ublic privilege may be enjoyed by reason
of birth or title. No one may be required to pay a tax which has not
been levied by the legislative chambers or by an administrative
authority specifically qualified by law, and, save in case of
enumerated offenses of serious import, no one may be imprisoned except
upon accusation according to the forms of law. No one may be compelled
to perform an act, or to refrain from the performance of an act,
except by warrant of law.

The constitution is subject to amendment under regulations of a
somewhat curious character. Revision of the fundamental law may be
undertaken normally by Congress at the end of every decennial period,
the Congress whose mandate coincides with the period of revision being
endowed automatically with constituent powers and the process of
revision differing in no respect from that of ordinary legislation. At
the end of a five-year period from the date of promulgation, however,
amendment may be undertaken, providing two-thirds of the members of
the chambers sitting jointly vote favorably. Under all circumstances
amendments must be specific rather than general, and in no case may an
amendment be received or debated which has for its object the
abolition of the republican form of government.

*710. The President and the Ministry.*--Sovereignty is lodged in (p. 644)
the nation, and the organs of the sovereign will are the independent
but supposedly harmonious executive, legislative, and judicial
authorities. The powers of the executive are exercised by the
President and the ministers. The President is chosen by the two houses
of Congress assembled in joint session sixty days prior to the
expiration of the presidential term. Voting is by secret ballot and a
two-thirds majority is required for election, although in default of
such a majority choice is made on the third ballot by simple plurality
between the two candidates receiving the largest number of votes. If
the office falls vacant unexpectedly the chambers choose in the same
manner a president to complete the unexpired term. The term is four
years, and after retiring from office an ex-president may not be
re-elected for a full term prior to the lapse of four more years. Only
native Portuguese citizens at least thirty-five years of age are
eligible. Without the permission of Congress the President may not
absent himself from the national territory, and he may be removed from
office by the vote of two-thirds of