Arkansas State Motto: Regnat Populus
Fact-checked • Updated December 1, 2025
OFFICIAL STATE SEAL
"Regnat Populus"
The People Rule
About This Motto
Arkansas's state motto is Regnat Populus, Latin for The People Rule. The phrase first appeared on the territorial seal around 1820. Acting Governor Xenophon O. Pindall approved its current form on May 24, 1907, changing the Latin grammar from plural to singular.
What the Motto Means
What does Arkansas's motto say in English? The people rule. Two Latin words.
Original version read different. Regnant Populi appeared first, using plural forms. Lawmakers changed it in 1907 to match better English translation.
Why the change? Grammar precision. Populi means 'peoples' (multiple groups). Populus means 'the people' (single group). Verb had to match.
Historical Background
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Territorial Seal Origins
Arkansas Territory formed July 4, 1819. The territorial seal needed a motto. Regnant Populi showed up on early versions, probably from the start.
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Samuel Calhoun Roane's Role
Roane served as recording clerk of the first territorial assembly. Scholars credit him with the initial seal design. Who actually picked the Latin phrase? Records don't confirm.
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1836 Statehood
Arkansas entered the Union as the 25th state June 15, 1836. The constitution kept the territorial seal design. Article 5, Section 12 specified: use the current territorial seal until legislature says otherwise.
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1864 Confirmation
Arkansas General Assembly reiterated the motto during the Civil War. Updated the seal's visual design. Kept the Latin words.
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1907 Grammar Fix
Legislature acted to correct the Latin on May 24, 1907. Acting Governor Xenophon O. Pindall signed the measure. Changed populi to populus, adjusted verb to match.
Meaning & Significance Today
How do Arkansans interpret it now? Democratic principles, popular sovereignty. Government answers to citizens, not the other way around.
No other state uses this exact motto. South Dakota comes closest with 'Under God, the People Rule.' Arkansas stands alone on Regnat Populus.
You find it on official state seals, government documents. Courthouses display it. High schools teach the translation in civics classes.
Cultural Context in Arkansas
Territorial Period
Arkansas Territory split from Missouri Territory in 1819. Frontier settlers valued self-governance. The motto fit territorial attitudes about local control.
Statehood Era
Arkansas joined as a slave state in 1836. Political divisions ran deep between northwest hill country and southeast plantation districts. 'The people rule' meant different things to different groups.
Grammar Matters
Why fix Latin in 1907? Legislature wanted clarity. Plural form implied multiple peoples, separate groups. Singular form conveyed one unified populace.
Seal Design
State seal shows the Goddess of Liberty, an eagle, a shield. Sword of justice appears on one side, olive branch on the other. Angel of Mercy hovers above. Regnat Populus sits in a ribbon.
Current Law
Arkansas Code Title 1, Chapter 4, Section 107 describes the state seal. The motto appears in that description. Law confirms Regnat Populus as official since 1907.
Interesting Facts About the Motto
Fact 1 of 7
Arkansas is the only U.S. state with 'Regnat Populus' as its motto.
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. All information has been fact-checked and verified against official government records.
Official entry on Arkansas state motto history and changes. • Accessed: December 31, 2025
Title 1, Chapter 4, Section 107 describes the state seal and motto. • Accessed: December 31, 2025
Historical information about Arkansas constitutions and state symbols. • Accessed: December 31, 2025
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