Choosing the governor; qualifications
Official text rightpowerlimitif conditionlegal term
The governor shall be chosen [annually]; and no person shall be eligible to this office, unless at the time of his election, he shall have been an inhabitant of this commonwealth for seven years next preceding; [and unless he shall at the same time, be seised in his own right, of a freehold within the commonwealth of the value of one thousand pounds; and unless he shall declare himself to be of the Christian religion.]
Note (Massachusetts Legislature): [See Amendments, Arts. VII,XXXIV, LXIV and LXXX.]
Simplified explanation
The governor shall be chosen, and no person is eligible unless he has been an inhabitant of the commonwealth for the seven years before his election. Bracketed wording on annual election, property and religion requirements is printed as superseded.