Section 1. Equal Protection; Inherent Rights; Source of Governmental Power

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Equal Protection; Inherent Rights; Source of Governmental Power

All people are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights; among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; to secure these rights, governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

Summary: Change "serve" to "secure" to make language parallel to the Declaration of Independence.

Election Date: April 1, 1986

Votes For Ratification: 419,699

Votes Against Ratification: 65,418

Percent for Ratification: 87%

Percent Against Ratification: 13%

Notes:

Amendment Source: 1985 JR 21

Effective Date Source: Wisconsin, State Elections Board, State Canvasses, 1970-1998, 2000-2012, Box 5

Equal Protection; Inherent Rights; Source of Governmental Power

All people are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights; among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; to serve these rights, governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

Summary: Gender neutral wording.

Election Date: November 2, 1982

Votes For Ratification: 771,267

Votes Against Ratification: 479,053

Percent for Ratification: 62%

Percent Against Ratification: 38%

Notes:

Amendment Source: 1981 JR 29

Effective Date Source: Wisconsin, State Elections Board, State Canvasses, 1970-1998, 2000-2012, Box 3

Equality; inherent rights

All men are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights; among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

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