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.