Page:The Constitution of West Virginia ratified in 1872.pdf/4

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and Fayette Counties, on February 27, 1871. After the ratification of the Constitution of 1872, Mingo County was created by an act of the Legislature from Logan County, on February 23, 1895, to make a total of fifty-five counties.]

Powers of Government in Citizens

2. The powers of government reside in all the citizens of the State, and can be rightfully exercised only in accordance with their will and appointment.

Requisites of Citizenship

3. All persons residing in this State, born, or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, shall be citizens of this State.

Equal Representation

4. Every citizen shall be entitled to equal representation in the government, and, in all apportionments of representation, equality of numbers of those entitled thereto, shall as far as practicable, be preserved.

Provisions Regarding Property

5. No distinction shall be made between resident aliens and citizens, as to the acquisition, tenure, disposition or descent of property.

Treason, What Constitutes—Penalty

6. Treason against the State shall consist only in levying war against it, or in adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court. Treason shall be punished according to the character of the acts committed, by the infliction of one, or more, of the penalties of death, imprisonment or fine, as may be prescribed by law.

“Montani Semper Liberi”—State Seal

7. The present seal of the State, with its motto, “Montani Semper Liberi,” shall be the great seal of the State of West Virginia,