What does the MA constitution say about equality before the law?
Article I.
All men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights; among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; that of acquiring, possessing, and protecting property; in fine, that of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness.
How is the Massachusetts Constitution different from the US Constitution?
“Most people don’t realize that the Massachusetts Constitution has a Declaration of Rights that is broader, and more efficacious, and less limited than the Bill of Rights of the U.S. constitution,” Silverglate said.
How does a bill become law in Massachusetts?
First, the Governor can simply sign the Bill and it becomes a law. If an Emergency Preamble is attached to the Bill it will become effective immediately. Otherwise the effective date is ninety (90) days after the Governor signs the Bill. Second, the Bill can be vetoed if the Governor does not agree with its content.
How do you amend the Massachusetts Constitution?
The state legislature is allowed to amend the text of an initiated constitutional amendment through a three-fourths vote in joint session. In two successive legislative sessions, 25 percent of the members of the Massachusetts General Court must support the proposed amendment in order for it to go on the ballot.
What are the 4 unalienable rights?
We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness—That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent …
What rights are protected in the MA state constitution?
Each individual of the society has a right to be protected by it, in the enjoyment of his life, liberty, and property, according to standing laws. He is obliged, consequently, to contribute his share to the expense of this protection; to give his personal service, or an equivalent, when necessary.
What is unique about the Massachusetts Constitution?
Why Study the Massachusetts Constitution. The 1780 Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, drafted by John Adams, is the world’s oldest functioning written constitution. It served as a model for the United States Constitution, which was written in 1787 and became effective in 1789.
How long does a bill have to pass?
Normally, the Governor has 12 days after receiving a bill to decide to sign or veto it, or a bill will become law automatically without his or her signature. However, the Governor has 30 days to make this decision on bills submitted to him or her when the annual winter recess is near at hand.
What is a Massachusetts Session law?
Session laws, called Acts and Resolves in Massachusetts, are the laws passed by the legislature arranged chronologically. General laws are session laws that are permanent in nature and of general application, and are arranged by subject.
What are the 5 natural rights?
Five natural rights are freedoms of religion, speech, assembly, privacy, and equality under the law. Natural rights are premised on the concept that certain rights are unalienable or inalienable by virtue of nature, and cannot be taken or given away.
Can inalienable rights be taken away?
It says that that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights like life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” These rights cannot be bartered away, or given away, or taken away except in punishment of crime.
What is the Massachusetts Declaration of rights?
All people are born free and equal and have certain natural, essential and unalienable rights; among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; that of acquiring, possessing and protecting property; in fine, that of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness.
What happens when the House approves a bill?
The bill is voted on. If passed, it is then sent to the other chamber unless that chamber already has a similar measure under consideration. If either chamber does not pass the bill then it dies. If the House and Senate pass the same bill then it is sent to the President.
What is the proper order for how a bill passes through the House?
First, a Representative sponsors a bill. The bill is then assigned to a committee for study. If released by the committee, the bill is put on a calendar to be voted on, debated or amended. If the bill passes by simple majority (218 of 435), the bill moves to the Senate.
What is the difference between a session law and a statute?
In short: The session laws reproduce each individual bill, as it passed, during a particular session. The statutes give you the Colorado Revised Statutes — the permanent, statutory law of the state — organized by subject matter title, article, part, and section.
What are unalienable rights rights that Cannot be denied?
What’s unalienable cannot be taken away or denied. Its most famous use is in the Declaration of Independence, which says people have unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
What are rights that Cannot be taken away?
That is, rights that are God-given and can never be taken or even given away. Among these fundamental natural rights, Locke said, are “life, liberty, and property.” Locke believed that the most basic human law of nature is the preservation of mankind.
What are the 3 inalienable rights?
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the …
What rights are protected in the Massachusetts Constitution?
What is the process of passing a bill into law?
If a bill has passed in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and has been approved by the President, or if a presidential veto has been overridden, the bill becomes a law and is enforced by the government.
How long does it take a bill to become a law?
The bill is sent to the President for review. A bill becomes law if signed by the President or if not signed within 10 days and Congress is in session. If Congress adjourns before the 10 days and the President has not signed the bill then it does not become law (“Pocket Veto.”)
Can the Senate pass a bill without the House?
Ultimately, a law can only be passed if both the Senate and the House of Representatives introduce, debate, and vote on similar pieces of legislation.
What are the 10 steps of how a bill becomes a law?
Steps
- Step 1: The bill is drafted.
- Step 2: The bill is introduced.
- Step 3: The bill goes to committee.
- Step 4: Subcommittee review of the bill.
- Step 5: Committee mark up of the bill.
- Step 6: Voting by the full chamber on the bill.
- Step 7: Referral of the bill to the other chamber.
- Step 8: The bill goes to the president.
What is a session law Massachusetts?
Does a statute override a regulation?
If a state law contradicts a federal law, the federal statute preempts the state law, and the state will be required to abide by the federal statute. However, federal laws do not cover all areas of the law, and in those instances, state or local laws will control.