Constitution of the State of Washington
1889
Washington State adopted its constitution in 1889 upon achieving statehood, the product of a convention held in Olympia that summer. The delegates drew on the model constitutions of older western states, particularly those of California and Oregon, while adapting provisions to the particular needs of the Pacific Northwest territory that had grown rapidly with railroad construction and timber and fishing industries. The constitution established a strong declaration of rights, a bicameral legislature, and notably strict separation of powers provisions. It remains in force today and is regarded as one of the more progressive state constitutions of its era, containing early provisions on labor rights and public land management.
Preamble
We, the people of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this constitution.
Article I — Declaration of Rights
Section 1. POLITICAL POWER. All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights. Section 2. SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND. The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land. Section 3. PERSONAL RIGHTS. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. Section 7. INVASION OF PRIVATE AFFAIRS OR HOME PROHIBITED. No person shall be disturbed in his private affairs, or his home invaded, without authority of law. Section 11. RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. Absolute freedom of conscience in all matters of religious sentiment, belief and worship, shall be guaranteed to every individual, and no one shall be molested or troubled in person or property on account of religion; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness or justify practices inconsistent with the peace and safety of the state.