the oppressed, a home for the suffering friend of liberty, was kept in view. The British constitution requires that the representatives in the house of commons should possess a certain amount of property. Our constitution, founded on more republican principles, opens the door to merit independently of such considerations. The British constitution allows persons to be eligible as representatives at the age of twenty-one. Ours at the age of twenty-five. This was, as has been before intimated, on the ground that it was not to be supposed that persons under this age would in general possess sufficient wisdom and judgment.

In what manner are representatives apportioned among the several states? Ans. According to their respective numbers. How are the respective numbers determined? What is meant by three-fifths of all other persons? Ans. In some of the states the free population, in consequence of the employment of slave-laborers, is small compared with that of the non-slave-holding states. The three-fifths of all other persons, or the slaves, are included in the enumeration, in order that these states may have a number of representatives proportioned to their importance. Why are In

dians not taxed excluded? Ans. Because they are considered as having no interest in the government of the United States, being merely dependent on it, and enjoying in some sort its protection as a favor. When was the first actual enumeration to be made? How often was it to be afterwards made? In what manner was it to be made?

What is the making of enumeration of the people of the United States termed? Ans. Taking the census. When was the first census taken? Ans. In 1790. How many census have been taken in all? Ans. Five. When was the last census taken? Ans. In 1830. Why are direct taxes apportioned among the states in the same manner as representatives? Ans. It is on the principle that representation and taxation go together; the slave population being in part taken into the account in apportioning the representatives, it was considered right that they should also be taken into the account in apportioning taxes among the states. Is the mode of raising money by direct taxes ever resorted to? Very rarely. What are direct taxes in the meaning of the constitution? Ans. It has been decided by the supreme court of the

Ans.

United States, that they may be of two kinds, a poll-tax or tax on persons, and a tax on land. What number of inhabitants entitle to one representative? Ans. Every state is allowed to have at least one, whatever may be the number of its inhabitants; aside from this rule, the representatives must not exceed one for every thirty thousand inhabitants, but congress may by law require that a larger num. ber shall be necessary. What is the number at present required for one representative by law of congress? Ans. By act of congress of 1832, the number is fixed at one for every 47,700 inhabitants. What is the present number in the house of representatives? Ans. 240. Why is congress allowed to enlarge the number necessary to entitle to a representative? Ans. If they were not allowed to do so, as the population of the United States increases, the house of representatives would become too large.

When vacancies happen in the representation of any state, how are they to be supplied? Who are the executive authority of the states? Ans. The governors. What is a writ of election? Ans. It is a written order from a governor to a sheriff, commanding him to

assemble the voters for the purposes of an election.

Who choose the speaker and other officers of the house of representatives? What are the duties of the speaker? Ans. To preside over the deliberations of the house, and to appoint committees who shall examine the different subjects which may come before the house, and report thereon.

Remark. The office of speaker is borrowed from the British constitution. The lord chancellor is the speaker of the house of lords. He is appointed by the king. The speaker of the house of commons is chosen by the house, but must be approved by the king.

What other officers has the house of representatives? Ans. Clerks, chaplain, a sergeant-at-arms, door-keepers, a post-master, messengers, &c. Who have the sole power of impeachment ? What is impeachment ? Ans. It is the formal accusation of a public officer for misconduct in the discharge of the duties of his office. What public officers may be impeached by the house of representatives? Ans. The president, vice-president, and all

civil officers of the United States. [See Article II. Sec. 4.]

Remark. Impeachment by the house of representatives is derived from the British constitution. The house of commons bring impeachments before the house of lords.

SEC. 3. Of whom is the senate of the United States composed? Why was the senate made so much smaller than the house of

numerous.

representatives? Ans. The house of representatives was particularly designed to preserve the popular rights, to represent the interests and to speak the feelings of the people at large, therefore their number was made But as large assemblies are more liable to be influenced by sudden passion, and by demagogues, the senate was made small that they might serve as a check upon such evils in the house of representatives. What is the origin of the words, senate and senators? Ans. They are derived from the Latin word senex or senis, an old man. Senators were so called under the Roman constitution, because old men on account of their greater wisdom were chosen to the office. To which branch of the British government does our senate correspond? Ans. To the house of lords. What