Section 9.

The House of Delegates shall choose its own Speaker, and in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor, or when he shall exercise the office of Governor, the Senate shall choose, from their own body, a President Pro Tempore; and each House shall appoint its own officers, settle its own rules of proceeding, and direct writs of election for supplying intermediate vacancies; but if vacancies shall occur during the recess of the General Assembly, such writs may be issued by the Governor, under such regulations as may be prescribed by law. Each House shall judge of the election, qualification and returns of its members, may punish them for disorderly behaviour, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds expel a member.

The house of delegates shall choose its own speaker, and, in the absence of the lieutenant governor, or when he shall exercise the office of governor, the senate shall choose from their own body a president pro tempore; and each house shall appoint its own officers, settle its own rules of proceeding, and direct writs of election for supplying intermediate vacancies; but if vacancies shall occur during the recess of the general assembly, such writs may be issued by the governor, under such regulations as may be prescribed by law. Each house shall judge of the election, qualification and returns of its members, may punish them for disorderly behavior, and with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member, but not a second time for the same offence.

The General Assembly shall meet once, or oftener, every year. Neither House, during the Session of the Legislature, shall without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting. A majority of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and shall be authorised to compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner and under such penalties, as each House may provide. And each House shall choose its own Speaker, appoint its own officers, settle its own rules of proceeding, and direct writs of election for supplying intermediate vacancies. But if vacancies shall occur, by death or resignation, during the recess of the General Assembly, such writs may be issued by the Governor, under such regulations as may be prescribed by law. Each House shall judge of the election, qualification and returns of its members; may punish its members for disorderly behaviour, and, with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member, but not a second time for the same offence.