DELAWAR

DELAWARE. The name of one of the original states of the United States of 
America. For a time the counties of this state were connected with 
Pennsylvania, under the name of territories annexed to the latter. In 1703, 
a separation between them took place, and from that period clown to the 
Revolution, the territories were governed by a separate legislature of their 
own, pursuant to the liberty reserved to them by a clause of their original 
charter. 1 Story, Constitution, Sec. 127; 1 Votes of Assembly, 131, and part 
2, p. 4, of Pennsylvania. 
     2. The constitution of this state was amended and adopted December 2, 
1831. The powers of the government are divided into three branches, the 
legislative, the executive, and the judicial. 
     3.-1st. The legislative power of the state is vested in a general 
assembly, which consists of a senate and house of representatives. 
     4.-1. The senate is composed of three senators from each county; the 
number may be increased by the general assembly, two-thirds of each branch 
concurring, but the number of senators shall never be greater than one-half, 
nor less than two-thirds of the number of representatives. Art. 2, s. 3. The 
senators are chosen for four years by the citizens residing in the several 
counties. 
     5.-2. The house of representatives is composed of seven members from 
each  county, but the general assembly, two-thirds of each branch 
concurring, may increase the number. The representatives are chosen for two 
years by the citizens residing in the several counties. Art. 2, s. 2. 
     6.-2d. The supreme executive power of the state is vested in a 
governor, who is chosen by the citizens of the state. He holds his office 
during four years, from the third Tuesday in January next ensuing his 
election; and is not eligible a second time to the said office. Art. 3. Upon 
the happening of a vacancy, the speaker of the senate exercises the office, 
until a governor elected by the people shall be duly  qualified. Art. 3, s. 
14. 
     7.-3d. The judicial power is vested in a court of errors and 
appeals,, a superior court, a court of chancery, an orphan's court, a court 
of oyer and terminer, a Court of general sessions of the peace and jail 
delivery, a register's court, justices of the peace, and such other courts 
as the general assembly, with the concurrence of two-thirds of all the 
members of both houses shall, from time to time, establish. Art. 6.