Constitution of Vermont (1777) facts for kids

Vellum manuscript of the Constitution of Vermont, 1777. This constitution was changed in 1786, and again in 1793 after Vermont joined the United States in 1791.

The Old Constitution House in Windsor, Vermont, where the constitution of the Vermont Republic was signed.

The first Constitution of Vermont was written in July 1777. This was about five months after Vermont declared itself an independent country, often called the Vermont Republic. This first constitution was used until it was greatly changed in 1786.

The second Constitution of Vermont started in 1786. It lasted until 1793, which was two years after Vermont became the fourteenth state in the United States. In 1791, Vermont joined the U.S. and in 1793, it adopted its current constitution.

Vermont's 1777 Constitution

The 1777 constitution was very important. It was the first in what is now the United States to stop adult slavery. It also allowed men who didn't own land to vote. Plus, it created free public education for everyone.

This constitution was approved on July 8, 1777. It happened at a tavern in Windsor, which is now called the Old Constitution House. Today, it's a historic site you can visit. The constitution had three main parts. The first part was a preamble, which is like an introduction. It sounded a lot like the United States Declaration of Independence:

It is absolutely necessary, for the welfare and safety of the inhabitants of this State, that it should be, henceforth, a free and independent State; and that a just, permanent, and proper form of government, should exist in it, derived from, and founded on, the authority of the people only, agreeable to the direction of the honorable American Congress.

Here, "American Congress" meant the Continental Congress.

Jonas Fay was a leader at the meeting. He was chosen to lead the group that wrote the declaration. This declaration announced the creation of the Vermont Republic. He is known as the main writer of this important document.

Chapter 1: Rights for Vermont Citizens

The second part of the 1777 constitution was called Chapter 1. It was a "Declaration of the Rights of the Inhabitants of the State of Vermont." This chapter had 19 articles. These articles guaranteed many important civil and political rights in Vermont.

• The first article said that "all men are born equally free and independent." It also said they have natural rights, like enjoying life and liberty. They also have the right to own property and seek happiness. This was similar to the famous words in the Declaration of Independence. It also declared that no male person born in the country or brought from overseas should be a servant or slave after age 21. For females, it was after age 18, unless they agreed to it. This was the first rule against slavery in the New World. However, it wasn't always fully followed right away.
• The second article stated that private property can be used for public uses if needed. But, if someone's property is taken for public use, the owner must be paid fairly. This set up the idea of eminent domain in Vermont.
• The third article made sure people had freedom of religion.
• Articles four through seven said that the government must serve the people.
• The eighth article gave all free men the right to vote. This was true even if they didn't own any land.
• The ninth article said that everyone has a right to be protected. Because of this, everyone should help pay for that protection.
• Articles ten through thirteen talked about due process of law. This means fair legal procedures.
• Articles fourteen and fifteen covered freedom of speech and the press. They also included the right to carry weapons. They stated that the military must be under the control of the civilian government.
• The seventeenth article recognized the right to move away from Vermont.
• The eighteenth article recognized rights to gather peacefully and to ask the government for things.
• The nineteenth article said no one should be taken from Vermont to be tried for crimes committed there.

Chapter 2: How Vermont's Government Works

Chapter 2 of the Constitution was called A Plan or Frame of Government.

• Sections I through IV of Chapter 2 explained how Vermont would be governed. It said there would be a Governor, a Deputy Governor, a Council, and an Assembly. The Governor and Council would have executive power. The House of Representatives would have legislative power. It also said that a court of justice must be in every county.
• Section V required everyone to have military training.
• Section VI said that every man at least 21 years old could vote. This was true even if they didn't own property. They just had to promise to vote for what was best for Vermont. The Vermont voter's oath is still required today for first-time voters.
• Sections VII through IX and XI through XVI talked about yearly elections for lawmakers. They also required yearly meetings of the legislature.
• Section X said the legislature would choose people to send to the Continental Congress. However, the Continental Congress did not recognize Vermont as independent. So, Vermont was not allowed to have representatives there.
• Sections XVII and XVIII discussed the powers of the governor and council. The governor was the leader of the military.
• Sections XXI through XXVI dealt with courts. This included the supreme court and other courts.

Chapter 2 had 44 Sections in total.

Vermont's 1786 Constitution

The 1786 Constitution of Vermont created a greater separation of powers. This means different parts of the government had different jobs. For example, it stopped anyone from holding more than one important job at the same time. These jobs included governor, judge, or a member of the legislature. It also said that the legislature could no longer act as a court. It could not get involved in court cases anymore.

The 1786 Constitution stayed in effect when Vermont joined the United States in 1791. The governor, council members, and judges simply continued their terms.

Vermont's 1793 Constitution

The 1793 Constitution was adopted two years after Vermont joined the United States. It is still used today, with some changes over time. This constitution removed all mentions of problems with King George III. It also removed mentions of issues with the State of New York. In 1790, New York finally gave up its claims that Vermont was part of New York. This happened when Congress decided to let Vermont join the Union.

See also

In Spanish: Constitución de Vermont (República de Vermont) para niños