Page:The Constitution of West Virginia ratified in 1872.pdf/2

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PREAMBLE

Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia, in and through the provisions of this Constitution, reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God and seek diligently to promote, preserve and perpetuate good government in the State of West Virginia for the common welfare, freedom and security of ourselves and our posterity.

[This preamble was proposed by House Joint Resolution No. 8, Acts, Regular Session, 1959, p. 659; submitted by Acts, Regular Session, 1960, c. 4; and ratified November 8, 1960. Vote on the amendment: For ratification, 250,984; Against ratification, 102,340; Majority, 148,644.]

ARTICLE I

Relations to the Government of the United States

1. The State of West Virginia is, and shall remain, one of the United States of America. The Constitution of the United States of America, and the laws and treaties made in pursuance thereof, shall be the supreme law of the land.

Internal Government and Police

2. The government of the United States is a government of enumerated powers, and all powers not delegated to it, nor inhibited to the States, are reserved to the States or to the people thereof. Among the powers so reserved to the States is the exclusive regulation of their own internal government and police; and it is the high and solemn duty of the several departments of government, created by this Constitution, to guard and protect the people of this State from all encroachments upon the rights so reserved.

Continuity of Constitutional Operation

3. The provisions of the Constitution of the United States, and of this State, are operative alike in a period of war as in time of peace, and any departure therefrom, or violation thereof, under the plea of necessity, or any other plea, is subversive of good government, and tends to anarchy and despotism.

Representatives to Congress

4. For the election of representatives to Congress, the State