Page:Colorado State Constitution (2020).pdf/2

 Law reviews: For article, "A New or Revised Constitution of Colorado", see 11 Dicta 303 (1934); for article, "Criminal Procedure in Colorado - A Summary, and Recommendations for Improvement", see 22 Rocky Mt. L. Rev. 221 (1950); for article, "Constitutional Law", which discusses Tenth Circuit decisions dealing with questions of constitutional law, see 63 Den. U. L. Rev. 247 (1986); for article, "Constitutional Law", which discusses Tenth Circuit decisions dealing with standards applied to constitutional law, see 65 Den. U. L. Rev. 499 (1988); for a discussion of Tenth Circuit decisions dealing with constitutional law, see 66 Den. U. L. Rev. 695 (1989); for a discussion of Tenth Circuit decisions dealing with constitutional law, see 67 Den. U. L. Rev. 653 (1990); for article, "The Colorado Constitution in the New Century", see 78 U. Colo. L. Rev. 1265 (2007).

In order to assert our rights, acknowledge our duties, and proclaim the principles upon which our government is founded, we declare:

Section 1.Vestment of political power. All political power is vested in and derived from the people; all government, of right, originates from the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the whole.

Section 2.People may alter or abolish form of government - proviso. The people of this state have the sole and exclusive right of governing themselves, as a free, sovereign and independent state; and to alter and abolish their constitution and form of government whenever they may deem it necessary to their safety and happiness, provided, such change be not repugnant to the constitution of the United States.

Section 3.Inalienable rights. All persons have certain natural, essential and inalienable rights, among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; of acquiring, possessing and protecting property; and of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness.

Source: Entire article added, effective August 1, 1876, see L. 1877, p. 29.

Cross references: For the guarantee of judicial process for protection of inalienable rights, see § 25 of this article.

Section 4.Religious freedom. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination, shall forever hereafter be guaranteed; and no person shall be denied any civil or political right, privilege or capacity, on account of his opinions concerning religion; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured shall not be construed to dispense with oaths or affirmations, excuse acts of licentiousness or justify practices inconsistent with the good order, peace or safety of the state. No person shall be required to attend or support any ministry or place of worship, religious sect or denomination against his consent. Nor shall any preference Colorado Revised Statutes 2020