Page:Provisional Confederate Constitution.djvu/3



We, the Deputies of the Sovereign and Independent States of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, invoking the favor of Almighty God, do hereby, in behalf of these States, ordain and establish this Constitution for the Provisional Government of the same: to continue one year from the inauguration of the President, or until a permanent Constitution or Confederation between the said States shall be put in operation, whichsoever shall first occur.

All legislative powers herein delegated shall be vested in this Congress now assembled, until otherwise ordained.

When vacancies happen in the representation from any State, the same shall be filled in such manner as the proper authorities of the State shall direct.

1. The Congress shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its members; any number