New Jersey Constitution Article VII (Public Officers and Employees)
New Jersey Constitution β Article VII: Public Officers and Employees
Overview:
Article VII of the New Jersey Constitution governs the selection, duties, and accountability of public officers and employees in the state. It outlines qualifications, terms, and rules regarding holding office and public employment, aiming to promote ethical governance and prevent conflicts of interest.
πΉ Key Provisions:
Section 1 β Election and Appointment of Officers:
Specifies how public officers are elected or appointed.
Addresses terms of office and qualifications required for holding public office.
Section 2 β Oath of Office:
All public officers must take an oath or affirmation to support the constitution and faithfully perform their duties.
Section 3 β Prohibition Against Dual Office Holding:
Prevents individuals from holding multiple public offices simultaneously if there is a conflict of interest or incompatibility of duties.
Aims to avoid concentration of power and ensure dedicated service.
Section 4 β Vacancies:
Procedures for filling vacancies in public offices, whether by appointment or special election.
Section 5 β Salaries and Compensation:
Sets rules on how compensation for public officers and employees is determined.
Includes protections against improper increases or decreases during a term.
Section 6 β Removal from Office:
Grounds and procedures for the removal of public officers for misconduct, neglect of duty, or other causes.
Section 7 β Ethics and Conflict of Interest:
Establishes standards for ethical conduct.
May require disclosure of financial interests to prevent conflicts.
π In Summary:
Governs the selection, oath, terms, and removal of public officers.
Prohibits dual office holding when conflicts exist.
Sets rules on vacancies, compensation, and ethics for public employees.
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