                CONSTITUTION  OF THE STATE OF KANSAS
                       (as amended to 1975)

                              PREAMBLE

   We,  the  people  of Kansas,  grateful to Almighty God for our  civil  and 
religious privileges,  in order to insure the full enjoyment of our rights as 
American citizens,  do ordain and establish this constitution of the state of 
Kansas,  with the following boundaries,  to wit:  Beginning at a point on the 
western boundary of the state of Missouri,  where the thirty-seventh parallel 
of  north latitude crosses the same;  thence running west on said parallel to 
the twenty-fifth meridian of longitude west from Washington;  thence north on 
said meridian to the fortieth parallel of north latitude; thence east on said 
parallel to the western boundary of the state of Missouri;  thence south with 
the western boundary of said state to the place of beginning.

                           BILL OF RIGHTS

Section  1.    All men are possessed of equal and inalienable natural rights, 
among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Section  2.    All  political power is inherent in the people,  and all  free 
governments  are  founded on their authority,  and are instituted  for  their 
equal protection and benefit.  No special privileges or immunities shall ever 
be granted by the legislature, which may not be altered,  revoked or repealed 
by  the same body;  and this power shall be exercised by no other tribunal or 
agency.

Section 3.   The people have the right to assemble, in a peaceable manner, to 
consult  for  their common good,  to instruct their representatives,  and  to 
petition  the  government,  or  any department thereof,  for the  redress  of 
grievances.

Section  4.    The  people have the right to bear arms for their defense  and 
security;  but standing armies,  in time of peace,  are dangerous to liberty, 
and shall not be tolerated, and the military shall be in strict subordination 
to the civil power.

Section 5.   The right of trial by jury shall be inviolate.

Section  6.    There  shall be no slavery in this state;  and no  involuntary 
servitude,  except for the punishment of crime,  whereof the party shall have 
been duly convicted.

Section 7.   The right to worship God according to the dictates of conscience 
shall  never  be infringed;  nor shall any person be compelled to  attend  or 
support  any form of worship,  nor shall any control of or interference  with 
the rights of conscience be permitted,  nor any preference be given by law to 
any religious establishment or mode of worship. No religious test or property 
qualification  shall be required for any office of public trust,  nor for any 
vote  at  any  election,  nor shall any person be incompetent to  testify  on 
account of religious belief.

Section  8.    The right to the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, 
unless the public safety requires it in case of invasion or rebellion.

Section 9.    All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties except for 
capital offenses, where proof is evident or the presumption great.  Excessive 
bail  shall  not  be required,  nor excessive fines imposed,  nor  cruel  and 
unusual punishment inflicted.

Section 10.  In all prosecutions,  the accused shall be allowed to appear and 
defend  in  person,  or  by counsel;  to demand the nature and cause  of  the 
accusation  against  him;  to  meet the witness face to  face;  and  to  have 
compulsory process to compel the attendance of witnesses in his behalf, and a 
speedy  public trial by an impartial jury of the county or district in  which 
the  offense is alleged to have been committed.  No person shall be a witness 
against himself, or be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense.

Section 11.  The liberty of the press shall be inviolate; and all persons may 
freely  speak,  write  or  publish their sentiments on  all  subjects,  being 
responsible for the abuse of such right; and in all civil or criminal actions 
for  libel,  the truth may be given in evidence to the jury,  and if it shall 
appear  that the alleged libelous matter was published for justifiable  ends, 
the accused party shall be acquitted.

Section  12.   No  conviction  within the state shall work  a  forfeiture  of 
estate.

Section  13.   Treason  shall consist only in levying war against the  state, 
adhering to its enemies,  or giving them aid and comfort.  No person shall be 
convicted  of  treason unless on the evidence of two witnesses to  the  overt 
act, or confession in open court

Section 14.   No soldier shall,  in time of peace,  be quartered in any house 
without the consent of the occupant, nor in time of war, except as prescribed 
by law.

Section  15.   The  right of the people to be secure in  their  persons,  and 
property against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall be inviolate.  and 
no  warrant  shall issue except but on probable cause,  supported by oath  or 
affirmation, particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons 
or property to be seized.

Section  16.   No  person shall be imprisoned for debt,  except in  cases  of 
fraud.

Section 17.   No distinction shall ever be made between citizens of the state 
of  Kansas  and  the citizens of other states and territories of  the  United 
States  in reference to the purchase,  enjoyment or descent of property.  The 
rights  of  aliens  in reference to the purchase,  enjoyment  or  descent  of 
property may be regulated by law.

Section  18.   All persons,  for injuries suffered in person,  reputation  or 
property,  shall  have remedy by due course of law,  and justice administered 
without delay.

Section 19.   No hereditary emoluments,  honors,  or privileges shall ever be 
granted or conferred by the state.

Section  20.   This enumeration of rights shall not be construed to impair or 
deny  others  retained  by the people;  and all powers not  herein  delegated 
remain with the people.
