Massachusetts Constitution, Articles 8. Taxes for the support of government
Massachusetts Constitution – Article VIII (Article 8) addresses taxation for the support of government. This provision is found in Part II of the Constitution, which outlines the Frame of Government.
📜 Summary of Article VIII: Taxes for the Support of Government
Key Principle:
All individuals and entities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are obligated to contribute to the costs of government.
This contribution is done through taxes, which are:
Proportional (based on ability to pay)
Fairly assessed according to law
Core Text Idea (Paraphrased):
Every person in the Commonwealth has a duty to pay their proportionate share of taxes for the support and maintenance of government—laws, liberty, and protection that benefit everyone.
🔍 Important Concepts:
Equality and fairness in taxation: no group is exempt from contributing.
This article provides a constitutional foundation for the state’s taxing power.
It underscores that government exists for the benefit of the common good, and all must help fund it.
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