Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776

The Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 (ratified September 28, 1776) was the state's first constitution following the Declaration of Independence, and has been described as the most democratic in America, although it notably based rights in 'men' not in 'person' as contemporaneous constitutions did in neighboring areas such as New Jersey, and as the 1689 English Bill of Rights and 1787 U.S. Constitution and 1791 U.S. Bill of Rights did. It was drafted by Robert Whitehill,Timothy Matlack, Dr. Thomas Young, George Bryan, James Cannon, and Benjamin Franklin. Pennsylvania's innovative and highly democratic government structure, featuring a unicameral legislature and collective executive, may have influenced the later French Republic's formation under the French Constitution of 1793.

It contained several innovations that were quite radical for that era, including these:

The constitution also established Pennsylvania's official title, the "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania". Three other states (Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Virginia) are presently self-designated as "commonwealths". Additionally, the Constitution was the template from which Vermont's 1777 constitution, which gave birth to the state (but the area then was claimed by New York and New Hampshire), was drawn.

The Pennsylvania constitution includes a declaration of rights that coincides with the Virginia Declaration of Rights in 1776.

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A DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH, OR STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA

I. That all men are born equally free, and independent; and have certain, natural, inherent, and inalienable rights; amongst which are; the enjoying and defending of life and liberty; acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.

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