Principles of western civilisation

APPENDIX 501

likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly, all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.—Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

(Here follows a recapitulation of grievances. )

to. ARTICLES IN ADDITION TO, AND AMENDMENT OF, THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

(Went into effect 3rd Nov. 1791.) (Macdonald’s Select Documents).

ARTICLE I.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

(Here follow the other articles. )

r1. DECLARATION DES Droits DE L’ HOMME ET DU CITOYEN. LE 23 JUIN 1793.

Prefixed to Constitution of June 24, 1793-

Le peuple francais, convaincu que Voubli et le mépris des droits naturels de ’homme sont les seules causes des malheurs du monde, a résolu d’exposer, dans une deéclaration solennelle, ces droits sacrés et inaliénables, afin que tous les citoyens, pouvant