Constitution of the State of Oregon
1857
Oregon drafted its constitution in 1857 and was admitted to the Union on February 14, 1859, becoming the 33rd state. The document was modeled closely on the Indiana constitution of 1851 and reflected the cautious democratic sensibilities of the Willamette Valley settlers who dominated the convention. Oregon's constitution is notable for being one of the first to include a direct democracy mechanism — the initiative and referendum were added in 1902 and Oregon became a national model for citizen lawmaking. The constitution has been amended hundreds of times and remains the state's governing document today.
Preamble
We the people of the State of Oregon to the end that Justice be established, order maintained, and liberty perpetuated, do ordain this Constitution.
Article I — Bill of Rights
We declare that all men, when they form a social compact are equal in right: that all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness; and they have at all times a right to alter, reform, or abolish the government in such manner as they may think proper.