California Constitution Article XX - Miscellaneous Subjects [Sections 1 - 23]
California Constitution – Article XX: Miscellaneous Subjects
[Sections 1 – 23]
Article XX of the California Constitution is a catch-all article that covers a wide range of miscellaneous provisions not addressed in other specific articles. These sections include oaths of office, alcoholic beverage regulation, civil service, and more.
🔹 Section-by-Section Summary
Section 1: Oath of Office
All public officers and employees must take an oath to support the U.S. and California Constitutions and faithfully discharge their duties.
Common for elected officials, judges, and public employees.
Section 2: Alcoholic Beverages
Regulates the sale and manufacture of alcoholic beverages.
Confirms the state’s authority to license, regulate, and tax alcohol.
Legalizes the production and sale under controlled conditions.
Allows local control but prohibits prohibition by counties or cities unless by vote.
Section 3: Use of Public Funds
Prohibits the use of public funds to support religious activities or institutions.
Enforces separation of church and state.
Section 4: Disqualification for Bribery
Any person convicted of offering or accepting a bribe in connection with a public office is forever disqualified from holding public office in California.
Section 5: Public Officers and Terms
Ensures public officers continue in office until their successors are qualified, unless otherwise specified.
Section 6: Political Affiliations
Bars political tests or qualifications for employment in public service.
Reinforces civil service neutrality.
Section 7: Water Resources
Acknowledges that water resources are public and subject to reasonable use regulation.
Section 8: Public Employees’ Retirement
Protects rights of public employees to retirement and pension benefits under law.
Section 9: Employment of Aliens
Originally restricted hiring of aliens; now largely obsolete due to federal protections and anti-discrimination laws.
Section 10–23: Miscellaneous Provisions
Includes various administrative and regulatory subjects, including:
Public utility and transportation regulations.
Civil service rules and examinations.
Definitions of residency.
Miscellaneous limitations on contracts, pensions, and licenses.
🔹 Purpose of Article XX
Acts as a constitutional “miscellaneous” section for topics that don’t fit elsewhere.
Provides clarity and authority on important public policy areas, such as:
Ethics in office
Civil service integrity
Alcohol and water regulation
Public accountability
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