[3] Men, women and children. [4] Apprentices.

[5] Slaves.  The framers of the constitution did not like to use the word “slave,” and therefore used this expression.  Most of them, even the slaveholders, hoped that slavery would soon cease to be.

In determining the persons to be enumerated, much difficulty was encountered.  The slaveholding states wished the slaves counted as individuals, claiming that they had as much right to be represented as had women, children and other non-voters.  The non-slaveholding [Footnote:  In all the states except Massachusetts slavery then existed.  But in the northern states the number of slaves was so small, that we may call them “non-slaveholding.”] states thought that being held as property they should not be counted at all for purposes of representation.  This provision in the constitution was the outcome,—­another compromise.

[6] Called the Census.  The prime purpose in taking the census is to find out the number of people in each state, so that representation may be equalized.  But the census takers collect at the same time a vast amount of other useful information upon the agriculture, manufactures, commerce, etc., of the country.  Reports of the census are published by the government for gratuitous distribution.

[7] The first meeting of congress was held in 1789, and the first census was taken in 1790.

[8] To prevent the House from becoming too large.  But the population of the United States has constantly and rapidly increased, so that the “ratio of representation,” as it is called, has been made greater at each census.  It now takes 173,901 people to secure a representative. (For ratio in each decade, see pages 312-13.)

[9] So that even the smallest states shall be represented.

Clause 4.—­Vacancies.

When vacancies[1] happen in the representation from any state, the executive authority[2] thereof shall issue writs of election[3] to fill such vacancies.[4]

[1] Vacancies usually happen through the death or resignation of the incumbent.  But a vacancy may be made by the expulsion of a member or by the election of an ineligible person.

[2] The governor or acting governor.

[3] That is, he orders an election.  The order is printed in the newspapers of the district, and specifies the time the election is to be held.  At the time specified the electors vote as in regular elections.  This is called a “special election.”

[4] The person elected serves for the unexpired term.

Clause 5.—­House Powers.

The House of Representatives shall choose their speaker[1] and other officers;[2] and shall have the sole power of impeachment[3]._

[1] Called so in imitation of the title of the presiding officer of the British House of Commons, who was originally called the speaker because he acted as spokesman in communicating to the king the wishes of the House.