PREAMBLE.
THE end of the inſtitution, maintenance and adminiſtration of government, is to ſecure the exiſtence of the body-politic; to protect it and to furniſh the individuals who compoſe it, with the power of enjoying, in ſafety and tranquility, their natural rights, and the bleſſings of life: And whenever theſe great objects are not obtained, the people have a right to alter the government, and to take meaſures neceſſary for their ſafety, proſperity and happineſs.
The body-politic is formed by a voluntary aſſociation of individuals: It is a ſocial compact, by which the whole people covenants with each citizen, and each citizen with the whole people, that all ſhall be governed by certain laws for the common good. It is the duty of the people, therefore, in framing a Conſtitution of Government, to provide for an equitable mode of making laws, as well as for an impartial interpretation, and a faithful execution of them; that every man may, at all times, find his ſecurity in them.
We,
