North Dakota Constitution Article XI - General Provisions
North Dakota Constitution – Article XI: General Provisions outlines a range of administrative, governmental, and ethical policies that apply broadly across the state’s governance structure. Below is a summary of the key provisions included in Article XI:
🔹 1. Oaths of Office
All public officers must take an oath to support the U.S. and North Dakota Constitutions and to faithfully discharge the duties of their office.
🔹 2. Bribery and Corrupt Practices
Any person convicted of bribery, perjury, or other infamous crimes is disqualified from holding public office or employment in the state.
🔹 3. Public Officers and Interests
Public officials are prohibited from having a direct interest in contracts or purchases connected to their office, promoting accountability and ethics.
🔹 4. State Seal
Describes and protects the official Great Seal of North Dakota, including rules on its design and use.
🔹 5. English Language
Establishes English as the official language of North Dakota for governmental purposes, although this has been subject to both legal and political discussion over the years.
🔹 6. Open Government
Recognizes and enforces the right of the public to access government records and meetings, reinforcing transparency in government.
🔹 7. Veterans’ Preference
Gives employment preference in public sector jobs to U.S. military veterans, subject to merit and fitness considerations.
🔹 8. Farm Ownership
Places restrictions on corporate ownership of farmland, aimed at preserving family farming and limiting large corporate agricultural operations.
🔹 9. Marriage Definition (Now largely superseded by federal law)
Previously defined marriage as between a man and a woman. This section is not enforceable due to the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.
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