Evening journal., 1919-09-10
plain CATfCHISM
~
! ON CONSTITUTION
Explanations of Objects
and Principles Of Great
Charter Of Liberty
BASIS OF PURE
P A T RI o / is NJ


tiou the National Security League has
issued a series OF articles by eminent
minds on our "Charter OF Liberty and
what il means to every American, pre-
pared for the celebration on September
Il next Of the adoption OF the Consll-
tuition OF the United states. Probably
the most important contribution TO ihe
eseries is one by Henry Litchiield West
lin the form OF a-eatechism IN WelNe
lessons. of which three are herewith
presented. The other lessons viii ap-
pear tomorrow Friday and saturday:
First Lesson.
d. What is the Constitution
A. The Constitution IS a written
document providing a form OF govern
1uent for the United States.
o. Who framed the Constitution
a. Representatives Of The people in
Philadelphia in 1881.
o. Who was the President Of the
Constitutional Convention?
4. George Washington.
o What made the Constitution
necessary?
4. The Articles of Confederation.
which precede the Constitution, were
inadequate 10 hold the Slaies together.
nl o. Why was The Constitution |
adopted?
A. The preamble Of the Constitution |
declares that we the people OF the |
Jnited States. in order to form more |
perfect union. establish justice. insure
domestic tranquility, provide for the
common defense, promote the general
welfare and secure the blessings Of lib
erty to ourselves and our posterity do
ordain and establish this Constitution
for the United states Of America
O. How was the Constitution rali-
ned?
4. BY the people Of The United
states, acting through special conven-
;ions. chosen in each State by The
people thereof"
O. When did II become effective?
a. on the first "Wednesday in March,
iIs9.
Second Lesson.
Q. How is the government divided !
by the Constitution?
\. Into three departments-leg legisla- ]
tive. executive and judicial Z
Q. What part OF the Constitution I
deals with The legislative department? d
A. Article I.
Q. Wat is the legislative depart !
ment Of the Government under the
Constitution?
A. The Senate and House OF Repre-
sentatlves, known as the Congress.
O. How often IS the House Of Rep
resentatives electedg
A. Once every two years.
Q. Who elects the representatives?
A. The people.
q How is the number Of represen-
taiiyes determined?
A. The Constitution provides thstl
the number a representatives "shan ,
not exceed one for every 10000" and .
that the ratio shall be changed after ,
each decennial census. We now have !
one representative for each 10000
o What is the qualification for \
representative? =
A. mo person shall be a representa- =
tive who shall not have attained 10 :,
fhe age OF twenty-five years and been Il
seven years a citizen of the United -
States. and VINO shall not. when elect
ed. be an inhabhsnt OF that State in .;
which he shall be chosen" =
o. Who presides over the house2 !,
a. The Speaker chosen blythe mem !,
bers Of the House.
.. What is the difference between =,
ihe terms OF a senator and a represen- n
iative? !,
4. The term Of a senator is for six -
years. and each state is entitled 10 two n
senators. The term Of a representa- =
hve is for two years. n
q. How are the senator's chosen? y
A. By an amendment TO the COnsti- !.
tuition. effective May 81, 1913. United I,
states senator's are chosen by direct
popular vote Formerly they were 81,
chosen by State legislatures .,
.. What are the qualifications neces- o,
ssry for a senator? fi
g. no person shall be a senator
who shall not have attained 10 the ace h
of thirty years and been nine years q n
citizen Of the United States. and whA ~
shall not. when elected. be an in n,
habitant OF that State for which ne N
shall be chosen" =
o. Who presides over the Senate?
A. The vice-presdent Of the United .,
States. but he has no vote except in N
case Of tie nj
Third Lesson. m
o What are the important duties n,
Of The Senate apart from the enact N
ment Of laws n
4. The Senate is empowered unde-
she Constitution 20 sit as court when
The President Is impeached by the Is
House OF Representatives. When the a,
President OF the United Stales is tried. hi
Inc CHIEF Justice presides and no per-
son can be convicted without the con- =,
currence OF two-thirds OF all the mem y
hers present. The Senate is also part !,
~ the fresiy-making power \ two n,
thirds vote o. the senators present is =,
necessary 10 rstifv a treaty
Q. How often shall Congress assem- r.
hlss =
4. AZ least once in every year and -,
such meeting shall be on the flrss Mon =,
day IN December. unless they shall by :,
lsw appoint a different day. =,
Q. What constitutes quorum in the loc
senate and House3 q,
A. For ordinary business, a ma oG
iority. NJ
Q. What provision Is made IN the :,
constitution regarding adjournment? n,
\. Neither House during The session :
? Congress shall without the consent o
the other adjourn for more than :
three days nor 10 any place than that o
in which the two Houses shall be sit b
ting. n
Q. What privileges are accorded SEN /
ators and Representative?
A. They shall in an cases. except .
treason. felony and breach of peace be :.
privileged from arrest during their at- e
tendance at the session Of their re-
spectiye House and in going 10 and re- !,