This constitution was adopted on the 17th of September, 1787. A congress composed of a senate and house of representatives exercises such legislative power, as was delegated to it by the constitution.

The representatives must have attained the age of twenty-five years, and have been seven years citizens; they must, also, be inhabitants of the states in which they are chosen. Their term of service is for two years. There can only be one representative for forty thousand free persons, calculating in this number of forty thousand, five slaves as three free men, or 66,000 blacks as 40,000 whites. This proportion may, however, be changed after a new census. By the constitution the number of representatives cannot exceed one for every thirty thousand inhabitants; but each state must have, at least, one representative.

Every state sends two senators. They are elected for six years; they must have attained the age of thirty years; have been citizens of the United States for nine years, and be inhabitants of the state which elects them. The senators are divided into classes, so that one-third go out every two years.

The house of representatives impeaches for state crimes. The senate tries them. The concurrence of two-thirds of the votes is required for a conviction, and the judgment only extends to disqualification to hold an office under the United States. But the convicted party may be, afterwards, prosecuted before the ordinary tribunals, sentenced and punished according to law.

Congress assembles at least once a year. A majority of each house constitutes a quorum to do business.. Each house makes its own rules, punishes its own members for disorderly behaviour, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, may expel a member.

The senators and representatives receive a compensation, which is paid out of the treasury of the United States. They cannot be arrested during the session, nor in going to or returning from the place of meeting.

They cannot be questioned elsewhere for any speech or debate in either house.

No senator or representative can hold any office under the authority of the United States.

The bills passed in the two houses are presented to the president, and become laws when he has approved them. He can refuse his assent; but the bill acquires the force of a law, if two-thirds of each house insist on it after the president has returned it with his objections. This is likewise the case, if the president does not state his objections within ten days.

Congress has power to impose taxes, to contract loans, to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with the Indian tribes, to coin money and establish post offices, to constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court, and punish piracy and offences against the law of nations, to de

* Eight dollars a day, or forty-two francs for each senator and representative. The allowance for travelling expenses is regulated by the distance, and is eight dollars for every twenty miles.

clare war, and grant letters of marque and reprisal. It is also authorized to raise and support armies and navies; but no appropriation for the army can be made for a longer term than two years. It may call out the militia to execute the laws of the Union and repel.invasions.

No money can be drawn from the treasury, except by virtue of a law, and statements of the receipts and expenditures are made public.

The presidents of the United States never omit, when they enter on their duties, to proclaim the principles which they purpose following. The forms of expression may be different, but the essential part of the declaration always consists in an engagement to be equally just towards all, without distinction of religious or political principles. Peace, commerce, and friendship with all nations, render useless, in their opinion, treaties of alliance, which they, moreover, consider at variance with true independence. They engage to maintain the authority of the general government in its constitutional vigour, as the best guarantee of tranquillity at home and peace abroad, and to support the state governments in all their rights.

They recommend to the people to be attentive to the privileges of the elective franchise, to be obedient to the decisions of the majority, and to support the supremacy of the civil over the military authority. They promise to carry on the administration with economy, to preserve the public faith untouched, to encourage agriculture and commerce, its principal agent; and,

finally, to watch attentively over the education of the citizens, the free exercise of religion, personal liberty, and the independence of the press.

The expectations which these speeches afford become a contract, which is faithfully observed. To infringe or elude it would be to destroy the very foundation of the government, which is good faith. Jefferson, on being raised to the presidency of the United States on the 4th of March, 1801, declared that in order to leave to his family the legacy of an honoured name, he must thenceforth occupy himself exclusively with the public business and with the promotion of his country's happiness. His presidency lasted eight years, and history teaches us how wisely and successfully he responded to the appeal which he had made to himself.

The president and vice-president of the United States are named for four years. They are elected in every state by special electors, who are neither senators nor representatives, and who do not hold any office of profit or trust under the authority of congress. No person, except a native citizen of the age of at least thirty-five years, or one who was a citizen on the 17th of September, 1787, can be named president. This magistrate is commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the United States, and of the militia, when they are called into the actual service of the Union. He grants reprieves or pardons for crimes and offences against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. He has power to make treaties, with the advice and consent of the senate, provided two-thirds of the members present concur. He names, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, ambassadors, public ministers, consuls, and judges of the Supreme Court. He fills up all the vacancies that may occur during the recess of the senate, by granting commissions which expire at the end of the next session.

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The presidents of congress, under the old confederation, had the title of excellency. It is now only employed with reference to the governors of states. This emphatic appellation is all that remains in the United States of the forms of flattery, which European courtiers borrowed from the East, and which their masters eagerly adopted.

The president and vice-president, and all other civil officers of the United States may be removed from office on an impeachment for, and conviction of treason, and other high crimes and misdemeanors.

Every thing that is within the scope of the powers of congress is forbidden to the separate states. They cannot, without its consent, lay any duties on imports, nor keep in time of peace troops or vessels of war, nor make agreements or compacts with one another, or with foreign powers, nor engage in war, unless actually invaded or in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay.

The privilege of habeas corpus cannot be suspended, unless, when in case of rebellion or invasion, the public safety requires it.

There is at Washington a power, which has neither