the office of vice-president came from that of lieutenant
governor in several of the states.

Some of its peculiarities.--And yet the instrument is one of the most
remarkable ever penned by man.

1. _It is short_. It would not occupy more than about two columns of a
newspaper.

2. _It covers the right ground_. It deals with things permanent, and
leaves transient matters to legislation. Its adaptation to our needs is
seen in the fact that it has remained substantially unchanged, although in
territory and population our country has grown immensely.

3. _It is a model in arrangement and language_. The lucidity and
perspicuity of the language of the constitution have called forth
expressions of admiration from all who have studied it carefully.

Probably its master-stroke is the creation of the national judiciary.

Let us now proceed to a study of the instrument itself, prepared to weigh
carefully every sentence.

_Some Pertinent Questions_.

Group all the defects of the government under the articles of
confederation using these two heads: 1. Defects in organization. 2.
Defects in essential powers.

In the constitutional convention there were several "plans" proposing
forms of government. State the provisions of the Virginia plan; of the New
Jersey plan; of the Hamilton plan; the Connecticut plan. Watch for traces
of each as you proceed in your study of the constitution.

Memorize the following outline of the constitution:

GENERAL OUTLINE OF THE CONSTITUTION.

PREAMBLE, giving reasons for the formation of the constitution.

ARTICLE I.--_The Legislative Department_.

Sec. 1. Vestment of power in a congress of two houses.

Sec. 2. House of representatives: apportionment, qualifications, election,
term, sole powers.

Sec. 3. Senate: apportionment, qualifications, election, term, sole
powers.

Sec. 4. Congress: time and place of election, time of meeting.

Sec. 5. Houses respectively: relations to members.

Sec. 6. Provisions common: privileges and disabilities.

Sec. 7. Mode of passing laws.

Sec. 8. Powers of congress.

Sec. 9. Prohibitions on congress.

Sec. 10. Prohibitions on the states.

ARTICLE II.--_The Executive Department_.

Sec. 1. Vestment of power, term, qualifications, election, etc.

Sec. 2. Powers.

Sec. 3. Duties.

Sec. 4. Responsibility.

ARTICLE III.--_The Judicial Department_.

Sec. 1. Vestment of authority, appointment, term, etc.

Sec. 2. Jurisdiction.

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