Vermont Constitution Article 7. [Government for the people; they may change it]
Vermont Constitution – Article 7 is part of the Vermont Declaration of Rights, and it expresses a core democratic principle.
Here is the full text of:
Article 7. [Government for the people; they may change it]
“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.”
Plain English Summary:
Purpose of Government: Government exists for the common good—not to benefit a single person, family, or group.
Rights of the People: The people have a fundamental and undeniable right to change or reform their government in whatever way they believe best serves the public interest.
Why It Matters:
This article:
Emphasizes popular sovereignty—the idea that all political power originates from the people.
Affirms the right to peaceful revolution or reform, echoing themes from the American Revolution and Enlightenment political theory.
Acts as a safeguard against tyranny, stating clearly that no government should serve only a privileged few.
RELATED Blog
0 comments