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CONSTITUTION.
NEW COXSTITUTIOK PKOPO.tI TO THE
CITIZENS OF TI113 COM M IXWKA lH! KOK
T1IKIK APPROVAL OR KE.TFOTIOX, BY THE
L-UAbiliUl'lMAAL UaNVtS llOS.
Pllll.It.IItD BT OKflKR OF TR I SlCRBTsav OK TBI CoM-
MONWC1LTU, IM riKSClXCR or TUI 4TB iJsCTIOS or
A ACT OF TUI (JllEIlL AS8KMII.V, KNTITI.ID l,Al
CT TO PUOTIDK FOR CALLING A COS VSITIOtf TO
AMKKR TUB CoxSTITCTIOK," SPPKIaVID TUlllTIIDSV
or Aran., A. Jj., 172.
PREAMBLE.
"We, the people of the cimmnnwR!th of Pennsylva
nia, grateful to A .mighty Cod for the blessings ol e'vt!
and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guid
ance, do ordain and establish I hi Constitution.
ARTICLE I.
DECLARATloa Of K10ITS.
That the general, street nd essential principles ef;
liiterly and rree government may be recognized and
unalterably establish, we declare that
SiCTtoa 1. All asen ar born equally free aril inde-'its presence, to enforce obedience to lt process, to prc
pondent, and havs scrtain inherrat nnd Indefcasihlelu-ct its members against violcnee, or oners of bribe or
risrlita, nirH.ni- which are those of enjojh.g ami private solicitation, and with the concurrence af two
defending life anJ liberty, of acquiring, poatessing enl j t li i r1. to expel a member, but not a second time for
proTcciing property an .eputatton, and or pnrsmne the snme cause, nnd shall nave all other powers neces
M ry for the legislature of a free State. A member ei-
pnble of holding any office of trust or profit in Ibis
Commonwealth.
&c. 8. The members of the General Assembly shall
receive such salary and mileag e for regular and special
sessions as shall bo fixed by law, and no other corn pen
cition whatever, whether for service upon committee
or otherwise. No member of either house shall, during
the term for which he mav have been elected, receive
any increaso of salary, or mileage, under any la a' passed
uuringsucu term.
Bsc. 8. The Senate shall, at the beginning and close
of each regular session and at such other times as may
be necessary, elect one of its members president pro
tempore, who shall perform tho duties of the Lieuten
ant Governor, in any case of absence or disability of
chat officer, and whenever the said oftice of Lieutenant
Governor shall be vacant. The House of Kepresentativea
shal I elect one of it members as Speaker. Each house
hall choose its other officer, and shall Judge of the
election and qualifications of its members.
mc io. A majority of each House shall constitute a
quorum, but a smaller number may adjourn from day
u day, aid compel the attendance of absent members.
Hac 11. Each House shall have power to determine
the rules of its proceedings and puuish its members or
jothur perkons for contempt or disorderly behaviour in
their own happiiu-s
Skc. 2. All power is inht-rent In the people, am. all
Iree governments are founded on their authority and
i.Mlit uted for their pear, safety and happiness For
the ad vaucement of these ends th- have at ll flllee
an inalienable and iurifi-asih'c right to liter, reform or
abolish their poverniueut lu inch manner as thay may
i:iirm jrojr.
pelled for corruption shall not thereafter be eliriele to
cither house, and punishment for contempt or disor
derly behavior shall not bar an Indictment for the same
oitVne.
Skc. 12. Each bouso shall keep a journal of its pro
ceedings and from time to time publish the same, ex-
nt such parts as require secrecy, ana trie yeas ana
been published in the locality whcre the matter or the
thin if to be affected may be situated, which notice
shall be at letst thirty days prior to the latroductien
into the General Assembly of such bill, and In the
manner te be provided bylaw; the evidence of such
notice having been published, shall be exhibited in tea
General Assembly before suck act shall be pasasd.
Sec. 9. The presiding officer of each house shall, in
the presence of the house over which he presides, sign
an bins and joint resolutions passed oy me uenerai
Assembly, alter their titles hare been publicly read
immediately before signing, and the fact of signing
shall be entered on the jeurnal.
Sxc. 10. the General Assembly shall prescribe by
law the number, duties and compensation of the otli
eers and employees of each house, aad no payment
shall be made from the state Treasury, or be in any
Governor by the joint vote of tho members or both and general jail delivery in the several counties-tiicy
houses. Contested elections shall be determined by ahnll haveoriglnal jurisdiction in cae3 of injunction
committee, to ba selected from both houses of the
General Assembly, and formed and regulated In each
manner as shall be directed bv law.
om.j a. luovjuvernor im noia nis ouico uurinz
aad where a corporation is a pirtvdefendnl 'of t nl.rn :
corpus, of matpamus tocaurt? of inferiorjurlcdictlon,
and of QCOAVARKAjfToasto nil officers of tho Com-
monweaun wnose jurisdiction extends over theState.
four years from the third Tussday ol'Jacuary next but shall not exercise any other original jurisdiction'
ensuing his election, and shall rot be eligible to the tuev shall have appellate iari:itnti.n i,v n t .
office lor the next succcetling term. tioraki or writ of crrer in all caios, as is now or'miiy
Sac. 4. A Lieutenant Governor shall ho chosen at
the same time, in the same manner, for the same term
and subject to the same provisions as tho Gorerfior :
he khall be president of the Senate, but shall have no
rote unless tney be equally divided
hereafter be provided by law.
Sec 4. Until otherwise directs I by law, the courts
of common pleas shall eentinue as at present estab
lished, except as herein changed ; net more than four
ounties shall, at anv time.be included i n on a in ili. a i.i I
b' . KTr. nn.l AM eK.II 1.. .U..M.1. l. . . -f ll-.l . .! 1 . t 1 .
oivi . iw iroicuouu no vukiui io inoomce vi.uisincivixiuuai lor oaiu couria.
Goveraoror Lieutenant Governor except a citizen I Sec. 5. whenever a county shall contain forty
of the United States, who shall have attained th .aire thousand inhabitants it shall constitute nrr,,u
way aumorizeu 10 any person, except 10 an iciiuxoi-vi mi .j jcid, kuuuto uuuu d . uoit preceu- juuichi uioii , iuu cum ticci ouo juugo iiarnca in
fleer or employee elected or appointed In pursuance of.lng his election an inhabitant of the State, unless ho the law, and the General Assembly shall provide for
law,
Sac. 11. No bill shall be passed glriag any extra
compensation to aay public otneer, servant, employee,
agent or centractor, after services shall have been
rendered or contract made, nor providing; for the pay
ment of anv elaim asrainst tho Commonwealth, witu-
ont prevloas authority of law.
sac. 13. All stationery, pnnttag, paper, ana luei
used in the legislative and other departments of gov
ernment shall be furnished, and the printing, binding,
and distributing of the laws, journals, department re
ports, and all other printing and binding, and
shall have been absent on the public business of the additional judges, as the business ef the said districts
United States or of this State. may require. Counties containing a population lees
Sec. 6. Ko member of Cengress or person holding than Is sufflcientto constitute separate districts shall
any office under the United States or this State shall be formed into convenient singledlstricts. or, il neceg
excrclse the otfice of Governor or Lieutenant Gover- sary, may be attached to contiguous districts as the
nor !General Assembly may prevlde. The eiflce of asso-
Sec. 7. The Governor shall be commandcr-in-chier clace judge, not learned in the law, is abolished in
of the army and navy of the Commonwealth, and of counties tormlng seperste districts; but the several
the militia, except when they shall be called Into the aisociate judges in office when this constitution shall
actnal service ot the United States. Ibe adopted shall serve for their unexpired terms.
Sbc. S. He shall nominate, and by andwiih the Sic. 6. in th rnnntiea of Philadeinhia ami ah.
advise and consent of two-thirds of all the members of 'ghen. all the iuru.iie.tion and nowera now vested in
the repairing and furnishlntr the halls and reomsjtae Senate, appoint a Secretary oi iheuommonweaun tueiiistrict Oour's and Courts of Comeaon Pioas,snb
nai f.r th mntinci of th dnniiril Aiumiiiv anil ttaland an Attornev General duriuir pleasure, a Superin-hect to such chaaerra mav be mails bv thU eenstitn-
commlttees, shall be performed under contract, to beiienueni oi i-aono insiruciioB ior iour jer, tuu m-u; una or iy iw, saaii be in rniladeipuia vested in lo r,
given to the lowest responsible bidder below suchjother officers ef the Commonwealth as he is or may be, and in Allegheny in two distinct and separate courts
8itc.3. All meti have a nat nrrl and indefeanible riirht 'nav of the roembera on anv Question shall, at the de-
to worship Almitly God accordiiitf to the dictate of sire of any two of them, be entered on the journal,
their own Consciences ; ao man can ot lilit be ooin I inc. 10. The sessione of each house and of coramit-
pelled to Rttend, errct or support nn place of woraMt . tees of the whole shall Ue open, unless when the bus
r to maintain anv ministry usr:
human authority can, in any e.ivc whatever, control or
interfere with the rights of conscience, and no prerer
eiioe shall ever be glvt-ii by law to auy religion eta!
liwlinirlits ir inoje of worship.
SC. 4. No person who aeknowled.'es the l.eina- of a
, miij place of worM , tees of the whole shall be open, unless when
ainat hi ronsent ; no iikm is such as oiirht to be kept secret.
maximum price and under such regulations as shall
bo prescribed by law; no member or officer or any ue
partment of the government shall b9 in any way in
ments after his election or appointment.
Sic. 14. All bills lor raising revenue shall originate
In the House of Kepresentatlres, but the Senate may
Sic. 14. Neither house ihall. without tho consent of
the other, adiourn for more than three das, nor td any
other place than that in which tho two houses shall 'propose amendments as in other bills.
be sitting. Sec. 15. 1 he general appropriation bill shall em-
S ec. 15. The members of the General Assembly shall brace nothinsr but aDDronriatlons for the ordinary
God and a future state of rewards and iiuiiiliunii 'in all cases, excent treason. 1'elonv. violation of their expenses of the executive, legislative and ludicial
ball, on aeeount ofhU rt liirions entinien: , lKMlifjna!- !oath of office, and breach or surety of the peace, be departments of the Commonwealth, Interest on the
itied to hold any oince or place o triikt or profit uudor i privileged from arrest during their attendance at the public debt, and for public schools ; all other appro-
this Commonwealth. vt-ssions of their respective hoases. and In sroinar to and
Skc. 5. Elections sha'l lie fre and equal; and no' returning from the same ; and for any Bjeeca or de
power, civil or military, ehaM, at any time interfere toibato ii either house, they Shall not be questioned in
prevent the free tercie of the riaht of auRrajje. ny otter place.
Fsc. . Trial by jury shall Iks hs heretofoio. and t'ael Sep. 16. The State shall be divided Into fifty Sena
ri?ht thereof rem:n tuvioiat itorlal districts of compact and contiguous errltory,
t-c 7. The printlnir pres ha!l be free to every per-ias nearly equal in popalatlon as may be, and each
son who may undertake to examine the prod-edin of,diitrlct shall be entitled to elect one Senator. Each
the Legislature or any branch of government, and n!eouitv containing: oae or more ratios of population
1 iw shall ever be made to restrain the riht thereof. Ishall be entitled to ena Senator for each ratio, and to normal schools established by law for the professional
The free communication of thoughts end eplnions is . an additional Senator for a surplus of population ex- training of teachers for the public rehools of the State,
one of the invaluable right of man, and every citizen ceedlng three-fifths of a ratio; but no county shairexcept by a vote of two-thirds of all the members
may freely speak, write and print on an v snbject, lini: form a separate district unless It shall contain four- elected to each house.
r. sponsible for the abuse of tUt liberty . N coiivie-' fifths of a ratio, except where the adjoining counties Sac 13 No appropriations except for pensions or
tin hall be bad in any prosecution for the publicnt ion , are each entitled to eaeor snore Senators, when such gratuities for military services shall be made for char -of
jiapera relating to the offleiai conduct of oiiieers or county may be assigned a Senator on less tuan four-liable, edueatlonal or benevolent purposes, to any
lueii in public capacity, or to any othei mat ter proper fifths, and excenitlnw nne-half of a ratio, and no coun- person or commnnitv. nor to anv denomination or
authorized by the constitution or bylaw to appoint; of equal and co-ordinate jurisdict'on.coui posed ol three
he shall have power to till all vacancies that may judges each; the said courts in Philadelphia shall be
happen la offices to which he may appoint durlag the 'designated respectively as the Courtof Common Pica
terested In such contracts, and all such contracts recess of the Senate by granting commissions wntcn number one, number two, number three and number
shall be subject to the approval ef the Governor, Au-lsaail exjdre at the end of their next session; he shall Tour, and in Allegheny as the Court of Common
ditor General and State Treasurer. I have power to fill any vacancy that may happen dur- Pleas number one and number two, but the number
Sec. 13. No law shall extend the term of any publieHng tae recess of the Senate, in the office of Auditoriof said courts may be by law increased, from time to
officer, or Increase or diminish his salary or cuiolu- General, State Treasurer, Secretary or internal ai- tinie, and snail be in like manner designated by suc-
inirs or oaperimenuent ui ruuno iisirucvinu, iu biccbbito auuiucrs ; mi uuuiinr oi juuges in any Olflaid
judicial office, or la any other elective office which he courts, or in any county where the establishment of
is or may do autnorizea to nu : mi additional coart may te autnorized by law, nay be
If the vacancy shall happen during the session of increased from time to time; and whenever such la
the Senate, the Governor shall nominate to the crease shall amount in the whole to three, sach three
Senate, before their final adjournment, a proper per- judges shall compose a distinct and Jeperate court as
son to fill said vacancy. j aforesaid, which shall be numbered as aforesaid. In
But In any such case of vacancy, in an elective; Philadelphia all suits shall be instituted in the said
office, a person shall bo chosen to said ettice at the Courts of Common Pleas, without designating the
next general election, unless the vacancy shall hap-, number of said court, and the several courts shall
pen within three calendar months immediately pre-distribute and apportion the business among them in
ceedingsuch election, in which case the election for such manner as shall be provided by rules of court,
said office shall be held at the second succeeding general and each court to which any suit shall be thus as
election : sigaed shall have exclusive jurisdiction thereof, sub-
In acting on Executive nominations, the Senate jject to change of venue, as snail be provided bylaw,
shall sit with open doors, and in conlrming or reject- In Allegheny each court shall have exclusive juris
lngthe nominations of the Governor, the vote shall,dictlon of all proceedings at law and in equity com
menced therein, subject to cnango ot venue as may
e provided by law.
ssec. 7. tor rnuaueipnia mere snail te one l'ro-
teitures, to grant reprieves, commutations ot sentence
ana pardons, except in cases oi impeaenment, out no
pardon shall be granted, nor sentence commuted,!
priations shall be made by separate bills, each em
bracing out one subject.
Sec. 16. No money ehallbe paid out of the Treasury
except upon appropriations made by law and on war
rant drawn by tho proper officer ln'pursuance there
of. Sec. 17. No appropriation shall be made to any
charitable or edueatlonal institution not nnder the
absolute control of the Commonwealth, other than be taken by yeas and nays, and shall is entered en
tne journal.
rkc. 9. lie shall have power to remit tines and tor
lor pat'lie Investigation or information where tho fact ty shall be divided unless entitled to two or more Sen
thai Mich publication wm not maliciously or negligent-jators. No eity or county shall be entitled to separate
ly mad shall be i tablih d to the satisfaction of the j representation exceeding one-sixth of the whole num
jury; and in all indietmwnts for libels the jury ehall ber of Senators. No ward, borough, or township shall
have the riar-t todetermn.e the lawand the facts, under be divided In the formation ofa district. The Sena
the direction of the eourt, as in other case. i torlal ratio shall be ascertained by dividing the whole
Hkc.8. The people shall be secure In their persons, population of tho State by the number fifty,
houses, papers, and possessions from unreasonable Skc. 17. The members of the House of Kcpresenta
searches and se tares, and no warrant tn search any ; tlves shall be apportioned amone theseveral counties,
place or to seize any person or tKii'.'i, shall iue witb-!Cn a ratio obtained by dividing the population of the
out describing them as nearly as mar be, nor wit iiout Mate as ascertained bv the most recent United States
probable caufe. supported by oath or a (Mrmntioii, sub- census by two hundred. Every county containing
scribed to by the affiant
Sec. 9. In all criminal prosecution, th
sectarian institution, corporation or association
Sfc. 19, The General Assembly may make appro
priations of money to Institutions wherein the wid
ows of soldiers are supported or assisted or the orphans
of soldiers are maintained and eduoate J ; but such
appropriation shall be applied exclusively to the sap
port of such widows and orphans.
Sac. 20. The General Aisemblj shall not delegate
to any special commission, private corporation or as
sociation, any power to make, supervise or interfere
with any municipal improvement, money, property
or effects, whether held in trust or otherwise, or to
jlcss than five ratios shall have one representative for! levy taxes or perform any municipal lunctlon what-
luu ratio, ana in additional representative ever,
.. . - V . . 1.
nrt-iisuia iiain 'Averv
a riKi!t to te heard t Limeii and his counsel 10 oe- when the surplus exceeds half a ratio ; buteach coun-l Sec. 21. No act of the General Assembly shall limit
in tnd the nature and came or the arcusntion arainstty nall naTe at i-aflt ono representative. Everyi the amount to be recovered for Injuries resulting In
hna.to meet tho witnei.-e race to face, to have corn- county containing five ratios or more shall have one doath, or for lnjaries to persons or property, and In
pn a.ry process f-r obtaining witnesses in ts favor. repreientatlve for every lull ratio. Every city con- case of death Iroin such Injuries, the right of action
au-l in pnweentioiie by indictment or Information, a talning a population equal to a ratio shall elect sep-lshall survive, and the General Assembly shall pre-epee-iy
public trial by an impartial jury ol the vicinage ;,arately its proportion of tho representatives allotted scribe for whose benefit such actions shall te prosecu
herniiot beeompeiled to give evideneo against him- to tn conoty in which it is located. Every city enti-'ted; no act shall prescribe any limitations of time
witnin waicn suits may oa orougni against corpora
tions for injuries to persons or property, or for other
eaMflAS riifTuranfr. fmm iIiaba iTAil hu iranara 1 livi r.ir
s.c. 10 No person shni! for any indfetable offence l.eiuous territory, each district to elect its proportion of ulatlng actions against natural persons, and such acts
.v .......... ..... .v .......... , representative!
thonotary's office, and one Prothonotary for all said
courts to be appointed by the judges of said courts,
aed to hold office for throe years, subiect to removal
except upon the recommendatioa in writing of the. by a majoritv of said judges ; the said Prothonotary
lieutenant u over nor, secretary oi tne unnraon jsitail appoint sucu assistants as may be necessary and
wealth. Attnrney General and Secretary of Internaljautnonzcd by Eaid courts, and he and his assistants
Affairs, or any three of them, after full hearing, upon! sa all receive fixed salaries, to be determined by law
due public notice and in open session, and suchrecum-land paid by said county ; all lees collected in said of
mendation, with the reasons therefor at length, shall ace. except such us may be by law due to the Com
be recorded and filed In the office of the Secretary of rnonwealth, shall be paid by the Prothonotary Into
the Commonwealth. the county treasury. Each court shall have its sept-
Sac 10. He may require Information in writing; rate dockets, except the judgement docket, which
from the office of the Executive Department, upon aay;shall contain the judgments and liens of all the said
subject relating to the duties of their respectlvejcourts, as is or may be directed by law.
offices. j Sec 8 The said courts in the counties of Philadcl-
Sic 1L He shall, from time to time, Iglve to the phiaand Alle&eny respectively shall, from time, to
General Assembly Information of the state of the.time in turn, detail one or moreof their judges to hold
Commonwealth, and recommended to their coBiidera-i the courts of Oyer and Terminer and the courts of
tlon such measures as he may judge expedient.
Sec. 12. He may on extraordinary occasions, con
vene the General Assembly, and in case of disagree-
Quarter Sessions of the Peace of said counties in such
manner as may be directed by law.
Sec. tf Judges ot tue courts oi common nease
proceeded ngainai rn.ii.aiiy, by information, except (representatives according- to its population, but noi now existing are avoided.
ih ases rtir.jrin the bind or naval forces, or i i the jdiatrlct shall elect more than four representatives. Sac. 22. No act of the General Assembly shall au
.lat.grr, or ny lenveonne conrx, ior oppresiou or mis- t .. o.'winn f thi. rn.tittt, on,i i.nm.,H
.h n.e-i.or ... ofiice. No pel son .hall for t he same oi-My kiur etklh United States decennial census, shall
f.-nse betu n-e put in Jeopardy of life or limb ; nor iflliprlon the State into Senatorial and Kepresenta
j.ru ate property be taken or applied to pul.lic use with j tiVe distriets agreeably to the provisions oi the two
out authority .f law, and wiii.out j.i-t compensation neIt ,rocceding sections.
1-einL' tsrst made or secured. . 1
So. 11. All courts ehtll be open ; ar.d every man for. AKTICL.E III.
:i.i i.ij-iry done him in his lands, cood, person, or repu- LSOISLATIOX.
tatioii, shall have rein.-dy by due course ft liw, and
nt" juB.ice auni.iiiHiiTi-u ti nun., - t-r, ...a , .r nU tian pa s0 altered or amended on its passage
!ei..y. Suits may be brought t.gaiin.t the t'ommoii- th.ough either house as to change its original pur
wml!h in Hiich manner, in such courts, m l in such p,..
oas.ttaaii.eiAMMs.Hiuremay iy aw a.rect Sec.2. No bill shall be considered unless referred
Sec. 13. The General Assembly at Its first session' thorite the investment of trust funds by executors,
administrators, guardians, or otner trustees, in tne
bonds or stock f anv private corporation, and such
acts now existing are avoided, saving investments tires, or shall be.unable to exercise
Heretofore roaae.
Sec. 23. The power to change the venue in civil and
criminal cases shall be vested In the courts, to be ex
ercised in such manner as shall be provided by law.
Sec. 24. No obligation or liability of anv railroad
Sec. l. No law shall be passed except byblll,and no or other corporation, held or owned by the Common
wealth, shall ever bogexchanged, translerred, remit
ire. iz. mo power or sunpendins tnws snau i.e exer-to a committee, returned therefrom, and printed for
ci-eo. unless oy wie iegirtiai urc or oy us nuuiurur. !ln0 Dge cf tne members.
Sic. 13. Excessive bail shait not be required nor ox-1 SEC 3. No except general appropriation bills,
ccfnive hnes im nosed, nor cruel i.unishu.vnl s inflicted. c,o I V, a raecn.l MAn to Inlniv mnsa V e v ona s?si i a a
tKC 14. All prisoners shall be liable by sufficient sur-: .... hll be clearlv expressed in its title.
rlv Tnrtaaif1
eu. unless ior capital onenscs. wnen tne prooi is evi- skc. 4. Every bill shall be read at length on three
dent or presumption great ; and the privilege of the!JIfferent dayg ln each house; all amendments made
writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless thereto shall be printed for the use of the membersbe
wheu in case of rebellion or invasion the public safety ,ore the final vote is taken on the bill, and no bill
may require it. ... ... . .Jshall become a law unless on Its final passage the vote
Sue. 15. No commNsion of oyer and terminer or j:ul he taken by eag and naygt the nAm'a of tne Iersoas
delivery shall be issued voting for and against the same be entered on the
MclS. The person .f a debtor, where there is not !journal. and a majority of the members elected to
strong presumption of fraud, shall not he continued iu .Jeach houge reconid thereon as voting in its favor,
pnson r.fter delivering up his est ate for the benefit o Skc. 5 No amendment to biUs by one house shall be
lis creditors, in such manner as sha.l be prescribed by , concurred in by the other, except by a vote ofa mi
1:4 ' , . . 'jority of the members elected thereto taken by yeas
Sec. 17. No ax post vaoto law, nor any law impair-,t,, ,,, thn nam of thn vntin tAt Vn.i
ins? the obligation of contracts, or making irrevocable agajnat' recorded upon the journal thereof; and re
i.ny grant ol special privileges oi immunities, shall be tg of comB1ittee8 of conference shall be adopted in
r:.Hed.
ttc. 18. No person shall be attainted of treason er
fci.'i.y by tl.e Legislatnre.
fcito. 19. No attainder shall work corruption of b!ood,
nor, except during the li f e of the offender, forfeiture f
t-fctatc to the Commonwealth; the estate of such per
sons as shall destroy their ewn lives shall descend or
either house only by the vote of a majority of the
members elected thereto, taken by yeas and nays, and
the names of those voting recorded upon the journal.
Sec. . No law shall be revived, amended, or the
provisions thereof extended or conferred by reforence
to its title only, but so much thereof as is revived,
trl BB ill tanr. VI liaiuini 11, " r-w . Till 1.1 ished Kt lensfth
be killed by casualty, here shall be no forfeiture by j se. T The Oenerf 1
ted, postponod, or in any way diminished by the Gen
eral Assembly, nor shail such liability or obligation
be released, except by payment thereof into the State
Treasury.
Sec. o. 'When the General Assembly shall be con
vened in special session, there shall be no legislation
upon subjects other than those designated in the proc
lamation of the Governor, calling such session.
Sec. 26. Eveiy order, resolution, or vote, to which
the concurrence of both houses may be necessary (ex
cept on the question of adjournment) sffall be presen
ted to the Governor, and before it shall take cilect be
approved by him, or being disapproved, shall be re
passed by two-thirds of both houses, according to the
rules ana limitations prescribed in case of a bill.
Sec. 27. No State office shail he continued or created
for the Inspection or measuring of any merchandise,
manufacture or commodity, but any county or muni
cipality may appoint such officers when authorized
by law.
Sec. 28. No, law changing the location of the cap
ital of the State shall be valid until the same shall
havo been submitted to the qualified electors of the
Commonwealth, at a general election, and ratified
and approved by them.
Sec. 29. A member of the General Assembly who
shall solicit, demand, or receive, or consent to receive.
directly or indirectly, lor tilmsell or lor another, irom
any company, corporation, or person, any money,
office, appointment, employment, testimonal, reward
mint between tho two houses, with respect to the learned ln the law shall be nidges of the courts of Over
time of adjournment, adjourn them to such tine as he, and Tenninrr.Ciuarter Sessions of the Peace.and Gen
shall thlna: proper, not exceeding four month. He eralJail lielivery, and of the Orphans' Court, and
shall have power to convene the Senate in extraordl-i within their respective districts shall be justices of tho
nary session, by proclamation, for the transaction of -peace as to criminal matters.
executive business. Sec 10. The judges of the courts of CommoikPlease,
Sec. 13. Ia case of the death,' conviction on im-l within their respective counties, shall have power to
peachment, failure to qualify, resignation, or other Issue writs of CKaTioaxni to justices of the peace and
disability of the Governor, tue powers, duties, andjother inferior courts net of record, and to cause their
emoluments of the officelor the remainder of the term, i pr jceediag to be brought before them and right and
or until the disability be removed, shall devolve uponjjuttice to be done.
the Lieutenant Governor. Sec. 11. Except as otherwise provided in this Consti-
Skc. 14. In case ofa vacancy In the office of Lleu-jtutlon.justicesof thepeaceor aldermenshallboelected
teanant Governor, or when the Lieutenant Gover-un theseveral wards, districts, boroughs and townships
nor shall be Impeached by the House of Kcprssenta-1 at the time of the election ot constables, by tee quali-
tho duties ot his ried electors tbereoi, m sucn manner as snail be urec-
offlce, the powers, duties, and emoluments thereof forted by law, and shall be commissioned by the Gover
the remainder of the term, or until the disability be n0r for a term of five years. No township, ward, cis-
removed, shall devolve upon the President r bo TEM-itrlct or borouga snail elect more tnan two justices ot
poke of the Senate : and the President pro tempore of the peace or aldermen without the consent of a ma-
the Senate shall in like manner become Governor if a Ijority of the qualified electors within such township,
vacancy or aieaojiity snail occur in tne omce oi jtov- ward or borougu; no person saan 03 eiecieo. to suea
ernor ; his seat as Senator shall become vacant wneai office unless he snail navo resiaea witnin tae 1011.
ever he shall become Governor, and shall be fillcJ by 'ship, borough, ward or district for one year next pre
election as any other vacancy in the Senate, ceding his election. In cities containing over fait y
Sec. 15. Every bill which shall nave paesea notn thousand maabitanis, not more tnan oneaiacroian
houses shall be presented to the Governor; if ho ap-j shall be elected in each ward or district.
prove, he shall sign it ; but if he shall not approve, he
shall return it with his objections to the hou.se ia
which it shall have originated, which housa shall
ent?r the objections at large upon their journal, and
proeeea 10 reconsider it. 11, aiter suon reconueiuera
tion, two-thirds of all the members elected to that
house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent with
the objections to tne other house, by wnicn, likewise.
8ec. 12. ln Philadelphia there shall be established.
for eaoh thirty thousand inhabitants, one court not of
record, of police and civil causes, with jurisdiction net
exceeding one kundred dollars ; suck courts shall bo
held by magistrates whose term of office shall be five
rears, and they shall be elected on general ticket by
the qualified voters at large ; and in the election of the
said magistrates no voter shall vote for more than
It shall be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds 1 two-thirds of thenumbcr of persons to be elected, wnen
of all the members elected to tht houe. it shall be almore than one are to be chosen ; they shall bo com-
law ; but in such cases the votes of both houses shall pensated only by fixed salaries, to be paid by saidcoun
be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the Uy andshall exercise such juiisdiction, civil and crim-
. V I ,L-i iL XIll .1 .11 .-... -.l . 1 .l ....... ..s.nian.l ....
memoers voting ior ana against ino uni Mian m mai, tictpi as aeicm .ikiiuou, u u .mn cicin. uj
aldermen, subject to such changes, not involving an
increase of civil jurisdiction or conlernng polltic.il
duties, as may bo made by law. ln Philadelphia the
oilice ot al.l.-riaan is abolished.
rc. 13. Ail lees, fines and penalties In said courts
entered on the journals of each house respectively
li any biiisnau not be returned oy tae governor wuii
in ten days after it shall have been presented to him.
the same shall bo a law in like manner as if ho h:vil
signed it. unless the General Assembly, by tLeira -:
iournrnent. prevent its return, in which case it fh.tl! 'sh-i II be paid into the county treasury.
ue a law, unless ne snail nie tne same, witn nis oojcc-i St-r. 14. ln ell cases 01 summary conviction in tins
tion, in the office of the Secretary of the Common-1 Commonwealth, or of judgment in suit for a penalty
wealth, and give notice thereof by public proclaina-l before a magistrate, or court not of record, either par
tion within thirty days alter such adjournment. 'tymay appeal to such court of record as may be j.rc
Sec. 16. The Governor shall have power totlisrtpj . abed by law, upon allowance of the appellate court
nrove of anv item or itttma ot anv bill makinir HPir ' ,r indue thereof, upon cause shown.
priations ot money, embracing distinct items, and ihi sec. 15. All judges required to be learned ln tkelaw.
reason thereof.
20. The citizens have a right in a peaceable man
ner to assemble together for their common pomi,and to
apply to thee invested with the powers of govern ment
lor redress or grievances or other proper purposes, by
petition, address or remonstrance.
Skc 21. The right of citizens to bear arms In defense
of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.
t-KC.22. No standing army shall, in timeofpeace.be
kept up without the consent of the legislature and the
military shall, in all cases, nnd at ill times, be in strict
kUlMirdination t the civil power.
Sac. 23. No soldier shall in time of peace be quar
tered in any house without the consent of the owner,
nor in time of war but iu a manner to be prescribe.', by
law
Assembly shall not pass
local or special law ;
Authorirlng the creation, extension or impairing of
lies s ;
Regulating the affairs of counties, cities, townships,
wards, boroughs, or school districts ;
Changing the names of persons or places ;
Changing the venue in civil or criminal cases ;
Authorizing the laying out, opening, altering, or
maintainlcg roads, highways, streets, or alleys;
Relating to lerrles or bridges, or incorporating for
thing ot value or enjoyment, or of personal advantage part or parts of the bill approved shall be the law, and 'except the judges of the Supreme Court, shall be elec-
vote or official innuence, the neni or items 01 appropriation uisapproveu Bua.u;teu ny tne quauueu. neewm uuucii;tuo msim-m
anv or promise thereot. lor his
or ior wunnoining tne same, or
with an understand-! bo void, unless repassed according to the rules
ing, expressed or implied, that his vote or official limitations prescribed for the passage ot other bills
action snail be in any way mnuenced tnereby, or who ever tne executive veto.
shall sollct or demand any such money or other advan
tage, matter or thing aioresaiu ior another, as tne
coutideraiion of his vote or official Influence, or for
withholding the same, or shall give or withhold his
vote or influence in consideration of the payment or
promise 01 such money, advantage, matter, or thing
to another, shall be held iculltv ol bribery within the
dren ;
nobility or heieditary distinction, nor create any emce
the appointment of which shall Us for a longer term
than during good behaviour.
Heo.25. Emigration from the State shall not be pro
hibited. - . . , ,
fcKC. 2G. To guard agaii.st transgressions of the high
powers which we nave neiegaieu, we ut.-tu.ic :- . -h.nirlnr the nlaca of votlnr
Irv.i.i.,., inihl. ril.,U eceatdout of the general,10? or c.n.l.DKln Flc" 01 vollu
powen of government, and shall forever remain mvio-
htle.
ARTICLE II.
TUB LEGISLATl'kC.
t-'tc. 1 The legislative power of this Common
wealth shall be vested in a General Assembly which
shall consist of a Senate and House of Reproseutati ves.
s.-- 1 UvniUrn of the General Assembly shall be
ry or bridge companies, except ior tne erection oi uieaoiug 01 mis vjoubiiiuiiou, anuTuim. luiunuoum
bridges crossing streams which form boundaries Lo ibilities provided thereby lor the said offense, and such
tweea this and any other State: additional puaishment as is or shall be provided by
Vacating: roads, town plats, streets or alleys ; ilaw.
Kelatingtocemeteries,graveyardserpublicgrounds o.c. 31. Any person who shall, directly or indi
rectly, umr, give, or promise any money, ur iiims m
value, testimonial, privilege, or personal advantage,
Ssc. 24. Tho Legislature shall not grant any title or ,,,horl,lni, the adoption or legitimation of chll
and! over which they are to preside, and shall hold their ol-
flcc8 for the poricd of ten years, if they shall so long
hahave themselves well: but for any reasonable cause.
which shall not be sufficient ground for impeachment.
Rwrv 17. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
shall preside upon the trial of any contested election the Governor may remove any of them on the address
ot ti-overnor r i.iutenant u-overnor, ana snau ue- ol two-tiras 01 ica noue 01 im unri asscmuiy.
cldequestlons regardingthe admlssibilityorevider.ee, sec. 10. Whcnevertwo judges of the SupremeCourt
and shall, upon request of the committer, pronounce !aro to be chosen for the samo term of service, each vo
his opinion upon other questions of law involved in jier shall vote for ono only, and when three are lobe
the trial. The Governor and Lieutenant Governorlchosen, he shall vote for no more than two; candi
shall exercise the duties of their respective offises'uates highest in voto shall be declared elected,
until their successors shall be duly qualified. sic. 1". Should any two or more judgesoftue Su-
Sec. 18. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall IpremeCourt.or aay two or more judges ot th Court t.f
keep a record of all official act and proceedings of the Dommon Pleas lor the same district be electe.l at the
a.u'mnr. turf whun ntnnirmi la.v the same, with all ! en m timn. thev shalL as soon after the election as
papers, minutes and vouchers relating thereto, bofore'eonvenient. cast lots for priority of commission,
and
issue
itnnr branch nttha nf ths (lennral AmhidI.Iv. and liar-! n.-rtif v tha result tO tUO Governor, WllO u 1
to any executive or judicial officer or member of tne: form such other duties as may be enjoinod upon him j their commissions in accordance therewith.
.. .. i - ....... ... o.n.;.i & cco.nK.n inMn.n. k.n. . th.. nArfi.r. u ! siE-n. m. The mages oi mo oupreme oourv, ami u
alHTH.LI D Sc Or vUllllKllJK VUUUIV B OeMOi VICv tlllii m n i v u wa nicviu isv y m w a uuuv;uVU uiui an waav uvs wi stent - . wew . . .
counties or changing eointy lines: mance of any of his public or official duties, shall be Sec. 19. The Secretary of Internal Atlairs shall judges ot the several Courts ot Common Picas, and
lncorporatlngcities. towns, or vlllages.cr changing guilty of bribery, and be punished ln such manner as exercise all the powers and perform all thoduties ol;il other judges required to be learned In tho 1 w.
their eharters; ' K ' shall be provided fby law. Ithe Surveyor deneral, subject to such changes as Shall, at stated times, receive for their services an ad-
For the openirr and conducting of elections, or nx- sec. si. i ne onense oi corrupt solicitation oi memoers snail be made ny law. his uepanmeni mu em urate equate c(iuijicmuuu. u.vuu... y
g or changing the place of voting : oftheGenerai Assembly er ol publto officers ofthe'a bureau of industrial statistics, and he shall dU-: paid by the State. They shall receive no other com-
Granting divorces; State, or ol any municipal division tbereoi, ana any charge such duties relating to corporations iu mo pensaiiou, iees, or pcinuiaiico . io
Erectlng new rownsnias or oorouges. cnangmg occupation or practice ui solicitation oi sucu lueui-icnartauie institutions, tut nntunuii, , i.uui u. v,, r ..
. . . ' .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . i i t . i ....-ii i . . i . , .i v. ..... ,.ti... Motnrli I nrr. M..Awtl,ni Tr. 1 1 w1 latAt tr1l4vt.11er.rAnv ii I ii t r
township lines, borough limits, or school districts ;
Creating offices, or prescribing the powers and du
ties of officers in counties, cities, boroughs, townships,
election or school districts ;
Changing the law of deseentor succession :
Vftnittlnirlht nrn.etle or inrisil If Mod of. or Chan Q-
fns-the rnles of evidence in anv iudiclal proceeding icoininttted the oflenseor bribery orcorrunt solicitation
, ... , i . Tiir.lrif.r imlrr l.afnr nnxirim l.li.rmpn . nall.res ol tntt ior practlceB oi solicitation, and lull! not oe perm 1 1-
lhoe I m lilt jpiirrai tmuuii t.m j eiuu jem . ...... v.. , - - - j- iZH .ll .il. . ' ... .......
tvrm of servl'e shall begin on the rtrst day of Decern- peaeo, sheriils, commiesioners, arbitrators, audltors.'ted to withhold his testimony upon the ground that it
..... r... n.uir i;.,.ti.r. Wh.i.sr m vcncv masters in ckancerv. or other tribunals, or providing i may criminate himself orsubiect him to public in-
.1.-.11 .w-.-..r w. iii.r Iluusu t lie presiding officer there! or changing methods for the collection of debts, or the laiuy ; but such testimony shall not alterwaids be fairs
lin..ri.m.M i,.i.ri...nn.th.i. ..iri.iii iMinn htii'in mining minri iimWtiid other material or.fit under tho United States, this Stale, or any otner
be defined by law, and shall be punished by Hue and 'business Interests of the State as may be prescribed .state.
imprisonment. bylaw. He shall annually, and at such other times, SKCin The judges of the Supremo Court, during
Sac. ai. Any peison may be compelled to testiiy in as may be required nyiaw, maaertirt t tuoutucim j r continuance in office, shall reside witnin tins
Assemmy. . Commonwealth ; and tho other judges, during tutir
Sec. bo. The superintendent oi ruuim xnstiuctiou 1C0n. inuance in offii-e, shall reside within the districts
looted.
mmon fleas, b-s-
ant lawful investigation or iudiclal proceeding
against any person who may be charged with having
ati', ai, iiiiJouiwriuicuuouiii """u "v " icontlnuanco in omi'e, snail reside win
shall exercise all the powers and pcrrortnall the duties ,or wnicu tiiey .hall be respectively el
of tho superintendent of Common Schools, subject to. bK0, The several Courts of Con
such chauges as shall be made by law. L:.i tii nowera herein conferred, shall have aud ex-
vacancy masters in caancery, or otaer tribunals, or providing i may crimiaato nimseii or suojeoi uitu to iiuui.o n.-i bkc zi. i no term oi mo cceioti jr huium.i "'leroise withlu their respective
shall be four years,
ot shiill issue a writ of election to All audi vacancy for
tho remainder of the term.
HkC. i Senators shall be e'.ecUd for the term of four
ears aud Itepresentatives for the term of two years.
f sc. 4. Tho General Assembly ehall mwt at twelve
o'clock noon, on the first Tuesday of January every
second year, and ai. other times when convened by the
Governor, but shall hold no adjourned annual session
after the yearone thousand eight hundred and seventy
eight. In cuse of a vacaney In the office of the United
Suits Senator from this Commonwealth, in a recess
lietweeu sessions, the Governor sbaM convene the two
bouses by proclamation on notice not exceeding sixty
.tuva In tfil I ba samp
bee. 6 Senators shall Le at least twenty-five years of
mltm H...1 linr.iit ati vt-s twentv-oue vears of age.1
't hey shall have been citizens and inhabitants of
the Htate four years, and Inhabitants of their respective
sistricts one year next Ufore their election (unless ab
sent on the public business of the United States or of
this Slate), and tsbsll reside in their respective district!
during their terms of service.
Hsc J No Senator or Representative shall, during
the time far which he shall have been elected, be ap
pointed to any civil office under this Common wealth,
and no member of Congress or other person holdiug
any office (except of attorney-at law or in the militia)
under the United Stales or this Commonwealth shall be
a member of either house during his continuance iu of
fice. Ho. 7 No person hereafter convicted of embezzlement
of public moneys, bribery, perjury, or other infamoue
crime, ehall be eligible to the General Assembly, or ca-
enforclng of judgments, or proscribing the effect ol used agatst him in any judicial proceeding, except forjthree years, and of the State Treasurer two years
.il....l.tA . 1 ; nA r ff .a
Atriv i izaa U.M1 hlTi 1 IIAir ri S Tlf'n. LIVH lllVLriULP. BUt Ctli -xw
ol the Auditor Ueneral, jiucu changes as may be made by law, such chancery
iudiclal sales of real estate :
Keguiating tne lees, or eiienoing tan puwvrs sun
duties of aldermen, justices ot the peaco, magistrates,
or eonstalles;
Regulating the management of public schools, the
building or repairing of school houses, and tho raising
of money for such purposes ;
Fixing the rate of interest ;
Aflectlng the estates cf minors or persons under dis
ability, except after due notice to all parties in inter
est, to be recited ln the special enactment;
Remitting fines, penalties and forfeitures, orrefund
ing moneys legally paid into the Treasury ;
.rerani in ir prooertv from taxation :
Regulating labor, trade, mining, or manufactur
ing;
al"l av k. 1 I 1..11 M 4
ituf ara a a re nnw vh imi t v law in luo eviuai
perjury In giving sueu testimony, and any person con- The officers shall be chosen by the qualined electors 'ul OQlanon Pleas of this Oommonwealth, or as may
victed ot either of tke otlenses aloresald, ehall, as partlol the State at general elections. No person elected n0,eatter be conferred upon t hem by law.
of tho punishment theretore, be disquallltie.1 Irom to the office of Auditor General or State Treasurer! 21. No duties shall be Imposed by law upon tho
shall becapabie oi noiuing tue same o.uco ior two su.,rcme Court or anyorthe judges tue rem, t.u.,.i,
consecutive terms. . Isacli as aro iudiclal. nor shallany of the judges there-
I exercise any power of appointment, o ace pi .as neio-
holdtng any office or ttositlon of honor, trust, ur proht
In this Oommonwealih.
Skc. S3. A member who has a person! orprltate
interest in any measure er bill proposed or pending
betoro the General Assembly shall di.close the tact to
the house of which he is a member and shall not vote
thereon.
ARTICLE IV.
Tim executive.
Sec. 1. The Executive Department of tils Com
monwealth shall consist of a Governor, Lieutenant
Governor, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Attorney
Sec. 2i. The present Gr. at Seal of Pennsylvania ,,,
ttfttlntr corporations, or amending, renewing. or,Ucnen'. Auditor General.
- " . . - .art ikt inriirnal tn.iri.
extending the charters tnereoi ;
Grantiug to any corporation, association, or Indi
vidual any special er exclusive privilege or Immunity
or to any eorporatlon, association or individual the
right to lay do wn a railroad traek. Norshall the Gene
...l a ...mi.iv i.rfir.i-i ivoiiaetsuch special or loeal law
ll ABfLUU. .. vv.,j . . . , 11. ,i
by the partial repeal of a general law, but laws re-iy"1
pealiag local or special aets may be passed. Norehail.'yr
ln provided. The Court of Nisi rnua is neieoy anoi-
, ana no original ju. .au.v..v -
v one or more of tue judges ot the SupremeCourt
shall ba established.
Sec 22. In every county wherein the population
shall "exceed one hundred and fifty thousand the
Ueneral Assembly saall, and Iu any other county
.UOIIW.. ....,- li..!,...! IV.,.. ... ......
Sec. 1. The judicial power of this Commonwealthmay, esiaui.su f 1 ' - . . . T-"i.."
shall be vested in the SupremeCourt in courts of el i ,uu' Ju " "T."".''.. . ,
fc tate Treasurer, Secrb-'COminon pleas, court of oyer and terminer and gene- law, wnicu liuuit.utwu . .i tuc j " 1
and a Suiwrintendont ,al lall lielivery. courts of quarter sessloc.s ot the powers new imiu, or wn.cu u. ty '"t.tr -
..p..n ins. shall cease, and riatermiud : in ' HOT county in
shall ba the seal of the State.
All commissions aaau ue in tne name anu oy lah- .
IllUIUiUJ Ul lU0UUU.tui.i.cimut . vi.iiDj..au..,..iu by aU
DO seaieu Willi tuo out ia. tun uy uio utioi
nor.
ARTICLE V.
TUI JL'PICIARV.
tary ol internal Anairs,
of Pablic Instruction.
. .. ! 1 . ...... .1..I1 1
bKC. l ne supreme czecutive uuncr sunn or -
ted In the Governor, who shall take care that the laws time to time establish,
bo laiihiully executed ; he shall be chosen on tho day sac. 2. The Supreme
Court shall consist
of the general election by the qualified nector, of he judges, who .half be elected by the qualihe.l elec ors wiucn a TOr. uj v "envou
m l vj i i . v " ..mwiw vi.. i - 1 1 1 i 11 u ri.iu M L laiKQ. AUVT Elian . . - - , . , , .
Com uionwealth
Kepreseutativos
The returns of every election tr the term of twenty-one years, if they so long bo-
any law be passe(l granting powers or pr.v directed to the President of -i h Indira whose commission shall first expire shall
casVerlthegran governme.lt directed to he
shall have Len provided for ly general law, Sor.the Senate, who shall open and publl.h
where the coTrU ave Turisdictlon to grant the sume presence wf the members of both houses o
rVt.V-".; Vfr 8 Assembly. 1 he person having Uie high.
Sec. 8. No local or special bill shall be passed un
less notice of the intention to apply therafor shall have
the Prashlaui of. Thai t.i.ira, .hn eommlnslnn shall first expire shauwun tne consent acu
t . j. :.t . . i. i,..i.i.n..i.i. n.miiia flia.iwitn himas registfror
li R in ill Lna i.s n m l i iiaTina .Tin rnr.aii.r .ai. i u-i. v . .. -- - . .
votes shall be Governor,
and highest in voles,
f the General 'muaion shall first eiplre shall in turn be chieljustice said Beparate
est number of Se0. g. Thojurisdictlon of the Supreme urt fhall by the
highest
but if two or more bd equal extend over tho State, an
one ot them shall be chosen virtue of their offices, be
subiect to Its direction in all matters pertaining to
Ihla nttiKA lia nut tnnnlnt tttlStUDt clerks, but only
"".""--"- J ix - - - - ,... ,...
X 1 L. All "
cleric of tin
sta'l bs audited
to parties, except
roceoding
may, iu
Orphans' Gourt
without expense
id thejudges thereof shall.byj where all parties in interest in a peudlag pi
justices ol oyer and terminer shall nominate an aulitor whom tho court