ratification or rejection; each voter shall express his opinion by depositing in the ballot-box a ticket, whereon shall be written or printed the words “For the new constitution,” or “Against the new constitution.” The returns of such election shall, in such manner as the convention shall direct, be certified to the executive of the State, who shall call to his assistance the comptroller, treasurer, and secretary of state, and compare the votes so certified to him. If by such examination it be ascertained that a majority of the whole number of votes cast at such election be in favor of such new constitution, the executive of this State shall, by his proclamation, declare such new constitution to be the constitution of the State of California.
(Ratified in 1871[1])
Art. I. Sec. 22. The legislature shall have no power to make an appropriation, for any purpose whatever, for a longer period than two years.
CONSTITUTION OF CALIFORNIA—1879[2]
Adopted in convention at Sacramento, March 3, A. D. 1819; submitted to and ratified by the people May 7, 1879.
PREAMBLE AND DECLARATION OF RIGHTS
preamble
We, the people of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure and perpetuate its blessings, do establish this Constitution.
Article I
declaration of rights
Section 1. All men are by nature free and independent, and have certain inalienable rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty; acquiring, possessing, and protecting property; and pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness.
Sec. 2. All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for the protection, security, and benefit of the people, and they have the right to alter or reform the same whenever the public good may require it.
- ↑ This amendment was proposed by the legislature in 1866, approved by the legislature in 1868, and ratified by the people in 1871.
- ↑ Verified from “Department of public instruction, Thomas J. Kirk, superintendent. School law of California. Extracts from the Political and Penal Codes; Acts of the Legislature, Relating to Schools, Still in Force; Laws Relating to the State Normal and Polytechnic Schools; Acts Relating to the State Series of Text-Books; Rules and Regulations of the State Board of Education for the Government of Public Schools; Constitution of California; Constitution of the United States. Published for the use of the public schools. Sacramento, W. W. Shannon, superintendent of State printing, 1903.” 299 pp. Also by copies of amendments furnished by the Secretary of State of California, April 4, 1907. [Editor.]
