that is, the right of all male citizens over 21 years of age to vote, is the rule, though in eight States paupers have no vote, and in a few, a certain amount of education is required (generally enough to read the State constitution).  The number of members in the State legislatures varies greatly.  In the Senate, Delaware has the smallest number (9), and Illinois the largest (51).  In the lower House, Delaware has likewise the smallest number (21), while New Hampshire has the greatest (321).

The Lieutenant-Governor of the State is ex officio President of the Senate.  In all States, except six, sessions of the legislature are held only once every other year, and even then the length of the session is limited to a fixed number of days.  As in Congress, business is conducted by means of committees, but are in both Houses elected by ballot.  The State legislatures have full charge and control of all local governments within their individual States.  The Senate has the power of trying impeachments of State officials.  It also ratifies appointments of the Governor.  In all States, except four, acts of the legislature require the signature of the Governor before they become laws.  To pass a bill over a veto requires in twenty-three States a two-thirds vote in both Houses; in two, a three-fifths vote, and in nine, a majority vote of the total number of members.  A State legislature can enact no law which will be effective beyond its own boundaries.

_#State Executive.#_—­The chief executive of the State is the Governor.  Other chief officials are the Lieutenant-Governor, Treasurer, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor, and Superintendent of Public Instruction.  The term of office of the Governor varies in different States from one to four years.  He has but small powers of appointment, most of the State officials being elected by the people.  In all but four States he has a veto on legislation.  He has the power of pardoning.  The Lieutenant-Governor is President of the Senate.

_#State Judiciary.#_—­The State judiciary includes three sets of courts: 

    1.  A Supreme Court of Appeals, the highest court, from which cases
    involving Federal questions may be appealed to the Supreme Court of
    the United States.

    2.  Superior courts of record.

    3.  Various local courts, such as county courts, corporation courts,
    etc.

Each State recognizes the judgments of other States, and gives credit to their public acts and records, and delivers up to justice, on demand of the executive, any criminal fleeing from other States into her borders.  In most of the States the judges are elected by the people, though in eight they are appointed by the Governor, and in five by the legislature.  The Attorney-General conducts cases in which the State is a party, and manages other legal business in which the State is interested.

CHAPTER XV.