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The Government Class Book by Andrew W. Young

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_Judiciary._ Five judges appointed by the governor, of whom one is
chancellor, and holds the court of chancery. Of the other four, one is
chief-justice, and the other three are associate justices, of whom one
resides in each county.

The superior court, and the court of general sessions of the peace and
jail delivery, consist of the chief-justice and two associates. The
court of oyer and terminer consists of all the judges except the
chancellor. The court of errors and appeals issues writs of error to the
superior court, receives appeals from the court of chancery, and
determines finally all matters in error in the judgments and proceedings
of the superior court; and when thus acting, it consists of the
chancellor and two of the other judges. In other cases, it is
differently constituted. The orphans' court in each county is held by
the chancellor and the associate judge residing in the county. The
register's court in each county is held by the register of the county.

Judges of the courts are appointed by the governor during good behavior;
and they may be removed by him on the address of two-thirds of all the
members of each branch of the general assembly.

In pursuance of the power vested in the legislature to establish
inferior courts, a court of common pleas is established in each county.

Justices of the peace in each county are appointed by the governor for
seven years, and may be removed as the judges.

The attorney-general, registers, and prothonotaries are appointed for
five years, removable in like manner.

The sheriff and the coroner of each county are elected by the citizens
thereof; but the legislature may vest their appointment in the governor.
The sheriff may not be chosen twice in any term of six years.

_Amendments_ are proposed by two-thirds of each house, with the
approbation of the governor, and ratified by three-fourths of each
branch of the next general assembly. Or, a convention to amend may be
called by the legislature, in pursuance of the sense of the people
expressed at a previous election.



Maryland.


The constitution of this state adopted in 1776, continued until 1851,
when the present one was adopted.

_Electors._ White male citizens, having resided a year in the state, and
six months in the county.

_Executive._ The governor is elected for four years; must be thirty
years of age; have been a citizen five years, a resident of the state
five years, and for three years a resident of the district from which he
is elected. In case of vacancy, the general assembly elects a resident
of the same district for the residue of the term. If the vacancy happens
during the recess of the legislature, the president of the senate serves
until the next session. No lieutenant-governor.

A secretary of state is appointed by the governor and senate during the
official term of the governor. A controller of the treasury is elected
by the electors of the state for two years; and a treasurer and a state
librarian are chosen by the legislature on joint ballot at each session.

_Legislature._ A senate and a house of delegates, styled _general
assembly_. Senators, one from each county and the city of Baltimore, are
elected for four years, one-half every two years. Age, twenty-five
years; residence, three years in the state, one in the county. Delegates
are eligible at twenty-one; otherwise qualified as senators; elected for
two years, apportioned among the counties according to population; the
city of Baltimore to have four more delegates than the most populous
county, and no county to have less than two delegates; the whole number
not to be more than eighty, nor less than sixty-five.

A majority constitutes a quorum. Bills must pass by majorities of all
the members elected; and when so passed and sealed with the great seal,
the governor is required to sign them in the presence of the presiding
officers and chief clerks of both houses.

_Judiciary._ A court of appeals, consisting of four judges, one of whom
is elected in each judicial district for ten years. One is designated by
the governor and senate as chief-justice. They must be thirty years of
age, and have been citizens of the state five years. They are
disqualified at seventy. There are eight judicial circuits, in each of
which, except the fifth, is elected a judge, for ten years, who holds
circuit courts in the counties within his circuit.

There are, in the city of Baltimore, courts peculiar to that city.

Justices of the peace and constables, are elected for two years in each
ward of the city of Baltimore, and in each election district in the
several counties.

A sheriff and a state's attorney are elected in each county and the city
of Baltimore, the former for two, and the latter for four years.
Sheriffs are ineligible for the next two years.

_Amendments_ may be made only by a convention, called by the legislature
in pursuance of a vote of the people to be taken after each United
States census.



Virginia.


A constitution was adopted in 1716; another in 1830; the present in
1851.

_Electors._ White male citizens, having resided in the state two years,
and in the county, city or town where they offer to vote, one year.
Votes are given openly, or _viva voce_. Dumb persons only vote by
ballot.

_Legislature._ Senate and house of delegates. Delegates, one hundred and
fifty-two in number, are elected biennially, and apportioned among the
several counties and election districts according to population. The
senate consists of fifty members, elected in single districts for four
years, one-half every two years. Apportionments are made every ten
years. Delegates are eligible at the age of twenty-one years; senators
at the age of twenty-five.

_Quorum_, a majority. Bills to become laws, do not require the
governor's approval.

_Executive._ The governor is elected for four years, and is ineligible
for the next term. He must be thirty years of age, a native citizen of
the United States, and have been a citizen of the state five years. A
lieutenant-governor.

A secretary of state, a treasurer, and an auditor of public accounts,
are elected for two years in joint assembly; an attorney general is
elected for four years by the people at every election for governor.

_Judiciary._ The state is divided into twenty-one judicial circuits, ten
districts, and five sections, in each of which division, one judge is
elected by the people; the circuit judges for eight years, the judges of
the supreme court of appeals for twelve years. A circuit judge holds
circuit courts in the several counties composing his district. The
judges of the circuits constituting a section, and the judge of the
supreme court of appeals for that section, hold district courts in such
section. The supreme court of appeals consists of the five judges
elected in the sections, and three of whom may hold a court. Judges may
be removed by the legislature.

A county court is held monthly in each county, by not less than three,
nor more than five justices of the peace, except when the law requires a
greater number. Each county is divided into districts, in each of which
four justices are elected for four years. The justices so elected choose
one of their own body as presiding justice of the county court.

In each county are elected, a clerk of the county court and a surveyor,
for six years; an attorney for four years; a sheriff for two years: and
constables and overseers of the poor as may be prescribed by law.

_Amendments._ The constitution does not provide for its amendment. The
last two constitutions were framed by conventions authorized by acts of
the legislature, and ratified by the electors.



North Carolina.


This state adopted a constitution in 1776, which was amended in 1835.

_Legislature._ A senate and a house of commons, called the _general
assembly_. The senate consists of fifty members, chosen biennially, in
single districts, which are laid off in proportion to the average amount
of taxes paid by the citizens during the five years preceding. Senators
must have resided within their respective districts a year, and possess
not less than three hundred acres of land. The house of commons is
composed of one hundred and twenty members, chosen biennially, and
apportioned among the counties, according to population, three-fifths of
the slaves being added to the number of free persons. They must have
resided a year in the counties they represent, and possess one hundred
and twenty acres of land.

Bills passed by both houses become laws without being presented to the
governor.

_Executive._ A governor is elected every two years, and is eligible only
four years in any term of six years. He must be thirty years of age;
must have been a resident of the state five years, and must have in the
state a freehold of the value of L1,000. No lieutenant-governor.

There is a council of seven persons to advise the governor; a secretary
of state, and a treasurer, all chosen by joint vote of the two houses at
each session, for two years; and an attorney-general for four years,
unless for certain reasons the term shall be altered.

_Judiciary._ A supreme court, superior courts, courts of admiralty, and
justices' courts. The judges are appointed by the general assembly, and
hold during good behavior. Justices of the peace, within their
respective counties, are recommended to the governor by the
representatives of the general assembly. They are commissioned by the
governor, and hold during good behavior.

_Electors._ White freemen, inhabitants of the state one year, who have
paid taxes. Voters for senators are required also to own a freehold of
fifty acres.

_Amendments._ A convention may be called by a majority of two-thirds of
all the members of each house of the general assembly. Or, amendments
may be proposed by majorities of three-fifths of all the members of both
houses; and they take effect when agreed to by two-thirds majorities of
the whole representation in the next assembly, and ratified by the
qualified voters of the state.



South Carolina.


The first constitution of this state was formed in 1775; the present in
1790. Its principal amendments were made in 1808.

_Legislature._ A senate and a house of representatives, styled _general
assembly_. The house consists of one hundred and twenty-four members,
elected for two years in districts, and apportioned according to the
number of white inhabitants and the amount of taxes paid therein.
Residence in the state three years: and if a resident of the election
district, a freehold of five hundred acres of land and ten negroes, or a
real estate worth L150 sterling, clear of debt; if a non-resident of the
district, a clear freehold of L500 sterling. Senators, forty-five,
elected by districts, for four years, one-half every two years; each
district, except one, having one senator. Age, thirty years, state
residence, five years. If a resident in the district, a clear freehold
of L300 sterling; if a non-resident, a freehold in the district of
L1,000.

Bills passed by both houses are laws without being presented to the
governor.

_Executive._ The governor and lieutenant-governor are chosen by the
legislature for two years. Age, thirty years: state residence, ten
years; a clear freehold in the state of L1,500 sterling. A governor is
ineligible for the next four years.

Commissioners of the treasury, secretary of state, and surveyor-general,
are elected by joint ballot of both houses for four years, and
ineligible for the next four years.

_Judiciary._ Such superior and inferior courts of law and equity as the
legislature may establish. The judges are appointed by the legislature
during good behavior.

_Electors._ White male citizens, resident in the state two years, and
owning a freehold of 50 acres of land, or a town lot, which he has owned
six months; or, not having such freehold, or town lot, resident in the
election district six months, and having paid a tax the preceding year
of three shillings sterling.

_Amendments_ may be made by a convention called by two-thirds of all the
members of both branches. Alterations may also be made by like
majorities of two successive legislatures.



Georgia.


The first constitution was formed in 1777; the second in 1785; the
present in 1798, and amended in 1839, and 1844.

_Legislature._ Senate and house, together styled _general assembly_. The
members of both houses are elected biennially. Representatives are
apportioned among the counties according to population, including
three-fifths of the slaves. Age, twenty-one years; citizenship, seven
years; state residence, three years; county, one year. Senators are
elected in districts. Age, twenty-five years; citizenship, nine years;
state residence, three years; district, one year.

Bills are passed against the veto by two-thirds majorities. Bills not
returned by the governor within five days are laws, unless their return
is prevented by adjournment.

_Executive._ The governor is elected for two years; must be thirty years
of age; have been a citizen of the United States twelve years, of the
state, six years. No lieutenant-governor.

Secretary of state, treasurer, and surveyor-general, are elected for two
years.

_Judiciary._ A supreme court for the correction of errors, to consist of
three judges chosen by the legislature for six years, one every two
years; a superior court, whose judges are elected in their several
circuits for four years; inferior courts, one in each county, consisting
of five judges, elected by the people; courts held by justices of the
peace elected for four years.

Sheriffs are elected for two years, but may not be twice elected in four
years.

_Electors_, white male citizens and inhabitants of the state, having
resided in the county six months, and paid all the taxes required of
them, and which they had an opportunity of paying the preceding year.

_Amendments_ may be made by two successive legislatures, two-thirds of
both houses concurring.



Florida.


This state was admitted into the union with its present constitution, by
act of congress, March 3, 1845.

_Executive._ The governor is elected for four years, and is ineligible
for the next term. Age, thirty years; citizenship; state residence five
years. No lieutenant-governor.

A secretary of state, elected by the people for four years; a treasurer
and a controller of public accounts for two years.

_Legislature._ A senate and a house of representatives, styled, the
_general assembly_. Representatives are apportioned among the counties
according to the number of free whites and three-fifths of the slaves;
the number not to exceed sixty. They are elected biennially. Age,
twenty-one; citizenship; state residence, two years; county, one year.
Senators are elected in districts, at least one in each district, for
four years, one-half every two years; the number to be not less than
one-fourth, nor more than one-half of the number of representatives.
Age, twenty-five years; other qualifications the same as those of
representatives.

Bills become laws against the veto by majorities of all the members
elected.

_Judiciary._ A supreme court, courts of chancery, circuit courts, and
justices of the peace. The supreme court consists of three judges
elected by the people for six years. The state is divided into four
circuits, and a judge elected in each judicial circuit for six years,
who presides in the courts held in his circuit. Justices of the peace
for each county are appointed or elected, as the general assembly may
direct.

An attorney-general is chosen by joint vote of the two houses, for four
years.

_Electors._ White male citizens, residents of the state two years, of
the county, six months; enrolled in the militia, unless by law exempted
from serving. The general assembly is required to provide for
registering the qualified electors of each county.

_Amendments._ A convention may be called by the general assembly,
two-thirds of each house concurring. Alterations may be made by like
majorities of two successive legislatures.



Alabama.


This state was admitted into the union in 1819, with its present
constitution.

_Legislature_--called the _general assembly_. Representatives are
apportioned among the counties according to the free white population;
chosen biennially; must be twenty-one years of age, residents of the
state two years, and of the county, city or town they represent, one
year. Senators are chosen in single districts for four years, one-half
of them every two years; must be twenty-seven years of age; residence
the same as representatives. The number of representatives may not
exceed one hundred; the number of senators may not exceed thirty-three.

Bills negotiated by the governor, may be passed by majorities of all the
members elected. If not returned within five days, vetoed bills become
laws unless their return is prevented by adjournment.

_Electors._ White male citizens, having resided in the state one year,
in the county, city, or town, three months.

_Executive._ The governor is elected for two years, and eligible four
years in any term of six years. He must be thirty years of age, a native
citizen of the United States, and have been a resident of the state four
years. No lieutenant-governor.

A secretary of state is chosen biennially, and a treasurer and a
controller of public accounts are chosen annually, by joint vote of both
houses.

_Judiciary._ A supreme court; circuit courts to be held in each county;
and inferior courts of law and equity, to be established by the general
assembly. Judges of the supreme court, and chancellors are chosen by the
legislature for six years; judges of the circuit and inferior courts by
the people for the same term. A competent number of justices of the
peace, and a sheriff, are elected in each county.

An attorney-general for the state, and the requisite number of
solicitors are elected by joint vote of the general assembly, for four
years.

_Amendments_ are proposed by one legislature, approved by the electors
at the next election for representatives, and ratified by the next
legislature; two-thirds majorities being required in both cases.



Mississippi.


In 1817, this state was admitted into the union with a constitution
adopted the same year. The present constitution was formed in 1832.

_Electors._ White male citizens, residents of the state one year, of the
county, four months. An elector who happens to be in any county, city,
or town, other than that of his residence, or who may have removed to
any such place within four months preceding an election, may vote for
such officers as he could have voted for in the county of his residence,
or from which he removed.

_Legislature._ Representatives, not less than thirty-six, nor more than
one hundred, are elected for two years in the several counties, among
which they are apportioned according to the number of white inhabitants.
They must have been residents of the state two years, one of the county.
Senators, not less than one-fourth, nor more than one-third of the
number of representatives, are elected by districts for four years. Age,
thirty years; state residence, four years; district one year.

Bills are passed against the veto by two-thirds majorities. Bills must
be returned within six days, or they become laws, unless their return is
prevented by adjournment.

_Judiciary._ A high court of errors and appeals, consisting of three
judges, one in each district, elected for six years; a circuit court to
be held in each county at least twice a year, the judges to be elected
in their respective judicial districts for four years; a superior court
of chancery, the chancellor to be elected by the electors of the whole
state for six years; a court of probate in each county, the judge to be
elected for two years; a competent number of justices of the peace and
constables, chosen in each county for two years. Other inferior courts
may be established by the legislature.

An attorney-general is chosen by the electors of the state, and a
competent number of district-attorneys in their respective districts. A
sheriff and one or more coroners are elected in each county for two
years.

_Executive._ The governor is elected for two years; must be thirty years
of age; have been a citizen twenty years, a resident of the state five
years; and may not hold the office more than four years in six. No
lieutenant-governor.

A secretary of state, a treasurer, and an auditor of public accounts,
are elected for two years.

_Amendments_ are proposed by two-thirds of both branches of the
legislature, and ratified by the people at the next election.



Louisiana.


This state was admitted into the union in 1812, with a constitution
formed the same year. In 1845, a second, and in 1852 the present
constitution was adopted.

_Legislature_--styled _general assembly_. Representatives are
apportioned among the several parishes, (corresponding to counties in
other states,) and are elected for two years; the number not to exceed
one hundred, nor to be less than seventy. Senators, in number
thirty-two, are apportioned among the districts according to population,
and are elected for four years, one-half every two years. Every
qualified elector is eligible to a seat in either house.

Vetoed bills are passed by majorities of two-thirds of all the members.
They become laws if not returned within ten days, unless their return is
prevented by adjournment; in which case they will become laws if not
sent back within three days after the commencement of the next session.

_Executive._ The governor is elected for four years, and is ineligible
the next four. Age, twenty-eight years; citizenship, and residence in
the state four years. A lieutenant-governor.

A secretary of state and a treasurer are elected by the electors, the
former for four years, the latter for two years.

_Judiciary._ A supreme court and such inferior courts as the legislature
may establish, and justices of the peace. The supreme court is composed
of a chief-justice and four associate justices; the former elected by
the electors of the state at large, the latter in their respective
districts. They are elected for ten years, one of the five every two
years. Judges of the inferior courts are elected in their respective
parishes or districts. Justices of the peace are elected for two years
by the electors in each parish, district, or ward.

An attorney-general and a requisite number of district-attorneys, are
elected for four years; the former by the electors of the whole state,
the latter in their respective districts.

A sheriff and a coroner are elected in each parish for two years.

_Electors._ White males, having been citizens two years, residents of
the state one year, and of the parish six months. An elector removing
from one parish to another, may vote in the former until he shall have
become a voter in the latter.

_Amendments_ are proposed by two-thirds of all the members of each
house, and ratified by a majority of the electors voting thereon at the
next general election.



Texas.


Texas, formerly a part of Mexico, declared itself independent in 1835.
By a joint resolution of congress, approved December 29, 1845, this
independent republic was admitted as a state into the union.

_Electors._ White male citizens who have resided in the state one year,
and the last six months in the district, city, or town in which they
offer to vote. If an elector happens to be in any other county within
his district, he may there vote for any district officer; and he may
vote any where in the state for state officers.

_Legislature._ Representatives, not less than forty-five, nor more than
ninety, are apportioned among the counties according to the free
population, and are elected for two years. They must have been residents
of the state two years, of the county, city, or town they represent, one
year. Senators, no less than nineteen, nor more than thirty-three, are
elected in districts for four years, one-half every two years; must be
thirty years of age; inhabitants of the state three years, of the
district one year.

Bills negatived by the governor become laws when passed by two-thirds of
both houses; bills not returned within five days become laws. Two-thirds
of each house constitutes a quorum.

_Judiciary._ A supreme court, district courts, and such inferior courts
as the legislature may establish. The supreme court consists of a
chief-justice and two associates, and has appellate jurisdiction
chiefly. It holds sessions once a year in not more than three places in
the state. District courts are held by the judge of each judicial
district at one place in each county at least twice a year. The judges
of both the supreme and district courts are elected by the people for
six years.

A convenient number of justices of the peace, one sheriff, one coroner,
and a sufficient number of constables, are elected in each county for
two years. The sheriff is eligible only four years in six.

_Executive._ The governor is elected for two years; is eligible four
years in every six. Age, thirty years; state residence, three years; a
citizen of the United States, or a citizen of the state of Texas at the
time of the adoption of the constitution. A lieutenant-governor.

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