text:
Home / Collections / Minnesota Constitution
The Constitution of the
Democratic Version
Signed August 29, 1857
We the people of the State of Minnesota grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty and desiring to perpetuate its blessings and secure the same to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
Article 1st
Section 1st	Government is instituted for the security, benefit and protection of the people in whom all Political Power is inherent, together with the right to alter, modify or reform such Government whenever the public good may require it.
2nd	No member of this State shall be disfranchised, or deprived of any of the rights or privileges secured to any citizen thereof, unless be the law of the land, or the judgement of his peers. There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the State otherwise there is the punishment of crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.
3rd	The liberty of the press shall forever remain inviolate and all persons may freely speak, write, and publish their sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of such right.
4th	The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate, and shall extend to all cases at law without regard to the amount in controversy, but a jury trial may be waived by the parties in all cases in the manner prescribed by law.
5th	Excessive bail shall not be required; nor shall excessive fines be imposed; nor shall cruel or unusual punishments be inflicted.
6th	In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the county or district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which county or district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation, to be confronted with the witnesses against him, to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favoure, and to have the assistance of counsel in his defense.
7th	No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense unless on the presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases of impeachment or in cases cognizable by Justices of the Peace, or arising in the Army or Navy, or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger, and no person for the same offense shall be put twice in jeopardy of punishment, nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. All persons shall before conviction be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses when the proof is evident or the presumption great; and the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in case of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require.
8th	Every person is entitled to a certain remedy in the laws for all injuries or wrongs which he may receive in his person, property or character; he ought to obtain justice freely and without purchase, completely, and without denial, promptly and without delay, conformably to the laws.
9th	Treason against the State shall consist only in levying war against the same or in adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act or on confession in open court.
10th	The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no warrant shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the person or things to be seized.
11th	No bill of attainder, ex post facto law, nor any law impairing the obligation of contracts shall ever be passed, and no conviction shall work corruption of blood or forfeiture of estate.
12th	No person shall be imprisoned for debt in this state, but this shall not prevent the Legislature from providing for imprisonment or holding to bail persons charged with fraud in contracting said debt. A reasonable amount of property shall be exempt from seizure or sale, for the payment of any debt or liability; the amount of such exemption shall be determined by law.
13th	Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation therefore, first paid or secured.
14th	The military shall be subordinate to the civil powers and no standing army shall be kept up in this state in time of peace.
15th	All lands within this state are declared to be allodial, and feudal tenures of every description, with all their incidents, are prohibited. Leases and grants of agricultural land for a longer period than twenty one years hereafter made in which shall be reserved any rent or service of any kind shall be void.
16th	The enumeration of rights in this constitution shall not be construed to deny or impair others retained by and inherent in the people. The right of every man to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience shall never be infringed; nor shall any man be compelled to attend, erect or support any place of worship, or to maintain any religious or ecclesiastical ministry, against his consent; nor shall any control of, or interference with the rights of conscience be permitted or any preference be given by law to any religious establishment or mode of worship; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of the state, nor shall any money be drawn from the treasury for the benefit of any religious societies or religious or theological seminaries.
17	No religious test or amount of property shall be required as a qualification for any office of public trust under the state. No religious test or amount of property shall ever be required as a qualification of any voter at any election in this State; nor shall any person be rendered incompetent to give evidence in any court of law or equity in consequence of his opinion upon the subject of religion.
Article 2nd
On Name and Boundaries
Section 1.	This State shall be called and known by the name of the State of Minnesota, and shall consist of and have jurisdiction over the Territory embraced in the following boundaries, to wit: Beginning at a point in the center of the main channel of the Red River of the North, where the boundary line between the United States and the British Possessions crosses the same thence up the main channel of said river to that of the Bois des Sioux river, thence up the main channel of said river to Lake Traverse thence up the center of said Lake to the southern extremity thereof; thence in a direct line to the head of Big Stone lake thence through its center to its outlet thence by a due south line to the north line of the State of Iowa; thence east along the northern boundary of said State to the main channel of the Mississippi River; thence up the main channel of said river, and following the boundary line of the State of Wisconsin, until the same intersects the St. Louis river; thence down the said river to and through Lake Superior, on the boundary line of Wisconsin and Michigan, until it intersects the dividing line between the United States and British possessions; thence up Pigeon River, and following said dividing line to the place of beginning.
Sec 2	The State of Minnesota shall have concurrent jurisdiction on the Mississippi, and all other rivers and waters bordering on the said State of Minnesota, so far as the same shall form a common boundary to said State, and any other State or States, now or hereafter to be formed by the same; and said river and waters, and navigable waters leading into the same, shall be common highways, and forever free as well to the inhabitants of said State as to other citizens of the United States, without any tax, duty, impost or toll therefor.
Sec 3	The propositions contained in the act of Congress entitled "An Act to Authorize the people of the Territory of Minnesota to form a Constitution and State Government preparatory to their admission into the Union on an equal footing with the original States," are hereby accepted, ratified, and confirmed, and shall remain irrevocable without the consent of the United States; and it is hereby ordained that this State shall never interfere with the primary disposal of the soil within the same, by the United States, or with any regulations Congress may find necessary for securing the title to said soil to bona fide purchasers thereof; and no tax shall be imposed on lands belonging to the United States, and in no case shall non resident proprietors be taxed higher than residents.
Article 3rd
Distribution of the Powers of Government.
Section 1.	The powers of the government shall be divided into three distinct Departments, the Legislative, Executive and Judicial; and no person or persons belonging to or constituting one of these Departments shall exercise any of the powers properly belonging to either of the others, except in the instances expressly provided in this Constitution.
Article 4.
Legislative Department
Section 1.	The Legislature of the State shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives, who shall meet at the seat of Government of the State, at such times as shall be prescribed by law.
Section 2.	The number of members who compose the Senate and House of Representatives shall be prescribed by law, but the Representation in the Senate shall never exceed one member for every five thousand inhabitants, and in the House of Representatives one member for every two thousand inhabitants. The Representation in both Houses shall be apportioned equally throughout the different Sections of the State in proportion to the population thereof, exclusive of Indians not taxable under the provisions of law.
Section 3.	Each House shall be the judge of the election returns and eligibility of its own members; a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to transact business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and compel the attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as it may provide.
Section 4.	Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, sit upon its own adjournment, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member, but no member shall be expelled a second time for the same offense.
Section 5.	The House of Representatives shall elect its presiding officer, and the Senate and House of Representatives shall elect such other officers as may be provided by law; they shall keep Journals of their proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, and the yeas and nays when taken on any questions shall be entered on such Journals.
Section 6.	Neither House shall, during a Session of the Legislature, adjourn for more than three days, (Sundays excepted) nor to any other place than that in which the two Houses shall be assembled without the consent of the other House.
Section 7.	The compensation of Senators and Representatives shall be three dollars per diem during the first session, but may afterwards be prescribed by law. But no increase of compensation shall be prescribed which shall take effect during the period for which the members of the existing House of Representatives may have been elected.
Section 8.	The members of each House shall in all cases except treason, felony and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during the session of their respective Houses, and in going to or returning from the same. For any speech or debate in either House they shall not be questioned in any other place.
Section 9.	No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he is elected, hold any office under the authority of the United States, or the State of Minnesota, except that of Postmaster; and no Senator or Representative shall hold an office under the State, which had been created, or the emoluments of which had been increased during the Session of the Legislature of which he was a member, until one year after the expiration of his term of office in the Legislature.
Section 10.	All bills for raising a revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose and concur with amendments as on other bills.
Section 11.	Every bill which shall have passed the Senate and House of Representatives, in conformity to the rules of each House and the joint rules of the two Houses, shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the Governor of the State. If he approve, he shall sign and deposit it in the office of Secretary of State for preservation and notify the House where it originated of the fact. But if not, he shall return it with his objections to the House in which it shall have originated, when such objections shall be entered at large on the Journal of the same, and the House shall proceed to reconsider the Bill. If after such reconsideration, two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent together with the objections to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if it be approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a law. But in all such cases the votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons voting for or against the Bill shall be entered on the journal
of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the Governor within three days (Sundays excepted,) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the Legislature by adjournment within that time prevent its return in which case it shall not be a law. The Governor may approve, sign, and file in the office of the Secretary of State within three days after the adjournment of the Legislature, any act passed during the three last days of the session and the same shall become a law.
Section 12.	No money shall be appropriated except by Bill. Every order, resolution or vote requiring the concurrence of the Two Houses (except such as relate to the business or adjournment of the same,) shall be presented to the Governor for his signature, and before the same shall take effect, shall be approved by him, or being returned by him with his objections, shall be repassed by two thirds of the members of the two Houses, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in case of a Bill.
Section 13.	The style of all laws of this State shall be: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota". No law shall be passed unless voted for by a majority of all the members elected to each branch of the Legislature, and the vote entered upon the journal of each House.
Section 14.	The House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment, through a concurrence of a majority of all the members elected to seats therein. All impeachments shall be tried by the Senate, and when sitting for that purpose the Senators shall be upon oath or affirmation to do justice according to law and evidence. No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the numbers present.
Section 15.	The Legislature shall have full power to exclude from the privilege of electing or being elected, any person convicted of bribery, perjury, or any other infamous crime.
Section 16.	Two or more members of either House shall have liberty to dissent and protest against any act or resolution which they may think injurious to the public or to any individual, and have the reason of their dissent entered on the Journal.
Section 17.	The Governor shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies as may occur in either house of the Legislature. The
Legislature shall prescribe by law the manner in which evidence in cases of contested seats in either House shall be taken.
Section 18.	Each House may punish by imprisonment, during its session, any person not a member who shall be guilty of any disorderly or contemptuous behavior in their presence, but no such imprisonment shall at any time exceed twenty-four hours.
Section 19.	Each House shall be open to the public during the sessions thereof, except in such cases as in their opinion may require secrecy.
Section 20.	Every Bill shall be read on three different days in each separate House, unless, in case of urgency, two-thirds of the House where such Bill is depending, shall deem it expedient to dispense with this rule, and no Bill shall be passed by either House until it shall have been previously read twice at length.
Section 21.	Every Bill, having passed both Houses shall be carefully enrolled, and shall be signed by the presiding officer of each House. Any presiding officer refusing to sign a Bill which shall have previously passed both Houses, shall thereafter be incapable of holding a seat in either branch of the Legislature, or hold any other office of honor or profit in the state, and in case of such refusal, each House shall, by rule, provide the manner in which such Bill shall be properly certified for presentation to the Governor.
Section 22.	No Bill shall be passed by either House of the Legislature upon the day prescribed for the adjournment of the two Houses. But this section shall not be so construed as to preclude the enrollment of a Bill, or the signature and passage from one House to the other, or the reports thereon from Committees, or its transmission to the Executive for his signature.
Section 23.	The Legislature shall provide by law for an enumeration of the inhabitants of this State in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five and every tenth year thereafter. At their first session after each enumeration so made, and also at their first session after each enumeration made by the authority of the United States, the Legislature shall have the power to prescribe the bounds of Congressional, Senatorial
and Representative Districts, and to apportion anew the Senators and Representatives among the several Districts according to the provisions of Section second of this article.
Section 24.	The Senators shall also be chosen by single districts of convenient contiguous territory, at the same time that the members of the House of Representatives are required to be chosen, and in the same manner, and no representative district shall be divided in the formation of a Senate District. The Senate districts shall be numbered in regular series, and the Senators chosen by the districts designated by odd numbers, shall go out of office at the expiration of the first year, and the Senators chosen by the districts designated by even numbers shall go out of office at the expiration of the second year; and thereafter the Senators shall be chosen for the term of two years, except there shall be an entire new election of all the Senators at the election next succeeding each new apportionment provided for in this article.
Section 25. Senators and Representatives shall be qualified voters of the State and shall have resided one year in the State, and six months immediately preceeding the election in the District from which they are elected.
Section 26.	Members of the Senate of the United States from this State shall be elected by the two Houses of the Legislature in joint convention at such times, in such manner as may be provided by law.
Section 27.	No law shall embrace more than one subject, which shall be expressed in its title.
Section 28.	Divorces shall not be granted by the Legislature.
Section 29.	All members and officers of both branches of the Legislature shall, before entering upon the duties of their respective trusts, take and subscribe an oath or affirmation to support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, and faithfully and impartially to discharge the duties devolving upon him as such member or officer.
Section 30.	In all elections to be made by the Legislature the members thereof shall vote viva voce and their votes
shall be entered on the Journal.
Sec. 31.	The Legislature shall never authorize any lottery or the sale of lottery tickets.
Article 5th
Section 1.	The Executive Department shall consist of a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer and Attorney General, who shall be chosen by the electors of the State.
Section 2.	The returns of every election, for the officers named in the foregoing section, shall be made to the Secretary of State, and by him transmitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall cause the same to be opened and canvassed before both Houses of the Legislature, and the result declared within three days after each House shall be organized.
Section 3rd	The term of office for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor shall be two years, and until their successors are chosen and qualified. Each shall have attained the age of twenty five (25) years, and shall have been a bona fide resident of the State for one year next preceding his election. Both shall be citizens of the United States.
Section 4.	The Governor shall communicate by message to each session of the Legislature such information touching the State and condition of the country as he may deem expedient. He shall be commander-in-chief of the military and naval forces, and may call out such forces to execute the laws, to suppress insurrection and to repel invasion. He may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the Executive Departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices, and he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons after conviction for offences against the State, except in cases of impeachment. He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a State Librarian and Notaries Public, and such other officers as may be provided by law; he shall have power to appoint Commissioners to take the acknowledgement of
Deeds or other instruments in writing, to be used in the State. He shall have a negative upon all laws passed by the Legislature under such rules and limitations as are in this Constitution prescribed. He may on extraordinary occasions convene both Houses of the Legislature. He shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, fill any vacancy that may occur in the office of Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney General, and such other State and District offices as may be hereafter created by law, until the next annual elections, and until their successors are chosen and qualified.
Sec. 5.	The official term of the Secretary of State, Treasurer and Attorney General shall be two years. The official term of the Auditor shall be three years, and each shall continue in office until his successor shall have been elected and qualified. The Governor's salary for the first term under this Constitution shall be two thousand five hundred dollars per annum. The salary of the Secretary of State for the first term shall be fifteen hundred dollars per annum. The Auditor, Treasurer and Attorney General shall each for the first term, receive a salary of one thousand dollars per annum. And the further duties and salaries of said Executive officers shall each thereafter be prescribed by law.
Sec. 6.	The Lieutenant Governor shall be ex-officio President of the Senate, and in case a vacancy should occur, from any cause whatever, in the office of Governor, he shall be Governor during such vacancy. The compensation of Lieutenant Governor shall be double the compensation of State Senator. Before the close of each session of the Senate, they shall elect a President pro tempore, who shall be Lieutenant Governor in case a vacancy should occur in that office.
Sec. 7.	The terms of each of the Executive offices named in this article, shall commence upon taking the oath of office, after the State shall be admitted by Congress into the Union, and continue until the first Monday in January, 1860, except the Auditor, who shall continue in office until the first Monday in January, 1861, and until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified.
Sec. 8.	Each officer created by this Article shall before entering upon his duties, take an oath or affirmation to support the Constitution of the United States, and of this State, and faithfully discharge the duties of his office to the best of his judgment and ability.
Sec. 9.	Laws shall be passed at the first session of the Legislature after the State is admitted into the Union to carry out the provisions of this article.
Sec 1	The judicial power of the State shall be vested in a Supreme Court, District Courts, Courts of Probate, Justices of the Peace, and such other Courts, inferior to the Supreme Court, as the Legislature may from time to time establish by a two-thirds vote.
Sec 2nd	The Supreme Court shall consist of one Chief Justice and two associate Justices, but the number of associate Justices may be increased to a number not exceeding four, by the Legislature, by a two-thirds vote, when it shall be deemed necessary.
It shall have original jurisdiction in such remedial cases as may be prescribed by law, and appellate jurisdiction in all cases, both in law and equity, but there shall be no trial by jury in said court. It shall hold one or more terms in each year, as the Legislature may direct, at the seat of Government, and the Legislature may provide by a two-thirds vote, that one term in each year shall be held in each or any Judicial District. It shall be the duty of such Court to appoint a Reporter of its decisions.
There shall be chosen by the qualified Electors of the State, one clerk of the Supreme Court, who shall hold his office for the term of three years, and until his successor is duly elected and qualified; and the Judges of the Supreme Court or a majority of them shall have the power to fill any vacancy in the office of Clerk of the Supreme Court until an election can be regularly had.
Sec. 3rd	The Judges of the Supreme Court shall be elected by the electors of the state at large, and their term of office shall be seven years and untill their successors are elected and qualified.
Sec 4	The State shall be divided by the Legislature into six Judicial Districts, which shall be composed of contiguous territory, be bounded by county lines, and contain a population as nearly equal as may be practicable.
In each Judicial District, one Judge shall be elected by the electors thereof, who shall constitute said Court and whose term of office shall be seven years. Every District Judge shall, at the time of his election, be a resident of the
District for which he shall be elected, and shall reside therein during his continuance in office.
Sec 5	The District Courts shall have original jurisdiction in all civil cases, both in law and equity, where the amount in controversy exceeds one hundred dollars, and in all criminal cases where the punishment shall exceed three months imprisonment, or a fine of more than one hundred dollars, and shall have such appellate jurisdiction as may be prescribed by law. The Legislature may provide by law that the Judge of one District may discharge the duties of the Judge of any other District not his own, when convenience or the public interest may require it.
Sec 6	The Judges of the Supreme and District Courts shall be men learned in the law, and shall receive such compensation, at stated times, as may be prescribed by the Legislature, which compensation shall not be diminished during their continuance in office, but they shall receive no other fee or reward for their services.
Sec. 7.	There shall be established in each organized County in the State a Probate Court, which shall be a Court of Record, and be held at such times and places as may be prescribed by law. It shall be held by one Judge, who shall be elected by the voters of the County, for the term of two years. He shall be a resident of such County at the time of his election, and reside therein during his continuance in office, and his compensation shall be provided by law. He may appoint his own clerk, where none has been elected, but the Legislature may authorize the election by the electors of any County, of one Clerk or Register of Probate for such County, whose powers, duties, term of office and compensation shall be prescribed by law. A Probate Court shall have jurisdiction over the estates of deceased persons and persons under guardianship, but no other jurisdiction, except as prescribed by this Constitution.
Sec 8	The Legislature shall provide for the election of a sufficient number of Justices of the Peace in each County, whose term of office shall be two years, and whose duties and compensation shall be prescribed by law; provided, that no Justice of the Peace shall have jurisdiction of any civil cases where the amount in controversy shall exceed one hundred dollars, nor in a criminal cause where the punishment shall exceed three months imprisonment, or a fine of over one hundred dollars, nor in any cause involving the title to real estate.
Sec 9	All Judges other than those provided for in this Constitution shall be elected by the electors of the judicial district, county or city, for which they shall be created, not for a longer term than seven years.
Sec. 10.	In case the office of any judge shall become vacant before the expiration of the regular term for which he was elected, the vacancy shall be filled by the appointment by the Governor untill a successor is elected and qualified, and such successor shall be elected at the first annual election that occurs more than thirty days after the vacancy shall have happened.
Sec. 11.	The Justices of the Supreme Court and the District Courts shall hold no office under the United States nor any other office under this State. And all votes for either of them for any elective office under the Constitution, except a Judicial Office, given by the Legislature or the people, during their continuance in office shall be void.
Sec. 12.	The Legislature may at any time change the number of Judicial Districts or their boundaries when it shall be deemed expedient, but no such change shall vacate the office of any Judge.
Sec. 13.	There shall be elected in each County where a District Court shall be held, one Clerk of said Court, whose qualifications, duties and compensation shall be prescribed by law, and whose term of office shall be four years.
Sec. 14.	Legal proceedings and proceedings and proceedings in the Courts of this state shall be under the direction of the Legislature. The style of all process shall be "The State of Minnesota," and all indictments shall conclude "against the peace and dignity of the State of Minnesota."
Sec. 15.	The Legislature may provide for the election of one person in each organized county in this state, to be called a Court Commissioner with Judicial power and jurisdiction not exceeding the power and jurisdiction of a Judge of the District Court at Chambers, or the Legislature may instead of such election confer such power and jurisdiction upon Judges of Probate in the State.
Elective Franchise
Section 1.	Every male person of the age of twenty-one years or upwards, belonging to either of the following classes, who shall have resided in the United States one year and in this State for four months next preceding any election, shall be entitled to vote at such election, in the election district of which he shall at the time have been for ten days a resident, for all officers that now are, or hereafter may be, elective by the people.
1st White citizens of the United States.
2nd White persons of foreign birth, who shall have declared their intentions to become citizens, conformably to the laws of the United States upon the subject of naturalization.
3rd Persons of mixed white and Indian blood, who have adopted the customs and habits of civilization.
4th Persons of Indian blood residing in this State who have adopted the language customs and habits of civilization, after an examination before any District Court of the State, in such manner as may be provided by law, and shall have been pronounced by said court capable of enjoying the rights of citizenship within the State.
Section 2. No person not belonging to one of the classes specified in the preceding section - no person who has been convicted of treason, or any felony, unless restored to civil rights, and no person under guardianship, or who may be non compos mentis, or insane, shall be entitled or permitted to vote at any election in this State.
Section 3.	For the purpose of voting, no person shall be deemed to have lost a residence by reason of his absence while employed in the service of the United States - nor while engaged upon the waters of this State or of the United States, nor while a student at any seminary of learning, nor while kept at any alms-house or other asylum; nor while confined in any public prison.
Section 4.	No soldier, seaman or marine in the army or navy of the United States, shall be deemed a resident of this State in consequence of being stationed within the same.
Section 5.	During the day on which any election shall be held, no person shall be arrested by virtue of any civil process.
Section 6.	All elections shall be by ballot, except for such town officers as may be directed by law to be otherwise chosen.
Section 7.	Every person who by the provisions of this article shall be
entitled to vote at any election shall be eligible to any office which now is or hereafter shall be, elective by the people in the District wherein he shall have resided thirty days previous to such election - except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, or the Constitution and laws of the United States.
School Funds Education And Science
Section 1.	The stability of a republican form of government depending mainly upon the intelligence of the people, it shall be the duty of the Legislature to establish a general and uniform system of public schools.
Section 2.	The proceeds of such lands as are or hereafter may be granted by the United States for the use of schools within each township in this State, shall remain a perpetual School Fund to the State and not more than one third (1/3) of said lands may be sold in two (2) years, one third (1/3) in five (5) years, and one third (1/3) in ten (10) years; but the lands of the greatest valuation shall be sold first, provided that no portion of said lands shall be sold otherwise than at public sale. The principal of all funds arising from sales, or other disposition of lands, or other property granted or entrusted to this State in each township for educational purposes shall forever be preserved inviolate and undiminished; and the income arising from the lease or sale of said school lands shall be distributed to the different townships throughout the State in proportion to the number of scholars in each township between the ages of five and twenty one years and shall be faithfully applied to the specific objects of the original grants or appropriations.
Section 3.	The Legislature shall make such provisions by taxation or otherwise as with the income arising from the School fund, will secure a thorough and efficient system of Public Schools in each township in the State.
Section 4.	The location of the University of Minnesota as established by existing laws, is hereby confirmed and said institution is hereby declared to be the University of the State of Minnesota. All the rights, immunities, franchises and endowments heretofore granted or conferred, are hereby perpetuated unto the said University, and all lands which may be granted hereafter by Congress, or other donations for said University purposes shall vest in the institution referred to in this Section.
Finances of the State And Banks and Banking.
Section 1.	All taxes to be raised in this State shall be as nearly equal as may be, and all property on which taxes are to be levied shall have a cash valuation, and be equalized and uniform throughout the State.
Section 2.	The Legislature shall provide for an annual tax sufficient to defray the estimated expenses of the State for each year, and whenever it shall happen that such ordinary expenses of the State for any year shall exceed the income of the State for such year, the Legislature shall provide for levying a tax for the ensuing year sufficient, with other sources of income, to pay the deficiency of the preceding year, together with the estimated expenses of such ensuing year.
Section 3.	Laws shall be passed taxing all moneys, credits, investments in bonds, stocks, joint stock companies, or otherwise, and also all real and personal property, according to its true value in money; but public burying-grounds, public school houses, public hospitals, academies, colleges, universities, and all seminaries of learning, all churches, church property used for religious purposes and houses of worship, institutions of purely public charity, public property used exclusively for any public purpose, and personal property to an amount not exceeding in value two hundred dollars for each individual, shall by general laws, be exempt from taxation.
Section 4.	Laws shall be passed for taxing the notes and bills discounted, or purchased, moneys loaned, and all other property, effects, or dues of every description; of all banks, and of all bankers; so that all property employed in banking shall always be subject to a taxation equal to that imposed on the property of individuals.
Section 5.	For the purpose of defraying extraordinary expenditures, the State may contract public debts, but such debts shall never in the aggregate exceed two hundred and fifty thousand dollars; every such debt shall be authorized by law, for some single object to be distinctly specified
therein; and no such law shall take effect until it shall have been passed by the vote of two-thirds of the members of each branch of the Legislature, to be recorded by yeas and nays on the Journals of each House respectively; and every such law shall levy a tax annually sufficient to pay the annual interest of such debt, and also a tax sufficient to pay the principal of such debt within ten years from the final passage of such law, and shall specially appropriate the proceeds of such taxes to the payment of such principal and interest; and such appropriation and taxes shall not be repealed postponed, or diminished until the principal and interest of such debt shall have been wholly paid. The State shall never contract any debts for works of internal improvement or be a party in carrying on such works, except in cases where grants of lands or other property shall have been made to the State, especially dedicated by the grant to specific purposes, and in such cases the State shall devote thereto the avails of such grants and may pledge or appropriate the revenues derived from such works in aid of their completion.
Section 6.	All debts authorized by the preceding section shall be contracted by loan on State bonds of amounts not less than five hundred dollars each, on interest, payable within ten years, after the final passage of the law authorizing such debt; and such bonds shall not be sold by the State under par. A correct registry of all such bonds shall be kept by the Treasurer, in numerical order, so as always to exhibit the number and amount unpaid and to whom severally made payable.
Section 7.	The State shall never contract any public debt, unless in time of war, to repel invasion or suppress insurrection, except in the cases and in the manner provided in the fifth and sixth sections of this Article.
Section 8.	The money arising from any loan made or debt or liability contracted, shall be applied to the object specified in the act authorizing such debt or liability, or to the repayment of such debt or liability, and to no other purpose whatever.
Section 9.	No money shall ever be paid out of the Treasury of this State, except in pursuance of an appropriation by law.
Section 10.	The credit of the State shall never be given
or loaned in aid of any individual, association or corporation.
Section 11.	There shall be published by the Treasurer, in at least one newspaper printed at the seat of Government, during the first week in January of each year, and in the next volume of the Acts of the Legislature, detailed statements of all moneys drawn from the Treasury during the preceding year, for what purposes, and to whom paid, and by what law authorized, and also of all moneys received, and by what authority, and from whom.
Section 12.	Suitable laws shall be passed by the Legislature for the safe keeping, transfer and disbursement of the State and School funds, and all officers and other persons charged with the same shall be required to give ample security for all moneys and funds of any kind, to keep an accurate entry of each sum received, and of each payment and transfer, and if any of said officers or other persons shall convert to his own use in any form, or shall loan with or without interest contrary to law, or shall deposit in banks, or exchange for other fund, any portion of the funds of the State, every such act shall be adjudged to be an embezzlement of so much of the State funds as shall be thus taken, and shall be declared a felony; and any failure to pay over or produce the State or School funds intrusted to such person, on demand, shall be held and taken to be prima facie evidence of such embezzlement.
Section 13.	The Legislature may, by a two thirds vote, pass a General Banking Law, with the following restrictions and requirements, viz:
First, The Legislature shall have no power to pass any law sanctioning in any manner, directly or indirectly, the suspension of specie payments by any person, association or corporation issuing bank notes of any description.
Second, The Legislature shall provide by law for the registry of all bills or notes issued or put in circulation as money, and shall require ample security in United States Stock or State Stocks for the redemption of the same in specie, "and in case of a depreciation of said stocks, or any part thereof, to the amount of ten per cent, or more on the dollar, the bank or banks owning said stocks shall be required to make up said deficiency by additional stocks."
Third, The stockholders in any corporation and joint association for banking purposes issuing bank notes,
shall be individually liable in an amount equal to double the amount of stock owned by them for all the debts of such corporation or association, and such individual liability shall continue for one year after any transfer or sale of stock by any stockholder or stockholders.
Fourth, In case of the insolvency of any bank or banking association, the billholders thereof shall be entitled to preference in payment over all other creditors of such bank or association.
Fifth, Any General Banking Law which may be passed in accordance with this Article shall provide for recording the names of all stockholders in such corporations, the amount of stock held by each, the time of transfer, and to whom transferred.
Article 10th
Of Corporations Having No Banking Privileges
Section 1.	The term "Corporations" as used in this article shall be construed to include all associations and joint stock companies having any of the powers and privileges not possessed by individuals or partnerships except such as embrace Banking Privileges, and all Corporations shall have the right to sue, and shall be liable to be sued in all courts in like manner as natural persons.
Section 2.	No Corporations shall be formed under special acts, except for municipal purposes.
Section 3.	Each stockholder in any Corporation shall be liable to the amount of the stock held or owned by him.
Section 4.	Lands may be taken for public way, for the purpose of granting to any Corporation the franchise of way for public use. In all cases however, a fair and equitable compensation shall be paid for such lands and the damages arising from the taking of the same; but all corporations being common carriers enjoying the right of way in pursuance of the provisions of this section, shall be bound to carry the mineral, agricultural and other productions or manufactures on equal and reasonable terms.
Article 11.
Counties and Townships
Section 1.	The Legislature may from time to time, establish and organize new counties but no new county shall contain less than four hundred square miles; nor shall any county be reduced below that amount; and all laws changing county lines in counties already organized, or for removing county seats shall, before taking effect be submitted to the electors of the County or Counties to be affected thereby at the next general election after the passage thereof and be adopted by a majority of such electors. Counties now established may be enlarged, but not reduced below four hundred (400) square miles.
Section 2.	The Legislature may organize any city into a separate county when it has attained a population of twenty thousand inhabitants, without reference to geographical extent, when a majority of the electors of the county in which such city may be situated voting thereon, shall be in favour of a separate organization.
Section 3.	Laws may be passed providing for the organization, for municipal and other town purposes, of any Congressional or fractional townships in the several counties in the state, provided that when a township is divided by county lines, or does not contain one hundred inhabitants, it may be attached to one or more adjoining townships for the purposes aforesaid.
Section 4.	Provision shall be made by Law for the election of such County or Township officers as may be necessary.
Section 5.	Any County and Township organization shall have such powers of local taxation as may be prescribed by law.
Section 6.	No money shall be drawn from any County or Township treasury except by authority of law.
Of the Militia.
Section 1	It shall be the duty of the Legislature to pass such laws for the organization, discipline and service of the Militia of the State, as may be deemed necessary.
Impeachment And Removal From Office
Section 1.	The Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney General, and the Judges of the Supreme and District Courts, may be impeached for corrupt conduct in office, or for crimes and misdemeanors, but judgment in such cases shall not extend further than to removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit, in the State. The party convicted thereof shall nevertheless be liable, and subject to indictment, trial, judgment and punishment according to law.
Section 2.	The Legislature of the State may provide for the removal of inferior officers from office, for malfeasance or nonfeasance in the performance of their duties.
Section 3.	No officers shall exercise the duties of his office after he shall have been impeached and before his acquittal.
Section 4.	On the trial of an impeachment against the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor shall not act as a member of the Court.
Section 5.	No person shall be tried on impeachment before he shall have been served with a copy thereof at least twenty days previous to the day set for trial.
Amendments to the Constitution.
Sec. 1.	Whenever a majority of both Houses of the Legislature shall deem it necessary to alter or amend this Constitution, they may propose such alterations or amendments, which proposed amendments shall be published with the laws which have been passed at the same session, and said amendments shall be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection; and if it shall appear, in a manner to be provided by law, that a majority of voters present and voting shall have ratified such alterations or amendments, the same shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as a part of this Constitution.
If two or more alterations or amendments shall be submitted at the same time, it shall be so regulated that the voters shall vote for or against each separately.
Section 2.	Whenever two thirds of the members elected to each branch of the Legislature shall think it necessary to call a convention to revise this Constitution, they shall recommend to the electors to vote, at the next election for members of the Legislature, for or against a convention, and if a majority of all the electors, voting at said election, shall have voted for a Convention, the Legislature shall, at their next session, provide by law for calling the same. The Convention shall consist of as many members as the House of Representatives who shall be chosen in the same manner, and shall meet within three months after their election for the purpose aforesaid.
Miscellaneous Subjects
Section 1.	The seat of government of the State shall be at the city of Saint Paul, but the Legislature at their first, or any future session, may provide by law, for a change of the Seat of Government by the people, or may locate the same upon the land granted by congress for a seat of government to the State; and in the event of the seat of government being removed from the City of Saint Paul to any other place in the State, the Capitol building and grounds shall be dedicated to an institution for the promotion of science, literature and the arts, to be organized by the Legislature of the State, and of which institution the Minnesota Historical Society shall always be a department.
Section 2.	Persons residing on Indian Lands, within the State shall enjoy all the rights and privileges of citizens as though they lived in any other portion of the state, and shall be subject to taxation.
Section 3	The Legislature shall provide for a uniform oath or affirmation to be administered at elections, and no person shall be compelled to take any other or different form of oath to entitle him to vote.
Section 4	There shall be a seal of the State, which shall be kept by the Secretary of State, and be used by him officially and shall be called the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota and shall be attached to all official acts of the Governor (his signature to acts and resolves of the Legislature excepted) requiring authentication. The Legislature shall provide for an appropriate devise and motto for said seal.
Section 5	The Territorial prison as located under existing Laws shall after the adoption of this Constitution be and remain one of the State Prisons of the State of Minnesota.
Section 1.	That no inconvenience may arise by reason of a change from a Territorial to a permanent State Government, it is declared that all rights, actions, prosecutions, judgements, claims and contracts as well as individuals as of bodies corporate shall continue as if no change had taken place, and all process which may be issued under the authority of the Territory of Minnesota previous to its admission into the Union of the United States, shall be as valid as if issued in the name of the State.
Sec. 2.	All Laws now in force in the Territory of Minnesota not repugnant to this Constitution shall remain in force until they expire by their own limitation or be altered or repealed by the Legislature.
Sec. 3	All fines, penalties or forfeitures accruing to the Territory of Minnesota shall inure to the State.
Sec. 4.	All recognizances heretofore taken or which may be taken before the change from a Territorial to permanent State government shall remain valid and shall pass to, and may be prosecuted in the name of the State, and all bonds executed to the Governor of the Territory or to any other officer or Court in his or their official capacity, shall pass to the Governor or State Authority and their successors in office for the uses therein respectively expressed and may be sued for and recovered accordingly; and all the estates of property real personal or mixed and all judgments bonds specialities, choses in action, and claims and debts of whatever description of the Territory of Minnesota shall inure to and to and vest in the State of Minnesota, and may be sued for and recovered in the same manner and to the same extent by the State of Minnesota as the same could have been by the Territory of Minnesota. All criminal prosecutions and penal actions which may have arisen or which may arise before the change from a Territorial to a state government, and which shall there be pending shall be prosecuted to judgement and execution in the name of the State. All offenses committed against the laws of the Territory of Minnesota before the change from a Territorial to a State government and which shall not be prosecuted before such change, may be prosecuted in the name and by the authority of the State of Minnesota with like effect as though such change had not taken
place and all penalties incurred shall remain the same as if this Constitution had not been adopted. All actions of law and Suits in Equity which may be pending in any of the courts of the Territory of Minnesota at the time of the change from a Territory to a State Government may be continued and transferred to any court of the State which shall have jurisdiction of the subject matter thereof.
Sec. 5.	All Territorial Officers civil and military now holding their offices under the authority of the United States or of the Territory of Minnesota shall continue to hold and exercise their respective offices until they shall be superceded by the Authority of the State.
Sec. 6.	The first session of the Legislature of the State of Minnesota shall commence on the first Wednesday of December next, and shall be held at the Capitol in the City of St. Paul.
Sec. 7.	The laws regulating the election and qualification of all district, County and precinct officers shall continue and be in force until the Legislature shall otherwise provide by law.
Sec 8.	The President of this Convention shall, immediately after the adjournment thereof cause this Constitution to be deposited in the office of the Governor of the Territory, and if after the submission of the same to a vote of the people herein after provided, it shall appear that it had been adopted by a vote of the people of the State, then the Governor shall forward a certified copy of the same together with an abstract of the votes polled for and against said Constitution to the President of the United States, to be by him laid before the Congress of the United States.
Sec 9.	For the purposes of the first election the State shall constitute one district, and shall elect three members to the House of Representatives of the United States.
Sec 10.	For the purposes of the first election for members of the State Senate and House of Representatives, the State shall be divided into Senatorial and Representative districts as follows viz:
1st District, Washington County - 2nd District Ramsey County; 3rd District, Dakota County; 4th District So much of Hennepin County as lies west of the Mississippi; 5th District, Rice County; 6th District Goodhue County; 7th District, Scott County; 8th District, Olmstead County; 9th District - Fillmore County; 10th District, Houston County; 11th District, Winona County; 12th District Wabashaw County; 13th District, Mower and Dodge Counties; 14th District, Freeborn and Farribault Counties; 15th District, Steele and Wauseca Counties; 16th District, Blue Earth and LeSeur Counties; 17th District, Nicollet and Brown Counties; 18th District - Sibley, Renville and McLeod Counties; 19th District, Carver and Wright Counties; 20th District, Benton, Stearnes and Meeker Counties; 21st District, Morrison, Crow Wing and Mille Lac Counties; 22nd District Cass, Pembina and Todd Counties; 23rd District So much of Hennepin County as lies East of the Mississippi; 4th District, Sherburne; Anoka and Manomin Counties; 25th District, Chisago, Pine and Isanti Counties; 26th District, Buchanan, Carlton, St. Louis, Lake and Itaska Counties.
Sec 11.	The Counties of Brown, Stearnes, Todd, Cass, Pembina and Renville as applied in the preceding section, shall not be deemed to include any Territory west of the State line, but shall be deemed to include all Counties and parts of Counties East of said line as were created out of the territory of either at the last session of the Legislature.
Sec 12.	The Senators and Representatives at the first election shall be apportioned among the several Senatorial and Representative District as follows to wit:
First District, two Senators & three Representatives; Second District, three Senators & six Representatives; Third District, two Senators & five Representatives; Fourth District two Senators & four Representatives; Fifth District two Senators and three Representatives; Sixth District one Senator and four representatives; Seventh District, one Senator & three representatives; Eight District, two Senators & four Representatives; Ninth District, two Senators and six representatives; Tenth District, Two Senators and three Representatives; Eleventh District Two Senators and four Representatives; 12th District One Senator and three representatives; Thirteenth District, two Senators & three Representatives; Fourteenth District, one Senator & three Representatives; Fifteenth District, one Senator and four Representatives; Sixteenth District one Senator and three Representatives; Seventeenth District, one Senator and three Representatives; Eighteenth District, one Senator and three Representatives; Nineteenth District, one Senator and three Representatives; Twentieth District, One Senator and three Representatives, Twenty First District, one Senator and one Representative, Twenty Second District, one Senator and one Representative; Twenty Third District, One Senator and two Representatives; Twenty Fourth District one Senator and one Representative Twenty Fifth District, one Senator and one Representative; Twenty Sixth District, One Senator and one Representative.
Sec. 13.	The returns from the 22nd District shall be made to and canvassed by the judges of the election at the precinct of the Otter Tail City
Sec. 14.	Until the Legislature shall otherwise provide the State shall be divided into Judicial Districts as follows, viz:
The Counties of Washington, Chisago, Manomin, Anoka, Isanti, Pine, Buchanan, Carlton, St. Louis and Lake shall constitute the First Judicial District.
The County of Ramsey shall constitute the Second Judicial District.
The Counties of Houston, Winona, Fillmore, Olmstead and Wabashaw shall constitute the third Judicial District.
The Counties of Hennepin, Carver, Wright, Meeker, Sherburne, Benton, Stearns, Morrison, Crow Wing, Mille Lac, Itaska, Pembina, Todd and Cass shall constitute the Fourth Judicial District.
The Counties of Dakota, Goodhue, Scott, Rice, Steele, Wauseca, Dodge, Mower and Freeborn shall constitute the fifth Judicial District.
The Counties of LeSeur, Sibley, Nicollet, Blue Earth, Faribault, McLeod, Renville, Brown and all other counties in the State not included
within the other Districts shall constitute the Sixth Judicial District.
Sec. 15.	Each of the foregoing enumerated Judicial Districts may at the first election, elect one Prosecuting Attorney for the District.
Sec. 16.	Upon the Second Tuesday, the Thirteenth day of October 1857, an election shall be held for members of the House of Representatives of the United States, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Supreme and District Judges and Members of the Legislature and all other Officers designated in this Constitution, and also for the submission of this Constitution to the people for their adoption or rejection.
Sec. 17.	Upon the day so designated as aforesaid every free, white male inhabitant, over the age of twenty one years who shall have resided within the limits of the State for ten days previous to the day of said election may vote for all officers to be elected under this Constitution at such election and also for or against the adoption of this Constitution.
Sec. 18.	In voting for or against the adoption of this Constitution, the words "For Constitution", or "against Constitution" may be written or printed on the Ticket of each voter. But no voter shall vote for or against this Constitution on a separate ballot from that cast by him for officers to be elected at said election under this Constitution; and if upon the canvass of the votes so polled it shall appear that there was a greater number of votes polled for than against said Constitution then this Constitution shall be deemed to be adopted as the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, and all the provisions and obligations of this Constitution and of the Schedule thereunto attached shall thereafter be valid to all intents and purposes as the Constitution of Said State.
Sec. 19.	At said Election the polls shall be opened, the Election held, returns made, and Certificates issued in all respects as provided by law, for opening, closing and conducting elections and making returns of the same except as herein before specified, and excepting also that polls may be open and elections held at any point or points in any of the Counties Where precincts may be established as provided by law ten days previous to the day of election, not less than ten miles from the place of voting in any established precinct.
Sec. 20.	It shall be the duty of the Judges and Clerks of election in addition to the returns required by law from each precinct, to forward to the Secretary of the Territory by mail immediately after the close of the election a certified copy of the poll book containing the name of person who has voted in the precinct and the number of votes polled for each person for any office and the votes polled for and against the adoption of this Constitution.
Sec. 21.	The Returns of said election for and against this Constitution and for all State officers and members of the House of Representatives of the United States shall be made and certificates issued in the manner now prescribed by law for returning votes given for Delegate to Congress, and the returns for
all District Officers, Judicial, Legislative or otherwise shall be made to the Register or Deeds of the Senior County in each district in the manner prescribed by law, except as otherwise provided. The returns for all officers elected at large shall be canvassed by the Governor of the Territory assisted by Joseph R. Brown and Thomas J. Galbraith at the time designated by law for canvassing the vote for Delegate to Congress.
Sec. 22.	If upon canvassing the votes for and against the adoption of this Constitution, it shall appear that there has been polled a greater number of votes against than for it, then no Certificates of Election shall be issued for any State, or District Officer provided for in this Constitution; and no State organization shall have validity within the limits of the Territory until otherwise provided for and until a Constitution for a State government shall have been adopted by the People.
Done in Convention at St Paul, this Twenty ninth day of August in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred and fifty Seven, and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty Second year. In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names at the Capitol, in the City of Saint Paul, this Twenty-ninth day6 of August, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven.
J.P. Noah                                   Henry H. Sibley
Secretary of State                        President of the Convention
And Delegate from Dakota Co.
Geo. L. Becker                              William Holcombe
Delegate from Ramsey County               Delegate from Washington Co.
Lafayette Emmett                            James S. Norris
Delegate from Ramsey Co                   Delegate from Washington Co.
Wm. P. Murray                               Henry N. Setzer     "       "
Delegate " Ramsey                   Gold T. Curtis      "       "
Newington Gilbert   "       "
Chas. J. Butler     "       "
W. A. Gorman                                R. H. Sanderson     "       "
Delegate, Ramsey County.
Michael E. Ames                             Charles L. Chase
Delegate Ramsey County                    Hennepin Co
Calvin A. Tuttle
John S. Prince                                    Hennepin Co
Delegate from Ramsey County         W. M. Lashells
William B. McGrorty                               Hennepin Co
Dellegate from Ramsey Co            A. E. Ames
Paul Faber                                        Hennepin Co
Delegate from Ramsey County         B. B. Meeker
M. Sherburne    Ramsey Co.                        Delegate from
Patrick Nash                                      Hennepin
Ramsey Co                           James C. Day
Houston Co
Thomas H. Armstrong
Mower Co
O. W. Streeter
Joseph R. Brown
E. C. Stacy                                       Sibley County
Delegate from Freeborn Co           Charles E. Flandrau
James C. Shepley                                  Nicollet County
Delegate from Stearns Co.           Francis Baasen
Wm. Sturgis                                       Brown County
from Morison Co                     William R. McMahan
John W. Tenvoorde                                 Blue Earth County
Delegate from Stearns Co            J. H. Swan
Le Sueur County
W. W. Kingsbury
Delegate from St. Louis Co.         Jos. Rolette
R. H. Barrett                                     Delegate from Pembina Co
Delegate from St. Louis Co          James McFetridge
Pembina Co
Jerome Jerome
Robert Kennedy                              Louis Vasseure
Delegate from Scott Co.                   Pembina Co.
Daniel J. Burns                             Escaviere Cantell
Delegate from       Co.                   Pembina Co.
Frank Warner                                David Gilman :Benton Co
Delegate Scott Co
W. A. Davis                                 Josiah Burwell
Delegate, Scott Co                        Dakota Co.
Henry G. Bailly                             J. P. Wilson
Delegate Dakota County                    Pembina County
Delegate Dakota County


W.E. DEFEND USA is a subsidiary of W.E. Industries LLC. Based in Seattle Washington. Wilson and Ewaliko (W.E.) Industries design and manufacture dynamic automation equipment and products across many industries. Known for their innovative design concepts superior build execution and sound business practice they are recognized by large and small companies as a go to research and development team. 2015 W.E. Defend USA was created to develop and offer dynamic solutions for conceal carry and firearm security.


This last weekend I volunteered at one of the local Ladies Learning Code events. I helped by doing social media for the Girls Learning Code event at St. Margaret's, an all girls school in Victoria, BC. The "code" for the day was learning Scratch, and the girls had fun designing games. The school had donated space including the use of their labs, a large area for the girls to eat their lunches, and then the presentation of the games. We ended up using a computer lab at the Junior School and another lab next door at the Senior School campus. Thank you to the school!
The day was fun and the girls demonsrated their wicked skills with Scratch. Some of the girls were familiar with Scratch, and others were new to it. Regardless, they had fun. The labs were warm with the hum of the computers and the din of conversation among the girls and the mentors roving around to assist. The mentors donated the bulk of their day to help. And, I want to speak to the mentors.
The vast bulk of the mentors were women, and virtually all of them shared one message. They wished that Girls Learning Code existed when they were young, and that we need more women in the tech industry. One mentor noted that she has never worked on a project team with another woman. And, another mentor noted that in some of her Computer Science courses she is the only woman or one of three in a class of 50. Yeah, re-read those sentences. It's 2015. We still have work to do.
A few of the mentors were men and they echoed the comment. "We need more women and girls coding." The mentors were great and coached the girls through the day. But, I really hope that the girls were left with the messages that it's cool to like Math, Games, Computers, and Science. The mentors were introduced to the parents, and again the mentors shared their stories. I am sure that some of the girls and parents left the event with a sense of optimism. I hope to see these girls at more of the Girls Learning Code events.
I used #llcyyj on Instagram, Vine, and Periscope. The Twitter handle is @llcvictoria.
This entry was posted in Feminism, Higher Education, Leadership, Learning, mentor, mentoring, social media, students and tagged BC, Computer Science, Girls Learning Code, Ladies Learning Code, UVIC, Victoria. Bookmark the permalink.


text:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<menu
    xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android">

    <item
        android:id="@+id/mainmenu_help"
        android:icon="@android:drawable/ic_menu_help"
        android:showAsAction="always"
        android:title="@string/main_bar_help"/>

</menu>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
← Lost: In the Memory of God
On the failures of a ranked ballot. (A thread unrolled.) →
Here we go again, #Quebec #Secularism
My latest in the Christian Courier.
The debate over secularism is ramping up here in Quebec. Again!
It wasn't too long ago that the government of Pauline Marois introduced the Charter of Values in the legislature (Bill 60)—legislation that would have prevented public employees from wearing conspicuous religious symbols. That legislation died in the National Assembly when the minority government of Marois went down to defeat in the 2014 election. The bill only died, however, after generating a significant measure of anger and social division within the province.
And here we are, just five years later, with Premier François Legault making his attempt at legislating secularism. Legault hopes that Quebecers will see his Bill 21 as the less offensive cousin of the earlier Bill 60. His legislation, after all, only forbids religious attire among government employees in positions of authority; for example, school teachers, police officers, judges, and prosecutors. Legault also points out that his proposed law will only apply to new employees, meaning that no one who is presently employed in such a position will be fired for wearing a hijab or a turban.
Leaving those assurances aside, the most curious things about Legault's introduction of the bill has been his unwillingness to defend it in any meaningful way. As he introduced Bill 21 to the province he suggested, essentially: "Quebec is a secular society, we have been wrestling with these issues for over 10 years now, and so we must separate religion from the operations of the state." That's it. Legault has been inclined to say less rather than more in defending Bill 21, which implies that there is no compelling argument to be made in its defence—or at least no argument that will stand up under scrutiny.
The basic question, of course, is "Why?" Why must religious clothing or symbols be restricted among those who are employed by the state, in positions of authority? Otherwise put: How is the rule of law compromised by a crown attorney who wears a kippa? How is the instruction of a child in math or literature undermined by a teacher wearing a hijab? How is the administration of justice diminished by a police officer who wears a turban? In each case, of course, the answer is: "It isn't." This leaves the distinct impression that the law's intent is simply to remove from sight those who are culturally and religiously different from the majority.
In addition to this, we should note at least two confusions that surround Bill 21. In the first place, the law assumes it is possible to form a meaningful human community without reference to faith-based convictions; it assumes there are neutral or objective criteria for deciding what a good society looks like. But all ideas about goodness, justice, and community are to some extent tied up with theological or faith commitments—there are no faith-free points of view. A compelling vision of modern Quebec, then, would be one in which each person is invited to transparency about his or her faith convictions, and not one in which we marginalize those whose religious convictions happen to be visibly expressed.
A second confusion introduced by Bill 21 is the idea that Quebecers are incapable of distinguishing between the religious identity of a person and his or her role as a teacher or police officer or prosecutor. It does not take a great deal of imagination to understand, for example, that a Sikh police officer upholds the laws of the province by his work, and not the laws of his religion (even if there may be instances of overlap before them). It does not take much effort to understand that the law he upholds has been established through democratic and legislative processes, rather than by simple deference to a particular religious text or tradition.
It is difficult to anticipate how this latest chapter in the battle over secularism is going to unfold. But this much is clear: this legislation does little or nothing to illuminate our shared lives within Quebec—it does not show us how to live well together. And: We are capable of so much more than Bill 21 imagines.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


We're happy to bring you yet another Amtrak-trip worthy restaurant. Hop on the next train to Philly to try creative American fare at Sbraga. But make a reservation first because they just won Restaurant of the Year in the city of brotherly love.
The cuisine at Sbraga is a lot like melting-pot America. Chef Kevin Sbraga pulls from Africa with his piri piri sauce; Thailand with the unexpected herbs in his foie gras soup; the Middle East with his falafel, Japan with his miso ramen and Italy with his lamb rigatoni.
But for those looking for straight up 'Merican, he also has meatloaf and The Best Thing on the Menu: Brisket with Choucroute, Pastrami Jus and Pickles. This three-bite brisket is memorable because of its salty, sour and creamy flavor profile.
You might remember the man behind this delectable foie gras soup – Chef Kevin Sbraga – as the most likable person to ever win Top Chef. But I remember him from when we both worked at a restaurant on the Main Line under Chef Georges Perrier. He was very likable back then too, generously sneaking me snacks from the kitchen. Remembering his awesome dishes from Top Chef and his winning personality at George's, I had very high hopes for his namesake restaurant and those hopes were met and exceeded.
The menu, including this melt-in-your-mouth wagyu carpaccio is made simple: Diners make their draft picks for four courses. The damage? An incredibly reasonable $49, with opportunities to supplement with delicacies here and there. By DC standards, this is a steal. Even with the price of your round-trip Amtrak train to Philly!
Finish the evening with desserts that range from classy to kindergarten. We tried this refined take on key lime pie in addition to the dirt pudding, complete with homemade gummy worms. Here's hoping Chef Sbraga makes his way to DC to open another cool spot.
Brisket not your BTM? Post your favorites in the comments section. Click here for more photos.
If you liked this, you might also like Zahav, B TOO or Kapnos.
When you enter a Taylor Gourmet you're likely to be overwhelmed by the many streets of Philadelphia to choose from – 31 to be exact. Some favorites include Federal Street with layer upon layer of cold cuts; Pattison Ave stuffed with roasted pork and broccoli rabe; or the Callowhill with meatballs and marinara.
The Best Thing on the Menu: Cottman Avenue is in another league. It tastes like an afternoon spent gathering ingredients at the Italian Market in South Philly. Pepperoni, roasted red peppers, basil and fresh mozzarella top a fried and breaded chicken cutlet with just the right amount of girth.
Football Sunday Taylor – Whether it's a 1:00, 4:25 or 8:25 kick-off, Taylor Gourmet is your best friend on Sundays. Invite your friends and order a couple of larges. They'll deliver them hot and ready to your house.
Late Night No Inhibitions Taylor – The 14th Street and H Street locations are open until 3:30 a.m. Come when the bars close, order, take a picture of your food and look at the picture in the morning to see what you threw down. You may surprise yourself with photos of fistfuls of risotto balls.
The Morning After Taylor – Breakfast hoagies are back. Good morning Filbert Street – bacon, hot capicola, eggs and American cheese!
Turn that Frown Upside Down Taylor – Have you taken Twitter to air your misgivings about sandwiches no longer on the menu? Consider it an opportunity to actually try something new OR move their current menu items around like a Rubik's Cube to create your old standby.
I Just Finished a Marathon Taylor – For these rare occasions, the Philly Landfill is your must-order menu item: Genoa salami, roast pork, peppered ham, roasted red peppers and sharp provolone.
However you Taylor, we're super grateful to the sandwich bromance of David Mazza and Casey Patten for bringing a bite of Philly to the District.
Cottman Avenue not your BTM? Share your favorites in the comments section.


The Guy has completed a Diploma of Financial Planning, and a Diploma in Mortgage Broking. He has held accreditation to deal in currencies on the Forex market as well as a derivatives license to trade options and warrants on the ASX. (Australian Stock Exchange).
TFG has a quirky persona and has always had a fascination with money, and how it influences the decisions people make. He has worked with thousands of investors on hundreds of products. He had front row seats to both the 'Tech Wreck' and the GFC. All this has given The Finance Guy a very unique perspective.
The aim of this site, is to share this perspective and let you see the world through the eyes of The Finance Guy. We hope you find the site informative and entertaining.
Some of the content on this site will contain our opinions on either markets or particular investments, please do not consider anything we say to be investment advice. We do not believe we, or anyone else, can predict the future. Our opinions are a combination of the information we have available, and our personal point of view.
At TFG, we believe that financial literacy needs to improve. We would like to do our part, so where possible, we will provide definitions and explanations to any financial jargon.


text:
Home | Contact us | About us | Blog | Useful links
English - Int.
English - NA
Home >> Where to go >> Karak
> Inside the passageways of Karak castle.
Whether you approach Karak from the ancient Kings Highway to the east or from the Dead Sea to the west, the striking silhouette of this fortified town and castle will instantly make you understand why the fates of kings and nations were decided here for millennia.
An ancient Crusader stronghold, Karak sits 900m above sea level and lies inside the walls of the old city. The city today is home to around 170,000 people and continues to boast a number of restored 19th century Ottoman buildings, restaurants, places to stay, and the like. But it is undoubtedly Karak Castle that dominates.
The town is built on a triangular plateau, with the castle at its narrow southern tip. The castle is some 220m long, 125m wide at the north end, and 40m wide at the southern end where a narrow valley deepened by a ditch separates it from the adjoining and much higher hill – once Saladin's favourite artillery position. Throughout the castle, dark and roughly-shaped Crusader masonry is easy to discern from the finely-crafted blocks of lighter and softer limestone used in later Arab work.
Bring a flashlight with you when you visit the crusader castle, there are many tunnels and passages within the depths of the castle, many of that are not lit.
While the castle we see today essentially dates back to the 12th century, Karak has been a fortress since biblical times. The Bible relates how the King of Israel and his allies from Judah and Edom ravaged Moab and besieged its king Mesha in the fortress of Kir Heres, as Karak was then known.
Centuries later, it took the Crusaders some twenty years to erect their vast castle. Once finished in 1161, it became the residence of the lord of Transjordan, by then the most important fief of the Crusader kingdom, rich in produce and tax revenues. After withstanding several sieges in the early 1170s, Karak came under the rule of Reynald of Chatillon, a lord who became known for his recklessness and barbarism. Breaking all treaties, he began looting merchant caravans and Mecca-bound pilgrims, attacked the very homeland of Islam – the Hijaz – and raided Arabian ports on the Red Sea, even threatening Mecca itself. Saladin, the ruler of Syria and Egypt, reacted swiftly. He took the town of Karak by force, burned it down and almost managed to storm the castle as well.
Before entering the Castle, spend five minutes to study the map situated at the entrance to the site; you will find it helps you keep your bearings whilst giving you an insightful background to its history and the people who lived there.
Reynald's peacetime robbery of a large caravan in 1177 prompted fast retribution from Saladin - who attacked the Crusader kingdom – ending in the defeat of the Crusader army at the Battle of Hattin. Saladin spared most of the captives except Reynald, who he executed himself. The defenders of Karak held out for eight months in a prolonged siege before surrendering to the Muslims who, mercifully, allowed them to walk free.
Once again in Muslim hands, Karak became the capital of a district covering much of Jordan, playing a central role in Middle Eastern politics for the next two centuries. For a time, Karak even became capital of the whole Mameluk kingdom when Sultan an-Nasir Ahmad grew weary of power struggles in Cairo. Indeed, it took eight separate sieges before his brother and successor as-Salih Ismail took the fortress and returned the royal insignia. It was during these sieges that Karak had the dubious honour of being the first target of modern artillery in the Middle East, as-Salih Ismail making use of cannons and gunpowder.
Under the Ayyubids and early Mameluk sultans, the castle was substantially renovated and the town's fortifications strengthened with massive towers but seemingly no gates – access to the town was through subterranean passages with entrances still visible today.
In later times, the town more often than not became a refuge for rebels, while the castle was used as the gathering place of tribal councils. Firm Turkish administration was enforced after 1894 and the Mameluk palace inside the castle was used as a prison. The Great Arab Revolt dealt the last blow to Turkish rule, which ended in 1918.
A great way to explore Karak Castle is through it's the sight and sound event. The Castle and its towers are lit by 50 post lights that is accompanied by a showing a documentary film about the history of Karak and the major events that that took place since 800 BC.
The film also displays the invasion of Karak by many civilization including Greek, Nabatean, Byzantine Crusaders and finally by the Ottoman rule in the 19th century.
It also sheds light on the city of Karak with its new development and how Karak is a great example for coexisting between Muslims and Christians.
View Where to go in a larger map
Experiences In Karak
from Jordan A microsite dedicated to all the writings that all the travel bloggers have posted and their reasons why they recommend Jordan as a travel destination.
For Families Our special guide to direct you and your family to some of the best and most authentic experiences Jordan has to offer.
Tourist Testimonials Travelers from all around the world acting as ambassadors for Jordan by reflecting their true experiences in the country.
Capture Jordan Rediscover Jordan through a new lens... view photos from our fun and exciting photo contest with photos from amateur and professional photographers.
>> Follow Visitjordan On Twitter
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the
http://operlying.info http://organes.info http://otherefore.info http://othese.info http://overnment.info http://oversary.info http://overth.info http://overths.info http://overtible.info http://paperson.info http://parancing.info http://parliam.info http://partedly.info http://passentful.info http://pastalion.info http://patibious.info http://patrial.info http://peacekeep.info http://pellength.info http://pennai.info http://peoplearease.info http://performal.info http://perminance.info http://persity.info http://personia.info
Jordan at a Glance
Values & Tradition
Visas To Jordan
Fun & Adventure
Eco & Nature
99 Things to do in amman
Postcards from Jordan
Tourist Testimonials
Visitjordan Academy
Family Destination
Visitor Toolbar
Jordan Map
Itinerary Generator
General Affiliate
The official site of the Jordan Tourism Board.
Back Link ME | Obtain and Buy Backlinks Easy
Where Is Jordan
Jordan's History
Current Government
Border Crossings
Feasting in Jordan
A modern city built on the sands of time.
A rose red city half as old as time.
The lowest point on the face of the earth.
A timeless place virtually untouched by humanity.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Mujib Biosphere Reserve
Ma'in Hot Springs
Azraq & Shawmari
Umm Al-Rasas
Umm Al-Jimal
Desert Castles
Iraq Al-Amir
Umm Qays
As-Salt
The Ultimate Family Destination
Travel to Jordan with EarthCam's and the Jordan Tourism Board's collection of live streaming cameras! Jordan is a land of mesmerizing beauty and offers so much for the modern traveller. From the beautiful city of Amman to the amazing Dead Sea, experience views of this historic country that has become a must-see for people from all over the world.
Find a tour operator near you. Browse our list of tour operators who are ready to help you plan your perfect vacation now.
View Jordan Map
For more information on the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, enjoy flipping through our brochures or download the PDF version.
Read the latest news on Jordan and its tourism sector.
Jordan to play host to AITO overseas conference
Jordan tourism campaign focuses on historical assets
Looking for your next cover image? JTB has a library of more than 400 high resolution digital images of Jordan.
Do you have a general question about Jordan ?


Sit your kids at the dining table so you can yell at them while making a mess in the kitchen.
Read the ice cream directions at least seven times, while being interrupted with math questions. Realize your math degree is useless when it comes to 3rd grade Common Core. Realize that the directions won't really sink in this afternoon. Realize, you don't care for directions!
Bring the brown sugar, half-and-half, cream, vanilla and nutella to almost a boil.
Make your way to the bowl with egg yolks and sugar. Shoo your puppy after you trip on him, pet him so he doesn't feel abused while reminding yourself he's just a dog. Beat the yolks and sugar on low until white and thick. The egg yolks, not you. If you are like me, you already are... anyway, to the next step!
Combine the hot mixture with the yolks. Wipe the splatter off your phone, and put the phone in a safe place. The safest is away from the kids, so perhaps the dishwasher. Or their backpacks.
Return to the stove and whisk the mixture until it thickens.
Cool the mixture in the refrigerator for a couple hours. Add strawberries and churn in your ice cream maker! I bought mine at this online store and I love it! Well, I don't love it, but I do love the ice cream it makes. To be even more honest, I love the fact that I know exactly what's in the ice cream I make for my kiddos. And they are the ones who love the ice cream we make. Oh fine! I love ice cream too!
Enjoy. Also, marvel at how freaking sweet it is. Take mental note to halve the amount of sugar next time!


2 Super girls from Argon are captured by their evil counterpart! We shot this at FetishCon. No real story line here, just some cool shots and a struggle clip! First 2 girls from Argon are captured, then its the Black Argon girls turn!
This gallery also comes with a 4 minute video clip!
Models: Danielle Trixie, Sara, Brandi.


text:
Lafayette BART Station to Subtract Parking, Add Public Art
By Da Lin May 31, 2019 at 7:24 pm
Filed Under:BART Parking, Commuting, Lafayette, Lafayette BART Station, Public Art
LAFAYETTE (KPIX) — The search for a parking spot at the Lafayette BART station is about to get harder. City leaders recently decided to remove about 12 percent of the spaces in the south lot, which has approximately 150 spots.
The city is getting rid of 19 spaces in front of the south station entrance to put in a roundabout for pick-ups and drop-offs. They'll also add a sculpture on top of the roundabout. The project will improve a pedestrian walkway, add more bike lockers and create a new bike valet station.
"[Its benefits are] gateway, access and safety," said Lafayette mayor Mike Anderson.
The mayor said the artwork will help promote the city's image when visitors exit the BART station. It will also lead people to downtown. He admitted it's tough to lose parking when there is already a huge demand for more parking at the station.
"There is a sacrifice of the 19 spaces. We think the pedestrian access and the bike access will be more important ultimately in making that an acceptable trade," said Mayor Anderson.
A cyclist who takes BART daily said he's all in support of the art project. Erik Khan loves that the plan adds more bike lockers.
"It's a good move. I think we should have more [bike lockers] like this and we should encourage people maybe not drive to work everyday," Khan said.
The Lafayette BART station has a parking permit wait list of 3,819 people.
"There's no open spots. This BART lot fills up everyday," said Lafayette vice mayor Susan Candell.
"Even at 6 in the morning, it could be packed," said another BART rider.
Many drivers who park at the lot are frustrated the city is removing the spaces.
"It's a great mistake the way it is, let alone taking away additional [parking]. It's nuts is all I can say," said Marlene Cowan, who often uses the Lafayette station.
Vice mayor Candell is the only leader who voted down the art project at the May 13 city council meeting. She said she loves the "Dandelion Seeds" sculpture but it's the wrong place to put it.
"I don't want it harder for our residents to get to work. I want to make it easier for them to get to work," said vice mayor Candell. "And so 19 spots is 19 fewer residents getting to work on time."
She said the city should put the artwork at the existing roundabout, which is about 100 feet away from the south BART entrance. But other city leaders want it in front of the station to serve as a gateway to downtown Lafayette. They also say the existing roundabout is not a safe place for pick-ups and drop-offs.
The city said the $230,000 art project is being paid for by Woodbury Highlands developer fees. The plan is for construction to be completed by the summer of 2020.
Da Lin
More from Da Lin
Sebra Leaves says:
Vote them out of office and add the parking spaces back into the lot. City officials have got to listen to the public or get another job.
EMBEEELL (@embeeell) says:
This coverage doesn't show the massive parking lots on the North side of the station, which have been revamped recently (with some spaces added I believe). The South lot is a small part of the total parking at Lafayette Bart (wikipedia claims the station has 1600+ parking spots total). It makes sense to consolidate car traffic on the north side, where there is better traffic routing and freeway access. Hooray for art and cheers to better pedestrian and bicycle access downtown! "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot!" ~Joni Mitchell


The perfect addition to a little fashionistas outfit is Lavishly Little's custom mini earrings! All hooks are nickel free. All orders are made once ordered, please allow up to two weeks for delivery.
One size only, measurement from top of hook (where it would be in the ear) to bottom of earring is 1 3/4 inch. The leather itself is an inch long.


text:
The 1979 Rivers State gubernatorial election occurred on July 28, 1979. NPN candidate Melford Okilo won the election.

Results
Melford Okilo representing NPN won the election. The election held on July 28, 1979.

References

Rivers State gubernatorial elections
Rivers State gubernatorial election
Rivers State gubernatorial election

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Before addressing what might constitute being "too clever" in lyrics, I'll begin by defining what I mean by "clever" lyrics. For the purposes of this article I'm referring to songs with lyrics that are witty, tongue-in-cheek, humorous, or amusing. These are in contrast to those that fall into the category of comedy and novelty songs. The delineation between "clever" and "novelty" or "comedy" is subjective and is sometimes a subtle distinction. While comedy songs make listeners laugh, clever songs make them smile.
"The Monster Mash" (written by Bobby Pickett and Leonard Capizzi/released in 1962 by Bobby Pickett, aka Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers), and Ray Stevens' 1972 hit "Gitarzan" (written by Stevens and Bill Everette) are examples of songs that cross the line to novelty or comedy songs. These songs contain punchlines, lines of lyric, and concepts that are intended to make listeners laugh.
A song can be clever by virtue of its title, such as Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville" or "If You Seek Amy" (written by Savan Harish Kotecha, Max Martin, Alexander Erik Kronlund, and Johan Karl Schuster/recorded by Britney Spears).
A play on words can make a song memorable and clever. Strong examples include "Friends in Low Places" (written by Dewayne Blackwell and Earl Bud Lee/recorded by Garth Brooks) and "It Happens" (written by Jennifer Nettles, Kristian Bush, and Bobby Pinson/recorded by Sugarland).
A song might be deemed clever based on its concept. For example, the lyric in Chris Janson's "Buy Me a Boat" (written by Janson and Chris Du Bois) states that while money can't buy happiness, it can buy a boat, a car, a rod and reel—the things that would make him happy.
In an effort to demonstrate how clever they are, some writers incorporate rhymes that sound contrived, as in the last line of the example below.
Using words, phrases, and rhymes that sound forced detracts from the emotion impact of songs by drawing attention to the fact that the writers consciously manufactured those lines.
The hit comedy/novelty songs referenced in this article have something in common in addition to their humor: they were hits in bygone eras. These kinds of songs are no longer in vogue and are rarely heard on mainstream radio. But songs that are clever can be found all over the current music charts. While country music tends to include more tongue-in-cheek songs and more lyrics that employ clever wordplay than other genres, successful examples of these kinds of lyrics can be found in almost every style of music, from Americanato Zydeco. So, in determining whether your lyric is "too clever," assess whether your goal is to make listeners laugh—or to smile.


The Credit Abuse Resistance Education (CARE) Program is a court outreach program that provides students and young adults with knowledge and the skills they need to make smart financial decisions.
Bankruptcy Court Judge Margaret Mann heads the court's CARE Program. Modeled after the successful CARE Program created by Judge John Ninfo (U.S. Bankruptcy Court - Western District of New York), the presentation program is aimed primarily to high school seniors, college students, and others.
Judges, attorneys, and other professionals in the judicial system are available to deliver informative CARE Program presentations to your students right in your classroom. Presentations can be delivered to large or small groups and can be tailored to fit your schedule. We also can focus on a financial topic that is most interesting to your students.
If you are an administrator or teacher and are interested in scheduling a CARE Program presentation at your high school, college, or other organization, contact Michele McConnell, Judge Mann's judicial assistant and CARE Program coordinator, for more information.