U.S. Constitution · Article I, Section 9, Clause 8
Title of Nobility Clause; Foreign Emoluments Clause
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Also known as: Title of Nobility Clause · Foreign Emoluments Clause
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The text
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
National Archives transcription (public domain; original spelling and capitalization). archives.gov
SI explainer
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In the founders’ words
- “Nothing need be said to illustrate the importance of the prohibition of titles of nobility. This may truly be denominated the corner-stone of republican government; for so long as they are excluded, there can never be serious danger that the government will be any other than that of the people.” Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist No. 84 (1788-05-28)
Public-domain primary sources, quoted word for word and checked against the linked text.
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Cite this page
Values for America Constitution Explorer, https://www.valuesforamerica.com/constitution (text: National Archives transcription, public domain), Article I, Section 9, Clause 8, https://www.valuesforamerica.com/constitution/article-1/section-9/clause-8
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