Article XIII

This article exists to clarify who constitutional rights belong to and to ensure that the Constitution serves people rather than legal entities created by law. Over time, courts have recognized certain constitutional protections for corporations and other artificial entities, creating debate about whether organizations should possess the same constitutional rights as individual citizens. 

This article establishes that constitutional rights belong exclusively to natural persons while preserving the ability of people to form businesses, nonprofits, religious organizations, unions, and other associations. By clearly separating the rights of individuals from the legal status of organizations, the article seeks to reinforce democratic self-government and ensure that constitutional protections remain centered on human beings.

Section 1 — Constitutional Rights Reserved to Natural Persons

Only natural persons shall possess the rights and protections guaranteed by this Constitution.

Artificial entities created by law shall not be considered persons for purposes of constitutional rights.

Section 2 — Legal Status of Artificial Entities

Congress and the States may establish, regulate, modify, or dissolve artificial entities and may grant such entities legal capacities, privileges, obligations, and responsibilities as provided by law.

No such grant shall be construed to confer constitutional rights.

Section 3 — Rule of Construction

Nothing in this Article shall be construed to restrict the ability of natural persons to speak, publish, associate, organize, assemble, petition, worship, contract, or act collectively through artificial entities.

The constitutional rights and protections guaranteed by this Constitution belong solely to natural persons and do not attach to artificial entities themselves.