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SECOND BOOK. 
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF JAMAICA. 
1 . In the two and a half centuries during which 
Jamaica has been a part of the British Empire, 
there have been four forms of government in the 
island. 
2 . For the first few years the people were under 
military rule; then for 200 years men were elected 
to form an ‘ Assembly ’ to carry on the govern- 
ment. Owing, however, to a serious revolt which 
broke out in 1865, another system was set up. In 
the following year the island was put under ‘Crown 
government’, and the men who formed the Council, 
or governing body, were all appointed by the 
Queen, the people having no voice in the matter. 
But this plan did not last many years. In 1884 it 
was deemed right that the people should have a 
share in their own government, and consequently 
the system under which we are now ruled came 
into force. 
3. New there are many thousands of men in 
Jamaica. How can it be possible for so many to 
take a part in making the laws under which they 
are to live? The plan by which they can do this 
is very simple. They choose a few men whom they 
can trust to conduct the business on their behalf. 
4. Every man over twenty-one years of age has a 
right to take part in the choosing, if only he is a 
British subject, and pays poor-rates or taxes on a 
