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Lenawee County By John J. Adam, February 7th, 1878.
From 1805 to 1823 the territory was governed under what was popularly known as the " Governor and Judges' plan," consisting of a governor invested with executive power, and a judiciary department of three judges; these two branches united forming the legislative department authorized to "adopt" laws from some of the older states of the Union. But the history of their legislation would seem to indicate that they found some very curious laws in some of the states, and which have been generally considered more the product of the eccentric mind of Judge Woodward, than copies of any existing state legislation; more especially his Catho-lepistemiad," or University bill. In 1823 congress passed an act abolishing the legislative powers of the governor and judges, transferring the same to a legislative council, composed of nine persons selected by the president from eighteen chosen by the voters of the territory. In 1825 the number of the council was increased to thirteen, to be selected by the president from twenty-six voted for by the people—those selected being subjected to approval and confirmation by the United State senate. By an act of congress of January 19, 1827, the qualified voters were authorized to elect directly thirteen representatives to constitute the legislative council, without further action on the part of either president or congress.
Michigan
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