Ohio Constitution

              Constitution of the State of Ohio. 
We, the people of the State of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its 
blessings, and promote our common welfare, do establish this Constitution. 
Article 1. 
Bill of Rights. 
Section 1.  All men are, by nature, free and independent, and have certain inalienable 
rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting 
property, and seeking and obtaining happiness and safety. 
Section 2.  All political power is inherit in the people.  Government is instituted for their 
equal protection and benefit, and they have the right to alter, reform, or abolish the same. whenever they may deem 
it necessary; and no special privileges or immunities shall ever be granted, that may not be altered, revoked, or re- 
pealed by the General Assembly. 
Section 3.  The people have the right to assemble together, in a peaceable manner, to consult 
for their common good; to instruct their Representatives; and to petition the General Assembly for the redress of gri- 
evances. 
Section 4.  The people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security; but standing 
armies, in time of peace, are dangerous to liberty, and shall not be kept up; and the military shall be in strict 
subordination to the civil power. 
Section 5.  The right of trial by jury shall be inviolate. 
Section 6.  There shall be no slavery in this State; nor involuntary servitude, unless for the 
punishment of crime. 
Section 7.  All men have a natural and defensible right to worship Almighty God 
according to the dictates of their own conscience.  No person shall be compelled to attend, erect, or support any 
place of worship, or maintain any form of worship, against his consent; and no preference shall be given, by law, 
to any religious society; nor shall any interference with the rights of conscience be permitted.  No religious test 
shall be required, as a qualification of office, nor shall any person be incompetent to be a witness on account of 
his religious belief; but nothing herein shall be construed to dispense with oaths and affirmations.  Religion, 
morality and knowledge, however, being essential to good government, it shall be the duty of the General Assembly 
to pass suitable laws, to protect every religious denomination in the peaceable enjoyment of its own mode of public 
worship, and to encourage schools and the means of instruction. 
Section 8.  The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless in cases 
of rebellion or invasion, the public safety requires it. 
Section 9.  All persons shall be bailable by sureties, except for capital offenses where