TENNESSEE,
STATE OF

(June 1, 1796), was the 16th State admitted to the Union. The Constitution of the State of Tennessee, adopted 1796, stated:

Article XI, Section III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences.2114

Article VIII, Section II. No person who denies the being of God, or a future state of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this State.

Article XI, Section IV. That no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under this State.2115

The Constitution of the State of Tennessee, adopted 1870, stated:

Article I, Section 3. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own conscience.2116

Article IX, Section 2. No person who denies the being of God, or a future state of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this State.2117