Constitution of the State of Arkansas
1874
Arkansas's constitution of 1874 was drafted in reaction to the Reconstruction-era constitution of 1868, which had been imposed under federal military supervision and was associated in the minds of most white Arkansans with the period of Republican rule they called "carpetbag government." The 1874 convention, dominated by Democrats who had just reclaimed the state, wrote a document designed to limit the power of the state government and prevent a repeat of what they saw as Reconstruction's excesses. It sharply curtailed the governor's authority, weakened the state legislature, and imposed strict limits on public debt. Arkansas has since amended this constitution extensively, and voters have rejected replacement constitutions on multiple occasions, leaving the 1874 document in force with over 100 amendments layered onto it.
Preamble
We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government, for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings and secure the same to our selves and posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
Declaration of Rights
That the great and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and unalterably established, WE DECLARE: All men are created equally free and independent, and have certain inherent and inalienable rights; amongst which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty; of acquiring, possessing and protecting property and reputation; and of pursuing their own happiness. To secure these rights governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. All political power is inherent in the people, and governments are 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.