is the present number of senators? Ans. 48. What is the reason of the rule which makes the number of senators the same in all the states, placing the smallest states on an equality with the largest? Ans. It was adopted out of regard to the idea of equality of the state sovereignties under the confederation. The people of the smaller states, probably would not have been willing to ratify the constitution, if their former equality in the congress had been entirely abolished, and their representation in the senate as well as in the house of representatives, been based upon their respective numbers. What was the reason of the rule which directs the senators to be chosen by the legislatures of the states, instead of being chosen directly by the people? Ans. This too was from a regard to the confederation. All the members of congress having been before chosen by the state legislatures, it might not have been practicable to exclude them at once from all concern in the national government. There existed at the time of the formation of the constitution, fears that the general government would crush the state governments and eventually destroy them. This rule would tend to alleviate such fears. It recognizes their inde.

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pendent existence and their sovereignty. As the senate is intended, as before remarked, to operate as a check upon the house of representatives, in this respect there may be an advantage in this rule. The senate will be more likely to be an independent and distinct body, chosen as the senators are, than if they were chosen in the same manner as the representatives. For how long time are the senators chosen? Why are they chosen for a longer time than the representatives? Ans. First, that not being liable to be deprived of their offices so soon as the representatives, they may feel that degree of independence which is necessary in order to check any hasty or improper measures undertaken in the other house. Secondly, that they may have time to acquire that knowledge of business and that experience which it is ne cessary should exist in some branch of the government. Thirdly, a frequent and entire change of the members of both the legislative branches would produce a constant change in the measures of the government, and render its character unstable.

Remark. The Athenian democracy, under which the people met in person and enacted laws, is an eminent instance of the mischiefs

which result from large, popular assemblies. They were instigated by designing demagogues, to the most pernicious acts; they banished the most deserving citizens, and enacted laws one day, for the sake, as it would seem, of annulling them the next. Many examples to the same purport might be cited.

Into how many classes were the senators who should be chosen at the first election under the constitution, to be divided? In what `time were the seats of senators of the first class to be vacated? Of the second class? Of the third class? What proportion of the whole number of every class of senators would thus be chosen every second year? What is the object of this rule? Ans. It is in the first place, that there may always be in the senate members who have had experience in business, which might not be the case if the seats of all the senators were vacated at the same time. In the second place, this arrangement is calculated to give the people greater confidence in the senate than they would have if it remained six years without change in its members. In the third place, there is less danger of combinations among the senators to abuse their pow. Whence was this arrangement borrow.

er.

ed? Ans. From the constitutions of some of the state governments. Virginia gave the first example of such an arrangement. How was the division of senators made in the first instance? Ans. By lot. If vacancies in the senate happen during the recess of any state legislature, how are they to be supplied?

What qualifications for senators, are required by the constitution? Why are the qualifica. tions for senators made higher than those for representatives? Ans. Greater wisdom and a more tried devotion to the country is required in the senate since they are intended to serve as a check upon the more popular branch of the government, and also upon the president in the appointment of certain officers, and in the making of treaties.

Who is the president of the senate? In what case alone is he entitled to vote?

What other officers has the senate besides a president? Ans. A secretary, and officers similar to those of the house of representatives. By whom are the officers of the senate chosen? In the absence of the vice-president or when he acts as president of the United States who presides in the senate?

Who have the sole power of trying all im

peachments? What is meant by trying im peachments? Ans. Hearing the accusation brought against any officer by the house of representatives, listening to the evidence and deciding whether the accused is guilty or not guilty. When sitting as a court of impeachment the senate must be on oath or affirmation, like juries in ordinary courts.

What is

the difference between an oath and an affirmation? Ans. In an oath, the words "I solemnly swear" are used, and the oath closes with an appeal to the Supreme Being. In an affirmation, the word "affirm" is substituted for swear, and the affirmant simply promises to do what he affirms, on pain of suffering certain penalties. Who presides in the senate when the president of the United States is tried? What proportion of the members present must concur in order to convict the accused?

What are the proper effects of judgment in cases of impeachment? Does conviction in cases of impeachment prevent the convicted being also tried and punished for his offence by law?

SEC. 4. Who are authorized to prescribe the times, places and manner of holding elections for senators and representatives? What