PREAMBLE
We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness, do establish this Constitution for the better government of the state. Source: Preamble of Const. of 1875.
ARTICLE I: BILL OF RIGHTS
In order to assert our rights, acknowledge our duties, and proclaim the principles on which our government is founded, we declare: Source: Bill of Rights, Const. of 1875, Art. II.
Section 1. Source of political power—origin, basis and aim of government. That all political power is vested in and derived from the people; that all government of right originates from the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the whole. Source: Const. of 1875, Art. II, Sec. 1.
Section 2. Promotion of general welfare—natural rights of persons—equality under the law—purpose of government. That all constitutional government is intended to promote the general welfare of the people; that all persons have a natural right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and the enjoyment of the gains of their own industry; that all persons are created equal and are entitled to equal rights and opportunity under the law; that to give security to these things is the principal office of government, and that when government does not confer this security, it fails in its chief design. Source: Const. of 1875, Art. II, Sec. 4.
Section 3. Powers of the people over internal affairs, constitution and form of government. That the people of this state have the inherent, sole and exclusive right to regulate the internal government and police thereof, and to alter and abolish their constitution and form of government whenever they may deem it necessary to their safety and happiness, provided such change be not repugnant to the Constitution of the United States. Source: Const. of 1875, Art. II, Sec. 2.
Section 4. Independence of Missouri—submission of certain amendments to Constitution of the United States. That Missouri is a free and independent state, subject only to the Constitution of the United States; that all proposed amendments to the Constitution of the United States qualifying or affecting the individual liberties of the people or which in any wise may impair the right of local self-government belonging to the people of this state, should be submitted to conventions of the people. Source: Const. of 1875, Art. II, Sec. 3.
Section 5. Religious freedom—liberty of conscience and belief—limitations. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; that no human authority can control or interfere with the rights of conscience; that no person shall, on account of his religious persuasion or belief, be rendered ineligible to any public office or trust or profit in this state, be disqualified from testifying or serving as a juror, or be molested in his person or estate; but this section shall not be construed to excuse acts of licentiousness, nor to justify practices inconsistent with the good order, peace or safety of the state, or with the rights of others. Source: Const. of 1875, Art. II, Sec. 5.
Section 6. Practice and support of religion not compulsory—contracts therefor enforcible. That no person can be compelled to erect, support or attend any place or system of worship, or to maintain or support any priest, minister, preacher or teacher of any sect, church, creed or denomination of religion; but if any person shall voluntarily make a contract for any such object, he shall be held to the performance of the same. Source: Const. of 1875, Art. II, Sec. 6.
Section 7. Public aid for religious purposes—preferences and discriminations on religious grounds. That no money shall ever be taken from the public treasury, directly or indirectly, in aid of any church, sect or denomination of religion, or in aid of any priest, preacher, minister or teacher thereof, as such; and that no preference shall be given to nor any discrimination made against any church, sect or creed of religion, or any form of religious faith or worship. Source: Const. of 1875, Art. II, Sec. 7.