has a voice in determining the most important questions, and it is essential that universal instruction should be the companion of universal suffrage. The course of education in common schools ought to be adapted to the duties which may devolve upon the person instructed; and it is to be regretted that in most of the schools there is no attention paid to giving a young man instruction in regard to the peculiar duties which devolve upon him as a free citizen of a representative government. Each scholar ought to have an opportunity in the schools, of becoming acquainted with the principles of our Constitution and Laws, and be enabled to understand something of our State and national government."

Every man who loves his Constitution and Laws, will readily respond to the language of the Hon. Secretary, "that universal instruction should be the companion of universal suffrage." When the voice of every citizen is heard in determining the most important questions, upon which often hang the issues of life and death, that voice should come from those who know what they are doing. But how can "universal instruction" be diffused among the great mass of our citizens? They cannot study to advantage our Constitution and Laws in the form in which they are laid down in our law-books; besides, the price of these books precludes their use in schools or families. Then some one must submit to the task of reducing the whole to a cheap, attractive form. He must adapt the whole to the capacity of the learner. He must critically analyze the whole, and lead the mind of the learner clearly to every important fact. He must present this fact in such a manner that the learner will be able to perceive, fix, and secure it in his mind at once. It is indeed a laborious task. The spirit and the letter of the law must be retained as far as possible, but the capacity of the learner must never be lost sight of.

In preparing this work I have kept these ideas prominently in view, and how far I have succeeded in my undertaking the public will judge. I would gladly have surrendered the task to abler hands, could I have found those willing to undertake it. This work is not without its errors, and fair and manly criticism is earnestly solicited. I shall gladly hail any effort from a more skilful pen-from an author who better understands the human intellect-who loves his country and his laws more ardently than I do-to prepare a work which shall supersede my humble effort. THE AUTHOR.

WHEN was the present Constitution of the State of New York formed?

In 1821.

When was this constitution ratified by the people and the former constitution of the State abandoned ?

In 1822.

According to the present constitution, where is the Legislative power vested?

In Senate and Assembly.

Of how many members does the Senate consist?

Thirty-two.

For what time chosen ?

Four years.

Must the Senators be freeholders ?

They must.

Who are freeholders ?

Persons holding real estate in their own right.

Of how many members does the Assembly consist?
One hundred and twenty-eight.

What part of each house constitutes a quorum to do business?
A majority⠀⠀

"

Who form the rules by which each house is to be governed?

Each house forms its own rules-judges of the qualifications of its own members-and chooses its own officers. Who presides in the Senate?

The Lieutenant Governor.

If he is absent from the Senate, who presides?

The Senate choose a President.

What is each house required to keep?

A journal.

How much of this journal is to be published?

All, except such parts as require secresy.

When shall both houses keep open doors?

At all times, except when the public welfare shall require secresy.

How long can one house adjourn without the consent of the other? For only two days.

Into how many senatorial districts is the State divided?

Eight.

How many Senators are chosen in each district?

Four.

How many Senators are chosen each year?

One from each district.

How often may the senatorial districts be altered?

Once in ten years.

For what purpose may they be altered?

To give each senatorial district an equal number of inhabitants, or nearly an equal number.

Can a county be divided in forming a senatorial district?

It cannot.

How often are the inhabitants of the State numbered?

In forming the senatorial districts according to the number of inhabitants, who are excluded?

Aliens, paupers, and persons of color not taxed.

How are the members of Assembly chosen ?

By counties.

How are the members of Assembly apportioned among the several counties?

According to the number of their respective inhabitants. By whom is this apportionment made?

By the Legislature.

When shall it be made?

At its first session after the return of every enumeration.
Every county is entitled to what number of representatives ?
To at least one.

Where may bills originate?

In either house.

What is the greatest compensation that can be allowed to the members of the Legislature?

Three dollars a day.

Can a member of the Legislature receive a civil appointment from the Governor and Senate, or from the Legislature, during the time for which he is elected ?

He cannot.

Can a member of Congress, or any person holding a civil or military office under the United States, hold a seat in the Legislature ?

He cannot.

If a member of the Legislature be elected to Congress, or appointed to any office civil or military under the Government of the United States, what effect does his acceptance thereof have?

It shall vacate his seat in the Legislature.

After a bill has passed both houses of the State Legislature, what is necessary before it becomes a law?

That it be presented to the Governor for his signature. If the Governor thinks that the bill ought not to become a law and therefore refuses to sign it, what is his duty ?

To send it, with his objections, to the house in which it shall have originated.

What is the duty of the house, on receiving the Governor's objections, returned with the bill?

To enter the objections at large on their journal, and to proceed to reconsider the bill.

What number of the members of both houses of the Legislature is necessary in re-passing a bill, that it may become a law without the signature of the Governor ?

Two-thirds.

In how many days will a bill become a law, if not returned after it is sent to the Governor ?

In ten days, (Sunday excepted), unless the Legislature, by its adjournment, prevent its return.

How may officers, holding their offices during good behavior, be removed from office ?

By the joint resolution of both houses of the Legislature.

What part of all the members elected to each house must concur therein ?

Two-thirds of the Assembly and a majority of the Senate.

When does the political year commence ?