Arkansas Constitution Article 19 - Miscellaneous Provisions
Arkansas Constitution – Article 19: Miscellaneous Provisions
Overview:
Article 19 of the Arkansas Constitution is a catch-all article that contains a wide range of provisions on various topics not covered elsewhere in the Constitution. These include oaths of office, lotteries, dueling, interest rates, public officers, and other governance matters.
🔹 Key Sections of Article 19 (Selected & Summarized):
Section 1 – Oath of Office
All state and local officials must take an oath to support the U.S. and Arkansas Constitutions and faithfully discharge their duties.
Section 2 – Dueling
Anyone who participates in a duel, either as a combatant or a second, is barred from holding public office in Arkansas.
Section 3 – Lotteries
Historically, this prohibited lotteries, but was later amended to allow a state-run lottery (via voter-approved constitutional amendment in 2008).
Section 6 – Usury (Interest Rates)
Originally limited the maximum lawful interest rate on loans. This section has since been affected by amendments, including Amendment 89, which now governs interest rates and usury limits.
Section 8 – Bribery and Corruption
Any public officer convicted of bribery, embezzlement, or similar crimes is forever disqualified from holding office in Arkansas.
Section 9 – Holding More Than One Office
Prohibits most people from holding more than one office at the same time in state, county, or municipal governments.
Section 13 – Political Tests
No person can be disqualified from holding office or exercising civil rights based on religious beliefs, as long as they acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being (note: this language is likely unenforceable due to U.S. constitutional protections on religious freedom).
📝 Overall Purpose of Article 19:
Addresses ethical standards, eligibility for office, and miscellaneous governance rules.
Ensures a basic moral code and structural integrity in government operations.
Contains provisions that reflect both historic values and modern amendments over time.
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