[p. 470]
|470| and besides, to belong to one of the three Christian confessions; the possession of a certain property is not included among the conditions. – For the quality of an elector there are required a net yield of 200 gulden from landed estates and an age of 25 years. The estates assemble only upon summons by the king, and necessarily every three years, after which time half of the elected representatives retire, yet are eligible again and are replaced by new elections. The assembly lasts not beyond six weeks and is dismissed, adjourned or wholly dissolved by the king. The elected deputies, including the chancellor of the university, the Protestant general superintendent and the Catholic dean, receive their travelling expenses paid and daily allowances (of 5 Fl. 30 Kr.). The ministers may attend the assembly at any time. – In the years in which the assembly of estates is not convened, a committee of 12 members elected by it for three years assembles for the dispatch of urgent affairs; an increase of the levies or an alteration of legislation, however, is not within its competence.
For the introduction of new taxes, of direct as well as indirect levies, and for their collection, the consent of the estates is necessary; the existing levies remain as foundations for the government of the then king. The calculation of the revenues and the application of the levies is laid before the estates every year. The determination of a civil list for the king is left to further proceedings.
The estates have an equal share in legislation; without their assent no new general law concerning personal freedom and property or the constitution can be promulgated. The initiative belongs in this to the king; the estates, however, may submit proposals of laws to the king as wishes, in case of a refusing answer repeat them three times in future assemblies
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