Page:The Federal and state constitutions v4.djvu/445

Rh returns made in the same manner and under the same regulations as are prescribed by law in the case of the election of territorial officers.

The election returns for the governor, secretary of state, auditor, treasurer, and supreme judges shall be made to the same offices and the canvass of such returns made in the same manner as is now prescribed by law for Delegate in Congress.

Resolved by the council and house of representatives of the Territory of Nebraska, That the foregoing constitution be submitted to the qualified electors of the Territory, for their adoption or rejection, at an election, hereby authorized to be held at the time and in the manner specified in the seventh section of the schedule of said constitution, and that the returns and canvass of the votes cast at said election be made as in said section prescribed.

Approved, February 9, 1866:
 * Governor of the Territory of Nebraska.
 * Governor of the Territory of Nebraska.

We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, do ordain and establish the following declaration of rights and frame of government, as the constitution of the State of Nebraska:

All persons are by nature free and independent, and have certain inherent and inalienable rights; among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To secure these rights, and the protection of property, governments are instituted among people, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in this State, otherwise than for punishment of crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.

No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

All persons have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences. No person shall be compelled to attend, erect, or support any place of worship against his consent, and no preference shall be given by of conscience be permitted. No religious test shall be required as a qualification for office, nor shall any person be incompetent to be a