The first constitution of this state was formed in 1775; the present in 1790. Its principal amendments were made in 1808.
_Legislature._ A senate and a house of representatives, styled _general assembly_. The house consists of one hundred and twenty-four members, elected for two years in districts, and apportioned according to the number of white inhabitants and the amount of taxes paid therein. Residence in the state three years: and if a resident of the election district, a freehold of five hundred acres of land and ten negroes, or a real estate worth £150 sterling, clear of debt; if a non-resident of the district, a clear freehold of £500 sterling. Senators, forty-five, elected by districts, for four years, one-half every two years; each district, except one, having one senator. Age, thirty years, state residence, five years. If a resident in the district, a clear freehold of £300 sterling; if a non-resident, a freehold in the district of £1,000.
Bills passed by both houses are laws without being presented to the governor.
_Executive._ The governor and lieutenant-governor are chosen by the legislature for two years. Age, thirty years: state residence, ten years; a clear freehold in the state of £1,500 sterling. A governor is ineligible for the next four years.
Commissioners of the treasury, secretary of state, and surveyor-general, are elected by joint ballot of both houses for four years, and ineligible for the next four years.
_Judiciary._ Such superior and inferior courts of law and equity as the legislature may establish. The judges are appointed by the legislature during good behavior.
_Electors._ White male citizens, resident in the state two years, and owning a freehold of 50 acres of land, or a town lot, which he has owned six months; or, not having such freehold, or town lot, resident in the election district six months, and having paid a tax the preceding year of three shillings sterling.
_Amendments_ may be made by a convention called by two-thirds of all the members of both branches. Alterations may also be made by like majorities of two successive legislatures.
The first constitution was formed in 1777; the second in 1785; the present in 1798, and amended in 1839, and 1844.