Legislature--styled general assembly. Representatives are apportioned among the towns according to population. Any elector is eligible to either house. Senators, not less than eighteen, nor more than twenty-four, are chosen in districts, the number of which is not to be less than eight, nor more than twenty-four. Quorum, a majority.
Bills rejected by the governor may be again passed by a majority of each house. Bills become laws also if not returned by the governor within three days, unless the legislature sooner adjourn.
Executive. A governor and lieutenant-governor are elected annually. Any qualified elector thirty years of age is eligible. Election by majority. In case of a failure to elect, the general assembly chooses a governor from the two having the highest numbers of votes.
A treasurer, a secretary, and a controller of public accounts, are elected as the governor and lieutenant-governor. A sheriff is elected in each county for three years.
Judiciary. A supreme court, a superior court, and such inferior courts as the legislature shall establish. The judges are appointed by the general assembly; the judges of the supreme and superior courts for eight years; removable by the governor on address of two-thirds of each house. Judges of probate are chosen annually by the electors in districts; justices of the peace in the towns.
Amendments are proposed by a majority of the house of representatives, approved by two-thirds of both houses of the next legislature and a majority of the electors at an election.
New York.
The first constitution of this state was formed in 1777; the second in 1821, and adopted in 1822; the present was formed and adopted in 1846.
Electors. Every white male citizen, resident in the state a year, and in the county four months, and thirty days in the district which the person voted for is to represent. Naturalized persons must have been admitted as citizens ten days before voting. Colored men must have resided in the state three years, own a freehold of $250 in value over incumbrances, and have paid a tax thereon.
Legislature. Senate, thirty-two members elected in single districts for two years. Assembly, one hundred and twenty-eight members, apportioned among the counties. Counties entitled to more than one member are divided into districts and a member is elected in each district. A census is taken, and a new apportionment made every ten years. A majority is a quorum to do business. The final passage of bills requires a majority of all the members. Bills may be passed against the veto by two-thirds majorities. They become laws if not returned within ten days, unless their return is prevented by adjournment.