Sec.8.  In order to keep the representation throughout the state as nearly equal as possible; in other words, to secure to the people of every county or district their just proportion of the representatives, the constitution requires that, at stated times, the people of the state shall be numbered, and a new apportionment of senators and representatives be made among the several counties according to the number of inhabitants in each county; or if the state is one in which members of the legislature are chosen in districts, a new division of the state is made into districts.

Sec.9.  But the periods of time between the enumerations of the people, are not the same in all the states.  In some states the enumerations are made every ten years; in others, shorter periods have been fixed, from eight down to four years.  This enumeration or numbering of the people is called taking the census. Census is from the Latin, and was used by the ancient Romans to signify a declaration or statement made before the censors by the citizens, containing an enumeration or register of themselves, their wives, children, servants, and their property and its valuation.  In the United States, although the census sometimes includes a similar register, the word usually means simply an enumeration of the people.

Sec.10.  The constitution also prescribes the qualifications of senators and representatives.  If, as qualifications for an elector, full age, citizenship, and a considerable term of residence in the state and county, are properly required, as we have seen, (Chap.  VI.  Sec.2-5,) they must be at least equally necessary for those who make the laws.  In no state, therefore, are any but qualified electors eligible to the office of senator or representative.  In some states, greater age and longer residence are required; and in some, the age and term of residence have been still further increased in the case of senators.  The property qualification formerly necessary for members of the legislature, as well as for voters, has been almost entirely abolished. (Chap.  VI.  Sec.8.)

Sec.11.  If a member of the legislature dies, or resigns his office before the expiration of the term for which he was chosen, the vacancy is filled by the election of another person at the next general election, or at a special election called for that purpose, or in such other manner as the constitution may provide.  But a person chosen to fill a vacancy, holds the office only for the remainder of the term of him whose place he was chosen to supply.

Chapter X.

Meetings and Organization of the Legislature.