumerated for the federal government are reserved to the states.[11] This article originated with the 1863 Constitution, reflecting the fact that the state was born out of the Civil War.[12]

Article II. The State

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Article II defines the boundaries of the state as laid out in 1872.

Article II sets out the state's boundaries and defines the rights of citizens. It also deals with issues such as treason, the state seal, and the wording of various legal documents.[13] Due to its origins as a split from the state of Virginia, the eastern boundary laid out in Article II was disputed by the latter state. The boundary claimed by West Virginia was eventually recognized by the [U.S. Supreme Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States "Supreme Court of the Unit

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American state constitution

The Great Seal of the State of West Virginia The Great Seal of the State of West Virginia reverse

The Constitution of the State of West Virginia[1] is the supreme law of the U.S. state of West Virginia. It expresses the rights of the state's citizens and provides the framework for the organization of law and government. West Virginia is governed under its second and current constitution, which dates from 1872. The document includes fourteen articles and several amendments.