Article I. Declaration of Rights
Article I, Section 2
Constitution of the State of Tennessee
Official text
That government being instituted for the common benefit, the doctrine of nonresistance against arbitrary power and oppression is absurd, slavish, and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.
Source: Tennessee Blue Book 2025-2026 (Tennessee Secretary of State)
In plain English
Because government exists for the common good, the idea that people must submit to arbitrary power and oppression without resistance is rejected as "absurd, slavish, and destructive."
Plain-English summary drafted by Christian Vote USA; editor review pending. Always read the official text above.
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Learn more
- Tennessee's Declaration of Rights: Power Belongs to the People (Your Rights and Duties in Tennessee)
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