THE CONSTITUTION, AS AMENDED. AND ORDINANCES OF THE CONVENTION OF 1866, TOGETHER WITH THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOVERNOR DE- AND THE GENERAL LAWS OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, BY AUTHORITY. AUSTIN: PRINTED AT GAZETTE OFFICE, BY JO. WALKER, STATE PRINTER. 1866. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. We the people of Texas, acknowledging with gratitude the Grace of God in permitting us to make choice of our form of government, do ordain and establish this Constitution.. ARTICLE 1.-BILL OF RIGHTS. That the general, great, and essential principles of Liberty and Free Government may be recognized and established we declare that SECTION 1. All political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their benefit; and they have at all times the unalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their form of government, in such manner as they may think expedient. SEC. 2. All freemen, 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. 3. No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust in this State. SEC. 4. All men have a natural and indefeasable right to worship 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 societies |