This state formed a constitution and was admitted into the union, in 1816. The present constitution was adopted in 1851.
Electors. White male citizens, having resided in the state six months. Also foreigners who have resided in the United States one year, in the state six months, and have declared their intention to become citizens.
Legislature--styled general assembly. The number of senators may not exceed fifty; the number of representatives may not exceed one hundred; both to be chosen in their respective counties or districts, senators for four years, one-half every two years; representatives for two years. Both are apportioned according to the number of white male inhabitants twenty-one years of age, every six years. They must have been citizens of the state two years; of the county or district, one year. Senators must be twenty-five years of age.
Quorum, two-thirds. Bills must be finally passed by majorities of all the members elected. The same majorities enact a bill disapproved by the governor. If he does not return a bill within three days, it is a law, unless its return is prevented by adjournment; in which case it will be a law, unless he shall, within five days after the adjournment, file the bill, with his objections, in the office of the secretary of state, who shall lay the same before the general assembly at the next session, as if it had been returned by the governor. Bids may not be presented to the governor within two days previous to the adjournment.
Executive. The governor is elected for four years; and is eligible only four years in eight. Age, thirty years; citizenship, five years; state residence, five years. A lieutenant-governor.
A secretary of state, an auditor, and a treasurer, are elected for two years, and are eligible four years in six.
Judiciary. A supreme court, circuit courts, and such inferior courts as the general assembly may establish. Judges of the supreme court, not less than three nor more than five, one in each district, are elected by the electors of the state at large, for six years. Circuit courts consist of a judge for each judicial circuit, chosen by the electors thereof, for six years; and a prosecuting attorney for the circuit, for two years. Justices of the peace are elected for four years in the townships.
There are elected in each county, a clerk of the circuit court, an auditor, a recorder, a treasurer, a sheriff, a coroner, and a surveyor; the first three for four years; the others for two years. The sheriff and treasurer are eligible only four years in eight; the first three eight years in twelve.
Amendments must be agreed to by two successive legislatures, a majority of all the members of each house concurring, and ratified by the electors of the state.