CONSTITUTION AND LAWS. 349 



CHAPTER XI. 



CONSTITUTIO:Nr AND LAWS. 



§ 245. Outlines of Constitution. — California is a state, and 

 a member of the United States of America, witli rights equal 

 to those of the other states. The sovereignty of government 

 is divided between the federation and the state, the former 

 taking precedence. Every officer of the state, before entering 

 upon the duties of his position, must take an oath to " support 

 the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of 

 the state of California." A double allegiance is thus imposed, 

 that due to the state authorities being secondary to that due 

 to the authorities of the nation at larg-e. The Union has ex- 

 elusive power to regulate commerce, naturalize foreigners, 

 coin money, make treaties, declare war, make peace, and main- 

 tain an army and navy. Beyond these powers, the state is 

 sovereign. The state government is republican. All the offi- 

 cers of the government are chosen by the people. The legis- 

 lature is composed of two houses, which sit separately, and 

 the consent of both is necessary to the passage of any bill. 

 The longest term of office for any important executive or 

 legislative position is two years ; the members of the assembly 

 and many of the county officers being elected annually. The 

 voters thus have an immediate control over the government. 

 The judges of the Supreme Court and of the District Courts 

 are elected by the people, and the term of office is six years. 

 Suffrage is universal; that is, every sane, adult, white male 

 citizen, not a felon, may vote at every election. No owner- 

 ship of property or payment of taxes is required as a qualiti- 

 cation for voting or holding office. 



