Constitution of Virginia
1971
Virginia holds a singular place in American constitutional history: its 1776 Declaration of Rights, drafted by George Mason, became a direct model for the federal Bill of Rights and influenced constitutions around the world. The current Virginia constitution, the seventh in the state's history, was adopted in 1971 following a revision process that modernized the government's structure, eliminated provisions that had been used to resist racial integration under the Massive Resistance era, and expanded civil rights protections. It maintains Virginia's historic commitment to a strong declaration of individual rights at the outset of the document, a tradition stretching back to 1776, while updating the framework of government to reflect the administrative needs of the modern Commonwealth.
Preamble
We, the people of Virginia, grateful to Almighty God for the blessing of liberty, and with a firm determination to secure and perpetuate these blessings, do hereby ordain and establish the following Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Article I — Bill of Rights
Section 1. Equality and rights of men. That all men are by nature equally free and independent and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety. Section 2. People the source of power. That all power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people; that magistrates are their trustees and servants, and at all times amenable to them. Section 3. Government instituted for common benefit. That government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community; of all the various modes and forms of government, that is best which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety, and is most effectually secured against the danger of maladministration; and, whenever any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal. Section 10. Searches and seizures. That general warrants, whereby an officer or messenger may be commanded to search suspected places without evidence of a fact committed, or to seize any person or persons not named, or whose offense is not particularly described and supported by evidence, are grievous and oppressive, and ought not to be granted.