KENTUCKY. The name of one of the new states of the United States of America.
2. This state was formerly a part of Virginia, and the latter state, by
an act of the legislature, passed December 18, 1789, "consented that the
district of Kentucky, within the jurisdiction of the said commonwealth, and
according to its actual boundaries at the time of passing the act aforesaid,
should be formed into a new state." By the act of congress of February. 4,
1791, 1 Story's L. U. S. 168, congress consented that, after the first day
of June, 1792, the district of Kentucky should be formed into a new state,
separate from and independent of the commonwealth of Virginia. And by the
second section it is enacted, that upon the aforesaid first day of June,
1792, the said new state, by the name and style of the state of Kentucky
shall be received and admitted into the Union, as a new and entire member of
the United States of America.
3. The constitution of this state was adopted August 17, 1799. The
powers of the government are divided into three distinct departments, and
each of them is confided to a separate body of magistracy, to wit: those
which are legislative, to one; those which are executive, to another; and
those which are judicial, to another.
4.-1. The legislative power is vested in two distinct branches; the
one styled the house of representatives, and the other the senate; and both
together, the general assembly of the commonwealth of Kentucky. 1. The house
of representatives is elected yearly, and consists of not less than fifty-
eight, nor more than one hundred members. 2. The members of the senate are
elected for four years. The senate consists of twenty-four members, at
least, and for every three members above fifty-eight which shall be added to
the house of representatives, one member shall be added to the senate.
5.-2. The executive power is vested in a chief magistrate, who is
styled the governor of the commonwealth of Kentucky. The governor is elected
for four years. He is commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the
commonwealth, except when called into actual service of the United States.
He nominates, and, with the consent of the senate, appoints all officers,
except those whose appointment is otherwise provided for. He is invested
with the pardoning power, except in certain cases, as impeachment and
treason. A lieutenant-governor is chosen at every election of governor, in
the same manner, and to continue in office for the same time as the
governor. He is ex officio, speaker of the senate, and acts as governor when
the latter is impeached, or removed from office, or dead, or refuses to
qualify, resigns, or is absent from the state.
6.-3. The judicial power, both as to matters of law and equity, is
vested in one supreme court, styled the court of appeals, and in such
inferior courts as the general assembly may, from time to time, erect and
establish. The judges hold their office during good behaviour.