have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connexions and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends. We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by authority of the good people of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all political connexion between them and the State of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that as free and independent States, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent States may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour. Ordered: IN CONGRESS;777.} JANUARY 18, 1777. That an authenticated copy of the Declaration of Independency, with the names of the Members of Congress subscribing the same, be sent to each of the United States, and that they be desired to have the same put on record. By order of Congress. Attest, CHAS. THOMSON, A true copy. JOHN HANCOCK, President. Secy. Presidt. JOHN HANCOCK, CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. ARTICLE I. SECTION 1. Legislative powers; in whom vested. SEC. 2. House of Representatives, how and by whom chosen — Qualifications of a Representative-Representatives and direct taxes, how apportioned - Census -- Vacancies to be filled - Power of choosing officers, and of impeachment. SEC. 3. Senators, how and by whom chosen-How classifiedState Executive to make temporary appointments, in case, etc.Qualifications of a Senator-President of the Senate, his right to vote-President pro tem., and other officers of Senate, how chosen - Power to try impeachments - When President is tried, Chief Justice to preside-Sentence. SEC. 4. Times, etc., of holding elections, how prescribed -- One Session in each year. SEC. 5. Membership - Quorum-Adjournments-Rules-Power to punish or expel-Journal-Time of adjournments limited, unless, etc. SEC. 6. Compensation - Privileges - Disqualification in certain cases. SEC. 7. House to originate all revenue bills-Veto - Bill may be passed by two-thirds of each house, notwithstanding, etc. Bill not returned in ten days-Provision as to all orders, etc., except, etc. SEC. 8. Powers of Congress. SEC. 9. Provision as to migration or importation of certain persons- Habeas Corpus - Bills of attainder, etc.-Taxes, how apportioned No export duty - No commercial preferences - No money drawn from treasury, unless, etc. -No titular nobility — Officers not to receive presents, unless, etc. -- -- SEC. 10. States prohibited from the exercise of certain powers. |