This list of articles and sections of the Vermont Constitution enumerates the contents of the
Constitution of Vermont, which is organized into two parts, one declaring the rights of inhabitants and the other defining the governing power.[1] The rights of the inhabitants are in 21 articles, addressing among other things the prohibition of slavery, compensation for use of property, freedom of worship, "free and pure" elections, search and seizure, freedom of speech and press, trial by jury, the right to bear arms and the right to assemble. The governing powers are in 76 sections, addressing among other things the composition of the legislative, executive and judicial bodies and their powers, the conduct of elections, and general administrative powers of government.
Rights of inhabitants
Vellum manuscript of the
Constitution of Vermont, 1777. This constitution was amended in 1786, and replaced in 1793 following Vermont's admission to the federal union in 1791.
Article 1 – All persons born free; their natural rights; slavery prohibited
Article 2 – Private property subject to public use; owner to be paid
Article 3 – Freedom in religion; right and duty of religious worship
Article 4 – Remedy at law secured to all
Article 5 – Internal police
Article 6 – Officers servants of the people
Article 7 – Government for the people; they may change it
Article 8 – Elections to be free and pure; rights of voters therein
Article 9 – Citizens' rights and duties in the state; bearing arms; taxation
Article 10 – Rights of persons accused of crime; personal liberty; waiver of jury trial
Article 11 – Search and seizure regulated
Article 12 – Trial by jury to be held sacred
Article 13 – Freedom of speech and of the press
Article 14 – Immunity for words spoken in legislative debate
Article 15 – Legislature only may suspend laws
Article 16 – Right to bear arms; standing armies; military power subordinate to civil
Article 17 – Martial law restricted
Article 18 – Regard to fundamental principles and virtues necessary to preserve liberty
Article 19 – Right to emigrate
Article 20 – Right to assemble, instruct and petition