The first constitution of this state was adopted in 1790; and the state was admitted with the same in 1792. Another was adopted in 1799; and the present in 1850.
Legislature--styled general assembly. The house of representatives consists of one hundred members, elected for two years; apportioned among the counties in proportion to the qualified voters. Age, twenty-four years; state residence, two years; county, one year. When a city or town has a sufficient number of voters, it may elect one or more representatives. Senate, thirty-eight members, one elected in each district for four years; one-half every two years. Age, thirty years; residence in the state six years, in the district, one year.
Bills vetoed by the governor, if again passed by majorities of all the members elected, are laws; also if not returned by him within ten days, unless the return is prevented by adjournment; in which case they become laws, unless sent back within three days after the commencement of the next session.
Executive. The governor is elected for four years, and is ineligible the next four. Age, thirty-five years; residence in the state six years. A lieutenant-governor.
A treasurer for two years; and an auditor of public accounts, a register of the land-office, and an attorney-general for four years, are chosen by the electors.
Judiciary. A supreme court, styled court of appeals, consisting of four judges, one to be elected in each district for eight years, in such rotation that one may be elected every two years. Should the number be changed, the principle of electing one every two years is to be preserved. A circuit court to be held in each county by a district judge, one to be elected in each of the twelve judicial districts, for six years. The number of districts may be increased, but may not exceed sixteen until the population shall exceed 1,500,000. A county court in each county, consisting of a presiding judge and two associates, elected for four years. Other inferior courts may be established by law.
Justices of the peace in each county are elected in districts, two in each district for four years, and a constable for four years. A state's attorney for each judicial district; a sheriff in each county, for two years, and several other county officers.
Electors. White male citizens who have resided in the state two years; in the county, town, or city, one year; and in the precinct in which they offer to vote, sixty days.
Amendments by conventions only are provided for. No convention may be called by the legislature, until a majority of all the voters of the state shall have voted at two successive elections in favor of calling a convention.