Kentucky Constitution Articles 16. General Provisions
Kentucky Constitution – Article XVI: General Provisions
Article XVI of the Kentucky Constitution contains general legal and administrative provisions that do not fit neatly into other categories. These provisions clarify specific duties, limitations, or structural details concerning the operation of the government and the enforcement of the Constitution.
🔹 Key Provisions in Article XVI:
Section 1 – Officers Must Take Oath
All state and local officers must take an oath to support the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of Kentucky.
They also swear faithful performance of their duties.
Section 2 – Bribery and Corruption Disqualify from Office
Any person who offers, gives, or receives a bribe, or engages in corrupt practices, is disqualified from:
Holding any office of honor or profit in the state.
Voting in any election within Kentucky.
Section 3 – Oath Not to Fight Duel
This unusual historical provision requires public officials to take an oath stating they have not fought a duel, sent or accepted a challenge to fight a duel, or acted as a second in a duel since 1849.
Reflects Kentucky’s 19th-century efforts to curb dueling among political and military elites.
✅ Summary:
Article XVI of the Kentucky Constitution, though short, focuses on:
Ensuring loyalty and accountability of public officers through oaths.
Prohibiting corruption and unethical behavior in public office.
Including a historic anti-dueling clause to emphasize civic responsibility and the rejection of personal violence.
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