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Arkansas

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State Mottos

A list of US state slogans is available, as well as a list of US state nicknames, origin of the state names, and the state resident's names.

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for the 50 States

Arkansas State Motto

"Regnat populus"

(The People Rule)

Adopted in 1907.

Language: Latin

Focus: People

"Regnat populus" has been translated as: "The People Rule." A 1907 act changed the motto to its current language from "Regnant Populi," the motto selected in 1864. The exact origin of this motto is somewhat obscure.

In the lower half of the circle of the Seal is an eagle holding in its beak a scroll, inscribed "Regnat Populus" (The People Rule), a bundle of arrows in one claw and an olive branch in the other.

There are three states with mottos that focus on the people:

Arkansas: "The People Rule"
Missouri: "The Welfare of the People"
South Dakota "Under God the People Rule"

Code

Arkansas Code (Non annotated), Title 1, Chapter 4, Section 1-4-107.

Title 1. General Provisions.
Chapter 4. State Symbols, Motto, Etc.
SECTION 1-4-107.

1-4-107. State motto.

The motto of the State of Arkansas shall be "Regnat Populus".

History. Acts 1907, No. 395, § 1, p. 987; C. & M. Dig., § 9181; Pope's Dig., § 11866; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-103.

The updated Latin is illustrated below in this current description of the Arkansas State Seal provided in the Arkansas Code.

(a) It shall be the duty of the Governor to procure a seal for the State of Arkansas, which shall present the following impressions, devices, and emblems, to wit: An eagle at the bottom, holding a scroll in its beak, inscribed "Regnat Populus", a bundle of arrows in one claw and an olive branch in the other; a shield covering the breast of the eagle, engraved with a steamboat at top, a beehive and plow in the middle, and sheaf of wheat at the bottom; the Goddess of Liberty at the top, holding a wreath in her right hand, a pole in the left hand, surmounted by a liberty cap, and surrounded by a circle of stars outside of which is a circle of rays; the figure of an angel on the left, inscribed "Mercy", and a sword on the right hand, inscribed "Justice", surrounded with the words "Seal of the State of Arkansas".

While updating the the Latin for seal, Section 1-4-107 was inserted in the Code of Arkansas designating Regnat Populus as the official state motto.

Mottos of the States

State motto is a word, phrase, or sentence inscribed on or attached to a coin, building, or other object. A state motto expresses an important idea for a group of people within the state.

motto ('mä-(")tO)
n.

Etymology:
Italian, from Late Latin muttum grunt, from Latin muttire to mutter
Date: 15th century

1: a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something as appropriate to or indicative of its character or use

2: a short expression of a guiding principle