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.

Massachusetts.

The constitution of this state was formed in 1780.  It has been several times amended.

Electors. Every male citizen, except paupers and persons under guardianship, having resided in the state one year, in the town or district six months; and having paid a tax within two years, or is legally exempt from taxation.

Legislature—­styled general court.  Senate, forty members, chosen in districts, and apportioned according to population; residents of the state five years, and inhabitants of the districts they represent.  Representatives are apportioned among the towns and cities.  Every town or city containing 1,200 inhabitants, is entitled to one, and an additional one for every 2,400 additional inhabitants.  Residence one year in the towns they represent.

Bills passed against the veto by two-thirds majorities—­or become laws if not returned within five days, unless the legislature by adjournment, prevent their return.

Executive. The governor is chosen annually, by majority.  If no candidate has a majority, the house elects two of those voted for, (not exceeding four,) having the highest numbers of votes, of which two the senate elects a governor.  He must have resided in the state seven years, and declare himself to be of the Christian religion.  A council of nine, elected annually by joint ballot of the two houses, act with the governor in pardons and appointments, and in directing the affairs of state generally.  Counselors must have resided in the state five years.

The secretary, treasurer, receiver-general, commissary-general, notaries public, and naval officers, are chosen annually by the legislature.

Judiciary. A supreme judicial court and a court of common pleas, held in every county of the state, and courts held by justices of the peace.  All judicial officers are appointed by the governor and council; justices of the higher courts during good behavior, justices of the peace for seven years.  The former are removable by the governor and council, or address of the legislature.

The attorney-general, the solicitor-general, sheriffs, coroners, and registers of probate, are appointed as justices.

Amendments agreed to by a majority of the senators and two-thirds of the representatives at two successive sessions, are submitted to the qualified voters of the state for ratification.

Rhode Island.

A charter granted in 1663, by Charles II, to the Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, continued, with some modifications, the basis of government of this state, until 1842, when the present constitution was adopted.

Electors. Every male native citizen, resident in the state two years, in the town or city six months, and having within a year paid a tax of $1, or has done military duty.  Also every naturalized citizen, resident in the state one year, in the town or city six months, owning real estate worth $134 above all incumbrances, or which rents for $7 a year.  Voters in this state must be registered in the town clerk’s office, at least seven days before they offer their votes.