352 THE HOME, FARM AND BUSINESS CYCLOPEDIA. 



FORMS OF CONSTITUTIONS. 



A constitution is the formal written agreement, making the fundamental 

 law which binds the parties who associate. In preparation of this, useless 

 words should be avoided. 



The constitution, after having been adopted, should be engrossed in a 

 blank book, and signed by the members. Amendments or alterations 

 should be entered in the same book, with the date of their adoption, in the 

 shape of a copy for the minutes ; and a side-note inserted in the margin 

 of the constitution, opposite the article amended, showing on what page 

 the amendment may be found. 



LYCEUMS OR INSTITUTIONS. 



PREAMBLE. Whereas, experience has shown that knowledge can be 

 more readily acquired by combination of effort than singly, we, whose 

 names are hereunto annexed, have agreed to form an association, to be 

 known as [here insert title], and for its better government, do hereby estab- 

 lish the following constitution: 



ARTICLE I. The name, style, and title of this association shall be [here 

 insert name], and its objects shall be the increase and the diffusion of 

 knowledge among its members. 



ARTICLE II. 1. The officers of this association shall consist of a presi- 

 dent, two vice-presidents, a corresponding secretary, a recording secretary, 

 a treasurer, a librarian, and a curator, who shall be elected annually on 

 [here insert time of election and mode, whether by open voice or by ballot]. 



2. The said officers shall hold their offices until their successors shall 

 have been elected ; and their powers and duties shall be similar to those 

 of like offices in like associations. 



ARTICLE III. There shall be appointed by the president, immediately 

 after his election, by and with the consent of the association, the follow- 

 ing standing committees, to consist of five members each, namely: on 

 finance, library, museum, lectures, and printing, who shall perform such 

 duties and take charge of such business as may be assigned to them by 

 vote of the association. 



ARTICLE IV. 1. Any person residing within [here state limits], who is 

 above the age of twenty-one years, may become a resident member of this 

 association, by consent of a majority of the members present at any stated 

 meeting succeeding the one at which his name shall have been proposed ; 

 any person residing within the limits aforesaid may be chosen in like 



