Decl. of Rights, Art. IV
Right of self-government
Right
Founding & Purposes
Declaration of Rights
Official text rightpowerlimitif conditionlegal term
The people of this commonwealth have the sole and exclusive right of governing themselves, as a free, sovereign, and independent state; and do, and forever hereafter shall, exercise and enjoy every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not, or may not hereafter, be by them expressly delegated to the United States of America in Congress assembled.
Simplified explanation
The people of the commonwealth have the sole and exclusive right to govern themselves as a free, sovereign and independent state, and keep every power, jurisdiction and right not expressly delegated by them to the United States of America in Congress assembled.