Page:Arkansas Constitution 1874.pdf/200

188 to the number of free white males in each county, as above prescribed.

The general assembly may at any time propose such amendments to this constitution as two-thirds of each house shall deem expedient, which shall be published in all the newspapers published in this state, three several times, at least twelve months before the next general election; and if, at the first session of the general assembly after such general election, two- thirds of each house shall, by yeas and nays, ratify such pro- posed amendments, they shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as parts of this constitution. Provided, That such proposed amendments shall be read on three several days, in each house, as well when the same are proposed, as when they are finally ratified.

1. The supreme executive power of this state shall be vested in a chief magistrate, who shall be styled "The governor of the state of Arkansas."

2. The governor shall be elected by the qualified electors, at the time and places where they shall respectively vote for representatives.

3. The returns of every election for governor shall be sealed up and transmitted to the speaker of the house of representatives, who shall, during the first week of the session, open and publish them in the presence of both houses of the general assembly. The person having the highest number of votes shall be the governor; but if two or more shall be equal and highest in votes, one of them shall be chosen governor by the joint vote of both houses. Contested elections for governor shall be determined by both houses of the general assembly, in such manner as shall be prescribed by law.

4. The governor shall hold his office for the term of four years from the time of his installation, and until his successor shall be duly qualified; but he shall not be eligible for more than eight years in any term of twelve years. He shall