Preamble
We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to
Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government, for our
civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings and secure
the same to our selves and posterity, do ordain and establish this
Constitution.
Article II, section
2
All men are created equally free and independent, and have
certain inherent and inalienable rights, amongst which are those of enjoying and
defending life and liberty; of acquiring, possessing and protecting property and
reputation, and of pursuing their own happiness. To secure these rights
governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the
consent of the governed.
Article II, section
24
All men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship
Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; no man can, of
right, be compelled to attend, erect or support any place of worship; or to
maintain any ministry against his consent. No human authority can, in any case
or manner whatsoever, control or interfere with the right of conscience; and no
preference shall ever be given, by law, to any religious establishment,
denomination or mode of worship above any other.
Article II, section
25
Religion, morality and knowledge being essential to good
government, the General Assembly shall enact suitable laws to protect every
religious denomination in the peaceable enjoyment of its own mode of public
worship.
Article II, section
26
No religious test shall ever be required of any person as a
qualification to vote or hold office, nor shall any person be rendered
incompetent to be a witness on account of his religious belief; but nothing
herein shall be construed to dispense with oaths or
affirmations.
Article XIV, section
2
No money or property belonging to the public school fund,
or to this State for the benefit of schools or universities, shall ever be used
for any other than for the respective purposes to which it
belongs.
Article XVI, section
5
(b) The following property shall be exempt from taxation:
public property used exclusively for public purposes; churches used as such;
cemeteries used exclusively as such; school buildings and apparatus; libraries
and grounds used exclusively for school purposes; and buildings and grounds and
materials used exclusively for public charity.