Minnesota.
This state was admitted into the union in 1858.
Electors. White male citizens having resided in the United States one year, and in the state four months. Also foreigners who have so resided, and declared their intention to become citizens; and persons of mixed white and Indian blood, and of Indian blood, under certain regulations.
Legislature. A senate and a house of representatives. The first legislature consisted of thirty-seven senators and eighty representatives.
Executive. A governor and a lieutenant-governor are elected for two years.
A secretary of state, a treasurer, and an attorney-general, are elected for two years, and a state auditor for three years.
Judiciary. The judicial power is vested in a supreme court, district courts, courts of probate, justices of the peace, and such other courts inferior to the supreme court, as the legislature may establish by a two-thirds vote.
Constitution of the United States.
We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defense, 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. 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. 2. 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 requiste 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. 3. 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. 4. 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 the 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. 5. 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. 6. 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. 7. 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. 8. The congress shall have power:
To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises to pay the debts and provide for the common defense, 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 a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States:
To coin money; to 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 offenses 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 part 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 the 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 officer thereof.
Sec. 9. 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 such 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 hereinbefore 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 the congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state.
Sec. 10. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation; grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin money; emit bills of credit; make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts; pass any bill 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 of 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 1. 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.
The 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 the 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; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of 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 the 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.
[By the 12th article of amendment, the above clause has been repealed.]
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 to 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 of 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 I will 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. 2. 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 offenses 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. 3. 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. 4. 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.
Section 1. The judicial power 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. 2. 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 citizens 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. 3. 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.
Section 1. 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. 2. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states.
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. 3. 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 as 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. 4. The United States shall guaranty to every state in this 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 the 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 engagements 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 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 or 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.
Done in convention, by the unanimous consent of the states present, the seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the twelfth. In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names.
George Washington,
President, and Deputy from Virginia.
New Hampshire.--John Langdon, Nicholas Gilman.
Massachusetts.--Nathaniel Gorham, Rufus King.
Connecticut.--Wm. Samuel Johnson, Roger Sherman.
New-York.--Alexander Hamilton.
New Jersey.--William Livingston, David Brearly, William Paterson, Jonathan Dayton.
Pennsylvania.--Benjamin Franklin, Robert Morris, Thomas Fitzsimmons, James Wilson, Thomas Mifflin, George Clymer, Jared Ingersoll, Gouverneur Morris.
Delaware.--George Read, Gunning Bedford, Jr., John Dickinson, Richard Bassett, Jacob Broom.
Maryland.--James M'Henry, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Daniel Carroll.
Virginia.--John Blair, James Madison, Jr.
North Carolina.--William Blount, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Hugh Williamson.
South Carolina.--John Rutledge, Charles Pinckney, Pierce Butler, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney.
Georgia.--William Few, Abraham Baldwin.
Attest: William Jackson, Secretary.
Amendments.
Article 1. 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 a 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 warrant shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the person 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 offense, 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 with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Art. VII. In suits at 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 reëxamined 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 the 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 representatives 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.
Index
Academies and colleges, [82]
Accessories to crime, [220]
Actions at law, defined, [64]
how commenced, [64]
Adjutant-general, [92]
Administrators, duties of, [179]
Admission of states, [158]
Agent, responsibilities of, [202]-[204]
Alabama, constitution of, [259]
Aldermen, duties of, [60]
Aliens, power to pass laws for the naturalization of, [121], [122]
disabilities of, [121]
Alliance, defined, [135]
Alliances, when binding, [230], [231]
by states, prohibited, [135]
Amendments of the constitution, provision for, [160]
Appeals of suits, [68], [69]
Appellant, appellee, defined, [69]
Apellate jurisdiction, defined, [70]
Appointment, power of, (see Governor and President.)
Apprentices and servants, [175], [176]
Aquatic rights, [183], [185]
Aristocracy, defined, [25]
Arkansas, constitution of, [264]
Army, standing, [149]
Arrest and examination of offenders, [69]
Arsenals, use of, [92]
Arson, defined, [217]
Assault and battery, [220]
Assessment and collection of taxes, [76]-[78]
Assessors, duties of, [77]
Assignments, [197]-[199]
Assumption of public debt, [160]
Attachment, suit by, [68]
Attainder of treason, [155]
Attorney, defined, [65]
Attorney, county or state's, [51], [56]
Attorney-general, state, [51]
of United States, [151]
Auditor of state, [51]
county, [65]
Auxiliary executive departments, [147]-[151]
Bail, defined, how taken, [69], [70]
excessive, forbidden, [165]
Bailment, [200]-[202]
Ballot, defined, [33]
Bankruptcy, power to pass laws of, [124]
Banks, and their operation, [86]-[88]
Belligerent, defined [228]
Betting and gaming, [221]
Bigamy, defined, [219]
Bill, defined, [45]
Bills, passage of, [45]-[43]
Bills of attainder, by congress, prohibited, [133]
by states, prohibited, [137]
of credit, defined, [136]
passage of, prohibited, [136]
of exchange, [213]-[215]
Blockade, defined, [236]
Body politic, defined, [19], [54]
Bribery, defined, [219]
Broker and brokerage, [204], [205]
Bullion, defined, [125]
Burglary, defined, [218]
Cabinet, defined, [147]
officers of, and their powers and duties, [147]
California, constitution of [277]
Canals, construction of, [82]-[84]
tolls on, [84]
Canvassing of votes, [34]
Capital, defined, [41], [216]
Capitation or poll-tax, [76], [77], [133]
Carriers of goods, liability of, [201], [202]
Causes, criminal and civil, defined, [64]
Casting vote, when given, [46]
Challenging voters, [33]
Charges d'affaires, [145]
Charter, defined, [59]
Chattel mortgages, [199]
Cities, villages, &c., [59]-[62]
Citizens, privileges of, in the several states, [157]
Civil government, defined, [17]
mankind fitted for, [17]
Civil society, [17]
Clearance of vessels, [120]
Codicil, defined, [179]
Coining money, power of, [124]
by states, prohibited, [136]
Collection of taxes, [76]-[78]
Colony, defined, [95]
Colonies, government of, [95]
Commerce, foreign, regulation of, [114]-[119]
Commerce, domestic, power of congress to regulate, [121], [122]
with Indians, [122]
Commissary-general, [92]
Commissioners, county, duties of, [54]
Committees, legislative, [44], [45]
Common carriers, responsibilities of, [201], [202]
Common council, [60]
Common law, defined, [167]
Commons, house of, [29]
Common schools, school funds, &c., [79]-[82]
Commonwealth, defined, [26]
Confederacy, defined, [101]
Confederation, when formed, [97]
nature of, [98], [99], [101], [102]
Confiscate, defined, [230]
Congress, under confederation, how constituted, [97], [102]
Congress under constitution, how constituted, [104]-[109]
Congress, powers of, (see Powers of Congress,)
Counterfeiting, defined, [218]
United States coin, power to punish, [125]
Connecticut, constitution of, [244]
Constables, duties of, [58]
Constitution, defined, [27]
objects of, [27]
how formed, [27], [28]
of United States, [281]
history of, [100]
nature of, [101]-[104]
how amended, [160]
supremacy of, [161]
ratification of, by the states, [162]
amendments to, [163]-[166]
Consuls, appointment of, [144]
duties of, [145], [227], [228]
Contraband goods, [235], [236]
Contracts in general, [189]-[193]
Contracts of sale, [193]-[197]
Contracts, obligation of, not to be impaired, [137]
Controller, or auditor, [51]
Convention, defined, [28]
Conventional law of nations, [224]
Copy-rights and patents, power of congress concerning, [126], [127]
Coroners, duties of, [55]
Corporation, defined, [54]
Corporations, how formed, [59]
nature and powers of, [59]-[62]
Corruption of blood, [155]
Council, legislative, [38]
Counties, origin of, [53], [54]
powers of, [54]
County officers duties of, [54]-[66]
County commissioners, [54]
Courts, justices, [63]-[70]
county, [70]
common pleas, [70]
circuit, [70], [71]
oyer and terminer, [71]
supreme, [73]
of appeals, [73]
of chancery or equity, [73], [74]
of probate, [74]
of impeachment, [75], [76]
of United States, [151], [154]
martial, [92]
Crime, infamous, defined, [31]
Crimes and misdemeanors, [216]-[221]
Criminal suits, defined, [64]
Customs, duties, &c., defined, [113]
collection of, [119]
Debt, national, at different periods, [114]
Declaration of war, [231]
Deeds and mortgages, [181]-[183]
Delaware, constitution of, [250]
Delegate, defined, [27]
Democracy, defined, [25], [26]
Deposit fund, U.S., [80]
Deposits in banks, [87]
Depositary, responsibility of, [200]
Descent of property, of intestates, [179], [180]
Despotism, defined, [25]
Devise of property, [177]
Diplomacy, defined, [148]
District of Columbia, power of congress over, [130]
Dividends, defined, [86]
Domestic relations, laws regulating, [171]-[177]
Dower, defined, and right of, [183]
Drunkards, contracts made by, when binding, [191]
Dueling, defined, [219]
Duties, imposts and excises, defined, [113]
power of congress to lay, [113]
of tunnage, states may not lay, [120]
protective, by what authority laid, [116], [117]
Easement, defined, (see Right of Way,) [183]
Education, provision for, &c., [79]
Elections, time of, how conducted, &c., [32]-[35]
by plurality, [34]-[35]
by majority, [34]-[35]
Electors, qualifications of, [29]-[31]
(See also Synopsis of the State Constitutions.)
Electors of president and vice-president, how chosen, [140]
Embassadors, ministers, &c, [144], [145]
their appointment and duties, [144], [145]
Embassadors, rights and powers of, [226], [227]
Embezzlement, defined, [218]
Envoys, (see Embassadors.)
Escapes, persons aiding or permitting, punishable, [220]
Excise, defined, and power to lay, [112], [113]
Execution, issuing and collection of, in justices' courts, [67], [68]
exemption from, [68]
Executive department, state, [36], [48]-[50]
of the United States, [138]-[142]
officers of, their appointment and duties, [147]-[150]
Executors, powers and duties of, [179]
Ex post facto laws, passage of, prohibited, [133],[137]
Factor or agent, powers and responsibilities of, [202], [203]
False imprisonment, defined, [220]
Federal, defined, [101]
Fence-viewers, duties of, [58]
Fee and fee-simple, defined, [182], [186]
Felony, power of congress to define and punish, [128]
Florida, constitution of, [258]
Forgery, defined, [218]
Franchise, defined, [31]
Franking privilege, to whom granted, [151]
Fraudulent sales, assignments, &c., [197], [200]
Freedom of speech and of the press, guarantied, [163]
Freehold, freeholder, defined, [31]
Fugitives from justice, provision for the apprehension of, [157]
from service, apprehension and return of, [157], [158]
Fund, defined, [79]
Funds, various kinds of, [79]-[81]
Georgia, constitution of, [257]
Government, civil, defined, [17]
different forms of, [23]-[26]
division of powers of, [35]-[37]
Governor and lieutenant-governor, election and duties of, [48]-[50]
Graves, opening of, punishable, [219]
Great Britain, government of, [28], [29]
Habeas corpus, privilege of writ of, guarantied, [132]
Hereditaments, corporeal and incorporeal, defined, [183]
Highways, supervision and oversight of, [68]
Homicide, various kinds of, defined, [217]
Husband and wife, laws regulating the relation of, [171]-[174]
Idiots and lunatics, contracts by, when binding, [190]
Illinois, constitution of, [272]
Impeachment, trial of, [75]
Imposts, duties, and excises, defined, [113]
Incest, defined, [219]
Incorporated companies, [61]
Independence of the states declared, [97]
Indiana, constitution of, [270]
Indians, power to regulate commerce with, [122]
Indictments, how made, [77]
Innkeepers, liability of, [201]
Insurance companies, [89], [90]
Insurrection and rebellion, defined, [90]
Interest, and rates of, in the different states, [215]
Intestates, descent of property of, [179], [180]
Iowa, constitution of, [276]
Issue, joining of, in justices' courts, [65]
Issues of fact and of law, defined, [71]
Joining issue in justices' courts, [65]
Judges, appointment of, in the states, [70]
how removable, [76]
(See also Synopsis of the State Constitutions.)
of the United States courts, appointment of, [144], [146]
Judgment, rendering of, [65]
concession and collection of, in justices' courts, [67], [68]
Judicial department, state, [63]-[76]
of the United States, [151]-[154]
Jurisdiction, defined, [64]
original and appellate, defined, [70]
Juries in justices' courts, [66], [67]
grand and petit, [71]
Jury, right of trial by, secured, [66], [164], [165]
Justices' courts, proceedings of, [64]-[70]
Justices of the peace, jurisdiction of, [64]
Kentucky, constitution of, [268]
Larceny, grand and petit, defined, [218]
Law, defined, [16]
common and statute, defined, [167]
Laws necessity of, [22]
man fitted for, [17]
political, civil, municipal, defined, [21], [22]
manner of enacting, [43]-[48]
Laws of nations, defined, [221], [223], [224]
Leases, or estates for life, for years, at will, and by sufferance, rent, &c., [186]-[189]
Legislatures, state, how formed, [37]-[40]
meetings of, [40]-[43]
organization and officers of, [41]-[43]
Letters testamentary, and by whom issued, [179]
of administration, and by whom issued, [179]
Libel and slander, law concerning, [168], [169]
Liberty, defined, [20], [167]
of speech and of the press, secured, [163]
of conscience, [19], [170]
Lien, law concerning, [203], [205]
Lieutenant-governor, duties of, [49]
Lords, house of, [29]
Louisiana, constitution of, [262]
Maiming, defined, [217]
Maine, constitution of, [239]
Man, fitted for government and laws, [16], [17]
Mandatary, responsibility of, [200]
Manifest, defined, [121]
Mankind, fitted for society, [15], [17]
Manslaughter, defined, [217]
Marque and reprisal, defined, [129]
power to issue letters of, [129]
states may not issue, [136]
Marriage, law concerning, [171]
Maryland, constitution of, [252]
Massachusetts, constitution of, [242]
Masters, apprentices, and servants, [175]-[177]
Mayor, election and duties of, [60]
Michigan, constitution of, [273]
Militia, regulation of, [90]-[92]
Ministers, public, their appointment and duties, [144], [145]
privilege and powers of, [145], [227]
Minors, rights and liabilities of, [175]
Minnesota, constitution of, [278]
Mints of the United States, [125]
Misdemeanors, defined, [64], [221]
Mississippi, constitution of, [260]
Missouri, constitution of, [265]
Monarchy, defined, [24], [25]
Money, power of congress to borrow, [114]
power of congress to coin, [124]
coining of, by states, prohibited, [136]
how borrowed, [84]
Moral, defined, [16]
law, defined, [21]
Mortgages, land, nature of, [182]
chattel, [199]
Murder, defined, [217]
Nation and state, defined, [17]
Nations, jurisdiction of, [225]
rights and obligations of, [226]-[228]
Naturalization, power to pass laws concerning, [122], [123]
Navigation, regulation of, [119]-[121]
acts of Great Britain, [99]
Navy department, when established, [148]
Negative, or veto, defined, [47]
Neutral nations, rights and duties of, [228], [234]-[237]
New Hampshire, constitution of, [240]
New Jersey, constitution of, [247]
New York, constitution of, [245]
New states, power of congress to admit, [158]
Nonsuit, judgment of, [66]
North Carolina, constitution of, [255]
Notaries public, duties of, [214]
Notes, promissory, [207]-[212]
Oaths of office, [161]
test, forbidden, [161]
Obligation of contracts, may not be impaired, [137]
Obligations of nations, [225]
Offenders, arrest of and examination, [69]
Offenses against the law of nations, power to define, [128]
Ohio, constitution of, [269]
Overseers of highways, duties of, [58]
of poor, duties of, [58]
Pardon and reprieve, power of, [49], [143]
Parent and child, law concerning, [174], [175]
Parliament, how formed, [29]
Parol contracts, defined, [190]
Partnership, law concerning, [205], [207]
Passports, defined, [120], [121]
Patents and copy-rights, how secured, [126], [127]
Patriarch, defined, [23]
Pawnee, liability of, [201]
Peace, treaties of, [237], [238]
Pennsylvania, constitution of, [248]
Pensions, military, [149]
Perjury, defined, [219]
Personal estate, defined, [77]
Piracies and felonies, power of congress concerning, [128]
Pleadings, in justices' courts, [65]
Police courts and justices, [60]
Policy, insurance, defined, [89]
Political law, defined, [21], [27]
power, by whom exercised, [29]-[31]
Poll, defined, [32], [33]
Poll-list, how and by whom kept, [32]
Poll or capitation tax, [76], [77], [133]
Polygamy, defined, [219]
Poor, overseers of, their duties, [58]
Postmaster-general, power and duties of, [149], [150]
Postmasters, appointment and duties of, [149], [150]
compensation of, [149], [150]
Post-offices and post roads, power to establish, [126]
Power of congress to lay and collect taxes, &c., [112]-[114]
to borrow money, [114]
to regulate commerce, [114]-[119]
in relation to naturalization and bankruptcy, [122]-[124]
to coin money, and regulate weights and measures, [124]-[125]
to punish counterfeiting, [125]
to establish post-offices, &c., [126]
to secure patents and copy-rights, [126], [127]
to define and punish piracies, felonies, &c., [128]
to declare war, [128]
to issue letters of marque and reprisal, [129]
to provide for the national defense, generally, [129],[130]
to legislate over the District of Columbia, [130]
to make all necessary and proper laws, [130], [131]
Power of congress to declare punishment of treason, [155]
to admit new states, [158]
to dispose of and regulate territory and other public property, [159]
Powers prohibited to congress, (see prohibitions on congress.)
Premium, defined, [89]
Prescription, right by, [183], [184]
President and vice-president, how chosen, [139]-[141]
President, powers and duties of, [143]-[147]
vacancy in office, how filled, [142]
power of, to fill vacancies, [146]
Principal and agent, responsibility of, [202], [205]
Printing, public, by whom and how done, [52]
Privateering, in what cases authorized, [233], [234]
Prizes in war, how disposed of, [234]
Prohibition on congress--
to abolish the slave trade, [131], [132]
to suspend habeas corpus, [132], [133]
to pass bills of attainder, [133]
to pass ex post facto laws, [133]
in relation to taxation and commerce, [133], [134]
to grant titles of nobility, [135]
Prohibition on the states--
to form treaties, alliances, &c., [135]
to grant letters of marque and reprisal, [136]
to coin money, [136]
to emit bills of credit, [136]
to make anything but coin a tender, [136]
to impair the obligation of contracts, [137]
to pass bills of attainder or ex post facto laws, [137]
to grant titles of nobility, [137]
to lay duties, [137], [138]
Promissory notes, rules concerning, [207]-[212]
Protective duties, nature of described, [116], [117]
Quarantine regulations, [121]
Quorum, defined, [42]
Rail-roads, by what authority and how made, [84], [85]
Ratification of constitution by states, [162]
of treaties, [144]
Ratio of representation in congress, how ascertained, &c., [105], [106]
Real estate, defined, [77]
of intestates, descent of, [179], [180]
Rebellion, defined, [90], [91]
Recognizance, defined, [69]
Recorder or register, county, duties of, [55]
Records, public, proving and effect of, [156], [157]
Registry of vessels, [120]
Religion, freedom in matters of, secured, [163]
Representative, defined, [27], [28]
Representatives, state, how apportioned and elected, [37]-[39]
qualifications of, [40]
Representatives in congress, how apportioned, [105]
qualifications of, [104], [105]
Reprieve and pardon, defined, and power to grant, [49], [143]
Reprisals, power to make, forbidden to states, [136]
Reprisals in war, [229], [230]
Republic, defined, [26]
Republican government, guarantied to the states, [159]
Respondent, defined, [69]
Revenue, defined, [80]
national, how raised, [112]-[114]
Revolution, causes of, [94]-[97]
Rhode Island, constitution of, [243]
Rights and liberty, defined, [18]-[20]
Rights of person and property, defined, [18], [19], [167]
Right of property, how acquired, [16], [177]
Right by prescription, [184]-[186]
Right of way, law concerning, [183], [184]
Right of waters, [183], [185]
Right of search, [236]
Riot, defined, and how suppressed, [220]
Roads, (see Highways.)
Robbery, defined, [218]
School funds, schools, &c., [79]-[82]
Sealer of weights and measures, duty of, [59]
Secretary of state, of state government, [50]
Secretary of state of the United States, duties of, [148]
of the treasury, [148]
of the interior, [149]
of war, [149]
of the navy, [149]
Selectmen, duties of, [57]
Senate, state, how constituted, [38]-[40]
Senators and representatives, qualifications of, [40]
(See State Constitutions.)
Senate of the United States, how formed, [108], [109]
qualifications of members of, [111]
vacancies in, how filled, [110], [111]
Sergeant-at-arms, appointment and duties of, [42]
Servants, rights and liabilities of, [176], [177]
Sheriff and shire, origin of, [53], [54]
powers and duties of, [55]
Slander and libel, law concerning, [168], [169]
Slave trade, not to be prohibited before 1808, [131], [132]
declared piracy, [132]
Society, civil, defined, [17]
mankind fitted for, [15]-[17]
South Carolina, constitution of, [256]
Sovereignty, defined, [24]
Speaker of house and senate, [41]
Specialty, defined, [283]
Spies in war, [233]
State and nation, defined, [17]
State constitutions, synopsis of, [239]-[280]
State officers, executive, [50]-[52]
State records, effect and proof of, [156], [157]
State printer, appointment and business of, [52]
Statute law, defined, [167]
Stocks, public, defined, [84]
Stratagems in war, [233]
Subpœna, nature and service of, [65]
Summons, suits commenced by, [64]-[66]
Superintendent of schools, duties of, [52], [81]
Supervisors, board of, of whom composed, [54]
of towns, duties of, [54], [57]
of highways, duties of, [58]
Surveyor of county, [56]
Surveyor-general, duties of, [52]
Swearing, profane, unlawful, [221]
Synopsis of the state constitutions, [239]-[280]
Taxation, power of congress in relation to, [112]-[114]
Taxes, assessment and collection of, [76]-[78]
how apportioned among the states, [106]-[107]
Tender, what lawful, [136]
Tennessee, constitution of, [266]
Testament, (see Wills and Testaments.)
Texas, constitution of, [263]
Theocracy, defined, and government of, [24]
Town clerk, duties of, [57]
Town officers, election and duties of, [56]-[59]
Towns and townships, organization and powers of, [53], [56]
Treason against states, defined, [217]
power of congress concerning, [155], [156]
attainder of, [155]
Treasurer, of state, duties of, [51]
of county, [54], [55]
of towns, [58]
Treaties, how and by whom made, [244]
by states prohibited, [135]
of peace, [237], [238]
Treaty, defined, [144]
Truces in war, [237]
Trustees of townships, power and duties of, [57]
Tunnage, duties, states prohibited to lay, [119], [120]
Union, nature of the, [101]-[104]
Usury, defined, and forfeiture in case of, [215]
Vacancy, in legislature, how filled, [40]
in United States senate, how filled, [110], [111]
Venire issuing of, [67]
Verdict, defined, and how rendered, [67]
Vermont, constitution of, [241]
Vessels, registry, and measurement of, [120]
Veto, defined, [47]
Veto, in different states, (see State Constitutions.)
Villages, incorporation and government of, [61]
Virginia, constitution of, [253]
Viva voce, voting by, [34]
Voters, qualifications of, in different states, (see State Constitutions.)
War, power of congress to declare, [128]
offensive and defensive, [228], [231]
causes and objects of, [228], [229]
reprisals in, [229], [230]
alliances in, [230], [231]
how declared, [231]
effect of, on the enemy's subjects, [232]
stratagems in, [233]
privateering and prizes, [233], [234]
truces in, [237]
Warrant, prosecution by, [69]
Weights and measures, [59], [125]
Wills and testaments, [177], [179]
Wisconsin, constitution of, [275]