Vermont Constitution Article 9. [Citizens' rights and duties in the state; bearing arms; taxation]
Vermont Constitution – Chapter I, Article 9: [Citizens' rights and duties in the state; bearing arms; taxation]
This article outlines several core civic principles in Vermont, including the responsibilities and rights of citizens regarding governance, the bearing of arms, and taxation.
🔹 Full Text of Article 9 (as of the latest version):
Article 9. [Citizens’ rights and duties in the state; bearing arms; taxation]
That all persons are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent, and unalienable rights, amongst which are the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.That all power being originally inherent in and consequently derived from the people, therefore, all officers of government, whether legislative or executive, are their trustees and servants; and at all times, in a legal way, accountable to them.
That government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community, and not for the particular emolument or advantage of any single man, family, or set of men, who are a part only of that community; and that the community hath an indubitable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to reform or alter government, in such manner as shall be by that community judged most conducive to the public weal.
That every member of society hath a right to be protected in the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property; and therefore is bound to contribute their proportion towards the expense of that protection, and yield their personal service when necessary, or an equivalent thereto: but no part of any person’s property can be justly taken, or applied to public uses, without the consent of the people, or their representatives in the General Assembly.
That the people have a right to bear arms for the defence of themselves and the State—and as standing armies in time of peace are dangerous to liberty, they ought not to be kept up—and that the military should be kept under strict subordination to and governed by the civil power.
⚖️ Key Points:
Natural Rights: Emphasizes unalienable rights such as life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness and safety.
Popular Sovereignty: Government power originates from the people, and officials are accountable to them.
Right to Reform Government: Citizens have the right to reform or alter government if it no longer serves the public good.
Taxation with Representation: No property can be taken for public use without the people’s consent or their elected representatives’.
Bearing Arms: Acknowledges the right to bear arms for defense of self and state, and expresses concern about standing armies.
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