Massachusetts Constitution, Articles 4. Object of government
Here is the text and summary of Article IV of the Massachusetts Constitution (from the Part the First: A Declaration of the Rights of the Inhabitants of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts):
📜 Massachusetts Constitution – Article IV: Object of Government
🔹 Official Text:
"The people of this Commonwealth have the sole and exclusive right of governing themselves, as a free, sovereign, and independent state; and do, and forever hereafter shall, exercise and enjoy every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not, or may not hereafter be, by them expressly delegated to the United States of America in Congress assembled."
✅ Summary:
This article declares the sovereignty of the people of Massachusetts.
It states that the government derives its power from the people, and the people retain all powers not specifically given to the federal government.
It is a statement of self-governance, affirming that Massachusetts is a free and independent state, except where it has voluntarily delegated authority to the United States.
This article reflects the foundational American principle of popular sovereignty and is closely aligned with ideas later enshrined in the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution (which reserves powers to the states or people not delegated to the federal government).
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