State constitution
Constitution of Virginia
Data from Virginia Law Portal
Full article/section structure with condensed section text. The Schedule (transitional provisions of the 1971 revision) is summarized rather than listed section-by-section. Read the verbatim text at the source link.
Article I Bill of Rights
§ 1 Equality and rights of men
All men are by nature equally free and independent and have inherent rights, including the enjoyment of life and liberty, the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing happiness and safety.
§ 2 People the source of power
All power is vested in and derived from the people; magistrates are their trustees and servants, amenable to them.
§ 3 Government instituted for common benefit
Government is instituted for the common benefit of the people, who have a right to reform or abolish it when it fails that purpose.
§ 4 No exclusive emoluments or privileges; offices not to be hereditary
No person or class is entitled to exclusive emoluments or privileges except for public service, and no office shall be hereditary.
§ 5 Separation of legislative, executive, and judicial departments; periodical elections
The legislative, executive, and judicial departments shall be separate and distinct, and elections shall be frequent.
§ 6 Free elections; consent of governed
Elections shall be free, and no one may be taxed or bound by laws without the consent of the people or their representatives.
§ 7 Laws should not be suspended
No power to suspend laws shall be exercised except by the legislature or its authority.
§ 8 Criminal prosecutions
The accused has the rights to be informed of the charge, to confront accusers and witnesses, to compulsory process, to counsel, to a speedy public jury trial, and against self-incrimination and double jeopardy.
§ 8-A Rights of victims of crime
Crime victims are afforded rights including fairness, dignity, respect, protection, notice of proceedings, and restitution.
§ 9 Prohibition of excessive bail and fines, cruel and unusual punishment, suspension of habeas corpus, bills of attainder, and ex post facto laws
Excessive bail and fines and cruel and unusual punishments are forbidden, and no bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed; habeas corpus may not be suspended except as authorized.
§ 10 General warrants of search or seizure prohibited
General warrants to search or seize without particular description and supporting evidence are oppressive and shall not be granted.
§ 11 Due process; obligation of contracts; taking of property; discrimination; civil jury trial
No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process; the right against governmental discrimination is protected; private property shall not be taken or damaged without just compensation; and the right to a civil jury trial is preserved.
§ 12 Freedom of speech and of the press; right to assemble and petition
The freedoms of speech and of the press are among the great bulwarks of liberty and may not be abridged; the people may peaceably assemble and petition for redress.
§ 13 Militia; standing armies; military subordinate to civil power
A well regulated militia is the proper defense of a free state; standing armies in peacetime are dangerous, and the military is subordinate to the civil power.
§ 14 Government should be uniform
The people have a right to a uniform government, and no separate government should be erected within Virginia's limits.
§ 15 Qualities necessary to preservation of free government
Free government rests on justice, moderation, temperance, frugarity, virtue, and frequent recurrence to fundamental principles; the people have rights to free expression and to a free press.
§ 15-A Marriage
Defines marriage as only a union between one man and one woman — a provision rendered unenforceable by Obergefell v. Hodges (2015).
§ 16 Free exercise of religion; no establishment of religion
Religion may be directed only by reason and conviction, not force; all are entitled to the free exercise of religion, and no one may be compelled to support any religious worship.
§ 17 Construction of the Bill of Rights
The rights enumerated in this Bill of Rights shall not limit other rights retained by the people.
Article II Franchise and Officers
§ 1 Qualifications of voters
Voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18, and residents who are registered; persons deemed mentally incompetent or convicted of a felony may not vote unless their rights are restored.
§ 2 Registration of voters
The General Assembly provides a uniform system of voter registration.
§ 3 Method of voting
Voting is by ballot or voting machine with secrecy preserved; absentee and in-person voting are provided for.
§ 4 Powers and duties of General Assembly
The General Assembly enacts laws to secure the purity of elections and regulate their conduct.
§ 5 Qualifications to hold elective office
Candidates for office must meet residency and voter-eligibility requirements.
§ 6 Apportionment
Electoral districts must be composed of contiguous and compact territory and be as nearly equal in population as practicable.
§ 6-A Virginia Redistricting Commission
A bipartisan Virginia Redistricting Commission draws congressional and state legislative districts every ten years, subject to defined procedures.
§ 7 Oath or affirmation
Officers must take an oath to support the U.S. and Virginia Constitutions and faithfully perform their duties.
§ 8 Electoral boards; registrars and officers of election
Provides for electoral boards, general registrars, and officers of election to administer elections.
§ 9 Privileges of voters during election
Voters are privileged from arrest and from certain duties while attending, going to, or returning from elections, except for serious offenses.
Article III Division of Powers
§ 1 Departments to be distinct
The legislative, executive, and judicial departments shall be separate and distinct, though the General Assembly may create administrative agencies subject to judicial review.
Article IV Legislature
§ 1 Legislative power
The legislative power is vested in a General Assembly consisting of a Senate and a House of Delegates.
§ 2 Senate
The Senate consists of no more than 40 members elected from single or multi-member districts.
§ 3 House of Delegates
The House of Delegates consists of 90 to 100 members.
§ 4 Qualifications of senators and delegates
Members must be at least 21, residents of the State and district, and qualified voters.
§ 5 Compensation; election to civil office of profit
Members receive compensation as set by law and may not, during their term, be elected to certain civil offices created or whose emoluments were increased during that term.
§ 6 Legislative sessions
The General Assembly meets in annual regular session, and special sessions may be convened as provided.
§ 7 Organization of General Assembly
Each house chooses its officers, judges the elections and qualifications of its members, and sets its rules.
§ 8 Quorum
A majority of each house is a quorum, but a smaller number may adjourn and compel attendance.
§ 9 Immunity of legislators
Members are privileged from arrest during sessions except for serious crimes and are not questioned elsewhere for legislative speech.
§ 10 Journal of proceedings
Each house keeps and publishes a journal, entering the yeas and nays on final passage of bills.
§ 11 Enactment of laws
No law is enacted except by bill agreed to by a majority of members elected to each house and by recorded vote on final passage.
§ 12 Form of laws
Each law addresses only one object expressed in its title, and laws are revived or amended by re-enactment, not reference.
§ 13 Effective date of laws
Laws take effect on the date fixed by the General Assembly or otherwise as provided.
§ 14 Powers of General Assembly; limitations
The General Assembly may legislate on all subjects not forbidden or restricted, and may not pass enumerated categories of special or local laws.
§ 15 General laws
The General Assembly shall provide general laws on subjects enumerated, rather than special legislation.
§ 16 Appropriations to religious or charitable bodies
The General Assembly may not appropriate public funds to any church or sectarian body, with limited exceptions.
§ 17 Impeachment
The House of Delegates may impeach the Governor and other officers, who are tried by the Senate.
§ 18 Auditor of Public Accounts
The General Assembly provides for an Auditor of Public Accounts to audit state finances.
Article V Executive
§ 1 Executive power; Governor's term of office
The chief executive power is vested in a Governor, who serves a four-year term and may not succeed himself.
§ 2 Election of Governor
The Governor is elected by the qualified voters at the time and manner prescribed.
§ 3 Qualifications of Governor
The Governor must be at least 30, a U.S. citizen, and a resident and registered voter of the State for the required time.
§ 4 Place of residence and compensation of Governor
The Governor resides at the seat of government and receives compensation fixed by law that may not be changed during the term.
§ 5 Legislative responsibilities of Governor
The Governor informs the General Assembly of the state of the Commonwealth, recommends measures, and may convene special sessions.
§ 6 Presentation of bills; powers of Governor; vetoes and amendments
Bills are presented to the Governor, who may approve, veto, or recommend amendments; the General Assembly may override a veto by a two-thirds vote.
§ 7 Executive and administrative powers
The Governor takes care that the laws are faithfully executed and holds the executive and administrative powers of the Commonwealth.
§ 8 Information from administrative officers
The Governor may require information in writing from officers of the executive departments.
§ 9 Administrative organization
The General Assembly organizes the administrative departments and agencies of the executive branch.
§ 10 Appointment and removal of administrative officers
The Governor appoints and may remove administrative officers as provided, subject to confirmation where required.
§ 11 Effect of refusal of General Assembly to confirm an appointment by the Governor
Addresses the effect when the General Assembly declines to confirm a gubernatorial appointment.
§ 12 Executive clemency
The Governor may grant reprieves and pardons, commute sentences, and remit fines, except in cases of impeachment.
§ 13 Lieutenant Governor; election and qualifications
A Lieutenant Governor is elected for a four-year term with the same qualifications as the Governor.
§ 14 Duties and compensation of Lieutenant Governor
The Lieutenant Governor is President of the Senate and succeeds to the office of Governor as provided.
§ 15 Attorney General
An Attorney General is elected for a four-year term and is the chief legal officer of the Commonwealth.
§ 16 Succession to the office of Governor
Establishes the line of succession to the office of Governor upon vacancy or disability.
§ 17 Commissions and grants
Commissions and grants issue in the name of the Commonwealth and are signed by the Governor.
Article VI Judiciary
§ 1 Judicial power; jurisdiction
The judicial power is vested in a Supreme Court and such other courts as the General Assembly establishes.
§ 2 Supreme Court
The Supreme Court consists of seven justices and is the Commonwealth's highest court.
§ 3 Selection of Chief Justice
The justices select a Chief Justice who serves as the administrative head of the judicial system.
§ 4 Administration of the judicial system
The Supreme Court supervises the administration of all courts in the Commonwealth.
§ 5 Rules of practice and procedure
The Supreme Court makes rules governing the practice and procedure of the courts, subject to change by the General Assembly.
§ 6 Opinions and judgments of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court states its opinions in writing and preserves its judgments and records.
§ 7 Selection and qualification of judges
Judges are elected by the General Assembly and must be residents and members of the bar as required.
§ 8 Additional judicial personnel
Provides for magistrates, clerks, and other judicial personnel.
§ 9 Commission; compensation; retirement
Establishes the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission and provides for judicial compensation and retirement.
§ 10 Disabled and unfit judges
Judges may be censured, retired, or removed for disability or misconduct on recommendation of the Commission.
§ 11 Incompatible activities
Judges may not hold other offices or engage in incompatible practice or business.
§ 12 Limitation; judicial appointment
Limits the appointment of persons to judgeships when a vacancy occurs while the General Assembly is not in session.
Article VII Local Government
§ 1 Definitions
Defines the terms used in the Local Government article, including county, city, town, and regional government.
§ 2 Organization and government
The General Assembly provides by general law for the organization and government of counties, cities, and towns.
§ 3 Powers
The General Assembly grants local governments powers, functions, and the authority to enact ordinances.
§ 4 County and city officers
Provides for a treasurer, sheriff, attorney for the Commonwealth, clerk, and commissioner of the revenue in counties and cities.
§ 5 County, city, and town governing bodies
Local governments are administered by elected governing bodies as provided by law.
§ 6 Multiple offices
Addresses the holding of more than one local office by the same person.
§ 7 Procedures
Local governing bodies act by recorded vote, and ordinances take effect as provided by law.
§ 8 Consent to use public property
No franchise or use of local streets or public property is granted without the consent of the local authority.
§ 9 Sale of property and granting of franchises by cities and towns
Regulates the sale of city or town property and the granting of public franchises.
§ 10 Debt
Limits the debt that counties, cities, and towns may incur, generally requiring voter approval beyond set limits.
Article VIII Education
§ 1 Public schools of high quality to be maintained
The General Assembly shall provide for a system of free public elementary and secondary schools of high quality throughout the Commonwealth.
§ 2 Standards of quality; State and local support of public schools
Standards of quality are set by the Board of Education and prescribed by the General Assembly, with support apportioned between the State and localities.
§ 3 Compulsory education; free textbooks
The General Assembly provides for compulsory school attendance and may provide free textbooks.
§ 4 Board of Education
A Board of Education, appointed by the Governor, supervises the public school system.
§ 5 Powers and duties of the Board of Education
The Board of Education sets standards, divides the State into school divisions, and reviews local compliance.
§ 6 Superintendent of Public Instruction
A Superintendent of Public Instruction is the chief executive officer of the Board of Education.
§ 7 School boards
The supervision of schools in each division is vested in a local school board.
§ 8 The Literary Fund
The permanent Literary Fund is maintained and used for public school purposes such as construction loans.
§ 9 Other educational institutions
Provides for the governance of state colleges, universities, and other public educational institutions.
§ 10 State appropriations prohibited to schools not owned or controlled by the State
Public funds may not be appropriated to any school or institution of learning not owned or exclusively controlled by the State or a subdivision, with stated exceptions.
§ 11 Aid to nonpublic higher education
Permits limited aid to students attending nonprofit institutions of higher education, and to such institutions, as prescribed.
Article IX Corporations
§ 1 State Corporation Commission
A State Corporation Commission regulates corporations and public utilities in the Commonwealth.
§ 2 Powers and duties of the Commission
The Commission issues charters, regulates rates and services of public utilities, and exercises powers granted by law.
§ 3 Procedures of the Commission
The Commission conducts proceedings, keeps records, and has the powers of a court of record in matters within its jurisdiction.
§ 4 Appeals from actions of the Commission
Appeals from Commission decisions lie to the Supreme Court of Virginia.
§ 5 Foreign corporations
Foreign corporations doing business in Virginia are subject to regulation as domestic corporations.
§ 6 Corporations subject to general laws
Corporations are formed under and subject to general laws that may be amended or repealed.
§ 7 Exclusions from term 'corporation' or 'company'
Defines which entities are excluded from the terms 'corporation' or 'company' as used in this article.
Article X Taxation and Finance
§ 1 Taxable property; uniformity; classification and segregation
All property shall be taxed uniformly, and the General Assembly may classify and segregate property for taxation.
§ 2 Assessments
Real estate and tangible personal property are assessed at fair market value as provided by law.
§ 3 Taxes or assessments upon abutting property owners
Localities may levy special assessments on abutting property owners for local public improvements.
§ 4 Property segregated for local taxation; exceptions
Certain property is segregated for taxation exclusively by localities, with exceptions.
§ 5 Franchise taxes; taxation of corporate stock
Provides for franchise taxes and the taxation of corporate stock.
§ 6 Exempt property
Exempts specified property (government, religious, charitable, cemetery, and nonprofit) from taxation.
§ 6-A Property tax exemption; certain veterans and surviving spouses
Exempts from property tax the residence of veterans with total service-connected disability and certain surviving spouses.
§ 6-B Property tax exemptions for spouses of certain emergency services providers
Exempts the residence of surviving spouses of law-enforcement officers, firefighters, and other emergency responders killed in the line of duty.
§ 7 Collection and disposition of State revenues
State revenues are collected and paid into the treasury, and paid out only by appropriation made by law.
§ 7-A Lottery Proceeds Fund; distribution of lottery revenues
Net lottery proceeds are placed in a Lottery Proceeds Fund distributed to localities for public education.
§ 8 Limit of tax or revenue; Revenue Stabilization Fund
Limits taxation to public needs and establishes a Revenue Stabilization Fund (rainy-day fund).
§ 9 State debt
Restricts the creation of state debt to defined categories, generally requiring voter approval for general obligation bonds.
§ 10 Lending of credit, stock subscriptions, and works of internal improvement
The Commonwealth and its subdivisions may not lend their credit to or become stockholders in private enterprises, with exceptions.
§ 11 Governmental employees retirement system
Provides for retirement systems for state and local government employees, with assets held in trust for members.
Article XI Conservation
§ 1 Natural resources and historical sites of the Commonwealth
It is the Commonwealth's policy to conserve and protect its atmosphere, lands, waters, and historical sites for the benefit of the people.
§ 2 Conservation and development of natural resources and historical sites
The General Assembly may enact laws to conserve and develop natural resources and to protect historical and scenic sites.
§ 3 Natural oyster beds
The Commonwealth's natural oyster beds and rocks may not be leased, rented, or sold.
§ 4 Right of the people to hunt, fish, and harvest game
The people have the right to hunt, fish, and harvest game, subject to reasonable regulation and private property rights.
Article XII Future Changes
§ 1 Amendments
Amendments proposed and agreed to by a majority of each house in two successive sessions are submitted to the voters and take effect if approved.
§ 2 Constitutional convention
The General Assembly may, by a two-thirds vote of each house, call a convention to propose revisions to or amendments of the Constitution.
Article Sch. Schedule (transitional)
§ — Transitional provisions of the 1971 revision
Transitional provisions setting when the revised Constitution took effect (July 1, 1971), continuing prior laws, rights, obligations, offices, and pending proceedings not inconsistent with it. Largely spent.
Full, verbatim text at Virginia Law Portal