the powers of the states in this section? What was the reason of imposing such restrictions? Ans. The powers here specified, having with a few exceptions, been granted to congress, it was necessary, to prevent interference, and to secure the attainment of the objects for which they were granted to the general government, that the states should be prohibited from their exercise. Some of the powers, as for instance the granting any title of nobility, having been prohibited to congress, were for a like reason prohibited to the states. The states are prohibited from issuing bills of credit; what is here meant by bills of credit? Ans. They are promissory notes or bills for whose payment nothing but the naked faith of the state is pledged, and intended to circulate as money. Bills of a state bank are not included in the term, since they are issued on the credit of a particular fund set apart for the purpose, and the faith of the state is not pledged for their payment, except so far as that fund will go. What was the object of this prohibition? Ans. To prevent the evils of a depreciated paper currency, of which evil the country had had sufficient experience. The states are prohibited from making any thing but gold

and silver coin a tender in payment of debts; what is meant by a tender? Ans. Money offered for the payment of a debt, which if the creditor will not accept, he cannot subject the debtor to the payment of costs. Why are the states prohibited from making any thing but gold and silver a tender? Ans. All other money depending on credit has no fixed, intrinsic value. To compel a creditor to take bills would be compelling him to give credit contrary to his will. What is a law impair. ing the obligation of contracts? Ans. It is a law destroying in whole or in part the force of agreements entered into by states with individuals, or by individuals with each other. What is meant by the inspection laws of a state? Ans. Laws which require articles brought to market to be inspected or examined by officers appointed for the purpose, that their quantity or quality may be ascertained. Their object is to prevent cheating and imposition. What is a duty of tonnage? Ans. A duty laid upon vessels according to the number of tons burthen which they can carry. Why are the states prohibited from entering into agreements with each other? Ans. The power of regulating the intercourse between the states,

has been already vested in congress, and be. sides, the tendency of the rule is to prevent combinations, having either the design or the effect of opposing the operations of the general government.

ARTICLE II.

SEC. 1. In whom is the executive power of the United States government vested? What is the executive power? Ans. The power which causes the laws to be put in execution. How long does the president hold his office ?

Remark. The advantage of vesting the executive power in a single person is very great. Consultation and deliberation are important in making laws, but when once made, they should be executed with promptness and efficiency. Were the executive power confided to several persons, they must consult with each other, wait for each other, and hesitation, indecision, and irregularity would be the inevitable consequence. The old fashioned maxim, "what is the business of every one, is the business of no one," would apply here in its full force. We shall hereafter see that provision is made for affording counsel to the executive, when it

may be required, without essentially detracting from his efficiency. The term of four years for the duration of the president in office, was adopted as sufficient on the one hand, to give him the requisite degree of independence, and on the other to make him sensible of his dependence, and to secure the executive powers from abuse. Besides, more frequent elections would keep the people in a constant state of political agitation, and render the government unstable.

For how long a term is the vice-president chosen?

In what manner are the president and vice-president chosen? Why was the election of these officers not referred, immediately to the people? Ans. The election of officers so important, was supposed to require greater independence, stability, wisdom and information, than could be expected to reside in the people at large. What was the reason of the rule which requires the number of electors in each state, to be equal to the whole number of senators and representatives to which the state may be entitled in congress? Ans. It was to give each state a voice in the elections, somewhat proportioned to its importance; and

at the same time to recognize the existence of the state sovereignties. What is the whole number of electors of president according to the present rule of apportionment? Ans.

288. What persons, is it declared, shall not be appointed electors? What was the reason of this rule? Ans. It is to prevent the existing president from exerting an improper influence with a view to gain a re-election. This he might do from his means of intercourse and influence with such officers, were it not for this prohibition.

Who are authorized to determine the time of choosing the electors? What is the time which congress have determined? Ans. It must be within thirty-four days of the day of election. Who are authorized to determine the day on which they shall give their votes? What is the day as determined by congress? Ans. The first Wednesday in December, in every fourth year succeeding the last election. Why is it required that the day of voting shall be the same throughout the United States? Ans. By making the day of election the same in every state, the result in no one state can be made use of to influence the election in anothBy a knowledge of the result in one

er.