Government of Wisconsin
The government of Wisconsin does not
differ essentially from that of the other States of the Union;
in many respects it is more liberal. The qualification for
electors is, one year's residence in the State; and this applies
as well to persons of foreign as native birth, subject only to
the limitation that they shall have declared their intentions to
become citizens, conformably to the laws of the United States,
on the subject of naturalization. No distinction can be made,
under the organic law, between aliens and citizens in reference
to the possession, enjoyment, or descent of property.
Imprisonment for debt is prohibited by the Constitution.
The legislative power is vested in the
Senate and Assembly. The Senate consists of twenty-five members,
who hold their offices for two years, and are chosen from single
districts. Those from the odd numbered districts being chosen
one year and those from the even numbered the next.
The Assembly consists of eighty-two
members, who are chosen annually, and hold their office for one
year.
The executive power is vested in a
Governor, who is elected by a plurality of votes, and holds his
office for the term of two years. A Lieutenant Governor is
chosen at the same time, and in the same manner. The usual
executive powers are conferred upon the Governor; whose salary
is $1,250. The Lieutenant Governor is President of the Senate,
and receives five dollars a day, while in attendance, and the
same mileage as members. In certain contingences he succeeds to
the duties of the office of Governor.
The administrative powers are conferred
upon the Secretary of State, salary $1,200; State Treasurer,
salary $800; Attorney General, salary $800; and State
Superintendent, salary $1,000. They severally hold their offices
for two years, and are elected at the same time as the Governor.
Several offices for the performance of
special duties have been established by law since the adoption
of the Constitution.
The judicial power is vested in a
Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, County Courts, and Justices of
the Peace.
The Supreme Court, with few exceptions,
has appellate jurisdiction. It consists of one Chief Justice,
and two Associates, who are elected by the people, and will
hereafter be chosen for six years. [The Judges of the several
Circuit Courts have here-to-for comprised the Supreme Court.] A
majority of the Judges appoint a Clerk, who continues during
their pleasure. This Court has two terms a year at the Capitol,
in Madison. The salary of each of the Judges is $2,000.
Circuit Courts have original
jurisdiction in all matters civil and criminal, except such as
is otherwise provided, and an appellate jurisdiction from all
inferior Courts and tribunals. The Judges are elected by
districts, holding their office for six years, and having a
salary of $1,500. Two terms of this Court are holden annually in
each county organized for judicial purposes in the State. The
voters of any county so organized, elect a County Judge, who
holds his office for four years, and has certain civil, original
and appellate jurisdiction. He is also Judge of the Probate
Court of the county.
Four Justices of the Peace are elected
in each town, two annually, and hold their offices for the term
of two years; they possess the powers usually conferred upon
such officers.
Source: Wisconsin Gazetteer, By
John Warren Hunt. Madison: Beriah Brown, Printer, 1853
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