Constitution of Ohio, 1802 Preamble

We, the people of the eastern division of the territory of the United States, north-west of the river Ohio, having the right of admission into the general government, as a member of the Union, consistent with the constitution of the United States, the ordinance of congress of one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of the law of congress, entitled “An act to enable the people of the eastern division of the territory of the United States, north-west of the river Ohio, to form a constitution and state government, and for the admission of such state into the Union, on an equal footing with the original states, and for other purposes;”  in order to establish justice, promote the welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish the following constitution or form of government;  and do mutually agree with each other to form ourselves into a free and independent state, by the name of the State of Ohio.