Page:The American Cyclopædia (1879) Volume XVI.djvu/162

142 judge, who resides in the district for which he is appointed. In many states the district is coextensive with the state; in others the state is divided into two or three districts The court of claims consists of a chief justice and four associate judges; its sessions are held in Washington. All the judges of the federal courts are appointed for life by the president with the consent of the senate; but they may be removed for cause. (For the jurisdiction of the federal courts, see, vol. v., pp. 432-'3.) The qualifications of voters in the United States are prescribed by the states respectively; the fifteenth amendment to the federal constitution provides that the right of citizens to vote shall not be denied or abridged on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. The executive power of each organized territory is vested in a governor, who is appointed for four years by the president of the United States with the consent of the senate, and receives a salary of $3,000. The secretary is appointed in the same manner and for the same period, and receives a salary of $2,500. The legislative power is vested in a council and house of representatives, chosen by the people for two years; the sessions are biennial. A delegate to congress is elected by the people in each territory for two years. The legislation of the territories is subject to revision by congress. The judicial power is vested in a supreme court consisting of a chief and two associate justices, who are appointed for four years by the president with the consent of the senate, and receive a salary of $3,000 each; in three district courts each held by a judge of the supreme court; and in inferior courts organized by the territory. Territories are admitted as states into the Union by special acts of congress. The District of Columbia is under the exclusive jurisdiction of congress. By act of June 20, 1874, the government is vested in a commission of three persons appointed by the president with the consent of the senate. All ministers to foreign countries are appointed by the president and confirmed by the senate.—The constitution forbids the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it; the passing of any bill of attainder or ex post facto law; the imposition of any capitation or other direct tax except in proportion to the census, or of any tax or duty on articles exported from any state; and the passing of any commercial or revenue regulation giving a preference to the ports of one state over those of another state. No money can be drawn from the treasury except in consequence of appropriations made by law, and a statement of the public receipts and expenditures must be published from time to time. No title of nobility can be granted by the United States, and no person holding any office of profit or trust under them can without the consent of congress accept of any

present, emolument, office, or title of any kind from any king, prince, or foreign state. The right of the people to bear arms may not be infringed; soldiers may not be quartered in any house in time of peace without the consent of the owner, nor even in time of war except in a manner to be prescribed by law. The persons, houses, papers, and effects of the people are exempt from search and seizure except under a warrant issued upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. No person may be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor may any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself; nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed; to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor; and to have the assistance of counsel for his defence. Excessive bail may not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Private property may not be taken for public use without just compensation. No state can enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation; grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin money, emit bills of credit, or make anything but gold and silver a legal tender for debts; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts; grant any title of nobility; or lay any imposts or duties on imports and exports, without the consent of congress, except what may be necessary for executing its inspection laws. The net produce of all imposts and duties laid by any state on imports or exports shall be for the benefit of the treasury of the United States. Without the consent of congress no state may lay any duty on tonnage; keep troops or ships of war in times of peace; enter into any agreement or compact with another state or with a foreign power; or engage in war unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay. Treason against the United States consists only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. The punishment of treason is left to be defined by congress, but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood or forfeiture except during the life of the person attainted. Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records,