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the laws which have been enacted by the legislature of this commonwealth, shall
be in force within this state, until they shall be altered or repealed by the legislature.

Sect. 8. The compact with the state of Virginia, subject to such alterations as
may be made therein agreeably to the mode prescribed by the said compact, shall
be considered as a part of this constitution.

Sect. 9. It shall be the duty of the legislature to pass such laws as shall be
necessary and proper to decide differences by arbitrators, to be appointed by the
parties who may chuse that summary mode of adjustment.

Sect. 10. All civil officers for the commonwealth at large shall reside within
the state, and all district, county, or town officers within their respective districts,
counties, or towns; and at such places therein, as may be required by law: and
all militia officers shall reside in the bounds of the division, brigade, regiment, bat
talion, or company to which they may severally belong.

Sect. 11. Judges of courts, and their clerks, justices of athe peace, surveyors of
lands, attorney general, and other attornies for this commonwealth, and all com
missioned militia officers, shall hold their respective offices during good behaviour,
and the continuance of their respective courts, under the exceptions contained in
this constitution.

Sect. 12. Absence on the business of this state, or the United States, shall not
forfeit a residence once obtained, so as to deprive any one of the right of suffrage,
or of being elected or appointed to any office under this commonwealth.

Sect. 13. It shall be the duty of the legislature to determine in what cases,
and what deduction from the salaries of public officers shall be made for neglect
of duty in their official capacity.

Sect. 14. Returns of all elections for governor, lieutenant governor, and
members of the general assembly, shall be made to the secretary for the time being.

Sect. 15. In all elections by the people, and also by the senate and house of
representatives, jointly or separately, the votes shall be personally and publicly
given, viva voce.

Sect. 16. No member of congress, nor person holding or exercising any
office of trust or profit under the United States, or under any foreign power, shall
be a member of the general assembly of this commwealth, or hold or exercise
any office of trust or profit under the same.

Sect. 17. All clerks and surveyors within this commonwealth, shall on or
before the first day of January eighteen hundred severally enter into new bond
and security in their respective courts, and on failure to do so their offices shall be
considered as vacant. The legislature shall direct by law, how persons, who may
hereafter become securities for such officers, may be remedied or discharged on
acount of such securityships.

ARTICLE VII.
Concerning Slaves

Sect. 1. The legislature shall have no power to pass laws for the emancipa
tion of slaves without the consent of their owners, or without paying their owners
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