Constitution of pennsylvania september 28, 1776 1 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. What links here related changes upload file special pages permanent link page. Source for information on pennsylvania constitution of 1776. The constitution of north carolina citizens in charge. The constitution of 1776 is regarded as the highwater mark of legislative power, versus executive power, in american constitutional history. Featuring 100 milestone documents of american history from the national archives. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776. Senators shall be elected for the term of four years and representatives for the term of two years. Includes images of original primary source documents, lesson plans, teacher and student competitions, and educational resources. In 1776, pennsylvania adopted its first constitution which has been described as the most democratic in america. For information on visiting the capitol complex, please visit. The image contained within the pdf file available below is of publication quality and will print out at up to 300dpi on standard 812 x 11 paper. Constitution of the united states legislative reference bureau includes the text of and index to the 1968, 1874, 1838, 1790, and 1776 pennsylvania constitutions. It is a snapshot of the website with minor modifications as it appeared on august 26, 2015.
Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 august 16, 1776 pennsylvania s shortlived first constitution, superseded in 1790, is notable because it was the most unorthodox and democratic of the constitutions of the original states. That all men are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and inalienable rights, amongst which are, the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety. In 1783, with the help of the french military, washingtons army will go on to defeat the british forces, ending the war and winning independence for america. The current constitution entered into force in 1968, and has been amended numerous times the. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first constitution following the declaration of independence, and has been described as the most democratic in america. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 phmc our documentary. On 2 july 1776, new jersey became the fourth american colony to adopt a constitution declaring independence from great britain. Constitution of the united states are the two most important, and enduring documents in our nations history. Dedicated to the idea of placing authority in the hands of the people, and specifying a broad range of. The constitution of pennsylvania pa general assembly. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1874. These rules, adopted by georgias provinicial congress in april 1776, served as a temporary constitution for georgias revolutionary government. The pennsylvania constitution, written by benjamin franklin, was the heart of a popular revolt against the existing government, one that had been brewing for months.
Demographic data about the signers is also available. Government 1776 rules and regulations of the colony of. In 1776, pennsylvania adopted a new constitution that has been described as the most democratic in america. In 1776 pennsylvania enacted its first state constitution in direct response to the declaration of independence and the instructions of the second continental congress to the colonies to reject british rule. It was drafted by robert whitehill, timothy matlack, dr. It was composed in five days and although the delegates considered it a temporary charter, it remained new jerseys state constitution for sixtyeight years. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1968. Since 1776, pennsylvania s constitution has undergone five versions.
The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 beer and trembling. The constitution of 1868 was an amalgam of provisions copied or adapted from the declaration of rights of 1776, the. One of the problems washington and his army face is that the colonies are reluctant to donate troops to a continental army. Duquesne university law school pennsylvania constitution web page elections shall be free and equal. 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.
A wealthy uncle reared and informally educated him and advanced him from clerk to fullfledged partner in his mercantile firm, which on his death he bequeathed to his ward. Whereas all government ought to be instituted and supported for the security and protection of the. The commonwealth or state of pennsylvania shall be governed hereafter by an assembly of the representatives of the freemen of the same, and a president and council, in manner and form following. Delawares constitution is typical of the understanding of the authors of the federal constitutions 1st amendment meant as to what constitutes the establishment of religion by the state. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1790 available via the duquesne university school of law pa constitution site constitutions of pennsylvania. Professor john fea talked about the people and ideas that shaped the pennsylvania constitution, written in 1776. That all men are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and inalienable rights, amongst which are, the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness. In order to promote public education and public safety, equal justice for all, a better informed citizenry, the rule of law, world trade and world peace, this legal document is hereby made available on a noncommercial basis, as it is the right of all humans to know and speak the laws that govern them. Action of second continental congress, july 4, 1776. Maryland, pennsylvania, north and south carolina, are hereby ceded. Thomas paines pamphlet common sense was published the same year the pennsylvania. The methodology used in this historical examination of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776, its overturn and subsequent. The constitution of pennsylvania is the supreme law within the commonwealth of pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 august 16, 1776pennsylvanias shortlived first constitution, superseded in 1790, is notable because it was the most unorthodox and democratic of the constitutions of the original states. It was not submitted to the people but was proclaimed september 21, 1776. The delaware constitution of 1776 was the first governing document for delaware state government and was in effect from its adoption in september 1776 until replaced in 1792 by a new constitution. Christian influence in delawares original constitution 1776. But in fact, it was a grim and troubling time for those americans that fought. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776, declaration of rights, art.
We, the people of the commonwealth of pennsylvania, grateful to almighty god for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking his guidance, do ordain and establish this constitution. Duquesne university law school pennsylvania constitution web page thereof shall issue a writ of election to fill such vacancy for the remainder of the term. It selected the supreme court justice and most of the executive department heads. The executive department of this commonwealth shall consist of a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, auditor general, state treasurer, and superintendent of public instruction and such other officers as the general assembly may from time to time prescribe. The current constitution entered into force in 1968, and has been amended numerous. It was passed by constitutional convention of the 28th day of september, 1776. Delaware constitution of 1776 project gutenberg self. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. In this lesson we explore the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. Constitution was the second most important because it embodied the strongest alternative. Based on the concept of popular sovereignty, the rules are considered by some to be georgias first constitution. Our current constitution is an amended version of the 1971 constitution. Pennsylvania constitution 1776 pdf constitution of pennsylvania september 28, 1776 1. Jan 16, 2016 the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first constitution following the declaration of independence, and has been described as the most democratic in.
The constitution was ratified at a special election held december 16, 1873, and went into effect january 1, 1874. Dec 18, 2018 constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776 available via the duquesne university school of law pa constitution site. Thomas young, george bryan, james cannon, and benjamin franklin. That the people have a right to bear arms for the defence of themselves and the state. Virginia signed its first constitution in 1776 upon the signing of the declaration of independence. The constitution of 1874 was adopted november 3, 1873, by a constitutional convention which was called pursuant to the act of april 11, 1872 p.
The virginia declaration of rights 1776 constitution of pennsylvania 1776 transcription 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 juryof the country, without the. And that the military should be kept under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil. Constitution of vermont, july 8, 1777 pdf image of original constitution of vermont, july 8, 1777 text. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 legal definition of. Framers of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 established score 44 3 from hist 1 at lone star college system. The supreme legislative power shall be vested in a house of. In this respect it differed markedly from the proposed constitution of 1866. This edition is taken from the pennsylvania state archives. June 29, 1776 any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal. The declaration of independence topic page may be of some interest to readers. This constitution was framed by a convention which assembled at new castle, august 27, 1776, in accordance with the recommendation of the continental congress that the people of the colonies should form independent state governments. The constitution of 1874 was modified and renumbered by extensive amendments on may 17, 1966, november 8, 1966, and may 16, 1967. Since that time, there have been frequent amendments and six major revisions to the constitution. The group that replaced the governor, but had no veto power.
The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first constitution following their declaration of independence and has been described as the most democratic in america. When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands. All acts of the general assembly, the governor, and each governmental agency are subordinate to it. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776in 1776 pennsylvania enacted its first state constitution in direct response to the declaration of independence and the instructions of the second continental congress to the colonies to reject british rule. For its time it was a progressive and democratic instrument of government. The methodology used in this historical examination of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776, its overturn and. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776, declaration of rights. Highresolution pdfs of declaration of independence 1776. Although the extralegal convention that framed the document exercised full powers of government and remained in session as the legislature, the. This is a static, archived version of the phmc our documentary heritage website which will not be updated. Pennsylvania state constitution of 1776 tax history. Records of the department of state, basic documents. How the charter of 1701 in colonial pennsylvania laid the basis for the development of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. The images contained within the pdf files available below are of publication quality and will print.
From a curious substitution the pennsylvania constitution of 1776 a declaration of the rights of the inhabitants of the commonwealth or state of pennsylvania i. And that the military should be kept under strict subordination to, and governed by. In article 22 a common sense oath is required to affirm an office holder in the state is at least a nominal christian. On the one hand, this constitution, and the political arguments. The question that is explored in this thesis is the formation of democratic government in colonial pennsylvania and postcolonial pennsylvania. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first. With its writing coinciding with the declaration of independence and the first years of the revolution, the document is considered. Apr 18, 2011 the constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania 1776 was the supreme law of the commonwealth of pennsylvania. Causes and effects of the pennsylvania constitution of 1776. The pennsylvania constitution of 1776 ratified september 28, 1776 was the states first constitution following the declaration of independence, and has been described as the most democratic in. Printable constitution of pennsylvania 1776 transcription i. All was not tranquil in pennsylvania itself when the shot.
We the people of the united states, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the united states of america. Since 1776, pennsylvanias constitution has undergone five versions. To open and print pdf files, you need the free adobe reader software. There are plenty of opponents of britain in the colonies, but the colonies leaders prefer to keep their armies at home, rather than sending them out to washington. Email webmaster contact senator contact representative. Clymer was orphaned in 1740, only a year after his birth in philadelphia. Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 flashcards quizlet. Constitution of the commonwealth of pennsylvania article. The influences of pennsylvanias 1776 constitution on. Jersey four, pennsylvania eight, delaware one, maryland six, virginia ten.