Part 27 (2/2)

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

North Carolina.

This state adopted a const.i.tution in 1776, which was amended in 1835.

_Legislature._ A senate and a house of commons, called the _general a.s.sembly_. 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 pa.s.sed 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 1,000. 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 a.s.sembly, and hold during good behavior. Justices of the peace, within their respective counties, are recommended to the governor by the representatives of the general a.s.sembly. 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 a.s.sembly. 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 a.s.sembly, and ratified by the qualified voters of the state.

South Carolina.

The first const.i.tution of this state was formed in 1775; the present in 1790. Its princ.i.p.al amendments were made in 1808.

_Legislature._ A senate and a house of representatives, styled _general a.s.sembly_. 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 150 sterling, clear of debt; if a non-resident of the district, a clear freehold of 500 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 300 sterling; if a non-resident, a freehold in the district of 1,000.

Bills pa.s.sed 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 1,500 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 s.h.i.+llings 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 const.i.tution was formed in 1777; the second in 1785; the present in 1798, and amended in 1839, and 1844.

<script>