Massachusetts Constitution

The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the fundamental governing document of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It was written by John Adams, Samuel Adams, and James Bowdoin. The constitution was adopted in 1780 and is often called the oldest functioning written constitution in the world.

Part the First: A Declaration of the Rights of the Inhabitants of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Consisting of thirty articles, the first of which states:

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:Article I. All men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights; among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; that of acquiring, possessing, and protecting property; in fine, that of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness.

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This article was later amended to substitute the word "people" for the word "men".

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