a p p e ndix h
Massachusetts Constitution of 1780
preamble
The end of the institution, maintenance and administration of government, is to secure the existence of the body-politic; to protect it; and to
furnish the individuals who compose it, with the power of enjoying, in
safety and tranquility, their natural rights, and the blessings of life: And
whenever these great objects are not obtained, the people have a right to
alter the government, and to take measures necessary for their safety,
prosperity and happiness.
The body-politic is formed by a voluntary association of individuals:
It is a social compact, by which the whole people covenants with each
citizen, and each citizen with the whole people, that all shall be governed
by certain laws for the common good. It is the duty of the people, therefore, in framing a Constitution of Government, to provide for an equitable mode of making laws, as well as for an impartial interpretation, and
a faithful execution of them; that every man may, at all times, find his security in them.
We, therefore, the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe, in affording us, in the course of His providence, an opportunity, deliberately and
peaceably, without fraud, violence or surprise, of entering into an original, explicit, and solemn compact with each other; and of forming a
new Constitution of Civil Government, for ourselves and posterity; and
devoutly imploring His direction in so interesting a design, do agree
upon, ordain and establish, the following Declaration of Rights, and
Frame of Government, as the constitution of the commonwealth of
massachusetts.
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