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America’s First Constitutions and Declarations of Rights
becoming oppressors, the people have a right, at such periods and in
such manner as they shall establish by their frame of government, to
cause their public officers to return to private life; and to fill up vacant
places by certain and regular elections and appointments.
ix.—all elections ought to be free; and all the inhabitants of this
Commonwealth, having such qualifications as they shall establish by
their frame of government, have an equal right to elect officers, and to
be elected, for public employments.
x.—each individual of the society has a right to be protected by it in
the enjoyment of his life, liberty and prosperity, according to standing
laws. He is obliged, consequently, to contribute his share to the expense
of this protection; to give his personal service, or an equivalent, when
necessary: But no part of the property of any individual, can, with justice,
be taken from him, or applied to public uses without his own consent, or
that of the representative body of the people: In fine, the people of this
Commonwealth are not controllable by any other laws, than those to
which their constitutional representative body have given their consent.
And whenever the public exigencies require, that the property of any individual should be appropriated to public uses, he shall receive a reasonable compensation therefor.
xi.—every subject of the Commonwealth ought to find a certain remedy, by having recourse to the laws, for all injuries or wrongs which he
may receive in his person, property, or character. He ought to obtain right
and justice freely, and without being obliged to purchase it; completely,
and without any denial; promptly, and without delay; conformably to
the laws.
xii.—no subject shall be held to answer for any crime or offence, until
the same is fully and plainly, substantially and formally, described to
him; or be compelled to accuse, or furnish evidence against himself. And
every subject shall have a right to produce all proofs, that may be favorable to him; to meet the witnesses against him face to face, and to be fully
heard in his defence b 䁡