GOVERNAI ENT. The Constitution of Cuba was adopted by the Constitutional Convention, on February 21, 1901. It provides for a republican form of government, and, in its main provisions, differs but slightly from the Constitution of the United States. The President, who must bo either a native Cuban or a naturalized citizen with at least ten years' service in the Cuban army during the wars for independence, is elected directly by all absolute majority for a term of four years and is disqualified for more than two consecutive terms. Ile has the right of appointment and removal in regard to the members of his Cabinet.
The legislative power is vested in the Congress, which consists of a Senate and a House of Rep resentatives. The former is composed of four Sena tors from each province, elected by an electoral board composed of the provincial councilmen and electors, the latter being twice the number of the former and chosen by popular vote. Provi sion is made for the retirement of one-half of the Senators every four years. The llouse of Representatives consists of one member for every 25,000 inhabitants, or for a fraction of more than 12,500. They are elected directly for four years, one-half retiring every two years. Congress meets annually and is endowed with extensive powers, controlling besides the financial affairs and foreign relations of the epublic also the preparation of electoral laws for the provinces and municipalities. The approval of two-thirds
of the members of both legislative bodies is neces sary for a change in the Constitution.
For administrative purposes the Republic is divided into six provinces. The provincial Gov ernors and Assemblies are elected directly for a period of three years. The provinces are inde pendent in their internal administration, but the President has the right of interference in case of abuses of power on the part of the Governor or the Assembly. The municipalities are admin istered by mayors and assemblies elected directly by popular vote. The judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President with the approval of the Senate. The voting franchise is accorded to every male Cuban over twenty-one years of age, and not mentally incapacitated or convicted of crime, to all Spanish residents who have been on the island since April 11, 1899, and to all foreigners who have resided in Cuba since January 1, 1899. For foreigners who have ar rived on the island after January 1. 1899, a rive years' residence is required for naturalization.