|
|
|
53
whenever the ends of government are perverted, and public
liberty manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress
are ineffectual, the people may, and of right ought to reform
the old or establish a new government, the doctrine of non-
resistance against arbitrary powet and oppression is absurd,
slavish and destructive of the good and happiness of man-
kind.
Art. 7. That the right of the people to participate in the
Legislature is the best security of liberty, and the foundation
of all free government; for this purpose elections ought to be
free and frequent, and every white male citizen having the
qualifications prescribed by the Constitution, ought to have
the right of suffrage.
Art. 8. That the Legislative, Executive and Judicial pow-
ers of government ought to be forever separate and distinct
from each other; and no person exercising the functions of
one of said departments, shall assume or discharge the duties
of any other...
Art...9. That no power pf suspending laws or the execution
of laws, unless by, or derived from the Legislature ought to
be exercised or allowed.
Art. 10. That freedom of speech and debate or proceedings
in the Legislature, ought not to be impeached in any court of
judicature.
Art. 11. That Annapolis be the place of meeting of the
Legislature, and the Legislature ought not to be con-
vened or held at any other place but from evident necessity.
Art. 12. That for redress of grievances and for amending
and strengthening and preserving the laws, the Legislature
ought to be frequently convened.
Art. 13. That every man hath a right to petition the Legis-
lature for the redress of grievances in a peaceable "and orderly
manner.
Art. 14. That no aid, charge, tax, burthen or fees, ought
to be rated or levied under any pretence without the consent
of the Legislature.
Art. 15. That the levying of taxes by poll is grievous and
oppressive and ought to be prohibited; that paupers ought
not to be assessed for the support of the Government, but
every other person in the State, or person holding property
therein, ought to contribute his proportion of public taxes for
the support of the government according to his actual worth
in real or personal property; yet fines, duties, or taxes may
properly and justly be imposed or laid with a political view
for the good government and benefit of the community.
|
|
|
|
 |
