In America the people have the divine right to rule. The
people possess all rights which they have not expressly given to the
government. The Bill of Rights which we have discussed is therefore a
double safeguard which the people have thrown about their sacred
inalienable rights.
DEPARTMENTS OF GOVERNMENT.
Government consists essentially in making, judging, and enforcing the
laws. In absolute monarchical forms of government, of which Russia and
Turkey are examples, these three departments are vested in the same
head; but in republics and limited monarchies the law-making,
law-judging, and law-enforcing powers are separated. History has proved
that the separation of these three powers of government is most
satisfactory for an enlightened people.
Legislative Department.--The legislative or law-making power of the
State is vested in a Legislature which is composed of a Senate and a
House of Representatives. The sessions of the two houses are open to the
public and each house keeps a journal of its proceedings in which is
recorded the yea and nay votes on any question at the request of any
three members.
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