Prince Carol, not being sufficiently well acquainted with the conditions of the country nor possessing as yet much influence with the governing class, had not been in a position to influence at their inception the provisions of the extremely liberal constitution passed only a few weeks after his accession to the throne.  The new constitution, which resembled that of Belgium more nearly than any other, was framed by a constituent assembly elected on universal suffrage, and, except for slight modifications introduced in 1879 and 1884, is in vigour to-day.  It entrusts the executive to the king and his ministers, the latter alone being responsible for the acts of the government.[1] The legislative power is vested in the king and two assemblies—­a senate and a chamber—­the initiative resting with any one of the three.[2] The budget and the yearly bills fixing the strength of the army, however, must first be passed by the Chamber.  The agreement of the two Chambers and the sanction of the king are necessary before any bill becomes law.  The king convenes, adjourns, and dissolves parliament.  He promulgates the laws and is invested with the right of absolute veto.  The constitution proclaims the inviolability of domicile, the liberty of the press and of assembly, and absolute liberty of creed and religion, in so far as its forms of celebration do not come into conflict with public order and decency.  It recognizes no distinction of class and privilege; all the citizens share equally rights and duties within the law.  Education is free in the state schools, and elementary education compulsory wherever state schools exist.  Individual liberty and property are guaranteed; but only Rumanian citizens can acquire rural property.  Military service is compulsory, entailing two years in the infantry, three years in the cavalry and artillery, one year in all arms for those having completed their studies as far as the university stage.  Capital punishment does not exist, except for military offences in time of war.

[Footnote 1:  There are at present nine departments:  Interior, Foreign Affairs, Finance, War, Education and Religion, Domains and Agriculture, Public Works, Justice, and Industry and Commerce.  The President of the Cabinet is Prime Minister, with or without portfolio.]

[Footnote 2:  All citizens of full age paying taxes, with various exemptions, are electors, voting according to districts and census.  In the case of the illiterate country inhabitants, with an income from land of less than L12 a year, fifty of them choose one delegate having one vote in the parliamentary election.  The professorial council of the two universities of Jassy and Bucarest send one member each to the Senate, the heir to the throne and the eight bishops being members by right.]