The Massachusetts Constitution
* TBD wrote/added section titles for numerous constitutional passages (see disclaimer)!
| Passage | Title |
|---|---|
| Entire Portion | The 'Introduction' to the Massachusetts Constitution |
| Preamble | The Preamble to the Massachusetts Constitution |
| Passage | Title |
|---|---|
| Entire Portion | The "Part the First" portion of the Massachusetts Constitution |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. 0 | Declaration |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. I | Unalienable Rights of Humanity |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. II | The Right and Duty to Worship in Peace |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. III | The Role of Faith and Morality in Civil Government |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. IV | Sovereignty and Self-Governance: The Commonwealth's Enduring Rights |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. V | The People's Sovereignty: Accountability of Government Authority |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. VI | Merit Over Inheritance: The Ethical Foundation of Public Service |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. VII | The People's Right to Government: A Mandate for the Common Good |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. VIII | Safeguarding Liberty: The People's Right to Renew Governance |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. IX | Equal Suffrage: The Right to Free and Fair Elections |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. X | Rights and Responsibilities: Protection, Consent, and Just Compensation |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XI | Access to Justice: Remedy, Equity, and Timely Redress |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XII | The Right to Due Process: Legal Protections and Fair Trials |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XIII | Local Fact Verification: A Pillar of Justice and Citizen Security |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XIV | Unreasonable Searches & Seizures |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XV | Trial by Jury |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XVI | Freedom of Press |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XVII | The Right to Bear Arms and Civil Authority over Military Power |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XVIII | Adherence to Principles: The Foundation of Liberty and Good Governance |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XIX | Freedom of Assembly |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XX | Legislative Authority: Limiting the Suspension of Laws |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XXI | Legislative Immunity: Protecting Freedom of Speech and Debate |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XXII | Legislative Assemblies: Redressing Grievances and Upholding Laws |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XXIII | Taxation with Representation: Ensuring Consent of the People |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XXIV | Rejecting Retroactive Punishment: Upholding Justice in Governance |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XXV | Safeguarding Rights: Prohibition of Legislative Declarations of Guilt |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XXVI | Prohibition of Excessive Bail, Fines, and Cruel Punishments |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XXVII | Quartering Soldiers: Protecting Civil Liberties in Peace and War |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XXVIII | Limits of Martial Law: Preserving Civil Authority and Individual Rights |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XXIX | Impartial Judiciary: The Cornerstone of Justice and Rights Protection |
| Part 1 Chp. 0 §0 Art. XXX | Separation of Powers: Ensuring a Government of Laws, Not Men |
| Passage | Title |
|---|---|
| Entire Portion | The "Part the Second" portion of the Massachusetts Constitution |
| Part 2 Chp. 0 §0 Art. 0 | The Frame of Government |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §1 Art. I | Bicameral Legislature: Collaboration Between Senate and House |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §1 Art. II | Governor's Review: Safeguarding Legislative Integrity |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §1 Art. III | Judiciary Authority: Ensuring Justice in the Commonwealth |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §1 Art. IV | Legislative Power: Enacting Laws for the Public Good |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §2 Art. I | Election of Councillors and Senators: Representation by Districts |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §2 Art. II | The Senate's Role: Procedures for Election and Representation |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §2 Art. III | Convention of Senators: Summons and Verification of Election |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §2 Art. IV | Judging Senate Elections: Ensuring Legislative Integrity |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §2 Art. V | Eligibility for Senate: Property and Residency Requirements |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §2 Art. VI | The Senate's Authority to Adjourn Meetings |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §2 Art. VII | Self-Governance: Senate's Choice of Officers and Rules |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §2 Art. VIII | Impeachment Authority: The Senate as a Court of Accountability |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §2 Art. IX | Senate Quorum: Requirements for Legislative Action |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §3 Art. I | Representation by Equality: Founding Principles of the Legislature |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §3 Art. II | Allocation of Representatives: Ensuring Equitable Civic Participation |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §3 Art. III | Qualifications for Representation: Upholding Legislative Standards |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §3 Art. IV | Voting Rights: Property-Based Suffrage in Representative Elections |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §3 Art. V | Annual Elections: A Commitment to Democratic Governance |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §3 Art. VI | The House of Representatives: Grand Inquest and Impeachment Authority |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §3 Art. VII | Origination of Money Bills: Legislative Authority of the House |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §3 Art. VIII | Power to Adjourn: Autonomy of Legislative Proceedings |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §3 Art. IX | Quorum for Business: Ensuring Legislative Efficiency |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §3 Art. X | Legislative Autonomy: Governance Within the House of Representatives |
| Part 2 Chp. 1 §3 Art. XI | Parallel Powers: Senate and Governor's Authority in Legislative Oversight |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §1 Art. I | The Supreme Executive Magistrate: Title and Role of the Governor |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §1 Art. II | Eligibility Criteria for Governor: Requirements for Office |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §1 Art. III | Electoral Process for Governor: Framework of Democratic Selection |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §1 Art. IV | The Governor’s Council: Authority in the Commonwealth's Affairs |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §1 Art. V | Gubernatorial Powers: Convening, Adjourning, and Proroguing the General Court |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §1 Art. VI | Resolving Legislative Deadlock: The Governor's Role in Adjournments |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §1 Art. VII | Governor's Role in Defense: Commanding the Commonwealth's Forces |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §1 Art. VIII | Authority to Pardon: The Governor’s Limits and Requirements |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §1 Art. IX | Judicial Appointments: Nomination and Consent Procedures |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §1 Art. X | Elected Militia Officers: Safeguarding Local Military Democracy |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §1 Art. XI | Governor’s Financial Oversight: Issuance of State Funds |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §1 Art. XII | Accountability and Transparency: Reporting Public Resources to the Governor |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §1 Art. XIII | Governor’s Independence: Ensuring Freedom from Legislative Dependence |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §2 Art. I | Lieutenant Governor: Election Process and Qualifications |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §2 Art. II | Council Presidency: Role of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §2 Art. III | Acting Governor: Authority During Gubernatorial Absence or Vacancy |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §3 Art. I | The Governor's Council: Advisory Authority in Executive Matters |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §3 Art. II | Selection of Councillors: Electoral Process and Representation |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §3 Art. III | Councillors' Rank: Positioned Next to the Lieutenant Governor |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §3 Art. IV | District Representation: Limiting Councillor Selection Per District |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §3 Art. V | Council Resolutions: Transparency and Record-Keeping Practices |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §3 Art. VI | Temporary Executive Authority: The Council’s Role in Gubernatorial Vacancies |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §3 Art. VII | Legislative Elections: Procedures for Filling Key Government Roles |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §4 Art. I | Annual Elections: Selecting Key State Officers with Accountability Measures |
| Part 2 Chp. 2 §4 Art. II | Secretary's Role: Record-Keeping and Governance Support for the Commonwealth |
| Part 2 Chp. 3 §0 Art. I | Judicial Tenure and Removal: Balancing Independence and Accountability |
| Part 2 Chp. 3 §0 Art. II | Seeking Judicial Opinions: Guidance for Critical Legal Questions |
| Part 2 Chp. 3 §0 Art. III | Commissions of Justices: Limiting Tenure for Accountability |
| Part 2 Chp. 3 §0 Art. IV | Probate Courts: Accessibility Through Localized Scheduling |
| Part 2 Chp. 3 §0 Art. V | Marriage and Divorce Cases: Executive Oversight and Legislative Provision |
| Part 2 Chp. 4 §0 Art. 0 | Annual Election of Delegates: Representation in the U.S. Congress |
| Part 2 Chp. 5 §1 Art. I | Harvard College's Legacy: Preserving Eminence in Arts and Sciences |
| Part 2 Chp. 5 §1 Art. II | Confirming Gifts and Grants: Securing Harvard’s Benefactions |
| Part 2 Chp. 5 §1 Art. III | Governance Transition: Overseeing Harvard College in the Commonwealth Era |
| Part 2 Chp. 5 §2 Art. 0 | The Duty of Legislatures: Advancing Education, Virtue, and Civic Values |
| Part 2 Chp. 6 §0 Art. I | Oaths and Affirmations: Establishing Accountability in Governance |
| Part 2 Chp. 6 §0 Art. II | Prohibition of Office Overlap: Safeguarding Integrity and Focus in Roles |
| Part 2 Chp. 6 §0 Art. III | Monetary Qualifications: Silver as the Standard of Value |
| Part 2 Chp. 6 §0 Art. IV | Commissions of Office: Formalizing Authority in the Commonwealth |
| Part 2 Chp. 6 §0 Art. V | Judiciary Procedures: Issuance and Validation of Writs |
| Part 2 Chp. 6 §0 Art. VI | Preserving Precedents: Continuation of Approved Provincial Laws |
| Part 2 Chp. 6 §0 Art. VII | Habeas Corpus: Ensuring Liberty Through Legal Safeguards |
| Part 2 Chp. 6 §0 Art. VIII | Legislative Enacting Style: Defining the Language of Lawmaking |
| Part 2 Chp. 6 §0 Art. IX | Transitioning Governance: Continuity Amid Constitutional Change |
| Part 2 Chp. 6 §0 Art. X | Constitutional Revision: Procedures for Amendment Through General Court |
| Part 2 Chp. 6 §0 Art. XI | Preservation of Governance: Enrolling and Publishing the Laws of the Commonwealth |
| Passage | Title |
|---|---|
| Entire Portion | The "Articles of Amendment" portion of the Massachusetts Constitution |
| Amendments Art. I | Gubernatorial Veto: Limiting Legislative Adjournments' Impact on Bills |
| Amendments Art. II | Municipal Governance: Framework for Establishing Local Governments |
| Amendments Art. III | Voting Rights: Defining Qualifications for Electoral Participation |
| Amendments Art. IV | Appointment of Notaries and Vacant Officeholders: Governance Procedures |
| Amendments Art. V | Militia Elections: Historical Voting Rights of Company Members |
| Amendments Art. VI | Oaths of Office: Affirming Loyalty and Accountability to the Commonwealth |
| Amendments Art. VII | Officeholder Requirements: Streamlined Qualifications for Public Roles |
| Amendments Art. VIII | Office Incompatibility: Safeguarding Separation of Powers in Governance |
| Amendments Art. IX | Constitutional Amendments: Process for Proposal and Ratification |
| Amendments Art. X | Defining the Political Year: Adjustments to Legislative Timelines |
| Amendments Art. XI | Election of Religious Leaders: Promoting Equality and Morality in Worship |
| Amendments Art. XII | Representation by Population: Decennial Census and Legislative Apportionment |
| Amendments Art. XIII | Census and Apportionment: Structuring Representation in the Commonwealth |
| Amendments Art. XIV | Determining Civil Elections: Establishing Democratic Voting Procedures |
| Amendments Art. XV | Electoral Timelines: Scheduling Statewide Elections |
| Amendments Art. XVI | Councillor Elections: Redistricting and Representation Framework |
| Amendments Art. XVII | Election of Key State Officials: Procedures and Contingencies |
| Amendments Art. XVIII | Funding for Public Schools: Ensuring Transparency and Secular Allocation |
| Amendments Art. XIX | Election of County Officials: Empowering Local Governance |
| Amendments Art. XX | Literacy and Eligibility: Requirements for Voting and Holding Office |
| Amendments Art. XXI | Census of Voters and Representatives: Equitable Legislative Apportionment |
| Amendments Art. XXII | Census and Senate Apportionment: Structuring Legislative Representation |
| Amendments Art. XXIII | Foreign Birth and Voting Rights: Residing Under U.S. Jurisdiction |
| Amendments Art. XXIV | Senate Vacancies: Election by Unrepresented Districts |
| Amendments Art. XXV | Council Vacancies: Legislative and Executive Appointment Procedures |
| Amendments Art. XXVI | Annulment of Restrictions: Voting Rights for Foreign-Born Citizens |
| Amendments Art. XXVII | Harvard College Governance: Annulment of Specific Oversights |
| Amendments Art. XXVIII | Voting Rights for Veterans: Safeguarding Against Disqualification |
| Amendments Art. XXIX | Conducting Elections: Multiple Meeting Locations for Voter Accessibility |
| Amendments Art. XXX | Voting Rights: Temporary Residence Change Protection |
| Amendments Art. XXXI | Veterans’ Voting Rights: Removing Barriers for Aid Recipients |
| Amendments Art. XXXII | Tax Payment Requirement Annulment: Expanding Voting Accessibility |
| Amendments Art. XXXIII | Quorum for Legislative Business: Adjustments to Attendance Rules |
| Amendments Art. XXXIV | Property Requirement Annulment: Broadening Public Office Eligibility |
| Amendments Art. XXXV | Travel Expense Annulment: Revising Legislative Compensation Practices |
| Amendments Art. XXXVI | Commissioners of Insolvency: Removing Obsolete Positions |
| Amendments Art. XXXVII | Governor’s Authority: Removal of Justices and Notaries |
| Amendments Art. XXXVIII | Voting Machines: Upholding Secret Ballot Integrity |
| Amendments Art. XXXIX | Excess Land Acquisition for Highways: Legislative Authorization and Sale |
| Amendments Art. XL | Addressing Electoral Corruption: Expanded Disqualifications for Guardianship |
| Amendments Art. XLI | Taxation for Conservation: Developing Forest Resources in the Commonwealth |
| Amendments Art. XLII | Popular Referendum: Direct Democracy in Legislative Decisions |
| Amendments Art. XLIII | Land Management for Housing: Relieving Urban Congestion and Citizen Welfare |
| Amendments Art. XLIV | Income Taxation: Structure, Rates, and Property-Based Classifications |
| Amendments Art. XLV | Absentee Voting Rights: Accessibility for Absent Qualified Electors |
| Amendments Art. XLVI | Constitutional Guarantees: Safeguarding Freedom, Schools, and Public Oversight |
| Amendments Art. XLVII | Wartime Public Welfare: Ensuring Access to Basic Necessities and Shelter |
| Amendments Art. XLVIII | Popular Initiative and Referendum |
| Amendments Art. XLIX | Conservation of Natural Resources |
| Amendments Art. L | Advertising Regulation: Restricting Public and Private Displays |
| Amendments Art. LI | Preservation of Historical Landmarks: A Public Use Mandate |
| Amendments Art. LII | Legislative Recess Limitations: Ensuring Continuity of Governance |
| Amendments Art. LIII | Military Officers' Appointment: Standards and Procedures |
| Amendments Art. LIV | Military Organization: Authority of the Governor and General Court |
| Amendments Art. LV | Gubernatorial Vacancy: Succession Protocols and Authority |
| Amendments Art. LVI | Governor's Role in Legislative Amendments: Powers and Restrictions |
| Amendments Art. LVII | Eligibility of Women as Notaries: Expanding Public Office |
| Amendments Art. LVIII | Retirement of Judicial Officers: Governor's Authority with Oversight |
| Amendments Art. LIX | Corporate Charters and Franchises: Rights of Amendment and Revocation |
| Amendments Art. LX | Zoning Authority: District-Based Building Regulations |
| Amendments Art. LXI | Compulsory Voting: Preserving the Right to a Secret Ballot |
| Amendments Art. LXII | Fiscal Responsibility: Borrowing, Spending, and Debt Management |
| Amendments Art. LXIII | State Finances: Revenue, Budgeting, and Appropriations |
| Amendments Art. LXIV | Biennial Elections: Terms for Key State Offices |
| Amendments Art. LXV | Conflict of Interest: Restrictions on Legislative Appointments |
| Amendments Art. LXVI | Streamlined Administration: Consolidation of State Departments |
| Amendments Art. LXVII | Amendments to Emergency Law Procedures |
| Amendments Art. LXVIII | Gender Neutrality: Removing 'Male' from Constitutional Texts |
| Amendments Art. LXIX | Expanding Opportunities: Gender Equality in Public Office |
| Amendments Art. LXX | Town Government Reform: Limited Town Meetings for Larger Communities |
| Amendments Art. LXXI | Representation Realigned: Census-Based Apportionment and Districts |
| Amendments Art. LXXII | Biennial Sessions: Adjusting Legislative Timelines and Budgets |
| Amendments Art. LXXIII | Pardoning Authority: Guidelines for Executive Clemency |
| Amendments Art. LXXIV | Refining Initiative and Referendum: Streamlining Petition Processes |
| Amendments Art. LXXV | Revoking Biennial Sessions: Reinstating Former Constitutional Provisions |
| Amendments Art. LXXVI | Voting Accessibility: Rights for Absent and Disabled Citizens |
| Amendments Art. LXXVII | Press and Speech Freedoms: Affirming the Pillars of Liberty |
| Amendments Art. LXXVIII | Highway Revenue Usage: Limiting Expenditures to Transportation Needs |
| Amendments Art. LXXIX | Filling Vacancies: Electoral and Gubernatorial Appointment Procedures |
| Amendments Art. LXXX | Biennial Elections and Terms: Governance Transition Timelines |
| Amendments Art. LXXXI | Initiative Petitions: Processes for Constitutional Amendments and Laws |
| Amendments Art. LXXXII | Quadrennial Elections and Terms: Governing Constitutional Adjustments |
| Amendments Art. LXXXIII | Emergency Succession: Ensuring Continuity in Governmental Functions |
| Amendments Art. LXXXIV | State Credit and Fiscal Responsibility: Limits and Oversight |
| Amendments Art. LXXXV | Soliciting Judicial Opinions: Addressing Legal Complexity |
| Amendments Art. LXXXVI | Grouped Ballot Voting: Simplifying Party Representation |
| Amendments Art. LXXXVII | Executive Reorganization Plans: Restructuring State Agencies |
| Amendments Art. LXXXVIII | Industrial Development: Public Support for Municipal Growth |
| Amendments Art. LXXXIX | Local Government Rights: Charters, Powers, and Responsibilities |
| Amendments Art. XC | Delays, Objections, Re-enactments, Appropriations |
| Amendments Art. XCI | Vacancies, Oversights, Elections |
| Amendments Art. XCII | Decennial Census |
| Amendments Art. XCIII | Voting Residence Requirements: Modernizing Duration for Eligibility |
| Amendments Art. XCIV | Voting Age Reform: Lowering to Nineteen for Broader Participation |
| Amendments Art. XCV | Eligibility Reform: Removing Limitations Based on Economic Status |
| Amendments Art. XCVI | Education Loans: Empowering Access to Higher Learning |
| Amendments Art. XCVII | Environmental Rights: Safeguarding Natural Resources and Public Health |
| Amendments Art. XCVIII | Judicial Tenure: Provisions for Retirement and Accountability |
| Amendments Art. XCIX | Agricultural Lands: Tax Assessment Based on Usage |
| Amendments Art. C | Lowering the Voting Age: Granting Rights to Citizens Aged Eighteen |
| Amendments Art. CI | Decennial Census: Structuring Representative and Senatorial Districts |
| Amendments Art. CII | Legislative Recesses: Limiting Breaks to Thirty Days |
| Amendments Art. CIII | Public Funds and Religious Institutions: Revising Use Restrictions |
| Amendments Art. CIV | Highway and Transportation Revenue: Limiting Use to Specific Purposes |
| Amendments Art. CV | Voting Accessibility: Provisions for Absentee and Disabled Voters |
| Amendments Art. CVI | Equality Under the Law: Protecting Rights Regardless of Sex, Race, or Creed |
| Amendments Art. CVII | State Budget: Governor's Responsibilities in Financial Planning |
| Amendments Art. CVIII | Information for Voters: Enhancing Transparency on Ballot Measures |
| Amendments Art. CIX | Adjusting Census Standards: Aligning with Federal Guidelines |
| Amendments Art. CX | Conservation Taxation: Supporting Forest and Wildlife Preservation |
| Amendments Art. CXI | Equal Educational Access: Prohibiting Discrimination in Public Schools |
| Amendments Art. CXII | Property Tax Classification: Differentiated Rates Based on Usage |
| Amendments Art. CXIII | Extended Approval Timelines: Eighteen-Month Periods for Local Governance |
| Amendments Art. CXIV | Prohibiting Discrimination: Protecting the Rights of Handicapped Individuals |
| Amendments Art. CXV | Municipal Costs: Legislative Oversight on Additional Expenditures |
| Amendments Art. CXVI | Capital Punishment: Legal Authorization for the Death Penalty |
| Amendments Art. CXVII | Federal Census: Adjusting Timelines for Legislative Redistricting |
| Amendments Art. CXVIII | Legislative Compensation: Median Income-Based Adjustments |
| Amendments Art. CXIX | Revised Census Implementation: Updated Redistricting Timeframes |
| Amendments Art. CXX | Voting Rights Restriction: Felony Incarceration and Electoral Eligibility |
| Amendments Art. CXXI | Additional Tax for Public Services: Funding Education and Infrastructure |
| Passage | Title |
|---|---|
| Entire Portion | The 'Notes' portion of the Massachusetts Constitution |
| Note | The "Note" to the Massachusetts Constitution |
| Passage | Title |
|---|---|
| Entire Portion | Amendments Rejected by the People |
| Amendments Rejected | Amendments Rejected by the People |
* TBD wrote/added section titles for numerous constitutional passages (see disclaimer)!
You'll probably need to reference it during your pursuit of justice (in federal court; in state court; and/or at DOAH).
For instance, this material might help you recover from the damages that lawbreaking judges/lawyers/agencies/organizations have inflicted upon you [and/or the public] (see this example of a Florida judge who outright committed perjury).
Perhaps it'll [even] help you navigate through your state's administrative gauntlet. A gauntlet which might include – but not be limited to:
- Stage Agency Bribery;
- Stage Agency Corruption;
- Stage Agency Obstruction; and
- Stage Agency Self-Discrimination
Sincerely,
www.TextBookDiscrimination.com
