Vermont mirrors the other original state
constitutions as far as a basic understanding of reality with
differences of opinion on the states role in fostering it. As with some
of the other states it abolishes slavery by phasing it out. Other states
outright banned it and Massachusetts constitution was immediately used
by slaves to sue their masters in court and gain criminal convictions
against them for holding them as slaves, thereby ridding that state of
it. This is an important subject to understand because when the founders
of the nation began to die off a political party was formed that
dominated the federal government for the half a century leading to the
civil war. It used the coercive power of the federal government to force
slavery on the states who had long since banned it. Further than this
though, in forsaking the whole concept of all men being created equally
it began to build an empire in the west by conquering the natives and
imposing slavery by force on those newly conquered territories.
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:
CHAPTER I
A DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE, INHABITANTS OF THE STATE OF VERMONT
I. THAT all men 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 male 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 he arrives to the
age of twenty one Years; nor female, in like manner, after she arrives
to the age of eighteen years; unless they are bound by their own consent
after they arrive to such age; or bound by law for the payment of debts,
damages, fines, costs, or the like.
III. That all men have a natural and unalienable
right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own
consciences and understandings, as In their opinion shall be regulated
by the word of God; and that no man ought, or of right can be compelled
to attend any religious worship, or erect or support any place of
worship, or maintain any minister, contrary to the dictates of his
conscience; nor can any man be justly deprived or abridged of any civil
right as a citizen, on account of his religious sentiments, or peculiar
mode of religious worship; and that no authority can, or ought to be
vested in, or assumed by any power whatsoever, that shall in any case
interfere with, or in any manner control the rights of conscience, in
the free exercise of religious worship: Nevertheless, every sect or
denomination of Christians ought to observe the Sabbath or Lord's day,
and keep up some sort of religious worship, which to them shall seem
most agreeable to the revealed will of God.
Chapter 2
Plan or frame of government.
And each member, before he takes his seat, shall
make and subscribe the following declaration, viz.
You do believe in one God, the Creator and Governor of the Universe, the
retarder of the good, and punisher of the wicked. And you do acknowledge
the scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by divine
inspiration; and own and profess the Protestant religion.
And no further or other religious test shall ever hereafter be required
of any civil officer or magistrate, in this State.
XXXVIII. Laws for the encouragement of virtue,
and prevention of vice and immorality, ought to be constantly kept in
force, and duly executed; and a competent number of schools ought to be
maintained in each town for the convenient instruction of youth; and one
or more grammar schools be incorporated, and properly supported in each
county in this State. And all religious societies, or bodies of men,
that may be hereafter united or incorporated, for the advancement of
religion and learning, or for other pious and charitable purposes, shall
be encouraged and protected in the enjoyment of the privileges,
immunities, and estates, which they in justice ought to enjoy, under
such regulations as the General Assembly of this State shall direct
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