This is the Constitution of the State of Kansas. It became the official Constitution of the State on January 29, 1861, when Kansas was admitted to the United States of America as the 34th state. Note: This constitution is known as the (Wyandotte Constitution).
Adopted at Wyandotte, July 29, 1859
Ordinance
Whereas, the Government of the United States is the proprietor of a large portion of lands incliuded in the limits of the State of Kansas, as defined by the Constitution; and
Whereas, the State of Kansas will possess the right to tax such lands for the purpose of government, and for other purposes: now, therefore,
Be it ordained by the people of Kansas, That the right of the State of Kansas is relinquished forever, and the State of Kansas will not interfere with the title of the United States to such lands, nor with any regulation of Congress thereto, nor tax non-residents higher than residents: Provided, always, That the following conditions be agreed to by Congress:
SECTION 1. Sections be numbered sixteen and thirty-six, in each township in the State, including Indian Reservations and Trust Lands, shall be granted to the states for the exclusive use of common schools; and when either of said sections, or any part thereof, has been disposed of, other lands of equal value, as nearly contiguous thereto as possible, shall be substituted therefor.
SEC. 2. That seventy-two sections of land shall be granted to the State for the erection and maintenance of a State University.
SEC. 3. That thirty-six sections shall be granted to the State for the erection of public buildings.
SEC. 4. That seventy-two sections shall be granted to the State for the erection and maintenance of charitable and benevolent institutions.
SEC. 5. That all salt springs, not exceeding twelve in number, with six sections of land adjacent to each, together with all mines, with the lands necessary for their full use, shall be granted to the State for works of public improvement.
SEC. 6. That five per centum of the proceeds of the public lands in Kansas, disposed of after the admission of Kansas into the Union, shall be paid to the State for a fund, the income of which shall be used for the support of the common schools.
SEC. 7. That the five hundred thousand acres of land to which the State is entitled under the act of Congress entitled "An act to appropriate the proceeds of the sales of public lands and grant preemption rights," approved September 4, 1841, shall be granted to the State for the support of common schools.
SEC. 8. That the lands hereintofore mentioned shall be selected in such manner as may be prescribed by law; such selections to be subject to the approval of the Commissioner of the General Land Office of the United States.
Preamble
We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges, in order to insure the full enjoyment of our rights as American citizens, do ordain and establish the Constitution of the State of Kansas, with the following boundaries, to wit: Beginning at a point on the western boundary of the State of Missouri, where the thirty-seventh parallel of north latitude crosses the same; thence running west on said parallel to the twenty-fifth meridian of longitude west from Washington; thence north on said meridian to the fortieth parallel of north latitude; thence east on said parallel to the western boundary of the State of Missouri; thence south with the western boundary of said State to the place of beginning.
Bill of Rights
SECTION 1. All men are possessed of equal and inalienable natural rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
SEC. 2. All political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and are instituted for their equal protection and benefit. No special privileges or immunities shall ever be granted by the Legislature which may not be altered, revoked or repealed by the same body; and this power shall be exercised by no other tribunal or agency.
SEC. 3. The people have a right to assemble, in a peacable manner, to consult for their common good, to instruct their Representatives, and to petition the Government, or any department thereof, for the redress of grievances.
SEC. 4. The people have a right to bear arms for their defense and security; but standing armies, in time of peace, are dangerous to liberty, and shall not be tolerated, and the military shall be in strict subordination to the civil power.
SEC. 5. The right of trial by jury shall be inviolate.
SEC. 6. There shall be no slavery in this State, and no involuntary servitude, except for the punishment of crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.
SEC. 7. The right to worship God according to the dictates of conscience shall never be infringed; nor shall any person be compelled to attend or support any form of worship; nor shall any control of or interference with the rights of conscience be permitted, nor any preference be given by law to any religious establishment or mode of worship. No religious test or property qualilfication shall be required for any office of public trust, nor for any vote at any election,
