CONNECTICUT. The name of one of the original states of the United States of
America. It was not until the year 1665 that the territory now known as the
state of Connecticut was united under one government. The charter was
granted by Charles II. in April, 1662, but as it included the whole colony
of New Haven, it was not till 1665 that the latter ceased its resistance,
when both the colony of Connecticut and that of New Haven agreed, and then
they were indissolubly united, and have so remained. This charter, with the
exception of a temporary suspension, continued in force till the American
revolution, and afterwards continued as a fundamental law of the state till
the year 1818, when the present constitution was adopted. 1 Story on the
Const. Sec. 86-88.
2. The constitution was adopted on the fifteenth day of September,
1818. The powers of the government are divided into three distinct
departments, and each of them confided to a separate magistracy, to wit:
those which are legislative, to one; those which are executive to another;
and those which are judicial to a third. Art. 2.
3. - 1st. The legislative power is vested in two distinct houses or
branches, the one styled the senate, and the other the house of
representatives, and both together the general assembly. 1. The senate
consists of twelve members, chosen annually by the electors. 2. The house of
representatives consists of electors residing in towns from which they are
elected. The number of representatives is to be the same as at present
practised and allowed; towns which may be hereafter incorporated are to be
entitled to one representative only.
4. - 2d. The executive power is vested in a governor and lieutenant-
governor. 1. The supreme executive power of the state is vested in a
governor, chosen by the electors of the state; he is to hold his office for
one year from the first Wednesday of May, next succeeding his election, and
until his successor be duly qualified. Art. 4, s. 1. The governor possesses
the veto power, art. 4, s. 12. 2. The lieutenant-governor is elected
immediately after the election of governor, in the same manner as is
provided for the election of governor, who continues in office the same
time, and is to possess the same qualifications as the governor. Art. 4, s.
3. The lieutenant-governor, by virtue of his office, is president of the
senate; and in case of the death, resignation, refusal to serve, or removal
from office of the governor, or of his impeachment or absence from the
state, the lieutenant-governor exercises all the powers and authority
appertaining to the office of governor, until another be chosen, at the next
periodical election for governor, and be duly qualified; or until the
governor, impeached or absent, shall be acquitted or return. Art. 4, s. 14.
5. - 3d. The judicial, power of the state is vested in a supreme court
of errors, a superior court, and such inferior courts as the general
assembly may, from time to time, ordain and establish; the powers of which
courts shall be defined. A sufficient number of justices of the peace, with
such jurisdiction, civil and criminal, as the general assembly may
prescribe, are to be appointed in each county. Art. 5.