Constitution of Alabama
2022
Alabama ratified its current constitution on November 8, 2022, replacing the notorious 1901 document that had stood for over a century as one of the longest and most amended constitutions in the world. The 1901 constitution was explicitly designed to disenfranchise Black voters and entrench white supremacy, and its legacy shaped Alabama politics for generations. The 2022 restatement reorganized and consolidated that sprawling document, removing racist language declared inoperative by federal courts, though it preserved the basic structure of state government rather than creating a fundamentally new charter. It represents the state's formal effort to close the books on a constitutional order built on racial exclusion.
Preamble
We the people of the State of Alabama, in order to establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution and form of government for the State of Alabama.
Declaration of Rights
That the great, general, and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and established, we declare: That all men are equally free and independent; that they are endowed with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That all political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their benefit; and that, therefore, they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasible right to change their form of government in such manner as they may deem expedient. That no religion shall be established by law; that no preference shall be given by law to any religious sect, society, denomination, or mode of worship; that no one shall be compelled by law to attend any place of worship; nor to pay any tithes, taxes, or other rate for building or repairing any place of worship, or for maintaining any minister or ministry; that no religious test shall be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under this state; and that the civil rights, privileges, and capacities of any citizen shall not be in any manner affected by his religious principles.