Page:Narrative of an Official Visit to Guatemala.djvu/275

CH. XVIII.] to regulate the coinage. A senate composed of two senators, elected, popularly, by each of the states, is appointed to give sanction to the law, and to assist with its advice the executive power, in weighty matters. It has also the power of proposing for nomination to the chief offices or employments of the federation, and watches over the conduct of the individuals employed. The president, elected by the people, is invested with the executive power, taking care that the law is fulfilled, entering, with the previous advice of the senate, into negociations and treaties with foreign powers, directing the military force, and nominating the functionaries of the federation. A vice-president, elected also by the people, is authorized to act for the president in certain cases established by law. — A supreme court of justice formed of individuals, also elected by the people, takes cognizance, in the last instance, of the matters likewise expressed in the constitution, and has power of judicature over the