Malcolm Rivera
The Constitution of Pennsylvania is the foundation of the state government and was first adopted in 1776. The document uses the words man, men, and mankind in several sections, including in the context of the rights of man and freemen. It also refers to the blessings of civil and religious liberty and the role of the great Governor of the universe. The Pennsylvania Constitution has undergone amendments over time, with the most recent one mentioned being from 1995.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of the first Pennsylvania Constitution | 28 September 1776 |
| Date of the current Pennsylvania Constitution | 16 December 1873 |
| Words used to refer to people | "Men", "persons", "freemen", "man", "citizen", "he", "himself", "men", "mankind" |
| Words used to refer to government officials | "President", "vice-president", "officers", "judges", "Lieutenant Governor", "Speaker", "representatives", "members", "assemblymen", "policemen", "firemen", "public employers", "Governor", "council", "quorum", "general assembly", "legislature", "senate", "house of representatives" |
| Rights mentioned | Freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom of assembly, right to bear arms, right to a jury trial, right to due process, right to habeas corpus, right to property, right to contract, right to just compensation, right to a speedy trial, right to bail, right to equal protection under the law, right to religious liberty, right to civil liberty, right to happiness |
| Duties mentioned | Duty to establish original principles of government, Duty to promote the general happiness of the people, Duty to preserve the freedom of the commonwealth, Duty to appoint and commission judges, Duty to administer justice impartially, Duty to supply vacancies in any office, Duty to transact business with other states, Duty to perform as guardians of the people |
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What You'll Learn
The Pennsylvania Constitution's use of 'man' and 'men'
The Pennsylvania Constitution, first adopted in 1776, served as a framework for the US Constitution. The document uses the words "man" and "men" in several instances.
In the preamble, the phrase "We, the representatives of the freemen of Pennsylvania" is used, acknowledging the authority vested in them by their constituents. The term "freemen" here refers to male citizens who are not enslaved and possess certain rights and privileges, such as the right to vote.
Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution states, "All men are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent and indefeasible rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, of acquiring, possessing and protecting property and reputation, and of pursuing their own happiness." This section emphasizes the equality and inherent rights of all men, which was a foundational principle of the Constitution.
The Constitution also refers to "men" in the context of government officials and representatives. For example, it mentions "members of the General Assembly," "the President and Vice-President," and "the Council of Censors." These terms reflect the gendered language of the time and the historical context in which the Constitution was written.
Additionally, the Constitution uses the word "man" in phrases like "invaluable rights of man" and "officers and men in public capacity." These usages suggest that the rights and responsibilities outlined in the Constitution were primarily associated with male citizens.
It is worth noting that the use of gendered language in the Pennsylvania Constitution reflects the societal norms and political ideologies of the time. While the language may not explicitly include women, it is important to consider the historical context and the evolving nature of constitutional interpretation.
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The exclusion of women in the Constitution
The Constitution of Pennsylvania, first adopted in 1776, served as a framework for the US Constitution. It is founded on the principles of liberty and free government. However, the language used in the Constitution has been criticised for its exclusion of women.
The original text of the Pennsylvania Constitution, like many other historical documents, used gendered language that seemingly excluded women. Phrases such as "We, the representatives of the freemen of Pennsylvania" and references to mankind and all men indicate a male-centric perspective. This language reflects the prevailing ideologies of the time, which often viewed women as politically insignificant and not worthy of citizenship.
The use of "he" pronouns and masculine nouns such as freemen and men in the Constitution implies that only males are entitled to certain rights and freedoms. This exclusionary language suggests that women were not considered full members of society, with an equal stake in the governance and future of their state.
However, it is important to note that the delegates who drafted the Constitution may have intended for the word "persons" to include women, even if the final edited version did not explicitly state this. This interpretation is supported by James Madison's Records of the Federal Convention, which provide valuable insights into the debates surrounding the Constitution's creation.
In these records, there is an explicit reference to women during one of the most important debates. This discovery challenges the assumption that women were entirely absent from the Constitution's discourse. While the word "woman" may not appear in the final text, the Records suggest that the delegates may have had a more inclusive vision for the government they were creating.
Despite this revelation, the fact remains that the language used in the Pennsylvania Constitution, and many other historical documents, has contributed to the systemic exclusion of women from positions of power and influence. This exclusion has been reinforced by societal norms and ideologies that have historically undervalued women's contributions and rights.
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The use of 'person' and 'persons'
The Pennsylvania Constitution, first adopted in 1776, uses the words "person" and "persons" in several instances. The use of these words is significant and reflects the intention to include all individuals, regardless of gender, in the rights and protections guaranteed by the constitution.
One example of the use of "person" in the Pennsylvania Constitution is in the provision guaranteeing the freedom of the press and the right to free speech. It states that "the printing press shall be free to every person" who wishes to examine the proceedings of the government, and that "every citizen may freely speak, write and print on any subject." This use of "person" and "every citizen" indicates that these rights apply to all individuals, regardless of gender.
Another instance of the use of "persons" in the Pennsylvania Constitution is in the establishment of the Council of Censors. It states that "two persons in each city and county of this state" shall be chosen by ballot to serve on the Council of Censors, whose duty is to ensure that the constitution is preserved and that the government branches are functioning within their constitutional powers. By using the word "persons," the constitution ensures that individuals of any gender are eligible to serve on this important council.
The use of "person" and "persons" in the Pennsylvania Constitution also extends to legal proceedings. For example, the constitution states that "no person shall be attainted of treason or felony by the Legislature" and that "the person of a debtor...shall not be continued in prison" after meeting certain conditions. These provisions protect individuals from undue legal consequences, regardless of their gender.
The choice to use "person" and "persons" in the Pennsylvania Constitution is significant because it moves away from the use of gendered language and towards a more inclusive framework. By using these words, the constitution's framers ensured that the rights and protections it outlines apply to all individuals, regardless of gender. This inclusive language is a crucial aspect of the Pennsylvania Constitution and sets a precedent for the equal treatment of all people under the law.
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The Constitution's reference to women
The Pennsylvania Constitution, first adopted in 1776, served as a framework for the U.S. Constitution. While the word "woman" does not appear in the Pennsylvania Constitution, there are references to "women" and their inclusion in the text.
The Records of the Federal Convention, which include notes taken by James Madison and other participants in the Constitutional Convention, provide valuable insights into the debates and discussions that shaped the Constitution. In these records, there is an explicit reference to women during one of the most crucial moments of the Convention. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that women were not mentioned in the Constitution, prompting a re-examination of their role in the founding of the government.
The delegates chose to use the word "persons" instead of "men," indicating their intention to include women. This choice of wording reflects the belief that the government's role is to protect society, and that all individuals, regardless of gender, have certain inherent rights. The use of "persons" underscores the idea that women are part of the social fabric the government aims to safeguard.
The Pennsylvania Constitution, in its original form and subsequent amendments, outlines various rights and freedoms that apply to all citizens. These include the right to free speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, protection against excessive bail or cruel punishments, and the right to assemble peaceably. By using inclusive language, the Constitution ensures that women are afforded the same rights and protections as their male counterparts.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the historical context of the time may have influenced the interpretation and implementation of these rights for women. The political ideologies of republicanism and liberalism, prevalent during that era, often excluded women from the concept of citizenship. Despite the inclusive language in the Constitution, the societal norms and beliefs of the time may have created barriers to women's full participation in political life.
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The Constitution's framework
The Pennsylvania Constitution, first adopted in 1776, is the foundation of the state government and served as a framework for the US Constitution. The current constitution is the result of amendments made over the years, with the most recent changes being made in 1995.
The Pennsylvania Constitution guarantees certain rights and liberties to its citizens. It ensures freedom of the press and freedom of speech, with the right to freely communicate thoughts and opinions without fear of prosecution. It also establishes the right to a fair trial, with protections against excessive bail, cruel punishments, and double jeopardy. The constitution safeguards the right to peaceably assemble and petition the government, as well as the right to bear arms. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of the state's legislative, executive, and judicial branches, including the General Assembly, the Council of Censors, and the courts.
The constitution also addresses issues such as compensation for public service, the appointment of government officials, and the process for addressing grievances and disputes. It emphasizes the importance of preserving the freedom of the commonwealth and ensuring the general happiness of the people, without partiality or prejudice.
While the Pennsylvania Constitution uses the word "men" in certain sections, it is important to note that the delegates intentionally used the word "persons" in some instances to be more inclusive and clarify that "persons" included women. This choice of language reflects the belief that the government's role is to protect society and that women are included in the political process.
The Pennsylvania Constitution, with its framework for governance and protection of individual rights, has played a significant role in shaping the state's history and continues to guide its present and future.
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Frequently asked questions
The Pennsylvania Constitution, first adopted in 1776, uses the word "man" in several sections. The word "woman" does not appear in the document.
The use of the word "man" in the Pennsylvania Constitution reflects the language and societal norms of the time. While it is gendered language, it was often used in a generic sense to refer to humanity or people in legal and political documents of that era.
Yes, there are some gender references in the document. For example, the Constitution refers to freemen in several sections, indicating male citizens with specific rights and duties.
No, the word "woman" is not mentioned in the Pennsylvania Constitution. However, it is important to note that the use of the word "persons," "people," or "citizens" in certain sections can be interpreted to include both men and women.
While I cannot find specific amendments to change "man" to gender-neutral language, the Pennsylvania Constitution has been amended multiple times since its adoption in 1776, including in 1873/1874 and 1995. These amendments addressed various aspects of the document, but it is unclear if they specifically targeted gendered language.
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