Article I. Declaration of Rights
Article I, Section 1
Constitution of the State of Tennessee
Official text
That all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness; for the advancement of those ends they have at all times, an unalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform, or abolish the government in such manner as they may think proper.
Source: Tennessee Blue Book 2025-2026 (Tennessee Secretary of State)
In plain English
All political power comes from the people. Free governments exist by the people's authority and for their peace, safety and happiness, and the people always keep the right to alter, reform or abolish their government as they think proper.
Plain-English summary drafted by Christian Vote USA; editor review pending. Always read the official text above.
Bills that cite this section
No published bill analyses cite this section yet.
Learn more
- Tennessee's Declaration of Rights: Power Belongs to the People (Your Rights and Duties in Tennessee)
- Contacting and Petitioning Your Officials in Tennessee (Your Rights and Duties in Tennessee)
Constitutional analysis on this site is educational and is not legal advice.