CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF TEXAS ADOPTED BY THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION BEGUN AND DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 1875. WITH Amendments Declared Adopted Oct. 14, 1879; Sept. 25, 1883; STARTURE LIBRARY CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. PREAMBLE. HUMBLY invoking the blessings of Almighty God, the people of the State of Texas do ordain and establish this Constitution. ARTICLE I. BILL OF RIGHTS. That the general, great, and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and established, we declare: SECTION 1. Texas is a free and independent state, subject only to the constitution of the United States; and the maintenance of our free institutions and the perpetuity of the Union depend upon the preservation of the right of local self-government unimpaired to all the states. SEC. 2. All political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their benefit. The faith of the people of Texas stands pledged to the preservation of a republican form of government, and, subject to this limitation only, they have at all times the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think expedient. SEC. 3. All free men when they form a social compact have equal rights, and no man or set of men, is entitled to exclusive separate public emoluments or privileges, but in consideration of public services. SEC. 4. No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office, or public trust, in this state; nor shall any one be excluded from holding office on account of his religious sentiments, provided he acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being. SEC. 5. No person shall be disqualified to give evidence in any of the courts of this state on account of his religious opinions, or for want of any religious belief, but all oaths or affirmations shall be administered in the mode most binding upon the conscience, and shall be taken subject to the pains and penalties of perjury. SEC. 6. All men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences. No man shall be compelled to attend, erect or support any place of worship, or to maintain any ministry against his consent. No human authority ought, in any case whatever, to control or interfere with the rights of conscience in matters of religion, and no preference shall ever be given by law to any religious society or mode of worship. But it shall be the duty of the legisla |