1776.] OF THE PROVINCE OF MARYLAND. 311

"THE DECLARATION OF RIGHTS.

" The parliament of Great Britain, by a declaratory act, having
assumed a right to make laws to bind the colonies in all cases
whatsoever, and in pursuance of such claim endeavored by force
of arms to subjugate the united colonies to an unconditional sub-
mission to their will and power, and having at length constrained
them to declare themselves independent states, and to assume go-
vernment under the authority of the people, Therefore we, the
delegates of Maryland, in free and full convention assembled, tak-
ing into our most serious consideration the best means of estab-
lishing a good constitution in this state, for the surer foundation,
and more permanent security thereof; Declare,

"1. That government of right originates from the people, is found-
ed in compact only, and instituted solely for the good of the whole.

" 2. That the people of this state ought to have the sole and ex-
clusive right of regulating the internal government and police thereof.

" 3. That the inhabitants of Maryland are entitled to the com-
mon law of England, and the trial by jury, according to the course
of that law, and to the benefit of such of the English statutes as exist-
ed at the time of their first emigration, and which by experience have
been found applicable to their local and other circumstances, and of
such others as have been since made in England or G real Britain, and
have been introduced, used, and practised by the courts of law or
equity; and also to all acts of assembly in force on the first of
June, seventeen hundred and seventy-four, except such as may have
since expired, or have been, or may be altered by acts of convention,
or this declaration of rights; subject nevertheless to the revision of
and amendment or repeal by the legislature of this state; and the in-
habitants of Maryland are also entitled to all property derived to
them from or under the charter granted by his majesty Charles the
first, to Caecilius Calvert, baron of Baltimore.

" 4. That all persons invested with the legislative or executive
powers of government, are the trustees of the public, and as
such accountable for their conduct, wherefore whenever the ends
of government are perverted, and public liberty manifestly en-
dangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the peo-
ple may, and of right ought, to reform the old, or establish a new
government; the doctrine of non-resistance against arbitrary pow-
er and oppression, is absurd, slavish, and destructive of the good
and happiness of mankind.

" 5. That the right in the people to participate in the legislature
is the best security of liberty, and the foundation of all free govern-
ment; for this purpose elections ought to be free and frequent, and
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