The two countries are linked together by certain common interests, but each is governed by its own constitution, which is in both cases a limited monarchy. This means that the power of the sovereign is limited by certain rules and laws laid down for him in the constitution. Austria and Hungary each have their separate parliaments, and the decisions of both these legislatures require the consent of the Emperor and King before they can be made laws. Each country has its own Premier and Cabinet, and to manage the affairs common to both countries there is a third parliament, as it were, composed of members from Hungary and Austria. This body is appointed for a year, and meets alternately at Vienna, the capital of Austria, and Buda Pesth, the twin capital of Hungary, a city which lies half on one bank of the Danube and half on the other. It is the duty of these lawgivers to consider the matters that concern the affairs of both countries equally. There are three state departments, whose officers are responsible for their work to the Delegations, as the third body of lawgivers is called. These officers are the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Whole Monarchy, the Minister of War for the Whole Monarchy, and the Minister of Finance for the Whole Monarchy. These facts may seem a little hard and uninteresting to you, but it is as well to try to master them. It looks as if we were going to hear a great deal about Austria this winter, and it will be so much easier for us to understand the events as they happen if we have mastered the peculiar form of government under which these two peoples are joined. It might perhaps simplify the subject to you if you realize that this government is really somewhat like our own. Austria and Hungary might be any two of our own States--say Pennsylvania and New York, for instance. The Emperor, the two parliaments, and the third body which regulates the matters in common for both countries, might be our President, the state legislatures, and Congress. Of course there are points of difference between the two governments, but to take this as a general plan will help you to form an idea of what the Government of Austro-Hungary is. On page 1012 of THE GREAT ROUND WORLD we told you about Turkey and Austria fighting for Hungary, and how since 1527 Hungary had been a part of the possessions of the House of Habsburg.[A] FOOTNOTES: [Footnote A: This is often written _Hapsburg_, probably because the _b_ is pronounced very shortly and sharply, giving it much the sound of _p_. _Habsburg_ is, however, correct, as the name is derived from _Habicht_, a hawk, and was originally _Habichtsburg_, the Hawk's Castle, from which the family derived its name.]