Constitution of the State of Vermont
1793
Vermont's current constitution, adopted in 1793, builds on its original 1777 constitution, which was among the most progressive founding documents in American history. The 1777 constitution was the first in America to constitutionally prohibit slavery and the first to establish universal male suffrage without property requirements, remarkable departures from the norms of the era. Vermont existed as an independent republic from 1777 until its admission to the United States in 1791, and the 1793 constitution was adopted to conform to federal requirements while preserving the democratic character of its predecessor. The result is one of the oldest state constitutions still in force, carrying forward Vermont's tradition of direct democracy and expansive individual rights.
Preamble
Whereas, all government ought to be instituted and supported for the security and protection of the community as such, and to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and the other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed upon man; and whenever those great ends of government are not obtained, the people have a right, by common consent, to change it, and take such measures as to them may appear necessary to promote their safety and happiness.
Chapter I — A Declaration of the Rights of the Inhabitants of the State of Vermont
Article 1st. That all persons are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent, and unalienable rights, amongst which are the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety. Therefore no person born in this country, or brought from over sea, ought to be holden by law, to serve any person as a servant, slave or apprentice, after arriving to the age of twenty-one years, unless bound by the person's own consent, after arriving to such age, or bound by law for the payment of debts, damages, fines, costs, or the like. Article 2nd. That private property ought to be subservient to public uses when necessity requires it, nevertheless, whenever any person's property is taken for the use of the public, the owner ought to receive an equivalent in money. Article 6th. That all elections ought to be free and without corruption, and that all voters, having a sufficient, evident, common interest with, and attachment to the community, have a right to elect officers, and be elected into office, agreeably to the regulations made in this constitution. Article 11th. That the people have a right to hold themselves, their houses, papers, and possessions free from search or seizure; and therefore warrants without oaths or affirmations first made, affording sufficient foundation for them, and whereby any officer or messenger may be commanded or required to search suspected places, or to seize any person or persons, his, her or their property, not particularly described, are contrary to that right, and ought not to be granted.