Constitution of the State of New Hampshire
1784
New Hampshire adopted its constitution on June 2, 1784, making it the second-oldest state constitution still in operation in the United States, surpassed only by Massachusetts. It was drafted in the years immediately following independence and reflects the revolutionary-era conviction that government power must be expressly limited and that individual rights must be explicitly enumerated. The document opens with a lengthy Bill of Rights before establishing the frame of government — a structure that places rights before powers, signaling clearly where the drafters believed authority ultimately resided. New Hampshire revises its constitution through a constitutional convention process that can be initiated every seven years.
Preamble
Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience, and reason; and no subject shall be hurt, molested, or restrained, in his person, liberty, or estate, for worshipping God in the manner and season most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; or for his religious profession, sentiments, or persuasion; provided he doth not disturb the public peace or disturb others in their religious worship.
Part First — Bill of Rights, Article 1
All men are born equally free and independent; Therefore, all government of right originates from the people, is founded in consent, and instituted for the general good.