FrankGoortani/open-us-law huggingface dataset:
Tn. Const. art. IV, § 1 — Article IV / Section 1
TN Const., Article IV, Section 1
Status: in_force

Right to vote -- Election precincts -- Military duty. [ edit ] Every person, being eighteen years of age, being a citizen of the United States, being a resident of the State for a period of time as prescribed by the General Assembly, and being duly registered in the county of residence for a period of time prior to the day of any election as prescribed by the General Assembly, shall be entitled to vote in all federal, state, and local elections held in the county or district in which such person resides. All such requirements shall be equal and uniform across the state, and there shall be no other qualification attached to the right of suffrage. The General Assembly shall have power to enact laws requiring voters to vote in the election precincts in which they may reside, and laws to secure the freedom of elections and the purity of the ballot box. All male citizens of this State shall be subject to the performance of military duty, as may be prescribed by law. HISTORY: [As amended: Adopted in Convention May 25, 1953, Approved at election November 3, 1953, Proclaimed by Governor, November 19, 1953; As amended: Adopted in Convention October 20, 1977, Approved at election March 7, 1978, Proclaimed by Governor, March 31, 1978.]
Tn. Const. art. I, § 29 — Article I / Section 29
TN Const., Article I, Section 29
Status: in_force

Navigation of the Mississippi. [ edit ] That an equal participation in the free navigation of the Mississippi, is one of the inherent rights of the citizens of this State; it cannot, therefore, be conceded to any prince, potentate, power, person or persons whatever.
Tn. Const. art. XI, § 16 — Article XI / Section 16
TN Const., Article XI, Section 16
Status: in_force

Bill of rights to remain inviolate. [ edit ] The declaration of rights hereto prefixed is declared to be a part of the Constitution of this State, and shall never be violated on any pretence whatever. And to guard against transgression of the high powers we have delegated, we declare that everything in the bill of rights contained, is excepted out of the General powers of government, and shall forever remain inviolate.
Tn. Const. art. XI, § 6 — Article XI / Section 6
TN Const., Article XI, Section 6
Status: in_force

All laws, ordinances, and resolutions of the usurped state government, passed on or after the 6th day of May, 1861, providing for the issuance of state bonds, also all notes of the Bank of Tennessee, or any of its branches, issued on or after the 6th day of May, 1861, and all debts created or contracted in the name of the state by said authority, are unconstitutional, null, and void; and no legislature shall hereafter have power to pass any act authorizing the payment of said bonds or debts, or providing for the redemption of said notes.
Tn. Const. art. II, § 10 — Article II / Section 10
TN Const., Article II, Section 10
Status: in_force

Senators -- Qualifications. [ edit ] No person shall be a Senator unless he shall be a citizen of the United States, of the age of thirty years, and shall have resided three years in this State, and one year in the county or district, immediately preceding the election. No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be eligible to any office or place of trust, the appointment to which is vested in the Executive or the General Assembly, except to the office of trustee of a literary institution.
Tn. Const. art. XI, § 18 — Article XI / Section 18
TN Const., Article XI, Section 18
Status: in_force

Marital contract defined. [ edit ] The historical institution and legal contract solemnizing the relationship of one (1) man and one (1) woman shall be the only legally recognized marital contract in this state. Any policy or law or judicial interpretation, purporting to define marriage as anything other than the historical institution and legal contract between one (1) man and one (1) woman, is contrary to the public policy of this state and shall be void and unenforceable in Tennessee. If another state or foreign jurisdiction issues a license for persons to marry and if such marriage is prohibited in this state by the provisions of this section, then the marriage shall be void and unenforceable in this state. HISTORY: [As added: Proposed by 2004 HJR 990, 103d General Assembly, Adopted May 19, 2004, Concurred in by 2005 SJR 31, 104th General Assembly, Adopted March 17, 2005, Approved in general election November 7, 2006.] SCHEDULE [ edit ]
Tn. Const. art. III, § 15 — Article III / Section 15
TN Const., Article III, Section 15
Status: in_force

Seal of State. [ edit ] There shall be a Seal of this State, which shall be kept by the Governor, and used by him officially, and shall be called the Great Seal of the State of Tennessee.
Tn. Const. art. I, § 19 — Article I / Section 19
TN Const., Article I, Section 19
Status: in_force

Freedom of speech and press. [ edit ] That the printing presses shall be free to every person to examine the proceedings of the Legislature; or of any branch or officer of the government, and no law shall ever be made to restrain the right thereof. The free communication of thoughts and opinions, is one of the invaluable rights of man, and every citizen may freely speak, write, and print on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty. But in prosecutions for the publication of papers investigating the official conduct of officers, or men in public capacity, the truth thereof may be given in evidence; and in all indictments for libel, the jury shall have a right to determine the law and the facts, under the direction of the court, as in other criminal cases.
Tn. Const. art. II, § 12 — Article II / Section 12
TN Const., Article II, Section 12
Status: in_force

Each house to make its own rules. [ edit ] Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member, but not a second time for the same offence; and shall have all other powers necessary for a branch of the Legislature of a free State.
Tn. Const. art. I, § 36 — Article I / Section 36
TN Const., Article I, Section 36
Status: in_force

[Proposed.] Abortion. [ edit ] [proposed]
Tn. Const. art. XI, § 13 — Article XI / Section 13
TN Const., Article XI, Section 13
Status: in_force

Game and fish. [ edit ] The General Assembly shall have power to enact laws for the protection and preservation of Game and Fish, within the State, and such laws may be enacted for and applied and enforced in particular Counties or geographical districts, designated by the General Assembly. The citizens of this state shall have the personal right to hunt and fish, subject to reasonable regulations and restrictions prescribed by law. The recognition of this right does not abrogate any private or public property rights, nor does it limit the state's power to regulate commercial activity. Traditional manners and means may be used to take non-threatened species. HISTORY: [As amended: Proposed by 2008 SJR 30, 106th General Assembly, Adopted January 28, 2008, Concurred in by 2008 HJR 108, 106th General Assembly, Adopted March 17, 2008, Approved at general election November 2, 2010.]
Tn. Const. art. III, § 8 — Article III / Section 8
TN Const., Article III, Section 8
Status: in_force

Governor may require information. [ edit ] He may require information in writing, from the officers in the executive department, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices.
Tn. Const. art. III, § 13 — Article III / Section 13
TN Const., Article III, Section 13
Status: in_force

Ineligibility for governorship. [ edit ] No member of Congress, or person holding any office under the United States, or this State, shall execute the office of Governor.
Tn. Const. art. I, § 22 — Article I / Section 22
TN Const., Article I, Section 22
Status: in_force

No perpetuities or monopolies. [ edit ] That perpetuities and monopolies are contrary to the genius of a free State, and shall not be allowed.
Tn. Const. art. III, § 3 — Article III / Section 3
TN Const., Article III, Section 3
Status: in_force

Governor's qualifications. [ edit ] He shall be at least thirty years of age, shall be a citizen of the United States, and shall have been a citizen of this State seven years next before his election.
Tn. Const. art. VI, § 13 — Article VI / Section 13
TN Const., Article VI, Section 13
Status: in_force

Clerks of courts. [ edit ] Judges of the Supreme Court shall appoint their clerks who shall hold their offices for six years. Chancellors shall appoint their clerks and masters, who shall hold their offices for six years. Clerks of the Inferior Courts holden in the respective Counties or Districts, shall be elected by the qualified voters thereof for the term of four years. Any Clerk may be removed from office for malfeasance, incompetency or neglect of duty, in such manner as may be prescribed by law.
Tn. Const. art. II, § 11 — Article II / Section 11
TN Const., Article II, Section 11
Status: in_force

Election of officers -- Quorum -- Adjournments. [ edit ] The senate and house of representatives, when assembled, shall each choose a speaker and its other officers; be judges of the qualifications and election of its members, and sit upon its own adjournments from day to day. Not less than two-thirds of all the members to which each house shall be entitled shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized, by law, to compel the attendance of absent members.
Tn. Const. art. I, § 1 — Article I / Section 1
TN Const., Article I, Section 1
Status: in_force

All power inherent in the people -- Government under their control. [ edit ] Tenn. Const. Art. I, § 1 That all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness; for the advancement of those ends they have at all times, an unalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform, or abolish the government in such manner as they may think proper.
Tn. Const. art. II, § 20 — Article II / Section 20
TN Const., Article II, Section 20
Status: in_force

Style of laws -- Effective date. [ edit ] The style of the laws of this state shall be, "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee." No law of a general nature shall take effect until forty days after its passage unless the same or the caption thereof shall state that the public welfare requires that it should take effect sooner.
Tn. Const. art. III, § 6 — Article III / Section 6
TN Const., Article III, Section 6
Status: in_force

Pardons and reprieves. [ edit ] He shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons, after conviction, except in cases of impeachment.
Tn. Const. art. VII, § 1 — Article VII / Section 1
TN Const., Article VII, Section 1
Status: in_force

County government -- Elected officers -- Legislative body -- Alternate forms of government. [ edit ] The qualified voters of each county shall elect for terms of four years a legislative body, a county executive, a Sheriff, a Trustee, a Register, a County Clerk and an Assessor of Property. Their qualifications and duties shall be prescribed by the General Assembly. Any officer shall be removed for malfeasance or neglect of duty as prescribed by the General Assembly. The legislative body shall be composed of representatives from districts in the county as drawn by the county legislative body pursuant to statutes enacted by the General Assembly. Districts shall be reapportioned at least every ten years based upon the most recent federal census. The legislative body shall not exceed twenty-five members, and no more than three representatives shall be elected from a district. Any county organized under the consolidated government provisions of Article XI, Section 9, of this Constitution shall be exempt from having a county executive and a county legislative body as described in this paragraph. The General Assembly may provide alternate forms of county government including the right to charter and the manner by which a referendum may be called. The new form of government shall replace the existing form if approved by a majority of the voters in the referendum. No officeholder's current term shall be diminished by the ratification of this article. HISTORY: [As amended: Adopted in Convention July 24, 1959, Approved at general election November 8, 1960, Proclaimed by Governor, December 1, 1960; As amended: Adopted in Convention December 6, 1977, Approved at general election March 7, 1978, Proclaimed by Governor, March 31, 1978.]
Tn. Const. art. VII, § 5 — Article VII / Section 5
TN Const., Article VII, Section 5
Status: in_force

Civil officers -- Election -- Vacancies. [ edit ] Elections for Judicial and other civil officers shall be held on the first Thursday in August, one thousand eight hundred and seventy, and forever thereafter on the first Thursday in August next preceding the expiration of their respective terms of service. The term of each officer so elected shall be computed from the first day of September next succeeding his election. The term of office of the Governor and of other executive officers shall be computed from the fifteenth of January next after the election of the Governor. No appointment or election to fill a vacancy shall be made for a period extending beyond the unexpired term. Every officer shall hold his office until his successor is elected or appointed, and qualified. No special election shall be held to fill a vacancy in the office of Judge or District Attorney, but at the time herein fixed for the biennial election of civil officers; and such vacancy shall be filled at the next Biennial election recurring more than thirty days after the vacancy occurs.
Tn. Const. art. XI, § 3 — Article XI / Section 3
TN Const., Article XI, Section 3
Status: in_force

The convention, agreement and military league, entered into by the commissioners of the State of Tennessee, and the commissioners of the so called Confederate States of America, made May 7, 1861, and on the same day ratified and confirmed by the legislature, was an act of treason and usurpation, unconstitutional, null and void.
Tn. Const. art. VII, § 4 — Article VII / Section 4
TN Const., Article VII, Section 4
Status: in_force

Other elections and vacancies. [ edit ] The election of all officers, and the filling of all vacancies not otherwise directed or provided by this Constitution, shall be made in such manner as the Legislature shall direct.
Tn. Const. art. III, § 4 — Article III / Section 4
TN Const., Article III, Section 4
Status: in_force

Governor's term of office. [ edit ] The Governor shall be elected to hold office for four years and until a successor is elected and qualified. A person may be eligible to succeed in office for additional four-year terms, provided that no person presently serving or elected hereafter shall be eligible for election to more than two terms consecutively, including an election to a partial term. One succeeding to the office vacated during the first eighteen calendar months of the term shall hold office until a successor is elected for the remainder of the term at the next election of members of the General Assembly and qualified pursuant to this Constitution. One succeeding to the office vacated after the first eighteen calendar months of the term shall continue to hold office for the remainder of the full term. HISTORY: [As amended: Adopted in Convention May 19, 1953, Approved at general election November 3, 1953, Proclaimed by Governor, November 19, 1953; As amended: Adopted in Convention October 10, 1977, Approved at general election March 7, 1978, Proclaimed by Governor, March 31, 1978.]
Tn. Const. art. II, § 25 — Article II / Section 25
TN Const., Article II, Section 25
Status: in_force

Defaulters ineligible. [ edit ] No person who heretofore hath been, or may hereafter be, a collector or holder of Public Moneys, shall have a seat in either House of the General Assembly, or hold any other office under the State Government, until such person shall have accounted for, and paid into the Treasury, all sums for which he may be accountable or liable.
Tn. Const. art. II, § 7 — Article II / Section 7
TN Const., Article II, Section 7
Status: in_force

Time of elections. [ edit ] The first election for Senators and Representatives shall be held on the second Tuesday in November, one thousand eight hundred and seventy; and forever thereafter, elections for members of the General Assembly shall be held once in two years, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Said elections shall terminate the same day.
Tn. Const. art. IX, § 2 — Article IX / Section 2
TN Const., Article IX, Section 2
Status: in_force

No atheist shall hold a civil office. [ edit ] No person who denies the being of God, or a future state of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this State.
Tn. Const. art. III, § 14 — Article III / Section 14
TN Const., Article III, Section 14
Status: in_force

Governor to make temporary appointments. [ edit ] When any officer, the right of whose appointment is by this Constitution vested in the General Assembly, shall, during the recess, die, or the office, by the expiration of the term, or by other means, become vacant, the Governor shall have the power to fill such vacancy by granting a temporary commission, which shall expire at the end of the next session of the Legislature.
Tn. Const. art. XI, § 4 — Article XI / Section 4
TN Const., Article XI, Section 4
Status: in_force

No statute of limitations shall be held to operate from and after the 6th day of May, 1861, until such time hereafter as the legislature may prescribe, nor shall any writ of error be refused, or abated in any cause, or suit decided since the 6th day of May, 1861, and prior to this time, by reason of any lapse of time. And in all actions for torts brought, or which may hereafter be brought in the courts in this state by attachment levied upon the property of the defendant, the court shall have power to proceed to judgment and collection of the same, as upon contracts, without personal service of process upon the defendant, until the legislature may see fit to change the law in such cases.
Tn. Const. art. I, § 16 — Article I / Section 16
TN Const., Article I, Section 16
Status: in_force

Restrictions on bail, fines and punishment. [ edit ] Tenn. Const. Art. I, § 16 That excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Tn. Const. art. I, § 28 — Article I / Section 28
TN Const., Article I, Section 28
Status: in_force

No one compelled to bear arms. [ edit ] That no citizen of this State shall be compelled to bear arms, provided he will pay an equivalent, to be ascertained by law.
Tn. Const. art. XI, § 12 — Article XI / Section 12
TN Const., Article XI, Section 12
Status: in_force

Education's inherent value -- Public schools -- Support of higher education. [ edit ] The State of Tennessee recognizes the inherent value of education and encourages its support. The General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance, support and eligibility standards of a system of free public schools. The General Assembly may establish and support such postsecondary educational institutions, including public institutions of higher learning, as it determines. HISTORY: [As amended: Adopted in Convention October 11, 1977, Approved at general election March 7, 1978, Proclaimed by Governor, March 31, 1978.]
Tn. Const. art. II, § 17 — Article II / Section 17
TN Const., Article II, Section 17
Status: in_force

Origin and frame of bills. [ edit ] Bills may originate in either House; but may be amended, altered or rejected by the other. No bill shall become a law which embraces more than one subject, that subject to be expressed in the title. All acts which repeal, revive or amend former laws, shall recite in their caption, or otherwise, the title or substance of the law repealed, revived or amended.
Tn. Const. art. XI, § 10 — Article XI / Section 10
TN Const., Article XI, Section 10
Status: in_force

Internal improvements to be encouraged. [ edit ] A well regulated system of internal improvement is calculated to develop the resources of the State, and promote the happiness and prosperity of her citizens; therefore it ought to be encouraged by the General Assembly.
Tn. Const. art. II, § 33 — Article II / Section 33
TN Const., Article II, Section 33
Status: in_force

No State bonds to defaulting railroads. [ edit ] No bonds of the State shall be issued to any Rail Road Company which at the time of its application for the same shall be in default in paying the interest upon State bonds previously loaned to it or that shall hereafter and before such application sell or absolutely dispose of any State bonds loaned to it for less than par.
Tn. Const. art. I, § 5 — Article I / Section 5
TN Const., Article I, Section 5
Status: in_force

Elections to be free and equal -- Right of suffrage. [ edit ] The elections shall be free and equal, and the right of suffrage, as hereinafter declared, shall never be denied to any person entitled thereto, except upon conviction by a jury of some infamous crime, previously ascertained and declared by law, and judgment thereon by court of competent jurisdiction.
Tn. Const. art. II, § 30 — Article II / Section 30
TN Const., Article II, Section 30
Status: in_force

Articles not taxable -- Inspection fees. [ edit ] No article, manufactured of the produce of this State shall be taxed otherwise than to pay inspection fees.
Tn. Const. art. VI, § 15 — Article VI / Section 15
TN Const., Article VI, Section 15
Status: in_force

Districts in counties -- Justices and constables. [Repealed.] [ edit ] [Repealed.]
Tn. Const. art. VI, § 12 — Article VI / Section 12
TN Const., Article VI, Section 12
Status: in_force

Requisites of writs and process. [ edit ] All writs and other process shall run in the name of the State of Tennessee and bear test and be signed by the respective clerks. Indictments shall conclude, "against the peace and dignity of the State."
Tn. Const. art. XI, § 9 — Article XI / Section 9
TN Const., Article XI, Section 9
Status: in_force

The qualification of voters and the limitation of the elective franchise may be determined by the general assembly, which shall first assemble under the amended constitution. This work is in the public domain in the U.S. because it is an edict of a government , local or foreign. See § 313.6(C)(2) of the Compendium II: Copyright Office Practices . Such documents include "legislative enactments, judicial decisions, administrative rulings, public ordinances, or similar types of official legal materials" as well as "any translation prepared by a government employee acting within the course of his or her official duties." These do not include works of the Organization of American States, United Nations, or any of the UN specialized agencies. See Compendium III § 313.6(C)(2) and 17 U.S.C. 104(b)(5). A non-American governmental edict may still be copyrighted outside the U.S. Similar to {{ PD-in-USGov }}, the above U.S. Copyright Office Practice does not prevent U.S. states or localities from holding copyright abroad, depending on foreign copyright laws and regulations. Public domain Public domain false false
Tn. Const. art. III, § 9 — Article III / Section 9
TN Const., Article III, Section 9
Status: in_force

Governor may convene the legislature. [ edit ] He may, on extraordinary occasions, convene the General Assembly by proclamation, in which he shall state specifically the purposes for which they are to convene; but they shall enter on no legislative business except that for which they were specifically called together.