A Book of the United States / Exhibiting its geography, divisions, constitution, and government ... and presenting a view of the republic generally, and of the individual states; together with a condensed history of the land, from its first discovery to the present time. The biography of about two hundred of the leading men: a description of the principal cities and towns; with statistical tables

CHAPTER VIII. GOVERNMENT.

THE political association of the American people commenced at a very early period. Along time before the revolutionary troubles, it was generally perceived and acknowledged that the true safety and prosperity of the colonies were to be found only in their union. In the year 1643, the colonies of Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven, entered into a perpetual league, offensive and defensive, for mutual protection against the claims of their Dutch neighbors, and to resist apprehended aggression from the Indians. By their articles of confederation, the jurisdiction of each colony within its own borders was to be exclusive; in every war, each of the confederates was to furnish its quota of men and provisions, according to its population; and an annual congress of two commissioners from each colony was to be held, with power to decide on all matters of general interest. With some alterations, this confederacy existed more than forty years; and it was dissolved only in 1686, when the charters of the New England colonies were vacated by a commission from king JamesII.

In the year 1754, a congress of a very interesting character assembled at Albany. It was called at the instance of the lords commissioners for trade and the plantations, and consisted of delegates from the New England provinces, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The object of the meeting was to consider the best means of defending the colonies, in the case of a war with France. The lords commissioners had reference merely to forming friendly connections with the Indian tribes; but the colonies indulged more extensive views. This convention proposed a plan of union, for which, however, public sentiment was not yet ripe, and it met with the singular fortune of being rejected both by the crown and the people. Local jealousies and disputes in regard to boundaries, had at that time so excited the different colonies, that governor Pownal felt himself authorized to say, in his work on the Administration of the Colonies, that they had no one principle of association among them, and that their manner of settlement, diversity of charters, conflicting interests, and mutual rivalship and jealousies, would render an union impracticable. Happy for our people that the stone which they rejected has become the corner stone of our political temple; for the whole edifice must be crushed and crumbled, when profane hands shall be laid upon that which is its strength and foundation!

Men could not, however, remain insensible of the great advantages that must inevitably result from a federate union. Acommon interest was destined to be made more apparent and pressing by a common danger and soon after the first unfriendly measures of the British government, a congress of delegates from nine colonies was assembled at New York in October, 1765. This step was adopted at the suggestion of Massachusetts, and was preparatory to a more extensive and general association of the colonies, which took place in September, 1774, and laid the foundation of permanent independence. At this last period, the impending oppressions of Great Britain induced the colonies to unite in sending delegates to a congress at Philadelphia, with authority to consult together for the common welfare. The measures adopted by this assembly met with a prompt and general obedience, and the union thus auspiciously formed was continued by a succession of delegates in congress; it has continued through the struggles of a revolution, foreign war and domestic dissension.—God grant that it may be perpetual.

In May, 1775, a congress, with ample discretionary powers, assembled in Philadelphia. Georgia soon after acceded to the measures that had been adopted, and completed the confederacy of the thirteen colonies. In Massachusetts, hostilities had been already commenced, and the appeal to arms was now considered as the only resource. Congress prepared to support this measure, and, gradually assuming all the attributes of sovereignty, on the fourth day of July, 1776, declared the united colonies to be free and independent states. The consequences of this step belong more properly to another portion of this volume. In June, 1776, congress undertook to prepare articles of confederation; but it was not till November of the following year that they were able so far to unite discordant interests, as to adopt these articles. In passing through the states, they met with still stronger impediments, and it was not till three years after their first promulgation, that they received the unanimous approbation of the United States. This confederation proved imbecile and insignificant, and it was only by the assumption of power not granted by the fundamental charter of the union, that congress could rescue the country from the most humiliating consequences. Aquorum of congress could with difficulty be assembled; the finances of the nation were annihilated; in 1784, the whole army amounted but to eighty men, and the states were urged to provide some of the militia to garrison the western posts. In short, to use the impressive and melancholy language of the Federalist, ‘each state, yielding to the voice of immediate interest or convenience, successively withdrew its support from the confederation, till the frail and tottering edifice was ready to fall upon our heads, and to crush us beneath its ruins.’

The first effort to relieve the country from the miseries and dangers of the confederation originated in Virginia, in the proposition for a convention of delegates to regulate our foreign commerce. Apartial representation of the states was in this manner collected at Annapolis, and the plan of a national convention was by this body strongly recommended to congress, for the purpose of devising a government that should be adequate to the exigencies of the nation. Congress adopted the suggestion, and immediately acted upon it; with the exception of Rhode Island, all the states acceded to the proposal of a general convention, and their delegates assembled at Philadelphia in May, 1787. This assembly united men of the most distinguished talents, high-minded integrity, and disinterested patriotism, and commanded the public regard and confidence in their fullest extent. After a tranquil deliberation of several months, the plan of government, which now forms the constitution of the United States, was adopted with unprecedented unanimity. Nearly a year elapsed before it received the assent of a sufficient number of states to give it a political existence; but on the fourth of March, 1789, the government was duly organized and set in motion. It was not till the year 1790, that the constitution had received the unanimous ratification of all the members of the original confederacy. ‘The peaceable adoption of this government,’ says chancellor Kent, ‘under all the circumstances which attended it, presented the case of an effort of deliberation, combined with a spirit of amity and of mutual concession, which was without example. It must be a source of just pride, and of the most grateful recollection, to every American, who reflects seriously on the difficulty of the experiment, the manner in which it was conducted, the felicity of its issue, and the fate of similar trials in other nations of the earth.’ The following is a copy of the constitution as adopted, with its subsequent amendments:

WE, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

ARTICLE I.

SECTION I. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a congress of the United States, which shall consist of a senate and house of representatives.

SEC. II. The house of representatives shall be composed of members chosen every second year by the people of the several states, and the electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the state legislature.

No person shall be a representative who shall not have attained to the age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state in which he shall be chosen.

Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several states which may be included within this union, according to their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole number of free persons, including those bound to service for a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other persons. The actual enumeration shall be made within three years, after the first meeting of the congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct. The number of representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand, but each state shall have at least one representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the state of New Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three.

When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, the executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies.

The house of representatives shall choose their speaker and other officers; and shall have the sole power of impeachment.

SEC. III. The senate of the United States shall be composed of two senators from each state, chosen by the legislature thereof, for six years; and each senator shall have one vote.

Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the first election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes. The seats of the senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year, of the second class at the expiration of the fourth year, and of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one third may be chosen every second year; and if vacancies happen by resignation, or otherwise, during the recess of the legislature of any state, the executive thereof may make temporary appointments until the next meeting of the legislature which shall then fill such vacancies.

No person shall be a senator who shall not have attained to the age of thirty years and been nine years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state for which he shall be chosen.

The vice-president of the United States shall be president of the senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided.

The senate shall choose their other officers, and also a president pro tempore, in the absence of the vice president, or when he shall exercise the office of president of the United States.

The senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments: when sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath or affirmation. When the president of the United States is tried, the chief justice shall preside; and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two thirds of the members present.

Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit, under the United States; but the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment, according to law.

SEC. IV. The times, places, and manner of holding elections for senators and representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof; but the congress may at any time by law make or alter such regulations, except as to places of choosing senators.

The congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by law appoint a different day.

SEC. V. Each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties, as each house may provide.

Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member.

Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such parts as may in their judgment require secrecy; and the yeas and nays of the members of either house on any question shall, at the desire of one fifth of those present, be entered on the journal.

Neither house, during the session of congress, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting.

SEC. VI. The senators and representatives shall receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the treasury of the United States. They shall, in all cases except treason, felony, and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at the session of their respective houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any speech or debate in either house, they shall not be questioned in any other place.

No senator or representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased, during such time; and no person holding any office under the United States, shall be a member of either house during his continuance in office.

SEC. VII. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the house of representatives; but the senate may propose or concur with amendments, as on other bills.

Every bill which shall have passed the house of representatives and the senate, shall, before it become a law, be presented to the president of the United States: if he approve, he shall sign it; but if not, he shall return it, with his objections, to that house in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large on their journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, two thirds of that house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that house, it shall become a law. But in all such cases, the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered on the journal of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the president within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the congress, by their adjournment, prevent its return, in which case it shall not be a law.

Every order, resolution, or vote, to which the concurrence of the senate and house of representatives may be necessary (except on a question of adjournment) shall be presented to the president of the United States; and before the same shall take effect, shall be approved by him, or, being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the senate and house of representatives, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in the case of a bill.

SEC. VIII. The congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defence and general welfare of the United States: but all duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes;

To establish an uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures;

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United States;

To establish post offices and post roads;

To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors, the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries;

To constitute tribunals inferior to the supreme court;

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and offences against the law of nations;

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water;

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years;

To provide and maintain a navy;

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces;

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia, and for governing such parts of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, reserving to the states respectively the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by congress;

To exercise exclusive legislation, in all cases whatsoever, over such district (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the acceptance of congress, become the seat of government of the United States, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the consent of the legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock yards, and other needful buildings; and

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or office thereof.

SEC. IX. The migration or importation of such persons as any of the states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each person.

The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when, in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it.

No bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed.

No capitation, or other direct tax, shall be laid, unless in proportion to the census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken.

No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any state.

No preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or revenue to the ports of one state over those of another: nor shall vessels bound to or from one state, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in another.

No money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by law; and a regular statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published from time to time.

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 congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state.

SEC. X. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation; grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin money; emit bills of credit; make any thing but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts; pass any bills of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility.

No state shall, without the consent of the congress, lay any imposts or duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing its inspection laws: and the net produce of all duties and imposts, laid by any state on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the treasury of the United States; and all such laws shall be subject to the revision and control of the congress.

No state shall, without the consent of congress, lay any duty on tonnage, keep troops, or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with another state, or with a foreign power, or engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay.

ARTICLE II.

SECTION I. The executive power shall be vested in a president of the United States of America. He shall hold his office during the term of four years, and, together with the vice president, chosen for the same term, be elected as follows:

Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors equal to the whole number of senators and representatives to which the state may be entitled in the congress: but no senator or representative, or person holding an office of trust or profit under the United States, shall be appointed an elector.

[80The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves. And they shall make a list of all the persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each; which list they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of government of the United States, directed to the president of the senate. The president of the senate shall, in the presence of the senate and house of representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The person having the greatest number of votes shall be the president, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such majority, and have an equal number of votes, then the house of representatives shall immediately choose by ballot one of them for president; and if no person have a majority, then from the five highest on the list, the said house shall in like manner choose the president. But in choosing the president, the votes shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one vote: Aquorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. In every case, after the choice of the president, the person having the greatest number of votes of the electors shall be vice president. But if there should remain two or more who have equal votes, the senate shall choose from them by ballot the vice-president.]

The congress may determine the time of choosing the electors, and the day on which they shall give their votes; which day shall be the same throughout the United States.

No person, except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States at the time of the adoption of this constitution, shall be eligible to the office of president; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained the age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United States.

In case of the removal of the president from office, or his death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said office, the same shall devolve on the vice president, and the congress may by law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation, or inability, both of the president and vice president, declaring what officer shall then act as president, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be removed, or a president shall be elected.

The president shall at stated times receive for his services a compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that period any other emolument from the United States, or any of them.

Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation:—‘I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that Iwill faithfully execute the office of president of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the United States.’

SEC. II. The president shall be commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, when called into the actual service of the United States; he may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices, and he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.

He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of the supreme court, and all other officers of the United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by law: but the congress may by law vest the appointment of such inferior officers, as they think proper, in the president alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments.

The president shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session.

SEC. III. He shall from time to time give to the congress information of the state of the union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both houses, or either of them, and in case of disagreement between them, with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper: he shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers; he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the United States.

SEC. IV. The president, vice-president, and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

ARTICLE III.

SEC. I. The judicial powers of the United States shall be vested in one supreme court, and in such inferior courts as the congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The judges, both of the supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior, and shall, at stated times, receive for their services a compensation which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office.

SEC. II. The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made, or which shall be made under their authority;—to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls;—to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction;—to controversies to which the United States shall be a party;—to controversies between two or more states;—between a state and citizen of another state;—between citizens of different states;—between citizens of the same state claiming lands under grants of different states, and between a state or the citizens thereof, and foreign states, citizens or subjects.

In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and those in which a state shall be a party, the supreme court shall have original jurisdiction. In all the other cases before mentioned, the supreme court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations as the congress shall make.

The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by jury; and such trial shall be held in the state where the said crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any state, the trial shall be at such place or places as the congress may by law have directed.

SEC. III. Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort.

No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court.

The congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason; but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture, except during the life of the person attainted.

ARTICLE IV.

SEC. I. Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. And the congress may by general laws prescribe the manner in which such acts, records and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof.

SEC. II. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several slates.

A person charged in any state with treason, felony, or other crime, who shall flee from justice, and be found in another state, shall, on demand of the executive authority of the state from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the state having jurisdiction of the crime.

No person held to service or labor in one state, under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due.

SEC. III. New states may be admitted by the congress into this union: but no new state shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any other state; nor any state be formed by the junction of two or more states, or parts of states, without the consent of the legislatures of the states concerned as well es of the congress.

The congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this constitution shall be so construed as to prejudice any claims of the United States, or of any particular state.

SEC. IV. The United States shall guarantee to every state in the union, a republican form of government, and shall protect each of them against invasion: and on application of the legislature, or of the executive (when the legislature cannot be convened) against domestic violence.

ARTICLE V.

The congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by congress: provided that no amendment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that no state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the senate.

ARTICLE VI.

All debts contracted and agreements entered into, before the adoption of this constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this constitution, as under the confederation.

This constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof, and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, any thing in the constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding.

The senators and representatives before mentioned, and the members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this constitution: but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office of public trust under the United States.

ARTICLE VII.

The ratification of the conventions of nine states, shall be sufficient for the establishment of this constitution between the states so ratifying the same.

AMENDMENTS

To the Constitution of the United States, ratified according to the provisions of the fifth article of the foregoing Constitution.

[Congress, at its first session, begun and held in the city of New York, on Wednesday, the 4th of March, 1789, proposed to the legislatures of the several states, twelve amendments to the constitution, ten of which, only, were adopted. They are the ten first following:

The 11th article of the amendments was proposed at the second session of the third congress, in 1794; and the 12th article at the first session of the eighth congress in 1804. Both of which were afterwards adopted by the requisite number of states.]

ARTICLE I. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

ART. II. A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

ART. III. No soldier shall in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

ART. IV. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

ART. V. No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

ART. VI. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted by the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of council for his defence.

ART. VII. In suits of common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved; and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

ART. VIII. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

ART. IX. The enumeration in the constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

ART. X. The powers not delegated to the United States, by the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

ART. XI. The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by citizens of another state, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign state.

ART. XII. The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for president and vice president, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as president, and in distinct ballots the person voted for as vice-president, and they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as president, and of all persons voted for as vice-president, and of the number of votes for each, which lists they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of government of the United States, directed to the president of the senate:—The president of the senate shall, in the presence of the senate and house of representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted:—The person having the greatest number of votes for president, shall be the president, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed; and if no person have such majority, then from the persons having the highest numbers not exceeding three on the list of those voted for as president, the house of representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the president. But in choosing the president, the votes shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one vote; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. And if the house of representatives shall not choose a president whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March next following, then the vice-president shall act as president, as in the case of the death or other constitutional disability of the president. The person having the greatest number of votes as vice-president shall be the vice-president, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed, and if no person have a majority, then from the two highest numbers on the list, the senate shall choose the vice-president; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two thirds of the whole number of senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice. But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of president shall be eligible to that of vice-president of the United States.

ANALYSIS OF THE STATE CONSTITUTIONS.

MAINE. The legislative power is vested in a senate and a house of representatives, both elected annually by the people, on the second Monday in September. These two bodies are together styled The Legislature of Maine. The number of representatives cannot be less than one hundred, nor more than two hundred. Atown having fifteen hundred inhabitants is entitled to send one representative; but no town can ever be entitled to more than seven representatives. The number of senators cannot be less than twenty, nor more than thirty-one. The executive power is vested in a governor, who is elected annually by the people, on the second Monday in September, and his term of office commences on the first Wednesday in January. Acouncil of seven members is elected annually on the first Wednesday in January, by joint ballot of the senators and representatives, to advise the governor in the executive part of government. The right of suffrage is granted to every male citizen aged twenty-one years or upwards (excepting paupers, persons under guardianship, and Indians not taxed), having had his residence established in the state for the term of three months next preceding an election. The judicial power is vested in a supreme judicial court, and such other courts as the legislature may, from time to time, establish. All the judges are appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the council; and they hold their offices during good behavior, but not beyond the age of seventy years.

NEW HAMPSHIRE. A constitution was established in 1784; and in 1792, this constitution was altered and amended, by a convention of delegates held at Concord, and is now in force. The legislative power is vested in a senate and house of representatives, which, together, are styled, The General Court of New Hampshire. Every town, or incorporated township, having one hundred and fifty ratable polls, may send one representative; and for every three hundred additional polls, it is entitled to an additional representative. The senate consists of twelve members, who are chosen by the people in districts. The executive power is vested in a governor and a council, which consists of five members. The governor, council, senators, and representatives, are all elected annually, by the people, on the second Tuesday in March; and their term of service commences on the first Wednesday in June. The right of suffrage is granted to every male inhabitant of twenty-one years of age, excepting paupers and persons excused from paying taxes at their own request. The judiciary power is vested in a superior court and a court of common pleas. Judges are appointed by the governor and council, and hold their offices during good behaviour, but not beyond the age of seventy years.

VERMONT. The first constitution of this state was formed in 1777; the one now in operation was adopted on the 4th of July, 1793. The legislative power is vested in a single body, a house of representatives, elected, annually, on the first Tuesday in September, and styled The General Assembly of the state of Vermont. The executive power is vested in a governor, lieutenant governor, and a council of twelve persons, who are all chosen annually on the first Tuesday in September. They are empowered to commission all offices; to sit as judges to consider and determine on impeachments; to prepare and lay before the general assembly such business as shall appear to them necessary; and have power to revise and propose amendments to the laws passed by the house of representatives. The constitution grants the right of suffrage to every man of the full age of twenty-one years, who has resided in the state for the space of one whole year, next before the election of representatives, and is of quiet and peaceable behavior. The judiciary power is vested in a supreme court, consisting of three judges and of a county court of three judges for each county. Judges of the supreme, county and probate courts, sheriffs, and justices of the peace, are elected annually by the general assembly. Acouncil of censors, consisting of thirteen persons, are chosen every seven years, whose duty is to inquire whether the constitution has been preserved inviolate; whether the legislative and executive branches of government have performed their duty as guardians of the people; whether the public taxes have been justly laid and collected; in what manner the public moneys have been disposed of; and whether the laws have been duly executed.

MASSACHUSETTS. The constitution of this state was formed in 1780, and amended in 1821. The legislative power is vested in a senate and house of representatives, which together are styled The General Court of Massachusetts. The members of the house of representatives are elected annually on the second Monday in November. Every corporate town having one hundred and fifty ratable polls may elect one representative, and another for every additional two hundred and twenty-five ratable polls.

The senate consists of forty members, who are chosen, by districts, annually, on the second Monday in November. The supreme executive magistrate is styled the Governor of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, and has the title of “His Excellency.” The governor is elected annually by the people on the second Monday in November, and at the same time a lieutenant governor is chosen, who has the title of “His Honor.” The governor is assisted in the executive part of government by a council of nine members, who are chosen by the joint ballot of the senators and representatives, from the senators, and in case the persons elected, or any of them, decline the appointment, the deficiency is supplied from among the people at large. The right of suffrage is granted to every male citizen, twenty-one years of age and upwards (excepting paupers and persons under guardianship), who has resided within the commonwealth one year, and within the town or district in which he may claim a right to vote, six calendar months next preceding any election, and who has paid a state or county tax, assessed upon him within two years next preceding such election; and also every citizen who may be by law exempted from taxation, and who may be in all other respects qualified as above mentioned. The judiciary is vested in a supreme court, a court of common pleas, and such other courts as the legislature may establish. The judges are appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the council, and hold their offices during good behavior.

RHODE ISLAND. The government of this state is founded on the provisions of the charter granted to the colony by CharlesII., in 1663; and this is the only state in the union which is without a written constitution. The legislative power is vested in a General Assembly, consisting of a senate and a house of representatives. The house of representatives consists of seventy-two members, elected semi-annually. The senate consists of ten members, who are elected annually in April. The executive power is vested in a governor, who is elected annually in April. Alieutenant governor is also elected, on whom the executive duties devolve in case of the office of governor being vacated. The judges are appointed annually by the general assembly.

CONNECTICUT. The charter granted in 1662 by CharlesII., formed the basis of the government of Connecticut till 1818, when the present constitution was framed. The legislative power is vested in a senate and house of representatives, which together are styled the General Assembly. Members of the house of representatives are chosen by the different towns in the state: the more ancient towns, the majority of the whole number, send each two representatives; the rest only one each. The present number is two hundred and eight. The senate must consist of not less than eighteen, nor more than twenty-four members, who are chosen by districts. The present number is twenty-one. The executive power is vested in a governor. Alieutenant governor is also chosen, who is president of the senate, and on whom the duties of the governor devolve in case of his death, resignation, or absence. The representatives, senators, governor, and lieutenant governor, are all elected annually by the people on the first Monday in April. The judicial power is vested in a supreme court of errors, a superior court, and such inferior courts as the general assembly may, from time to time, establish. The judges are appointed by the general assembly; and those of the supreme and superior courts hold their offices during good behavior, but not beyond the age of seventy years. No person is compelled to join, or support, or to be classed with, or associated to, any congregation, church, or religious association. But every person may be compelled to pay his proportion of the expenses of the society to which he may belong: he may, however, separate himself from the society, by leaving a written notice of his wish with the clerk of such society.

NEW YORK. The present constitution of the state of New York was formed in 1822. The executive power is vested in a governor, who is elected by the people every two years; and at the same time, a lieutenant governor is also chosen, who is president of the senate, and on whom, in case of the impeachment, resignation, death, or absence of the governor, from office, the powers and duties of governor devolve. The legislative power is vested in a senate of thirty-two members, who are chosen for four years, and an assembly, of one hundred and twenty-eight members, who are elected annually; and these bodies united are styled the Legislature. For the election of senators, the state is divided into eight districts, each being entitled to choose four senators, one of whom is elected every year. The members of the assembly are chosen by counties, and are apportioned according to population. The constitution grants the right of suffrage, in the election of public officers, to every white male citizen, of the age of twenty-one years, who has been an inhabitant of the state one year next preceding any election, and, for the preceding six months, a resident in the county where he may offer his vote; but no man of color is entitled to vote unless he is possessed of a freehold estate of the value of two hundred and fifty dollars, without any incumbrance. The chancellor and judges are appointed by the governor, with the consent of the senate. The chancellor and justices of the supreme and circuit courts hold their offices during good behavior, or until they attain the age of sixty years. The judges of the county courts, or courts of common pleas, are appointed for a term of five years.

NEW JERSEY. The constitution of New Jersey was formed in 1776; and no revision of it has since taken place, except that the legislature has undertaken to explain its provisions in particular parts. The government is vested in a governor, legislative council, and general assembly; and these bodies united are styled the Legislature. The members of the legislative council and of the general assembly are elected annually, on the second Tuesday in October. The number of members of the legislative council is fourteen, one being elected by each county in the state. The general assembly has consisted, for a number of years past, of forty-three members; but by a law enacted in 1829, seven additional members were added; and it now consists of fifty members. The governor is chosen annually by a joint vote of the council and assembly, at their first joint meeting after each annual election. The governor is president of the council; and the council also elect from their own body, at their first annual meeting, a vice-president, who acts in the place of the governor in his absence. The governor and council form a court of appeals, in the last resort in all cases of law; and they possess the power of granting pardon to criminals after condemnation. The constitution grants the right of suffrage to ‘all persons of full age who are worth fifty pounds proclamation money, clear estate in the same, and have resided within the county in which they claim to vote for twelve months immediately preceding the election.’ [The legislature has declared by law, that every white male inhabitant, who shall be over the age of twenty-one years, and shall have paid a tax, shall be considered worth fifty pounds, and shall be entitled to vote;—and by another legislative act, females and negroes are prohibited from voting.] Judges are appointed by the legislature; those of the supreme court for a term of seven years, and those of the inferior courts, for five years; both are capable of being re-appointed.

PENNSYLVANIA. The first constitution of Pennsylvania was adopted in 1776; the present constitution in 1790. The legislative power is vested in a General Assembly, consisting of a senate and house of representatives. The representatives are elected annually, on the second Tuesday in October, by the citizens of Philadelphia and of the several counties, apportioned according to the number of taxable inhabitants. The number cannot be less than sixty, nor more than one hundred. The senators are chosen for four years, one fourth being elected annually, at the time of the election of the representatives. Their number cannot be greater than one third, nor less than one fourth, of the number of the representatives. The executive power is vested in a governor, who is elected by the people on the second Tuesday in October, and who holds his office during three years, from the third Tuesday in December next following his election; and he cannot hold the office more than nine years, in any term of twelve years. The judicial power is vested in a supreme court, in courts of oyer and terminer and jail delivery, in courts of common pleas, an orphans’ court, a registers’ court, a court of quarter sessions of the peace for each county; and in such other courts as the legislature may from time to time establish. The judges of the supreme court, and the several courts of common pleas, are appointed by the governor, and hold their offices during good behavior. The right of suffrage is possessed by every freeman of the age of twenty-one years, who has resided in the state two years next preceding an election, and within that time paid a state or county tax, assessed at least six months before the election.

DELAWARE. The constitution of this state was formed in 1792, and amended 1831. The legislature is styled the General Assembly, and consists of a senate and house of representatives. The senators are nine in number, namely, three from each county, and are elected for a term of four years. The representatives are elected for a term of two years, and are twenty-one in number, seven from each county. The general election is held biennially, on the second Tuesday in November. The executive power is vested in a governor, who is elected by the people for a term of four years, and is not eligible for a second term. Judicial power is vested in a court of errors and appeals, a superior court, a court of chancery, an orphans’ court, a court of oyer and terminer, a court of general sessions of the peace, and jail delivery, a registers’ court, justices of the peace, and such other courts as the general assembly may (by a vote of two thirds of each house) establish. The right of suffrage is granted to every white male citizen, of the age of twenty-two years or upwards, having resided in the state one year, next before the election, and the last month in the county where he votes; and having within two years paid a county tax. Also, to every free white male over twenty-one, and under twenty-two years of age, having resided, as aforesaid, without payment of any tax.

MARYLAND. The constitution of this state was first formed in 1776; since which time, many amendments have been made. The legislative power is vested in a senate, consisting of fifteen members, and a house of delegates, consisting of eighty members; and these two branches united are styled The General Assembly of Maryland. The members of the house of delegates, four from each county, and two each from the cities of Baltimore and Annapolis, are elected annually by the people, on the first Monday in October; and the members of the senate are elected every fifth year, on the third Monday in September, at Annapolis, by electors who are chosen by the people, on the first Monday of the same month of September. These electors choose by ballot nine senators from the western shore, and six from the eastern, who hold their offices five years. The executive power is vested in a governor, who is elected annually, on the first Monday in January, by a joint ballot of both houses of the general assembly. No one can hold the office of governor more than three years successively, nor be eligible as governor until the expiration of four years after he has been out of that office. The governor is assisted by a council of five members, who are chosen annually by a joint ballot of the senate and house of delegates. The general assembly meets annually (at Annapolis) on the last Monday in December. The council of the governor is elected on the first Tuesday in January; the governor nominates to office, and the council appoints. The constitution grants the right of suffrage to every free, white, male citizen, above twenty-one years of age, having resided twelve months within the state, and six months in the county, or in the city of Annapolis or Baltimore, next preceding the election at which he offers to vote. The chancellor and judges are nominated by the governor, and appointed by the council; and they hold their offices during good behavior.

VIRGINIA. The old constitution of this state was formed in 1776, and continued in operation until 1830, when the present amended constitution was formed by a convention, and accepted by the people. By this constitution, the legislative power is vested in a senate and a house of delegates, which are together styled The General Assembly of Virginia. The house of delegates consists of one hundred and thirty-four members, chosen annually. The senate consists of thirty-two members. Senators are elected for four years; and the seats of one fourth of them are vacated every year. In all elections to any office or place of trust, honor, or profit, the votes are given openly, or viva voce, and not by ballot. Are-apportionment for representation in both houses is to take place every ten years, commencing in 1841, until which time there is to be no change in the number of delegates and senators from the several divisions; and after 1841, the number of delegates is never to exceed one hundred and fifty; nor that of the senators, thirty-six. The time of election of delegates is fixed by the general assembly, and at present takes place in April. The executive power is vested in a governor, elected by the joint vote of the two houses of the general assembly. He holds his office three years, commencing on the first of January next succeeding his election, or on such other day as may be from time to time prescribed by law; and he is ineligible for the three years next after the expiration of his term of office. There is a council of state, consisting of three members elected for three years, by the joint vote of the two houses: the seat of one being vacated annually. The senior counsellor is lieutenant governor. Judges of the supreme court of appeals, and of the superior courts, are elected by a joint vote of both houses of the general assembly, and hold their offices during good behavior, or until removed by a concurrent vote of both houses; but two thirds of the members present must concur in such vote, and the cause of removal be entered on the journals of each house. Right of suffrage is extended to every white male citizen of the commonwealth, resident therein, aged twenty-one years and upwards, who is qualified to exercise the right of suffrage according to the former constitution and laws; or who owns a freehold of the value of twenty-five dollars; or who has a joint interest to the amount of twenty-five dollars in a freehold; or who has a life estate in, or reversionary title to, land of the value of fifty dollars, having been so possessed for six months; or who shall own and be in the actual occupation of a leasehold estate, having the title recorded two months before he shall offer to vote—of a term originally not less than five years, and of the annual value or rent of two hundred dollars; or who, for twelve months before offering to vote, has been a housekeeper and head of a family, and shall have been assessed with a part of the revenue of the commonwealth within the preceding year, and actually paid the same.

NORTH CAROLINA. The constitution of North Carolina was agreed to and resolved upon, by representatives chosen for that purpose, at Halifax, December 18, 1776. The legislative authority is vested in a body, styled the General Assembly, consisting of a senate and a house of commons, both elected annually by the people. The chief executive officer is the governor, who is chosen annually by a joint vote of the two houses; and he is eligible for three years only in six. He is assisted by an executive council of seven members, chosen annually by a joint vote of the two houses. In case of the death of the governor, his duties devolve upon the speaker of the senate. Judges of the supreme and superior courts are appointed by a joint vote of the two houses, and hold their offices during good behavior. The constitution grants the right of voting for members of the house of commons to all freemen of the age of twenty-one years, who have been inhabitants of the state twelve months immediately preceding the election; but in order to vote for a senator, a freeman must be possessed of a freehold of fifty acres of land.

SOUTH CAROLINA. The first constitution of this state was formed in 1775; the present constitution was adopted in 1790. Legislative authority is vested in a General Assembly, consisting of a senate and a house of representatives. The senate consists of forty-five members, who are elected by districts for four years, one half being chosen biennially. The house of representatives consists of one hundred and twenty-four members, who are apportioned among the several districts, according to the number of white inhabitants and taxation; and are elected for two years. The representatives, and one half of the senators, are chosen every second year, on the second Monday in October and the day following. The executive power is vested in a governor, who is elected for two years, by a joint vote of the senate and house of representatives, at every first meeting of the house of representatives. Agovernor, after having performed the duties of the office for two years, cannot be re-elected till after the expiration of four years. At the time of the election of governor, a lieutenant governor is chosen in the same manner, and for the same period. The chancellor and judges are appointed by the joint ballot of the senate and house of representatives, and hold their offices during good behavior. The constitution grants the right of suffrage to every free, white, male citizen, of the age of twenty-one years, having resided in the state two years previous to the day of election, and having been possessed of a freehold of fifty acres of land, or a town lot, at least six months before such election, or (not having such freehold or town lot) having been a resident in the election district in which he offers his vote, six months before said election, and having paid a tax the preceding year of three shillings sterling towards the support of the government.

GEORGIA. The first constitution of Georgia was formed in 1777; a second, in 1785; and a third, the one now in operation, in 1798. The legislative power is vested in a senate and house of representatives, which, together, are styled the General Assembly. The members of both houses are chosen annually, on the first Monday in October. One senator is elected for each county, and the number of representatives is in proportion to population, including three fifths of all the people of color; but each county is entitled to at least one, and no one to more than four members. The executive power is vested in a governor, who was formerly elected by the general assembly, but he is now (and ever since 1824) elected by the people, and holds the office for two years. The constitution grants the right of suffrage to all ‘citizens and inhabitants who have attained the age of twenty-one years, and have paid all the taxes which may have been required of them, and which they may have had opportunity of paying, agreeably to law, for the year preceding the election, and shall have resided six months within the county.’ The judicial power is vested in a superior court, and in such inferior jurisdictions as the legislature may, from time to time, ordain and establish; and the superior and inferior courts sit twice in each county every year. Judges of the superior court are elected by the legislature for three years; justices of the inferior courts, and justices of the peace, are elected quadrennially by the people; and clerks of the superior and inferior courts biennially.

ALABAMA. The legislative power is vested in two branches, a senate and house of representatives, which together are styled The General Assembly of the State of Alabama. The representatives are elected annually, and are apportioned among the different counties in proportion to the white population; the whole number cannot exceed one hundred, nor fall short of sixty. The senators are elected for three years, and one third of them are chosen every year. Their number cannot be more than one third, nor less than one fourth of the number of representatives. The executive power is vested in a governor, who is elected by the people for two years, and is eligible four years out of six.

The representatives and one third of the senators are elected annually on the first Monday in August and the day following; and the governor is elected biennially at the same time. The general assembly meets annually at Tuscaloosa, on the fourth Monday in October. The right of suffrage is possessed by every white, male citizen of twenty-one years of age, who has resided within the state one year preceding an election, and the last three months within the county, city, or town, in which he offers his vote. The judicial power is vested in one supreme court, in circuit courts, and such inferior courts as the general assembly may, from time to time, direct and establish. The judges are elected by a joint vote of both houses of the general assembly, every six years.

MISSISSIPPI. The constitution of this state was formed at the town of Washington, in August, 1817, but has been recently revised. Among the articles of the bill of rights of the new constitution, there are some, embracing subjects which are elsewhere made the subject of legislation. In all prosecutions for libel, if the defendant shall make it appear that the matter charged as libellous is true, and has been published with good motives and for justifiable ends, he is to be acquitted. It is also provided that the person of a debtor, who shall deliver up his estate for the benefit of his creditors, shall not be detained in prison, unless there is ‘strong presumption of fraud.’ Another article declares, that no person shall be elected or appointed to any office for life, or during good behavior: but the tenure of all offices shall be for some limited period of time. The principle of representation is as follows: The legislature is at stated periods to require an enumeration of the free white inhabitants to be made, and to cause the whole number of representatives, which is not to be less than thirty-six, nor more than one hundred, to be apportioned among the several counties, cities, or towns, entitled to separate representation, according to the number of free white inhabitants in each; but each county is to be entitled to at least one representative. When any city or town shall have a number of free white inhabitants equal to the established ratio, it is to have a separate representation; and if the residuum or fraction in any such city or town, shall, when added to the fraction of the county in which it lies, be equal to the ratio, the county, city, or town, having the largest fraction, shall be entitled to such representation. The senators are at the same time to be apportioned among several districts, according to the number of free white inhabitants in each, and their number is not to exceed one third, or be less than one fourth, of the number of representatives. These districts are to be formed by the legislature, at stated periods. The judicial department is to be constituted as follows: The state is to be divided into three districts, in which three judges of a high court of errors and appeals are to be chosen by the people, for the term of six years. In the first instance, however, the seat of one judge is to be vacated in two years, that of a second in four, and that of the third in six, so that there may be a new election in each of the districts, at the expiration of every two years. Their jurisdiction is described to be such as properly belongs to a court of errors and appeals. Acircuit court is to be established, consisting of judges to be elected in districts, into which the state is to be divided for the purpose, and each of which is to comprehend not more than twelve, nor less than three counties. Among the other provisions of this instrument, is the following: That no loan shall be raised on the credit of the state, nor the public faith pledged for the redemption of any debt, unless the bill for that purpose, after passing the legislature, shall be published, for three months successively, in three newspapers, and shall be passed a second time by the next succeeding legislature.

LOUISIANA. The constitution of this state was formed in 1812. The legislative power is vested in a senate and house of representatives, both together styled The General Assembly of the State of Louisiana. The representatives are elected for two years. Their number cannot be less than twenty-five, nor more than fifty; and they are apportioned according to the number of electors, as ascertained by enumeration every four years. Members of the senate are elected for four years; one half being chosen every two years, at the time of the election of the representatives. The state is divided into sixteen senatorial districts, in each of which one senator is chosen. Executive power is vested in a governor, who is elected for the term of four years. The people give their votes for a governor at the time and place of voting for representatives and senators; and on the second day of the succeeding session of the general assembly, the two houses, by a joint ballot, elect for governor one of the two candidates who have the greatest number of votes. Right of suffrage is possessed by every white male citizen of the United States, of the age of twenty-one years, who has resided in the county in which he offers to vote one year next preceding the election, and who, in the last six months prior to said election, has paid a state tax. Judiciary power is vested in a supreme court, which possesses appellate jurisdiction only, and such inferior courts as the legislature may establish. The judges are appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, and hold their offices during good behavior.

TENNESSEE. The constitution of this state was formed at Knoxville, in 1796. Legislative authority is vested in a general assembly, consisting of a senate and house of representatives; and the members of both houses are elected biennially, on the first Thursday and Friday in August. The number of representatives is sixty, who are apportioned among the different counties, according to the number of taxable inhabitants. The number of senators cannot be less than one third, nor more than one half, of the number of representatives. The executive power is vested in a governor, who is elected at the same time with the senators and representatives, and who holds his office for the term of two years, but is not eligible more than six years in any term of eight. The right of suffrage is granted to every freeman of the age of twenty-one years, possessing a freehold in the county where he offers his vote, and to every freeman who has been an inhabitant of any one county in the state, six months immediately preceding the day of election. Judiciary power is vested in such superior and inferior courts, as the legislature may from time to time direct and establish. The judges are appointed by a joint ballot of both houses, and hold their offices during good behavior.

KENTUCKY. On the separation of Kentucky from Virginia, in 1790, a constitution was adopted, which continued in force till 1799, when a new one was formed instead of it; and this is now in force. The legislative power is vested in a senate and house of representatives, which, together, are styled The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The representatives are elected annually, and are apportioned, every four years, among the different counties, according to the number of electors. The senators are elected for four years, one quarter of them being chosen annually. The executive power is vested in a governor, who is elected for four years, and is ineligible for the succeeding seven years after the expiration of his term of office. At the election of governor, a lieutenant governor is also chosen, who is speaker of the senate, and on whom the duties of the governor devolve, in case of his absence or removal. The constitution grants the right of suffrage to every free male citizen (people of color excepted) who has attained the age of twenty-one years, and has resided in the state two years, or in the county where he offers his vote one year next preceding the election. Judiciary power is vested in a supreme court, styled the court of appeals, and in such inferior courts as the general assembly may, from time to time, erect and establish. Judges of the different courts, and justices of the peace, hold their offices during good behavior.

OHIO. The constitution of this state was formed at Chillicothe, in 1802. The legislative power is vested in a senate and house of representatives, which, together, are styled The General Assembly of the State of Ohio. The representatives are elected annually, on the second Tuesday in October; and they are apportioned among the counties according to the number of white male inhabitants above twenty-one years of age. Their number cannot be less than thirty-six, nor more than seventy-two. The senators are chosen biennially, and are apportioned according to the number of white male inhabitants of twenty-one years of age. Their number cannot be less than one third, nor more than one half of the number of representatives. The executive power is vested in a governor, who is elected by the people for two years. Right of suffrage is granted to all white male inhabitants above the age of twenty-one years, who have resided in the state one year next preceding the election, and who have paid, or are charged with a state or county tax. Judicial power is vested in a supreme court, in courts of common pleas for each county, and such other courts as the legislature may from time to time establish. The judges are elected by a joint ballot of both houses of the general assembly, for the term of seven years.

INDIANA. Executive power is vested in a governor, who is elected by the people for a term of three years, and may be once re-elected. At every election of governor, a lieutenant governor is also chosen, who is president of the senate, and on whom, in case of the death, resignation, or removal of the governor, the powers and duties of governor devolve. The legislative authority is vested in a general assembly, consisting of a senate, the members of which are elected for three years, and a house of representatives, elected annually. The number of representatives can never be less than thirty-six, nor more than one hundred; and they are apportioned among the several counties, according to the number of white male inhabitants above twenty-one years of age. The number of senators, who are apportioned in like manner, cannot be less than one third, nor more than one half of the number of representatives. The representatives, and one third of the members of the senate, are elected annually, on the first Monday in August; and the governor is chosen on the same day, every third year. Right of suffrage is granted to all male citizens of the age of twenty-one years or upwards, who may have resided in the state one year immediately preceding an election. Judiciary power is vested in one supreme court, in circuit courts, and in such other inferior courts as the general assembly may establish. The supreme court consists of three judges; and each of the circuit courts consists of a president and two associate judges. Judges are all appointed for the term of seven years. Judges of the supreme court are appointed by the governor, with the consent of the senate; presidents of the circuit courts, by the legislature; and associate judges are elected by the people.

ILLINOIS. The legislative authority is vested in a general assembly, consisting of a senate, the members of which are elected for four years; and of a house of representatives, elected biennially. ‘The number of representatives shall not be less than twenty-seven, nor more than thirty-six, until the number of inhabitants within the state shall amount to one hundred thousand; and the number of senators shall never be less than one third, nor more than one half of the number of representatives.’ Executive power is vested in a governor, who is elected by the people for four years; and he is not eligible for more than four years in any term of eight years. At the election of governor, a lieutenant governor is also chosen, who is speaker of the senate; and on whom, in case the governor vacates his office, the duties of governor devolve. Representatives, and one half of the senators, are elected biennially, on the first Monday in August; and the governor is chosen every fourth year, at the same time. All white male inhabitants, above the age of twenty-one years, having resided in the state six months next preceding an election, have the rights of electors. The judicial power is vested in a supreme court, and in such inferior courts as the general assembly may establish. The judges are appointed by a joint ballot of both branches of the general assembly, and hold their offices during good behavior.

MISSOURI. The constitution of this state was formed at St.Louis, in 1820. Legislative power is vested in a general assembly, consisting of a senate and house of representatives. Representatives are chosen every second year. Every county is entitled to at least one representative; but the whole number can never exceed one hundred. The senators are elected for four years; the seats of one half being vacated every second year. The constitutional number is not less than fourteen, nor more than thirty-three. They are chosen by districts, and are apportioned according to the number of free white inhabitants. Executive power is vested in a governor, who is elected for four years, on the first Monday in August; and he is ineligible for the next four years after the expiration of his term of service. At the time of the election of governor, a lieutenant governor is also chosen, who is, by virtue of his office, president of the senate. Right of suffrage is granted to every white male citizen who has attained the age of twenty-one years, and has resided in the state one year before an election, the last three months thereof being in the county or district in which he offers his vote. Judicial power is vested in a supreme court, in a chancellor, circuit courts, and such other inferior tribunals as the general assembly may, from time to time, establish. Judges are appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate; and they hold their offices during good behavior, but not beyond the age of sixty-five years.

MICHIGAN. The Constitution of this State was formed in 1835. The legislative power is vested in a senate and house of representatives; the number of representatives is never less than forty-eight, nor can it exceed one hundred; and the senate is to equal one third of the house, as nearly as may be. The representatives are to be chosen annually on the first Monday of November, and the day following; on the same days, once in two years, the senators are elected. The State is divided, at each new apportionment, into not less than four, nor more than eight senatorial districts. The legislature commences its session on the first Monday of January. The executive power is vested in a governor and lieutenant governor, who are chosen directly by the people once in every two years. The lieutenant governor is president of the senate, and in the absence of the governor performs the duties of his office. The judicial power is vested in a supreme court, and such other courts as the legislature may establish. The judges of the supreme court hold their office for seven years. They are appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate.

The right of suffrage is possessed by all white male citizens over twenty-one years of age, who have resided in the state six months preceding any election in the townships where they reside. Slavery and involuntary servitude are forbidden in the state, except for crime.

ARKANSAS. Every free white male citizen of the United States, who shall have been a citizen of the State for six months, shall be deemed a qualified elector. Members of the house of representatives are to be elected for two years, and of the senate for four years. The general assembly meets every two years. All general elections are to be viva voce. The senate can never consist of less than seventeen, nor more than thirty-three members. The house of representatives shall consist of not less than fifty-four, nor more than one hundred. The governor is to hold his office for four years, but shall not be eligible for more than eight years in any period of twelve years. Tho judicial power is vested in a supreme court, circuit courts, and in justices of the peace. The supreme court consists of three judges. Its jurisdiction is appellate. The official terms of the judges of the supreme court is eight years; of the judges of the circuit court, four years. They are chosen by the general assembly. Justices of the peace are elected for two years, by the people.

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