July 22 1836 to Sep 23 1836 - PTR, Vol 8

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The powers of the Government under that instrument are divided into legislative, executive, and judicial departments; the Representatives lo be chosen annually, until Congress shall otherwise provide by law, and the Senators for the term of three years. The House of Representatives lo consist of not less than twenty-four nor more than forty members, until the population shall amount to one hundred thousand souls: after which, the whole number shall not be less than forty nor more than one hundred. The Senate to be never less than one-third, nor more than one-half the number of Representatives. The executive authority is vested in a chief magistrate, styled the President of the Republic of Texas. The first lo hold his office for two years and all succeeding Presidents to be elected for three years, and be ineligible during the following terms. The judicial powers are confided to one superior and such other courts as Congress may establish; the judges to hold their offices for four years, and be eligible to re-election. Some of the peculiarities of this constitution are, that ministers of the Gospel shall not be elected to the executive office, nor to a seal in either branch of Congre~s. That no holder of public money or collector thereof shall be entitled to a seat in the Legislature, until he shall have acquitted himself of all responsibility. That the supreme court shall have appellate jurisdiction only, and no judge shall sit in a cause in the supreme court which shall have been tried bv him in a court below. That the judg;s are to be elected, by joint ballot of both Houses of Congress, for four years. Thal the Executive shall not command the army or navy in person, without the authority of a resolution of Congress. Thal all officers shall remain in office during the term of the President, unless sooner removed with the advice and consent of the Senate. That Congress shall not have the power to emancipate slaves; nor shall any slave-holder be allowed to manumit, without the consent of the Legislature, unless he shall send the slave without the limits of the republic. That no free pr.rson of African descent, either in whole or in part, shall be permitted lo reside permanently in the republic, without the consent of Congress.

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