Constitution of the State of Connecticut
1965
Connecticut's current constitution was adopted in 1965, replacing a document that dated to 1818 and had itself replaced the colonial charter of 1662 that Connecticut had governed under since the founding era. The 1965 constitution was prompted by a federal court ruling that Connecticut's legislative apportionment was unconstitutional under the equal protection clause, forcing the state to restructure how it allocated seats in the General Assembly. Delegates to the constitutional convention used the opportunity to modernize the entire document, streamlining its language and updating its provisions on civil rights, legislative procedure, and the structure of state government. Connecticut thus arrived late at constitutional modernization, but the resulting document is among the more concise and coherent state constitutions in the Northeast.
Preamble
The People of Connecticut acknowledging with gratitude, the good providence of God, in having permitted them to enjoy a free government; do, in order more effectually to define, secure, and perpetuate the liberties, rights and privileges which they have derived from their ancestors; hereby, after a careful consideration and revision, ordain and establish the following constitution and form of civil government.
Declaration of Rights
That the great and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and established, WE DECLARE: All men when they form a social compact, are equal in rights; and no man or set of men are entitled to exclusive public emoluments or privileges from the community. The exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination, shall forever be free to all persons in the state; provided, that the right hereby declared and established, shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness, or to justify practices inconsistent with the peace and safety of the state. No person shall be compelled to join, affiliate with or support any single political party.