CONSTITUTION AND LAWS. 849 
CHAPTER XI. 
CONSTITUTION AND LAWS. 
§ 245. Outlines of Constitution —California is a state, and 
a member of the United States of America, with 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 large. The Union has ex- 
clusive 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 negminet as a qualifi- 
ation for voting or holding office. 
