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The government class book / Designed for the instruction of youth in the principles of constitutional government and the rights and duties of citizens. cover

The government class book / Designed for the instruction of youth in the principles of constitutional government and the rights and duties of citizens.

Chapter 215: Vermont.
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About This Book

The text is an elementary civics manual aimed at school-age readers that explains the organization and powers of constitutional government, the rights and duties of citizens, and the structure of federal, state, and local institutions. It defines common political and legal terms, addresses municipal incorporation and administration, and uses clear explanations and review questions to make complex processes accessible. Emphasis is placed on preparing youth for responsible participation in self-government, promoting informed voting, civic responsibility, and a practical understanding of laws and public duties.

Vermont.

This state was admitted into the Union in 1791, with a constitution formed in 1777; the present one was adopted in 1793, and has been several times amended.

Electors. Citizens having resided in the state one year, of quiet and peaceable behavior, are entitled to all the privileges of freemen, by taking an oath that, in giving their votes, they will so do it as they believe will conduce to the best good of the state.

Legislature. Senate, thirty members, elected annually; apportioned among the counties according to population, each county to have at least one senator; age, thirty years; freemen of the county. Representatives are elected in towns, each town being entitled to at least one representative; resident of the state two years, of the town one year.

Quorum, a majority. For raising a tax, two-thirds of the members elected must be present.

Bills vetoed by the governor may be again passed by simple majorities. Bills not returned by the governor within five days become laws, unless their return is prevented by adjournment.

Executive. The governor is elected annually by majority. If no person has a majority, the legislature chooses one of the three highest. Resident of the state four years. A lieutenant-governor.

A secretary of state, chosen by the two houses; a treasurer, elected as governor and lieutenant-governor.

Judiciary. A supreme court and county courts; the judges chosen annually by the senate and house; justices of the peace are elected in the towns; judges of probate in districts; assistant judges of county courts, sheriffs, high bailiffs, and state's attorneys, in their respective counties.

Amendments. A council of thirteen censors, chosen every seven years, examines into the different departments, and have power to call a convention to amend the constitution.