The Republican journal., 1921-03-17
A Catechism OF the Constitu.
ton OF the United States.

ton OF the United States.
Contributed by The United Americana ~
the State of Maine, Casco Bank Bu;ld;r.
Portland, Maine.
published by arrangement with The
National Security League.)
LESSON 9.
Q. What are the provisions of the
Constitution relative to the Judicial
power?
A. The judicial power is vested in one
Supreme Court and in inferior courts
The judges are appointed by the president
and hold their offices during good be-
havior
Q. What are the powers and iurisdic-
lions of the Federal courts2
A. The Constitution provides that the
judicial power shall extend to all cases,
in law and equity, arising under the Con-
stitution, the laws of the United States,
and treaties made, or which shall be
made, under their authority; to all cases
affecting ambassadors, other public min
listers, and consuls; to all cases of admir-
atty and maritime jurisdiction; to contro-
versies to which the United States shall
be party; to controversies between two
or more States; between citizens of diff
ferent States; between citizens of the
same State claiming lands under the
grants of different States; and between a
State, or the citizens thereof, and foreign
States, citizens or subjects.
Q. What is accomplished by granting
this power2
A. 1t means that the Supreme Court
of the United States is made the high
guardian of the Constitution so that the
humblest citizen can appeal for justice
when any law is enacted or any act COM
mitted in violation of his Constitutional
rights
Q. What is treason against the United
States?
A. Treason against the United States
consists only in levying war against
them, and in adhering to their enemies,
and giving the latter aid and comfort.
No person can be convicted of treason
except upon the testimony of two wit
nesses to the same overt act or on con-
feSsion in open court.
Q. What authority fixes the punish
ment for treason?
A. Congress
Q. Do all citizens of all the States
tsand upon the same basis2
A. Yes. The citizens of each State
are entitled to all privileges and immuni-
ties of citizens of the several States.
Persons charged with treason, felony or
other crime cannot escape justice by flee
ing from one State to another, but, upon
demand, must be given up.
Q. What are the States Guaranteed
A. A republican form of government
and protection against invasion, and on
application of the legislature or of the
executive when the legislature cannot be
convened, against domestic violence.
.. Can the Constitution be amended
A. Yes. Amendments must be adop-
tied by two thirds of both the Senate and
1.-THE House of Representatives and then
;ratifled by the legislature or by conven-
!tions of three-fourths of the States.
Q. Is this the only method?
A. No. On the application of the leg
islatu res of two-thirds of the several
States, Congress shall call convention
for the purpose of proposing amend
ments, but this plan has never been used
Q. Is the Constitution supTeme2
A. Yes. Any State Constitution or
law in violation of any of the provisions
|ot the Federal Constitution is illegal.
; Q. Is h religious test required as
qualification for office?
: A. No. The Constitution expressly
provides that no religious test shall be
required.