Constitution of Connecticut (2025 publisher edition) — Preamble: Preamble and publisher notices

Publisher edition notice: The publisher identifies this compilation as revised to January 1, 2025. It preserves the annotated original 1965 text and all ratified amendments, alongside the Revisors' unofficial convenience version incorporating extant amendments. The latter does not supersede the original Constitution and amendments; later changes have not been independently verified.

Preamble Revisors’ compilation incorporating extant amendments; publisher convenience version.

PREAMBLE.
The People of Connecticut acknowledging with gratitude, the good providence of
God, in having permitted them to enjoy a free government; do, in order more effectu-
ally to define, secure, and perpetuate the liberties, rights and privileges which they
have derived from their ancestors; hereby, after a careful consideration and revision,
ordain and establish the following constitution and form of civil government.

Preamble Original 1965 text and publisher annotations; retained historical context.

143
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
*The superscript numbers and asterisks appearing throughout the Constitution of the State of Connecticut and the
Amendments to the Constitution of the State of Connecticut indicate annotations which may be found, in sequence,
immediately following the article or section to which they apply.
All material printed in bold type and enclosed within parentheses did not form part of the original document con-
cerned but has been incorporated in this publication to assist the user.
Adopted December 14, 1965. Proclaimed by governor as adopted December 30, 1965.
PREAMBLE.*
*This constitution is a grant and not a limitation of power. 85 C. 319; 96 C. 192. Rights and privileges protected;
equality of rights. 65 C. 489. History of the growth of our constitution; 68 C. 164; 69 C. 586; what made constitution
prior to 1820. 3 Dal. 395. Local self-government as a part of our constitutional system; towns have no inherent rights
which the legislature may not control. 67 C. 236; 69 C. 149, 160; 10 How. 511; 170 U.S. 309. State can recognize an
honorary obligation; 76 C. 567; can accept gift in trust for institution for idiots; 67 C. 245; 69 C. 73; but cannot provide
a pension for veterans of the civil war here resident. 85 C. 344. All legislation not contrary to state or U.S. Constitution,
or to republican form of government is valid; Bible as rule of government; principles of morality as a restriction; 81 C.
534; law may be unconstitutional as against principles of free government and natural justice. 73 C. 283; 85 C. 347; 3
Dal. 388. Nature and definition of constitutions. 67 C. 305; 69 C. 127; Id., 583. When question of constitutionality is
raised, court presumes validity and sustains legislation unless it clearly violates constitutional principles. 146 C. 720.
To successfully challenge constitutionality of legislation, challenger must show his interests are adversely affected. Id.
Courts cannot, by process of construction, abrogate a clear expression of legislative intent, especially when unambiguous
language is fortified by refusal of legislature, in light of judicial interpretation, to change it. 147 C. 48. In case of real
doubt constitutionality of a law must be sustained. Id., 374. Towns and local boards of education are creatures of state,
and though they may question interpretation, they cannot challenge legality, of legislation enacted by their creator. 148
C. 238. Power of courts to declare law unconstitutional; in general; 73 C. 259; they look at its essence, not its form. 65
C. 484; 79 C. 444. State and federal constitutions are to be regarded together. 73 C. 259. Part only of a statute may be
declared unconstitutional. 73 C. 30; Id., 505; 75 C. 319; 77 C. 333; 78 C. 53; 82 C. 352; 85 C. 344. Laws are presumed,
and if possible, construed, to be valid; 64 C. 457; 73 C. 25; Id., 505; 76 C. 441; 78 C. 564; 79 C. 441; 86 C. 141; thus if
a law is only valid if notice is given of certain proceedings, a requirement of such notice may be implied. 88 C. 81; 90 C.
584. A law must be clearly unconstitutional, to be held so. 73 C. 18; 83 C. 4; 85 C. 344; 89 C. 394; 104 C. 205. Quaere,
whether presumption of validity extends to act of Congress claimed to invade sovereignty of state. 82 C. 352. Court
should question constitutionality of statute only in behalf of party in interest. 73 C. 546. Construction of the constitution.
*

-- 1 of 129 --

144 CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT Art. I
Limits of power of court. Id., 259. Should be construed as whole. 78 C. 551. Words presumed to have ordinary meaning.
64 C. 450. Contemporaneous or established usage. Id., 453; 65 C. 146; 68 C. 150; 77 C. 257; 87 C. 506; Id., 554. Words
to be given meaning they had when used. 86 C. 627. Considerations proper in general. Id., 625. Constitution should be
construed to uphold its spirit; division into departments; 78 C. 565; in view of evils to be remedied. Id., 554. Power to
“define” is not power to grant or apportion. 64 C. 452. Power once granted not to be later cut down except expressly or
by necessary implication. 78 C. 564. Neither preamble nor Art. I, Sec. 1 imposes on government an affirmative consti-
tutional obligation to provide minimum subsistence to the poor. 233 C. 557. Unenumerated constitutional obligation to
provide subsistence benefits to those in need cited. Id. Cited. Id., 701. Unenumerated right to shelter implicit in consti-
tution as evidenced by its preamble cited. Id.
Benefit of claim of unconstitutionality may be waived if claim is not seasonably
made. 20 CS 503. Cited. 40 CS 394.
The People of Connecticut acknowledging with gratitude, the good providence of
God, in having permitted them to enjoy a free government; do, in order more effectu-
ally to define, secure, and perpetuate the liberties, rights and privileges which they
have derived from their ancestors; hereby, after a careful consideration and revision,
ordain and establish the following constitution and form of civil government.