"The number of representatives shall not be less than twenty-seven, nor more than thirty-six, until the number of inhabitants within the state amount to one hundred thousand; and the number of senators shall never be less than one-third, nor more than onehalf, the number of representatives." The executive power is vested in a governor, who is elected by the people for four years; and he is not eligible for two terms in succession. At the election for governor, a lieutenant governor is also chosen, who is speaker of the senate, and on whom, in case the governor vacates his office, the duties of governor devolve. The representatives, and one-half the senators, are elected biennally, on the first Monday in August; and the governor is chosen every fourth year, on the same day. The governor receives a salary fixed by law, which cannot be reduced during his continuance in office; the lieutenant governor, and members of the legislature, receive a per diem allowance, for each day's actual service; every legislature prescribing its own pay, by a special appropriation. The general assembly meets once in two years, at Vandalia, on the first Monday in December, next following the election; and the governor is authorized to convene it, on extraordinary occasions, at other times. The governor, together with the judges of the supreme court, constitute a council of revision, with the power to approve, or disapprove the bills about to be passed into laws by the legislature. If a majority of the council approve any bill sent to them, it becomes a law. If they retain a bill sent to them, ten days, it becomes a law. If they object to a bill, they are required to return the same, with their objections in writing, to the branch in which it originated; and the bill may then be amended to suit the objections of the council, or passed, notwithstanding their dissent, by a majority of all the members elected. All white male inhabitants, above the age of twentyone years, having resided in the state six months, next preceding an election, have the right of suffrage. No person holding an office under the United States, or this state, except postmasters, and justices of the peace, can be a member of the legislature. No person holding an office of honor or profit under the United States, can hold an office under this state. The judicial power is vested in a supreme court, and such inferior courts, as the general assembly may establish. The judges are appointed by joint ballot of both branches of the general assembly, and hold their offices during good behavior. The supreme and circuit courts have power to appoint their own clerks. The judges of the supreme and inferior courts, are to have competent salaries, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office. Slavery is prohibited. "The mode of levying a tax shall be by valuation, so that every person shall pay a tax in proportion to the value of the property" in his possession. There shall be no other banks or monied institu tions in this state but those already provided for by law, except a state bank and its branches, which may be established and regulated by the general assembly, as they may think proper. The people have a right to instruct their representatives. In prosecutions for libel, the truth may be given in evidence. No person shall be imprisoned for debt, unless upon refusal to deliver up his estate, for the benefit of his creditors, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law, or in cases where there is a strong presumption of fraud. There is a county court, composed of three commissioners, elected every two years by the people, which has jurisdiction in all matters relating to the county revenue. An accurate statement of the receipts and expenditures of public money, shall be attached to, and published with the laws, at the rising of each general assembly. The state treasurer, auditor, attorney general, and public printer, are, under the constitution, elected by the general assembly. The rest of the constitution conforms with the usual frame of those instruments throughout the Union. Missouri, after passing through the different grades of territorial government, was authorized, by an act approved March 6, 1820, to form a constitution and state government; and similar conditions were extended to her, in relation to grants of land for the support of schools, as have been detailed in reference to the other states. Her constitution differs but little from those which we have noticed. The term of service of the governor is four years, and he is not eligible for two terms in succession. Senators are chosen every four years, and members of the house of representatives every two years. The legislature meets once in two years. Ministers of the gospel, are excluded from sitting in the general assembly, and from holding any office of profit, except that of justice of the peace. Slavery is tolerated. "The judicial powers, as to matters of law and equity, shall be vested in a supreme court, in a chancellor, in circuit courts, and in such inferior tribunals as the legislature may, from time to time, ordain and establish." The supreme court consists of three judges, and has appellate jurisdiction only. It has power to issue writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, quo warranto, certiorari, and other original remedial writs, and to hear and determine the same. A single judge presides in the circuit court, which has the usual original jurisdiction. "The governor shall nominate, and by and with the consent of the senate, appoint the judges of the supreme court, the judges of the circuit court, and the chancellor; each of whom shall hold his office during good behavior, and shall receive, for his services, a compensation which shall not be diminished during his continuance in office, and which shall not be less than two thousand dollars annually." |