Sec.5.  In forming a constitution, the people must act collectively.  But their number is too large to meet in a single assembly.  Therefore they choose a small number to act for them.  One or more are chosen in each county, or smaller district, and are called delegates.  A delegate is a person appointed by another with power to transact business as his representative.  The assembly composed of the delegates so elected, is called convention; a name given to most public meetings other than legislative assemblies.  Delegate and representative are words of nearly the same meaning.  The latter, however, usually designates a person chosen to assist in making the laws of the state.

Sec.6.  The rules agreed upon by the convention as a basis of government, are arranged in proper form.  The several portions relating to the different subjects are called articles, and numbered; and the articles are divided into sections, which also are numbered.  But what has been thus prepared by the convention is not yet a constitution.  It is only a draft of one, and can not become a constitution without the consent of the people to be given at an election.  If a majority of the persons voting at such election vote in favor of the proposed constitution, it is adopted, and becomes the constitution of the state.

Sec.7.  One of the most valuable rights of the people under a free government, is the right to have a constitution of their own choice.  Indeed it is in this right that their freedom principally consists.  It is by the constitution that their rights are secured.  All the people join in establishing the constitution; but they do not all unite in making and executing the laws; in other words, they do not themselves administer the government; this is done by their representatives.  But if these should enact unjust and oppressive laws; the people, having by their constitution reserved the right to displace them, may do so by electing others in their stead.

Sec.8.  In an absolute monarchy the people have no political rights—­the right to establish a form of government for themselves, and the right to elect those who are to make and administer the laws.  The monarch has entire control over his subjects.  He can take their lives and property when he pleases.  His will is their law; and he has at command a large force of armed men to keep his people in subjection.

Sec.9.  In a limited monarchy, the people have some political rights.  Such a monarchy is Great Britain.  The king or sovereign is in a measure restrained by laws; and he can not make laws alone.  The laws are framed and agreed to by parliament, and must be approved by the king or queen.  Parliament consists of two bodies of men, the house of lords and the house of commons.  The members of the latter are elected by the people, who, in such election, exercise a political right.