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Grand Convention at Philadelphia, May to September, 1787, Quill Project 2021 Edition.
Source material
Madison's Notes (Max Farrand, 1911)
Details
From the Records of the Federal Convention, 3 vols.
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Committee: The Convention
〈when the following members appeared to wit: viz. From Massachusetts Rufus King. N. York Robert Yates, Alexr. Hamilton. N. Jersey, David Brearley, William Churchill Houston, William Patterson. Pennsylvania, Robert Morris, Thomas Fitzsimmons, James... Friday May 1787Committee: The Convention
〈when the following members appeared to wit: viz. From Massachusetts Rufus King. N. York Robert Yates, Alexr. Hamilton. N. Jersey, David Brearley, William Churchill Houston, William Patterson. Pennsylvania, Robert Morris, Thomas Fitzsimmons, James... Friday May 1787Committee: The Convention
〈when the following members appeared to wit: viz. From Massachusetts Rufus King. N. York Robert Yates, Alexr. Hamilton. N. Jersey, David Brearley, William Churchill Houston, William Patterson. Pennsylvania, Robert Morris, Thomas Fitzsimmons, James... Friday May 1787Committee: The Convention
General 〈Washington〉 was accordingly unanimously elected by ballot, and conducted to the chair by Mr. R. Morris and Mr. Rutlidge; from which in a very emphatic manner he thanked the Convention for the honor they had conferred on him, reminded them of... Friday May 1787Committee: The Convention
Appoint a Secretary Friday May 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson moved that a Secretary be appointed Friday May 1787Committee: The Convention
Nomination of Candidates Friday May 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson moved that a Secretary be appointed, and nominated Mr. Temple Franklin. Col. Hamilton nominated Major Jackson. Friday May 1787Committee: The Convention
On reading the Credentials of the deputies it was noticed that those from Delaware were prohibited from changing the Article in the Confederation establishing an equality of votes among the States. Friday May 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. King objected to one of the rules in the Report authorising any member to call for the yeas & nays and have them entered on the minutes. He urged that as the acts of the Convention were not to bind the Constituents it was unnecessary to exhibit... Monday May 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. King objected to one of the rules in the Report authorising any member to call for the yeas & nays and have them entered on the minutes. He urged that as the acts of the Convention were not to bind the Constituents it was unnecessary to exhibit... Monday May 1787Committee: The Convention
— Whereupon it was ordered that these motions be referred to the consideration of the Committee appointed to draw up the standing rules and that the Committee make report thereon. Monday May 1787Committee: The Convention
John Dickenson [sic], and Elbridge Gerry, the former from Delaware, the latter from Massts. took their seats [Editors' note: On 29 May, Dickinson writes to his wife, 'I had a very pleasant Journey and am very well. My hopes of something good for our... Tuesday May 1787Committee: The Convention
John Dickenson, and Elbridge Gerry, the former from Delaware, the latter from Massts. took their seats Tuesday May 1787Committee: The Convention
Appoint a Committee to Superintend the Minutes Tuesday May 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris objected to it. The entry of the proceedings of the Convention belonged to the Secretary as their impartial officer. A committee might have an interest & bias in moulding the entry according to their opinions and wishes Tuesday May 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. C. Pinckney moved that a Committee be appointed to superintend the minutes. Mr. Govr. Morris objected to it. The entry of the proceedings of the Convention belonged to the Secretary as their impartial officer. A committee might have an interest &... Tuesday May 1787Committee: The Convention
And then the House adjourned till Monday next at 11 o’Clock A. M. Saturday June 1787Committee: The Convention
This alteration he said would drop the word national, and retain the proper title “the United States.” He [Ellsworth] could not admit the doctrine that a breach of 〈any of〉the federal articles could dissolve the whole. It would be highly dangerous not... Wednesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
C.C. Pinckney's Amendment for the First Branch to be Appointed by State Legislatures Thursday June 1787Committee: The Convention
C.C. Pinckney's Amendment for the First Branch to be Elected in Manner Chosen by State Legislatures Thursday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Genl. Pinkney then moved that the 1st. branch be elected by the people in such mode as the Legislatures should direct; but waved it on its being hinted that such a provision might be more properly tried in the detail of the plan. Thursday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Third Resolution - Second Clause (Term Length) Thursday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Ellsworth's Amendment for One Year Terms Thursday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Third Resolution - Third Clause (Compensation of Members) Friday June 1787Committee: The Convention
〈Mr. Madison, thought the members of the Legisl. too much interested to ascertain their own compensation. It wd. be indecent to put their hands into the public purse for the sake of their own pockets.〉 Friday June 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question for striking out “Natl. Treasury” 〈as moved by Mr. Elseworth〉 [Editors' note: Though there is no record of a vote, the Convention resumed discussion of Ellsworth's motion, and a vote was soon held. The editors therefore assume that... Friday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Gorham's Amendment for Legislators Eligibility to Offices Friday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Virginia Plan Tuesday May 1787Committee: The Convention
Col. Hamilton considered the motion as intended manifestly to transfer the election from the people to the State Legislatures, which would essentially vitiate the plan. It would increase that State influence which could not be too watchfully guarded... Thursday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Spaight called for a division of the question, in consequence of which it was so put, as that it turned in the first member of it, “on the ineligibility of the members during the term for which they were elected” [Editors' note: At this point, the... Saturday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Third Resolution - Fourth Clause: First Sub-clause (Ineligibility) Saturday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson observed that by a Natl. Govt. he did not mean one that would swallow up the State Govts. as seemed to be wished by some gentlemen. He was tenacious of the idea of preserving the latter. He thought, contrary to the opinion of (Col. Hamilton)... Tuesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Second Resolution (Bicameral Legislature) Wednesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Lansing, observed that the true queston here was, whether the Convention would adhere to or depart from the foundation of the present Confederacy; and moved instead of 〈the 2d〉 Resolution “that the powers of Legislation be vested 〈in the U. States〉... Wednesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Third Resolution (First Branch of Legislature) Thursday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Fourth Resolution (Second Branch of Legislature) Monday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Pinkney 〈spoke as follows〉. — The efficacy of the System will depend on this article. In order to form a right judgmt. in the case it will be proper to examine the situation of this Country more accurately than it has yet been done. The people of... Monday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Williamson's Amendment for a Fixed Ratio of Members in the Second Branch of the Legislature Monday June 1787Committee: The Convention
[H]e [Randolph] was sensible that annual elections were a source of great mischiefs in the States, yet it was the want of such checks agst. the popular intemperance as were now proposed, that rendered them so mischievous. He would have preferred annual... Thursday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson being for making the 1st. branch an effectual representation of the people at large, preferred an annual election of it. This frequency was most familiar & pleasing to the people. It would be not more inconvenient to them, than triennial... Thursday June 1787Committee: The Convention
He [Mason] thought it absurd that a man to day should not be permitted by the law to make a bargain for himself, and tomorrow should be authorized to manage the affairs of a great nation. It was the more extraordinary as every man carried with him in... Friday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Docr. Williamson professed himself a friend to such a system as would secure the existence of the State Govts. The happiness of the people depended on it. He was at a loss to give his vote, as to the Senate untill he knew the number of its members. In... Monday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Mason. It has been agreed on all hands that an efficient Govt. is necessary that to render it such it ought to have the faculty of self-defence, that to render its different branches effectual each of them ought to have the same power of self... Monday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Postpone the Fourth Resolution to Consider the Eighth Resolution Monday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Butler observing that we were put to difficulties at every step by the uncertainty whether an equality or a ratio of representation wd. prevail finally in the 2d. branch. moved to postpone the 4th. Resol: & to proceed to the Resol: on that point.... Monday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Elseworth, moved to substitute payment by the States out of their own Treasurys: observing that the manners of different States were very different in the Stile of living and in the profits accruing from the exercise of like talents. What would be... Friday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Ghorum moved to strike out the last member of 3 Resol: concerning ineligibility of members of 1st branch to offices, during the term of their membership & for one year after. He considered it as unnecessary & injurious. It was true abuses had been... Friday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Williamson's Amendment for Six Year Terms Monday June 1787Committee: The Convention
C.C. Pinckney's Amendment for Four Year Terms Monday June 1787Committee: The Convention
C.C. Pinckney's Amendment for Eligibility to State Offices Saturday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment to Lessening Restrictions on Legislators Holding Other Offices Saturday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Ghorum, inclined to a compromise as to the rule of proportion. He thought there was some weight in the objections of the small States. If Va. should have 16 votes & Delre. with several other States together 16. those from Virga. would be more... Monday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Gorham's Amendment for Four Year Terms, One Quarter Rotated Each Year Monday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Randolph's Amendment for Six Year Terms, Rotated in Fixed Proportions Monday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Genl. Pinkney [sic] opposed six years in favor of four years. The States he said had different interests. Those of the Southern, and of S. Carolina in particular were different from the Northern. If the Senators should be appointed for a long term,... Tuesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Read's Amendment for Nine Year Terms with Triennial Elections Tuesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Madison. In order to judge of the form to be given to this institution, it will be proper to take a view of the ends to be served by it. These were first to protect the people agst. their rulers: secondly to protect 〈the people〉 agst. the transient... Tuesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Fourth Resolution - Fourth Clause (Compensation of Members) Tuesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
C.C. Pinckney's Amendment Against Compensation for Legislators in the Second Branch Tuesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. 〈Madison〉, considered this a departure from a fundamental principle, and subverting the end intended by allowing the Senate a duration of 6 years. They would if this motion should be agreed to, hold their places during pleasure; during the pleasure... Tuesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Col. Mason. He did not rise to make any motion, but to hint an idea which seemed to be proper for consideration. One important object in constituting the Senate was to secure the rights of property. To give them weight & firmness for this purpose, a... Tuesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr L. Martin contended at great length and with great eagerness that the General Govt. was meant merely to preserve the State Governts: not to govern individuals: that its powers ought to be kept within narrow limits; that if too little power was given... Wednesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Dayton expressed great anxiety that the question might not be put till tomorrow; Governr. Livingston being kept away by indisposition, and the representation of N. Jersey thereby suspended. Mr. Williamson. thought that if any political truth could... Thursday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Randolph's Amendment to Franklin's Proposal for Prayer Thursday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Motion to Adjourn Thursday June 1787Committee: The Convention
After several unsuccessful attempts for silently postponing the matter by adjourng. the adjournment was at length carried, without any vote on the motion. Thursday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Doctr. Johnson. The controversy must be endless whilst Gentlemen differ in the grounds of their arguments; Those on one side considering the States as districts of people composing one political Society; those on the other considering them as so many... Friday June 1787Committee: The Convention
The motion of Mr. Elseworth resumed for allowing each State an equal vote in ye 2d branch Mr. Wilson did not expect such a motion after the establishment of ye. contrary principle in the 1st. branch; and considering the reasons which would oppose it,... Saturday June 1787Committee: The Convention
He had just returned from N. Y. havg. left ye. Convention a few days after it commenced business. Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Committee to Find a Compromise on the Composition of the Second Branch Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Franklin's Proposal for Prayer Thursday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Hamilton & several others expressed their apprehensions that however proper such a resolution might have been at the beginning of the convention, it might at this late day, 1. bring on it some disagreeable animadversions. & 2. lead the public to... Thursday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Rutlidge could see neither the necessity nor propriety of such a measure. They are not unapprized of the meeting, and can attend if they choose. Rho. Island might as well be urged to appoint & send deputies. Are we to suspend the business until the... Saturday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr: L. Martin had no objection to a Commitment, but no modifications whatever could reconcile the Smaller States to the least diminution of their equal Sovereignty. Mr. Sharman. We are now at a full stop, and nobody he supposed meant that we shd.... Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Commit the Eighth Resolution and the Remainder of the Seventh Resolution to a Committee Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Ghorum observed that as the report consisted of propositions mutually conditional he wished to hear some explanations touching the grounds on which the conditions were estimated. Mr. Gerry. The Committee were of different opinions as well as the... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Report of the First Committee on Representation (Amended) Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Report of the First Committee on Representation: First Proposition - First Clause Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Report of the First Committee on Representation: Second Proposition Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Docr. Franklin observed that this question could not be properly put by itself, the Committee having reported several propositions as mutual conditions of each other. He could not vote for it if separately taken, but should vote for the whole... Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Report of the Second Committee on Representation: First Proposition Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Pinckney's Amendment to Representation in the Second Branch of the Legislature Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
General Pinkney. 〈was willing the motion〉might be considered. He did not entirely approve it. He liked better the motion of Dr. Franklin (which see Saturday June 30). Some compromise seemed to be necessary: the States being exactly divided on the... Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris objected to that scale of apportionment. He thought property ought to be taken into the estimate as well as the number of inhabitants. Life and liberty were generally said to be of more value, than property. An accurate view of the... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Report of the Second Committee on Representation: Second Proposition Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Broom gave notice to the House that he had concurred with a reserve to himself of an intention to claim for his State an equal voice in the 2d. branch: which he thought could not be denied after this concession of the small States as to the first branch. Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman thought the number of people alone the best rule for measuring wealth as well as representation; and that if the Legislature were to be governed by wealth, they would be obliged to estimate it by numbers. He was at first for leaving the... Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment to add “at least” Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
The reconsideration being tacitly agreed to Saturday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Dayton. The smaller States can never give up their equality. For himself he would in no event yield that security for their rights. Mr. Sherman urged the equality of votes not so much as a security for the small States; as for the State Govts.... Saturday July 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question for agreeing to Mr Pinkney’s motion for allowing N. H. 2. Mas. 4. &c — 〈it passed in the negative〉 Mas. no. Mr. King ay. Mr. Ghorum absent. Cont. no. N. J. no. Pa. ay. Del. no. Md. ay. Va. ay. N. C. no. S. C. ay Geo. no. [Ayes — 4; noes — 6.] Saturday July 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question for agreeing to the whole 〈Report as amended &〉 including the equality of votes in the 2d. branch. 〈it passed in the Affirmative〉 Mas. divided Mr. Gerry, Mr. Strong. ay. Mr. King Mr. Ghorum no. Cont. ay. N. J. ay. Pena. no. Del. ay.... Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Ghorum apprehended great inconveniency from fixing directly the number of Representatives to be allowed to each State. He thought the number of Inhabitants the true guide; tho’ perhaps some departure might be expedient from the full proportion. The... Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Sixth Resolution (Legislative Powers) Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Sixth Resolution - Second Clause (Power to Legislate on National Issues) Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Butler calls for some explanation of the extent of this power; particularly of the word incompetent. The vagueness of the terms rendered it impossible for any precise judgment to be formed. Mr. Ghorum. The vagueness of the terms constitutes the... Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
But finding from the preceding vote that they persist in demanding an equal vote in all cases, that they have succeeded in obtaining it, and that N. York if present would probably be on the same side, he could not but think we were unprepared to... Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question for adjourning till tomorrow, 〈the States were equally divided.〉 Mas. no. Cont. no. N. J. ay. Pa. ay. Del. no. Md. ay. Va. ay. N. C. ay. S. C. no. Geo. no. So it was lost. [Ayes — 5; noes — 5.] Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Bedford's Amendment to Clarify Federal and State Legislative Powers Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Randolph. This is a formidable idea indeed. It involves the power of violating all the laws and constitutions of the States, and of intermeddling with their police. The last member of the sentence is 〈also〉 superfluous, being included in the... Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Governr. Morris was opposed to a restriction of this right in either branch, considered merely in itself and as unconnected with the point of representation in the 2d. branch. It will disable the 2d. branch from proposing its own money plans, and... Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Ninth Resolution - Second Clause (Selection of Executive) Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Ninth Resolution - Third Clause Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Ninth Resolution - Sixth Clause Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
“Shall the clause allowing each State one vote in the 2d. branch. stand as part of the Report”? 〈being taken up —〉 Mr. Gerry. This is the critical question. He had rather agree to it than have no accomodation. A Governt. short of a proper national... Saturday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gerry thought it would be proper to proceed to enuerate & define the powers to be vested in the Genl. Govt. before a question on the report should be taken as to the rule of representation in the 2d. branch. Mr. 〈Madison,〉 observed that it wd. be... Saturday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Houstoun's Motion to Strike Out Ineligibility Clause Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman wished to know on what principles or calculations the Report was founded. It did not appear to correspond with any rule of numbers, or of any requisition hitherto adopted by Congs. Mr. Gorham. Some provision of this sort was necessary in... Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Williamson. thought it would be necessary to return to the rule of numbers. but that the Western States stood on different footing. If their property shall be rated as high as that of the Atlantic States, then their representation ought to hold a... Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris espoused the motion. The ineligibility proposed by the clause as it stood tended to destroy the great motive to good behavior, the hope of being rewarded by a re-appointment. It was saying to him, make hay while the sun shines. Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Broom was for a shorter term since the Executive Magistrate was now to be re-eligible. Had he remained ineligible a 2d. time, he should have preferred a longer term. Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
McClurg's Amendment for Presidential Terms based on Good Conduct Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Tenth Resolution (Executive Veto) Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. King. N. Hamshire has probably more than 120,000 Inhabts. and has an extensive country of tolerable fertility. Its inhabts therefore may be expected to increase fast. He remarked that the four Eastern States having 800,000 souls, have ⅓ fewer... Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Gerry thought that ⅗ of them was to say the least the full proportion that could be admitted. Mr. Ghorum. This ratio was fixed by Congs. as a rule of taxation. Then it was urged by the Delegates representing the States having slaves that the blacks... Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Eleventh Resolution (Judiciary) Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Eleventh Resolution - Third Clause (Appointment of Judges) Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Gorham's Amendment for Presidential Nomination to the Supreme Court Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman thought it less objectionable than an absolute appointment by the Executive; but disliked it as too much fettering the Senate. Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Eleventh Resolution - Sixth Clause (Changes to Judicial Compensation) Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Fifteenth Resolution (Transitionary Government) Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. M〈adison〉 moved that the number allowed to each State be doubled. A majority of a Quorum of 65 members, was too small a number to represent the whole inhabitants of the U. States; They would not possess enough of the confidence of the people, and... Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris said he had several objections to the proposition of Mr. Williamson. 1. It fettered the Legislature too much. 2. it would exclude some States altogether who would not have a sufficient number to entitle them to a single Representative.... Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Sixteenth Resolution (Federal Obligations) Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris — thought the Resol: very objectionable. He should be very unwilling that such laws as exist in R. Island should be guaranteid. Mr. Wilson. The object is merely to secure the States agst. dangerous commotions, insurrections and... Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment for Federal Protection of States Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Randolph's Amendment Enforcing Republicanism Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Rutlidge thought it unnecessary to insert any guarantee. No doubt could be entertained but that Congs. had the authority if they had the means to co-operate with any State in subduing a rebellion. It was & would be involved in the nature of the thing. Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson moved as a better expression of the idea, “that a Republican 〈form of Governmt. shall〉 be guarantied to each State & that each State shall be protected agst. foreign & domestic violence. This seeming to be well received, Mr. 〈Madison〉 & Mr.... Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. King. being much opposed to fixing numbers as the rule of representation, was particularly so on account of the blacks. He thought the admission of them along with Whites at all, would excite great discontents among the States having no slaves. He... Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Davie, said it was high time now to speak out. He saw that it was meant by some gentlemen to deprive the Southern States of any share of Representation for their blacks. He was sure that N. Carola. would never confederate on any terms that did not... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Governeur Morris. It is necessary to take into one view all that relates to the establishment of the Executive; on the due formation of which must depend the efficacy & utility of the Union among the present and future States. It has been a maxim... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
The question as moved by Mr. Elseworth being divided [Editors' note: The Convention decided to split up Ellsworth's proposal into separate clauses, so the original motion in its 'whole' form has been represented as dropped.] Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
President to be Chosen by Electors Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
The question as moved by Mr. Elseworth being divided, on the 1st. part shall ye. Natl. Executive be appointed by Electors? Mas-divd. Cont. ay. N. J. ay. Pa. ay. Del. ay. Md. ay. Va. ay- N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. no. [Ayes — 6; noes — 3; divided — 1.] Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Electors be Chosen by State Legislatures Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
On 2d. part shall the Electors be chosen by State Legislatures? Mas. ay. Cont. ay. N. J. ay. Pa. ay. Del. ay. Md. ay. Va. no. N. C. ay. S. C. no. Geo. ay. [Ayes — 8; noes — 2.] Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Apportionment of Electors Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
The part relating to the ratio in which the States sd. chuse electors was postponed nem. con. Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman, thought there was no probability that the number of future States would exceed that of the Existing States. If the event should ever happen, it was too remote to be taken into consideration at this time. Besides We are providing for our... Saturday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman was for the question on the whole at once. It was he said a conciliatory plan, it had been considered in all its parts, a great deal of time had been spent on it, and if any part should now be altered, it would be necessary to go over the... Saturday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Adjourn and Seek Conciliation Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Luther Martin's Amendment to Reinstate Ineligibility Clause Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Williamson... He had no great confidence in the Electors to be chosen for the special purpose. They would not be the most respectable citizens; but persons not occupied in the high offices of Govt. They would be liable to undue influence, which... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question shall he be ineligible a 2d. time? Mas. no. Ct. no. N. J. no. Pa. no. Del. no. Md. no. Va. no. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. no. [Ayes — 2; noes — 8.] Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
The 〈postponed〉 Ratio of Electors for appointing the Executive; to wit 1 for each State whose inhabitants do not exceed 100,000, &c. being taken up. Mr. 〈Madison〉 observed that this would make in time all or nearly all the the States equal. Since... Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment to Electors for New Hampshire and Georgia Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Patterson, thought with Mr. R. that it was high time for the Convention to adjourn that the rule of secrecy ought to be rescinded, and that our Constituents should be consulted. No conciliation could be admissible on the part of the smaller States... Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Broome thought it his duty to declare his opinion agst. an adjournment sine die, as had been urged by Mr. Patterson. Such a measure he thought would be fatal. Something must be done by the Convention tho’ it should be by a bare bnbnMr. Broome... Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment to Strengthen State Legislatures Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Govr Morris opposed it. The internal police, as it would be called & understood by the States ought to be infringed in many cases, as in the case of paper money & other tricks by which Citizens of other States may be affected. Mr. Sherman, in... Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Williamson's Amendment to the Apportionment of Electors Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Pinckney's Motion to Strike Out Impeachment Clause Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Davie. If he be not impeachable whilst in office, he will spare no efforts or means whatever to get himself re-elected. He considered this as an essential security for the good behaviour of the Executive. Mr Wilson concurred in the necessity of... Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris,’s [sic] opinion had been changed by the arguments used in the discussion. He was now sensible of the necessity of impeachments, if the Executive was to continue for any time in office. [Editors' note: This statement implies that... Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gerry & Govr. Morris moved ‘that the Electors of the Executive shall not be members of the Natl. Legislature, nor officers of the U. States, nor shall the Electors themselves be eligible to the 〈supreme〉 Magistracy.” Agreed to nem. con. Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson moved as an amendment to Resoln: 10. that the 〈supreme〉 Natl Judiciary should be associated with the Executive in the Revisionary power”. This proposition had been before made, and failed; but he was so confirmed by reflection in the opinion... Saturday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Drops Two-Thirds Majority Saturday July 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question, the motion now being “that the executive should nominate, & such nominations should become appointments unless disagreed to by the Senate” [Editors' note: During the debate on his proposal, Madison decided to alter his amendment to... Saturday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris opposed this power as likely to be terrible to the States, and not necessary, if sufficient Legislative authority should be given to the Genl. Government. Mr. Sherman thought it unnecessary, as the Courts of the States would not... Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Governr. Morris was pointedly agst. his being so chosen. He will be the mere creature of the Legisl: if appointed & impeachable by that body. He ought to be elected by the people at large, by the freeholders of the Country. That difficulties attend... Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Ghorum, wd. prefer an appointment by the 2d branch to an appointmt. by the whole Legislature; but he thought even that branch too numerous, and too little personally responsible, to ensure a good choice. He suggested that the Judges be appointed by... Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris moved to strike out “or increase”. He thought the Legislature ought to be at liberty to increase salaries as circumstances might require, and that this would not create any improper dependence in the Judges. Docr. Franklin 〈was in... Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Eighteenth Resolution (Oath of Office) Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gerry moved to insert as an amendmt. that the oath of the Officers of the National Government also should extend to the support of the Natl. Govt. which was agreed to nem. con. Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Nineteenth Resolution (Ratification) Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman thought that the sense of the Nation would be better expressed by the Legislature, than by the people at large. The latter will never be sufficiently informed of characters, and besides will never give a majority of votes to any one man.... Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Col. Mason considered a reference of the plan to the authority of the people as one of the most important and essential of the Resolutions. The Legislatures have no power to ratify it. They are the mere creatures of the State Constitutions, and cannot... Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment for a Ratifying Convention Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris moved that the reference of the plan be made to one general Convention, chosen & authorized by the people to consider, amend, & establish the same. — Not seconded. Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Elseworth said he had alway approved of voting in that mode. Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Ghorum preferred two to three members for the blank. A small number was most convenient for deciding on peace & war &c. which he expected would be vested in the 2d. branch. The number of States will also increase. Kentucky, Vermont, the province of... Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris 2ded. the motion. He expressed great pleasure in hearing it. This was the way to get a good Government. His fear that so valuable an ingredient would not be attained had led him to take the part he had done. He was indifferent how the... Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Col. Mason thought 3 from each State including new States would make the 2d. branch too numerous. Besides other objections, the additional expence ought always to form one, where it was not absolutely necessary. Mr. Williamson. If the number be too... Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. L Martin was opposed to voting per Capita, as departing from the idea of the States being represented in the 2d. branch. Mr. Carroll, was not struck with any particular objection agst. the mode; but he did not wish so hastily to make so material... Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Genl. Pinkney reminded the Convention that if the Committee should fail to insert some security to the Southern States agst. an emancipation of slaves, and taxes on exports, he shd. be bound by duty to his State to vote agst. their Report. Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Gerry's Amendment for Presidential Election by Ballot Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. L. Martin was strenuous for an appt. by the 2d. branch. Being taken from all the States it wd. be best informed of characters & most capable of making a fit choice. Mr. Sherman concurred in the observations of Mr. Martin, adding that the Judges... Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Butler could see no necessity for such tribunals. The State Tribunals might do the business. Mr. L. Martin concurred. They will create jealousies & oppositions in the State tribunals, with the jurisdiction of which they will interfere. Mr.... Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
on the Question to postpone in order to take it into consideration, The noes were so predominant that the States were not counted. Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
L. Martin's Amendment to Reinstate Ineligibility Clause Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. L. Martin, suspending his motion as to the ineligibility, moved “that the appointmt. of the Executive shall continue for Eleven years. Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
L. Martin's Amendment for Eleven Year Terms Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson hoped that so important a branch of the System wd. not be committed untill a general principle shd. be fixed by a vote of the House. Mr Langdon was for the Committment. Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris thought the assumption of their engagements might as well be omitted; and that Congs. ought not to be continued till all the States should adopt the reform; since it may become expedient to give effect to it whenever a certain number... Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Houston was afraid of perpetuating the existing Constitutions of the States. That of Georgia was a very bad one, and he hoped would be revised & amended. It may also be difficult for the Genl. Govt. to decide between contending parties each of... Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Rutlidge was opposed to all the modes except the appointmt. by the Natl. Legislature. He will be sufficiently independent, if he be not re-eligible Mr. Gerry preferred the motion of Mr. Elseworth to an appointmt. by the Natl. Legislature, or by the... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. King was afraid we shd. shorten the term too much. Mr. Govr Morris was for a short term, in order to avoid impeachts. which wd. be otherwise necessary. Mr. Butler was agst. a frequency of the elections. Geo & S. C. were too distant to send... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Docr. McClurg asked whether it would not be necessary, before a Committee for detailing the Constitution should be appointed, to determine on the means by which the Executive. is to carry the laws into effect, and to resist combinations agst. them. Is... Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Pinckney's Amendment to Eligibility to Offices of State Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Pinckney & Genl. Pinckney moved to insert by way of amendmt. the words Judiciary & Executive so as to extend the qualifications to those departments which was agreed to nem con Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Resolution on Eligibility to Offices of State: First Clause Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Resolution on Eligibility to Offices of State: Second Clause Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Carroll's Amendment to Remove Unsettled Public Accounts Disqualification Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris The last clause, relating to public debtors will exclude every importing merchant. Revenue will be drawn it is foreseen as much as possible, from trade. Duties of course will be bonded. and the Merchts. will remain debtors to the... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Motion to Adjourn Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
The motion made by Mr. 〈Madison〉 July 18. & then postponed, “that the Judges shd. be nominated by the Executive & such nominations become appointments unless disagreed to by ⅔ of the 2d. branch of the Legislature,” was now resumed. Mr. Madison stated... Saturday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Article III (Legislature) Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Col. Mason doubted the propriety of giving each branch a negative on the other “in all cases”. There were some cases in which it was he supposed not intended to be given as in the case of balloting for appointments. Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment to Strike out Legislative Veto Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr 〈Madison〉 wished to know the reasons of the Come for fixing by ye. Constitution the time of Meeting for the Legislature; and suggested, that it be required only that one meeting at least should be held every year leaving the time to be fixed or... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson said he was never fond of oaths, considering them as a left handed security only. A good Govt. did not need them. and a bad one could not or ought not to be supported. He was afraid they might too much trammel the the Members of the Existing... Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gerry opposed it. He thought there was no ground to apprehend the danger urged by Mr. Houston. The election of the Executive Magistrate will be considered as of vast importance and will create great earnestness. The best men, the Governours of the... Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Elseworth. With many this appears a natural consequence of his being elected by the Legislature. It was not the case with him. The Executive he thought should be reelected if his conduct proved him worthy of it. And he will be more likely to render... Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment to Strike Out Meeting Time Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Art. III with the foregoing alterations was agd. to nem. con. Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article IV: Section 1 (Election of Members) Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Williamson was opposed to it. Mr. Wilson. This part of the Report was well considered by the Committee, and he did not think it could be changed for the better. It was difficult to form any uniform rule of qualifications for all the States.... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article IV: Section 2 (Qualification of Representatives) Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment for Seven-Year Citizenship Qualification Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Rutledge's Amendment for Seven-Year Residence in State Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Gerry suggested fifteen years. Mr. King twenty years. This is the medium life of princes. 〈This might possibly be meant as a caricature of the previous motions in order to defeat the object of them.〉 Mr. Davie Eight years Mr. Wilson. The... Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gerry. We seem to be entirely at a loss on this head. He would suggest whether it would not be advisable to refer the clause relating to the Executive to the Committee of detail to be appointed. Perhaps they will be able to hit on something that... Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Dickinson's Amendment to Residence in State Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question for inserting “inhabitant” in place of “resident” — Agd. to nem. con. Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Ellsworth's Amendment for One-Year Inhabitance in State Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Gerry. this is committing too much to chance. If the lot should fall on a sett of unworthy men, an unworthy Executive must be saddled on the Country. He thought it had been demonstrated that no possible mode of electing by the Legislature could be a... Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Carrol took occasion to observe that he considered the clause declaring that direct taxation on the States should be in proportion to representation, previous to the obtaining an actual census, as very objectionable, and that he reserved to himself... Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Gerry's Amendment for Presidential Election by the States Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris was now agst. the whole paragraph. In answer to Col. Mason’s position that a periodical return of the great officers of the State into the mass of the people, was the palladium of Civil liberty he wd. observe that on the same principle... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Mason moved “that the Committee of detail be instructed to receive a clause requiring certain qualifications of landed property & citizenship 〈of the U. States〉 in members of the Legislature, and disqualifying persons having unsettled Accts. with or... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Williamson liked the Report as it stood. He thought “resident” a good eno’ term. He was agst requiring any period of previous residence. New residents if elected will be most zealous to Conform to the will of their constituents, as their conduct... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Butler's Amendment for Three-Year Inhabitance in State Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article IV: Section 3 (Representation) Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. 〈Madison.〉 There are objections agst. every mode that has been, or perhaps can be proposed. The election must be made either by some existing authority under the Natil. or State Constitutions — or by some special authority derived from the people —... Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Article IV: Section 4 (Altering Representation) Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment to Add 'Not Exceeding' Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Sherman & Mr. 〈Madison〉 moved to insert the words “not exceeding” before the words “1 for every 40,000, which was agreed to nem. con. Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article IV: Section 5 (Originating Money Bills) Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article IV: Section 6 (Officers and Impeachment) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Randolph expressed his dissatisfaction at the disagreement yesterday to sect 5. concerning money bills, as endangering the success of the plan, and extremely objectionable in itself; and gave notice that he should move for a reconsideration of the... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Pinkney moved that the election by the Legislature be qualified with a proviso that no person be eligible for more than 6 years in any twelve years. He thought this would have all the advantage & at the same time avoid in some degree the... Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Article V: Section 1 (Membership) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question for striking out “vacancies shall be supplied by Executives N. H. no. Mas. no. Ct. no. N. J. no. Pa. ay. Md. divd. Va. no. N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. no. [Ayes — 1; noes — 8; divided — 1.] Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Col. Mason. In every Stage of the Question relative to the Executive, the difficulty of the subject and the diversity of the opinions concerning it have appeared. Nor have any of the modes of constituting that department been satisfactory. 1. It has... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gerry thought the inconveniency of excluding a few worthy individuals who might be public debtors or have unsettled accts ought not to be put in the Scale agst the public advantages of the regulation, and that the motion did not go far enough. Mr.... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Elseworth. He was willing to trust the Legislature, or the Executive of a State, but 〈not〉 to give the former a discretion to refer appointments for the Senate to whom they pleased. Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris this is absolutely necessary. otherwise, as members chosen into the Senate are disqualified from being appointed to any office by sect. 9. of this art: it will be in the power of a Legislature by appointing a man a Senator agst. his... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Randolph then gave notice that he should move to reconsider this whole Sect: 1. Art. V. as connected with the 5. Sect. art. IV. as to which he had already given such notice. Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article V: Section 2 (Terms) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article V: Section 3 (Qualification of Senators) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment for Thirteen-Year Citizenship Qualification Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VI: Section 1 (Election Days) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The first part was agreed to nem. con. Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Pinckney's Motion to Strike Out Clause 2 Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The motion of Mr. P. & Mr. R. did not prevail. [Editors' note: Madison provides no vote count, and the Jackson omits the vote entirely.] Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VI: Section 2 (Property Qualification) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. 〈Madison〉 moved to strike out the word landed, before the word, “qualifications”. If the proposition sd. be agreed to he wished the Committee to be at liberty to report the best criterion they could devise. Landed possessions were no certain... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. L- Martin. if these words should be struck out, and the remaining words concerning debtors retained, it will be the interest of the latter class to keep their accounts unsettled as long as possible. Mr. Wilson was for striking them out. They put... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Elseworth was for disagreeing to the remainder of the clause disqualifying public debtors; and for leaving to the wisdom of the Legislature and the virtue of the Citizens, the task of providing agst. such evils. Is the smallest as well largest... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Williamson. This could surely never be admitted. Should a majority of the Legislature be composed of any particular description of men, of lawyers for example, which is no improbable supposition, the future elections might be secured to their own... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Rutlidge was opposed to leaving the power to the Legislature- He proposed that the qualifications should be the same as for members of the State Legislatures. Mr. Wilson thought it would be best on the whole to let the Section go out. A uniform... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VI: Section 3 (Quorum) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VI: Section 6 (Rules and Punishments) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment for a Two-Thirds Majority to Expel a Member Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Randolph & Mr. Mason approved the idea. Mr Govr Morris. This power may be safely trusted to a majority. To require more may produce abuses on the side of the minority. A few men from factious motives may keep in a member who ought to be... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris did not dislike the idea, but was apprehensive that such a clause might make enemies of Philda. & N. York which had expectations of becoming the Seat of the Genl. Govt. Mr. Langdon approved the idea also: but suggisted the case of a... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman. This will restrain the operation of the clause too much. It will particularly exclude a mutual negative in the case of ballots, which he hoped would take place. Mr. Ghorum contended that elections ought to be made by joint ballot. If... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Pinckney concurred with Mr 〈Madison〉 Mr. Ghorum. If the time be not fixed by the Constition, disputes will arise in the Legislature; and the States will be at a loss to adjust thereto, the times of their elections. In the N. England States, the... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VI: Section 7 (Record Keeping) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman had rather strike out the yeas & nays altogether. they never have done any good, and have done much mischief. They are not proper as the reasons governing the voter never appear along with them. Mr Elseworth was of the same opinion Col.... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr Morris & Mr Wilson observed that if the minority were to have a right to enter their votes & reasons, the other side would have a right to complain, if it were not extended to them: & to allow it to both, would fill the Journals, like the... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Mercer. This implies that other powers than legislative will be given to the Senate which he hoped would not be given. Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris moved to strike out Decr. & insert May. It might frequently happen that our measures ought to be influenced by those in Europe, which were generally planned during the Winter and of which intelligence would arrive in the Spring. Mr.... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Art: IV. Sect. 1. — Mr. Mercer expressed his dislike of the whole plan, and his opinion that it never could succeed. Mr. Ghorum. He had never seen any inconveniency from allowing such as were not freeholders to vote, though it had long been tried. The... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman moved to strike out the word “resident” and insert “inhabitant,” as less liable to misconstruction. Mr M〈adison〉 2ded. the motion. both were vague, but the latter least so in common acceptation, and would not exclude persons absent... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Read reminded him that we were now forming a Natil Govt and such a regulation would correspond little with the idea that we were one people. Mr. Wilson — enforced the same consideration. Mr. 〈Madison〉 suggested the case of new States in the West,... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson. If a short term should be inserted in the blank, so strict an expression might be construed to exclude the members of the Legislature, who could not be said to be actual residents in their States whilst at the Seat of the Genl.... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VI: Section 8 (Adjournment) Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gerry thought it would be wrong to let the Presidt check the will of the 〈2〉 Houses on this subject 〈at all.〉 Mr Williamson supported the ideas of Mr. Spaight Mr Carrol was actuated by the same apprehensions Mr. Mercer. it will serve no... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article IV: Section 5 (Originating Money Bills) Reconsidered Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Randolph moved that the clause be altered so as to read — “Bills for raising money for the purpose of revenue 〈or for appropriating the same shall originate in the House of Representatives〉 and shall not be 〈so〉 amended or altered by the Senate as... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VI: Section 9 (Ineligibility to Public Office) Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Gerry's Amendment to Extend Ineligibility for One Year to Representatives Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. King wished to know what influence the vote just passed was meant have on the succeeding part of the Report, concerning the admission of slaves into the rule of Representation. He could not reconcile his mind to the article if it was to prevent... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Pinkney moved to strike out Sect. 5, As giving no peculiar advantage to the House of Representatives, and as clogging the Govt. If the Senate can be trusted with the many great powers proposed, it surely may be trusted with that of originating... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
M. Randolph had been & should continue uniformly opposed to the striking out of the clause; as opening a door for influence & corruption. No arguments had made any impression on him, but those which related to the case of war, and a co-existing... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VI: Section 10 (Compensation) Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment for Five Dollars a Day Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Strong preferred 4 dollars, leaving the Sts at liberty to make additions Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Dickinson's Amendment for Equal Wages in Both Houses Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Ghorum. this would be unreasonable. The Senate will be detained longer from home, will be obliged to remove their families, and in time of war perhaps to sit constantly. Their allowance should certainly be higher. The members of the Senates in the... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Govr. Morris moved to insert “free” before the word “inhabitants.” Much he said would depend on this point. He never would concur in upholding domestic slavery. It was a nefarious institution — It was the curse of heaven on the States where it... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson objected to vacancies in the Senate being supplied by the Executives of the States. It was unnecessary as the Legislatures will meet so frequently. It removes the appointment too far from the people; the Executives in most of the States... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Dickenson withdrew his motion Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The Section (Art VI. sec. 10) as amended- agreed to nem. con. Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VI: Section 12 (Originating Bills) Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman thought it unnecessary, except as to votes taking money out of the Treasury which might be provided for in another place. Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
On Question as moved by Mr Randolph N- H. ay. Mas: not present, Ct. ay. N. J. no. Pa. ay. Del. ay. Md. ay. Va. ay. N - C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay. [Ayes — 9; noes — 1; absent — 1.] 〈The Amendment was made a Section 14. of Art VI.〉 [Editors' note:... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 1 (Legislative Powers) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Randolph called for a division of the Section, so as to leave a distinct question on the last words, “each 〈member〉shall have one vote”. He wished this last sentence to be postponed until the reconsideration should have taken place on sect. 5. Art.... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
It was observed that this could not be necessary; as in case the section as to originating bills should not be reinstated, and a revision of the Constitution should ensue, it wd. still be proper that the members should 〈vote〉 per capita. A postponement... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Dr. Franklin reminded the Convention that it did not follow from an omission to insert the restriction in the Constitution that the persons in question wd. be actually chosen into the Legislature. Mr. Rutlidge. 7 years of Citizenship have been... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Elseworth. The different circumstances of different parts of the U. S. and the probable difference between the present and future circumstances of the whole, render it improper to have either uniform or fixed qualifications. Make them so high as to... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Sect: 1. (art. VII) agreed to: Mr. Gerry alone answering no. Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 1 - Clause 2 (Foreign Commerce) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Clause for regulating commerce with foreign nations &c. agreed to nem. con. Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 1 - Clause 4 (Domestic Currency) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
[Clause] for coining money. agd. to nem. con. Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 1 - Clause 5 (Foreign Currency) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
[Clause] for regulating foreign coin. do. do. [Editors' note: Madison's 'ditto' refers to 'agd. to nem. con.' above.] Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Elseworth. was opposed to the motion as discouraging meritorious aliens from emigrating to this Country. Mr. Pinkney. As the Senate is to have the power of making treaties & managing our foreign affairs, there is peculiar danger and impropriety in... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Ghorum. It would be as improper take this power from the Natl. Legislature, as to Restrain the British Parliament from regulating the circumstances of elections, leaving this business to the Counties themselves — Mr 〈Madison〉. The necessity of a... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr 〈Madison〉 was opposed to the Section as vesting an improper & dangerous power in the Legislature. The qualifications of electors and elected were fundamental articles in a Republican Govt. and ought to be fixed by the Constitution. If the... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Ghorum contended that less than a Majority 〈in each House〉 should be made of Quorum, otherwise great delay might happen in business, and great inconvenience from the future increase of numbers. Mr. Mercer was also for less than a majority. So... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 1 - Clause 6 (Weights and Measures) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
[Clause] for fixing the standard of weights & measures. do. do. [Editors' note: Madison's 'ditto' refers to 'agd. to nem. con.' above.] Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 1 - Clause 7 (Post Offices) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment to Prohibit Paper Money Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment to Define a Quorum in Each House Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Elseworth was opposed to it. It would be a pleasing ground of confidence to the people that no law or burden could be imposed on them, by a few men. He reminded the movers that the Constitution proposed to give such a discretion with regard to the... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Elseworth. As the clause is objectionable in so many shapes, it may as well be struck out altogether. The Legislature will not fail to publish their proceedings from time to time — The 〈people〉 will call for it if it should be improperly... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Refer Article VI: Section 8 - Clause 2 to a Committee Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. King remarked that the section authorized the 2 Houses to adjourn to a new place. He thought this inconvenient. The mutability of place had dishonored the federal Govt. and would require as strong a cure as we could devise. He thought a law at... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The clause for borrowing money, agreed to nem. con. Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 1 - Clause 9 (Treasurer) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Gorham's Amendment for Joint Ballot for Treasurer Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Sherman opposed it as favoring the larger States. Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
It was moved and seconded to alter the 8th sect. of the 6. article to read as follows, namely, “The Legislature shall at their first assembling determine on a place at which their future Sessions shall be held: neither House shall afterwards, during... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Randolph moved according to notice to reconsider Art: IV: Sect. 5. concerning money-bills which had been struck out. He argued 1. that he had not wished for this privilege whilst a proportional Representation in the Senate was in contemplation. but... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Pinckney's Amendment to Lessen Public Office Ineligibility Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Ellsworth's Amendment to Congressional Pay and Expenses Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Read's Amendment for Presidential Appointment of Treasurer Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Col. Mason in opposition to Mr. Reads motion desired it might be considered to whom the money would belong; if to the people, the legislature representing the people ought to appoint the keepers of it. Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 1 - Clause 10 (Inferior Tribunals) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
“To constitute inferior tribunals” agreed to nem. con. Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 1 - Clause 11 (Prizes of War) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
“To make rules as to captures on land & water”- do do [Editors' note: Madison's 'ditto' refers to 'agreed to nem. con.' above.] Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 1 - Clause 12 (Crimes and Punishment) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment to Strike Out 'Punishment' Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment to Define Law of Piracy Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 1 - Clause 13 (Rebellions) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Pinckney's Amendment to Remove Requirement for State Authorisation Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr L- Martin opposed it as giving a dangerous & unnecessary power. The consent of the State ought to precede the introduction of any extraneous force whatever. Mr. Mercer supported the opposition of Mr. Martin. Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Col. Mason ironically proposed to strike out the whole section, as a more effectual expedient for encouraging that exotic corruption which might not otherwise thrive so well in the American Soil — for compleating that Aristocracy which was probably in... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Ellsworth's Amendment for Executive Authorisation Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Govr Morris. The Executive may possibly be at the head of the Rebellion. The Genl Govt. should enforce obedience in all cases where it may be necessary. Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Ellsworth's Amendment for Intervention with Authorisation Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment for Intervention in Rebellions Against the Government Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. 〈Madison〉 and Mr. Dickenson moved 〈to insert as explanatory,〉 after “State” — “against the Government thereof” There might be a rebellion agst the U- States. — 〈which was〉 Agreed to nem- con. Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 1 - Clause 14 (War) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment to Declare Rather than Make War Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Govr. Morris. Exclude the officers of the army & navy, and you form a band having a different interest from & opposed to the civil power: you stimulate them to despise & reproach those “talking Lords who dare not face the foe”. Let this spirit be... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Pinkney’s motion to strike out whole clause, disagd. to without call of States. Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Butler's Amendment for Power to Make Peace Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr Morris. remarked that if the members were to be paid by the States it would throw an unequal burden on the distant States, which would be unjust as the Legislature was to be a national Assembly. He moved that the payment be out of the Natl.... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Carrol had been much surprised at seeing this clause in the Report. The dependence of both houses on the State Legislatures is compleat; especially as the members of the former are eligible to State offices. The States can now say: if you do not... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Pinckney's Additional Powers Proposed for the Legislature of the United States Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
These propositions were referred to the Committee of detail which had prepared the Report and at the same time the following which were moved by Mr. Pinkney: — in both cases unanimously. Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment for Power to Regulate the Militia Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Gerry's Additional Powers Proposed for the Legislature of the United States Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Col. Mason. 2ds. the motion. He was extremely earnest to take this power from the Senate, who he said could already sell the whole Country by means of Treaties. Mr Ghorum urged the amendment as of great importance. The Senate will first acquire the... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Mercer should hereafter be agst. returning to a reconsideration of this section. He contended, (alluding to Mr. Mason’s observations) that the Senate ought not to have the power of treaties. This power belonged to the Executive department; adding... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Pinkney opposed the interference of the Judges in the Legislative business: it will involve them in parties, and give a previous tincture to their opinions. Mr. Mercer heartily approved the motion. It as an axiom that the Judiciary ought to be... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris regretted that something like the proposed check could not be agreed to. He dwelt on the importance of public Credit, and the difficulty of supporting it without some strong barrier against the instability of legislative Assemblies. He... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Rutledge's Amendment on Payment of Public Creditors Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Mason was much attached to the principle, but was afraid such a fetter might be dangerous in time of war. He suggested the necessity of preventing the danger of perpetual revenue which must of necessity subvert the liberty of any Country. If it be... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Rutlidge’s motion was referred [Editors' note: The amendment is shown here as it appears in the referred document. The editors assume the vote was unanimous.] Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Appoint a Committee on State Debts Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Sherman. Can one man be trusted better than all the others if they all agree? This was neither wise nor safe. He disapproved of Judges meddling in politics and parties. We have gone far enough in forming the negative as it now stands. Mr. Carrol-... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. L. Martin asked what was meant by the Committee of detail 〈in the expression〉 “duties” and “imposts”. If the meaning were the same, the former was unnecessary; if different, the matter ought to be made clear. Mr Wilson, duties are applicable to... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Madison, will it not be sufficient to prohibit the making them a tender? This will remove the temptation to emit them with unjust views. And promissory notes in that shape may in some emergencies be best. Mr. Govr. Morris. striking out the words... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment to Restraining Perpetual Revenue Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Col. Mason interposed a motion that the Committee prepare a clause for restraining perpetual revenue, which was agreed to nem- con. Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gerry’s motion to provide for 〈public securities〉 for stages on post-roads, and for letters of marque and reprisal, were committed nem. con. Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Sherman had no objection to the proviso here, other than it would derange the parts of the report as made by the Committee, to take them in such an order. Mr. Rutlidge. It being of no consequence in what order points are decided, he should vote for... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. King suggested that all unlocated lands of particular States ought to be given up if State debts were to be assumed. — Mr Williamson concurred in the idea. Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 1 - Clause 15 (Army) Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Gorham's Amendment for Power to Support Armies Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
and then the clause agreed to nem- con- as amended Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Genl. Pinkney asked whether no troops were ever to be raised untill an attack should be made on us? Mr. Gerry. if there be no restriction, a few States may establish a military Govt. Mr. Williamson, reminded him of Mr. Mason’s motion for limiting the... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The motion of Mr. Martin & Mr. Gerry was disagreed to nem. con. Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Genl Pinkney mentioned a case during the war in which a dissimilarity in the militia of different States had produced the most serious mischiefs. Uniformity was essential. The States would never keep up a proper discipline of their militia. Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Dickenson. We are come now to a most important matter, that of the sword. His opinion was that the States never would nor ought to give up all authority over the Militia. He proposed to restrain the general power to one fourth part at a time, which... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Mason doubts the safety of it, considering the strict rule of construction in criminal cases. He doubted also the propriety of taking the power in all these cases wholly from the States. Mr Governr Morris thought it would be necessary to extend... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson thought “felonies” sufficiently defined by Common law. Mr. Dickenson concurred with Mr Wilson Mr Mercer was in favor of the amendment. Mr M〈adison.〉 felony at common law is vague. It is also defective. One defect is supplied by Stat: of... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gerry was agst. letting loose the myrmidons of the U. States on a State without its own consent. The States will be the best Judges in such cases. More blood would have been spilt in Massts in the late insurrection, if the Genl. authority had... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Pinkney opposed the vesting this power in the Legislature. Its proceedings were too slow. It wd. meet but once a year. The Hs. of Reps. would be too numerous for such deliberations. The Senate would be the best depositary, being more acquainted with... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Sharman thought it stood very well. The Executive shd. be able to repel and not to commence war. “Make” better than “declare” the latter narrowing the power too much. Mr Gerry never expected to hear in a republic a motion to empower the Executive... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Mason- had suggested the idea of a select militia. He was led to think that would be in fact as much as the Genl. Govt could advantageously be charged with. He was afraid of creating insuperable objections to the plan. He withdrew his original... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment for Power to Regulate One Tenth of the Militia Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
C.C. Pinckney's Amendment for Power to Regulate the Militia Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment to Reserve Proportion of the Militia to the States Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Read doubted the propriety of leaving the appointment of the Militia officers in the States. In some States they are elected by the legislatures; in others by the people themselves. He thought at least an appointment by the State Executives ought... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris 2ded. by Mr. Pinkney submitted the following propositions which were in like manner referred to the Committee of Detail. Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Gerry's Further Powers Proposed for the Legislature of the United States Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman thought it would be better to authorize the Legislature to assume the State debts, than to say positively it should be done. He considered the measure as just and that it would have a good effect to say something about the Matter. Mr.... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Elseworth observed that a Council had not yet been provided for the President. He conceived there ought to be one. His proposition was that it should be composed of the President of the Senate- the Chief-Justice, and the Ministers as they might be... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Gerry took notice that there was 〈no〉 check here agst. standing armies in time of peace. The existing Congs. is so constructed that it cannot of itself maintain an army. This wd. not be the case under the new system. The people were jealous on this... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Ellsworth's Amendment for Power to Regulate the Militia Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Madison thought the regulation of the Militia naturally appertaining to the authority charged with the public defence. It did not seem in its nature to be divisible between two distinct authorities. If the States would trust the Genl. Govt. with a... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment for Power to Make Sumptuary Laws Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Further Powers Proposed for the Legislature of the United States Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Elseworth, The best remedy is to enforce taxes & debts. As far as the regulation of eating & drinking can be reasonable, it is provided for in the power of taxation. Mr Govr. Morris argued that sumptuary laws tended to create a landed Nobility, by... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 1 - Clause 18 (Execution of Powers) Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment for Power to Establish National Offices Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris. Mr. Wilson, Mr Rutlidge and Mr. Elseworth urged that the amendment could not be necessary. Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 2 (Treason) Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Refer Article VII: Section 2 to a Committee Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Wilson's Amendment to Remove Treason Against Individual States Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment to Strike Out 'Against the United States' Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Docr Franklin wished this amendment to take place — prosecutions for treason were generally virulent; and perjury too easily made use of against innocence Mr. Wilson. much may be said on both sides. Treason may sometimes be practised in such a manner,... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
King's Amendment to Give the US Sole Power to Declare Treason Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Wilson in cases of a general nature, treason can only be agst the U- States. and in such they shd have the sole right to declare the punishment — yet in many cases it may be otherwise. The subject was however intricate and he distrusted his present... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment to Define Giving Comfort to Enemies as Treason Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. M〈adison,〉 thought the definition too narrow. It did not appear to go as far as the Stat. of Edwd. III. He did not see why more latitude might not be left to the Legislature. It wd. be as safe as in the hands of State legislatures; and it was... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr M〈adison〉 This has not removed the embarrassment. The same Act might be treason agst. the United States as here defined — and agst a particular State according to its laws. Mr Elseworth — There can be no danger to the Genl authority from this; as... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson. the clause is ambiguous now. “Sole” ought either to have been inserted — or “against the U- S.” to be reinstated. Mr King no line can be drawn between levying war and adhering to enemy — agst the U. States and agst an individual States —... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 3 (Proportioning Direct Taxation) Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Ellsworth's Amendment for a Census Within Three Years Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr King asked what was the precise meaning of direct taxation? No one answd. Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Langdon. This would bear unreasonably hard on N. H. and he must be agst it. Mr. Carrol. opposed it. The number of Reps. did not admit of a proportion exact enough for a rule of taxation Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Ghorum, thought it wrong to insert this in the Constitution. The Legislature will no doubt do what is right. The present Congress have such a power and are now exercising it. Mr Sherman unless some rule be expressly given none will exist under the... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Sherman withdrew his motion to make way for one of Mr Williamson to add to sect- 3. “By this rule the 〈several〉 quotas of the States 〈shall be determined in〉 Settling the expences of the late war” Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Carrol brought into view the difficulty that might arise on this subject from the establishment of the Constitution as intended without the Unanimous consent of the States Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Consider Article VI: Section 12 (Originating Bills) Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
[Gerry] observed that the principal acts of Government would probably take place within that period, and it was but reasonable that the States should pay in proportion to their share in them. Mr. Elseworth thought such a rule unjust- there was a great... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gerry considered giving the power only, without adopting the obligation, as destroying the security now enjoyed by the public creditors of the U— States. He enlarged on the merit of this class of citizens, and the solemn faith which had been... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. M〈adison.〉 The last appointment of Congs., on which the number of Representatives was founded, was conjectural and meant only as a temporary rule till a Census should be established. Mr. Read. The requisitions of Congs. had been accommodated to... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. King thought the power of taxation given to the Legislature rendered the motion of Mr Gerry altogether unnecessary. Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 4 (Import and Export) Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
L. Martin's Amendment to Tax or Prohibit the Slave Trade Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Rutlidge did not see how the importation of slaves could be encouraged by this section. He was not apprehensive of insurrections and would readily exempt the other States from 〈the obligation to protect the Southern against them.〉. — Religion &... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Art. VII sect 4. resumed. Mr. Sherman was for leaving the clause as it stands. He disapproved of the slave trade: yet as the States were now possessed of the right to import slaves, as the public good did not require it to be taken from them, & as it... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Govr. Morris wished the whole subject to be committed including the clauses relating to taxes on exports & to a navigation act. These things may form a bargain among the Northern & Southern States. Mr. Butler declared that he never would agree to... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Refer Article VII: Section 6 (Navigation Act) to a Committee Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Gerry's Motion Prohibiting Bills of Attainder Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The question being divided, The first part of the motion relating to bills of attainder was agreed to nem. contradicente. Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Gerry's Motion Prohibiting Ex Post Facto Laws Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The report of the committee of 5. made by Mr. Rutlidge, was taken up Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Report of the Committee on State Debts and Militia (Amended) Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Report of the Committee on State Debts and Militia: First Clause (Debts) Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Langdon. by this section the States are left at liberty to tax exports. N. H. therefore with other non-exporting States, will be subject to be taxed by the States exporting its produce. This could not be admitted. It seems to be feared that the... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gorham did not see the propriety of it. Is it meant to require a greater proportion of votes? He desired it to be remembered that the Eastern States had no motive to Union but a commercial one. They were able to protect themselves. They were not... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gerry urged the necessity of this prohibition, which he said was greater in the National than the State Legislature, because the number of members in the former being fewer, they were on that account the more to be feared. Mr. Govr. Morris thought... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Carrol remarked that experience overruled all other calculations. It had proved that in whatever light they might be viewed by civilians or others, the State Legislatures had passed them, and they had taken effect. Mr. Wilson. If these prohibitions... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Elsworth argued that they were unnecessary. The U— S— heretofore entered into Engagements by Congs who were their Agents. They will hereafter be bound to fulfil them by their new agents. Mr Randolph thought such a provision necessary; for though... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The Report of the Committee of Eleven made Aug: 21. being taken up, and the following clause being under consideration to wit “To make laws for organizing, arming & disciplining the Militia, and for governing such parts of them as may be employed in... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman withdrew his motion Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Pinckney's Amendment Against Foreign Bribes Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Rutledge's Amendment Reworking Article VIII Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article IX (Senate Powers) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article IX: Section 1 (Foreign Policy and Appointments) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Govr Morris argued agst. the appointment of officers by the Senate. He considered the body as too numerous for the purpose; as subject to cabal; and as devoid of responsibility. — If Judges were to be tried by the Senate according to a late report... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The art IX— being waved— and art VII. sect 1. resumed Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Gerry, This power in the U— S. as explained is making the States drill-sergeants. He had as lief let the Citizens of Massachusetts be disarmed, as to take the command from the States, and subject them to the Genl Legislature. It would be regarded as... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Langdon said He could not understand the jealousy expressed by some Gentleman. The General & State Govts. were not enemies to each other, but different institutions for the good of the people of America. As one of the people he could say, the... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman considered this as absolutely inadmissible. He said that if the people should be so far asleep as to allow the Most influential officers of the Militia to be appointed by the Genl. Government, every man of discernment would rouse them by... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment to Strike Out 'Enforce Treaties' Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Govr Morris moved to strike the following words out of the 18 clause “enforce treaties” as being superfluous since treaties were to be “laws” . . . . . . which was agreed to nem: contrad: Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Govr Morris moved to alter 1st. part. of 18. clause — sect. 1. art. VII so as to read “to provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions”. which was agreed to nem: contrad Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question then to agree to the 18 clause of sect. 1. art: 7. as amended it passed in the affirmative nem: contradicente. Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Pinckney's Amendment for Power to Negative State Laws Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Pinkney then withdrew his proposition. Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Butler expressed his dissatisfaction lest it should compel payment as well to the Blood-suckers who had speculated on the distresses of others, as to those who had fought & bled for their country. He would be ready he said tomorrow to vote for a... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman thought it unnecessary; the laws of the General Government being Supreme & paramount to the State laws according to the plan, as it now stands. Mr. Madison proposed that it should be committed— He had been from the beginning a friend to... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. 〈Madison〉 observed that the Senate represented the States alone, and that for this as well as other obvious reasons it was proper that the President should be an agent in Treaties. Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment for Treaty Ratification by Congress Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Madison suggested the inconvenience of requiring a legal ratification of treaties of alliance for the purposes of war &c &c Mr. Ghorum. Many other disadvantages must be experienced if treaties of peace and all negociations are to be previously... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Madison hinted for consideration, whether a distinction might not be made between different sorts of Treaties — Allowing the President & Senate to make Treaties eventual and of Alliance for limited terms — and requiring the concurrence of the whole... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article IX: Sections 2 and 3 (State Disputes) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Rutledge's Amendment to Strike Out Sections 2 and 3 Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman concurred: so did Mr Dayton. Mr. Williamson was for postponing instead of striking out, in order to consider whether this might not be a good provision, in cases where the Judiciary were interested or too closely connected with the... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson urged the striking out, the Judiciary being a better provision. Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article X: Section 1 (President) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Rutledge's Amendment for Presidential Election by Joint Ballot Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman objected to it as depriving the States represented in the Senate of the negative intended them in that house, Mr. Ghorum said it was wrong to be considering, at every turn whom the Senate would represent. The public good was the true... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Carroll's Amendment for Presidential Election by the People Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Brearly was opposed to the motion for inserting the word “joint”. The argument that the small States should not put their hands into the pockets of the large ones did not apply in this case. Mr. Wilson urged the reasonableness of giving the larger... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Dayton's Amendment for Each State to have One vote Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Read's Amendment for Senate President to have Tie-breaking Vote Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment for Presidential Election by Electors Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article X: Section 2 (Presidential Powers and Regulations) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment for Presidential Recommendations to Congress Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment to Limit Presidential Appointments Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Randolph observed that the power of appointments was a formidable one both in the Executive & Legislative hands — and suggested whether the Legislature should not be left at liberty to refer appointments in some cases, to some State Authority. Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Dickinson's Amendment on State Appointments Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson— If this be agreed to it will soon be a standing instruction from the State Legislatures to pass no law creating offices, unless the appts be referred to them. Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment to Prevent State Legislatures Blocking Appointments Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman objected to “Legislatures” in the motion, which was struck out by consent of the movers. Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris — This would be putting it in the power of the States to say, “You shall be viceroys but we will be viceroys over you” Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The 1st. clause of 1 sect. of art: VII being reconsidered Col. Mason objected to the term, “shall” — fullfil the engagements & discharge the debts &c as too strong. It may be impossible to comply with it. The Creditors should be kept in the same... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Docr Johnson. The debts are debts of the U— S— of the great Body of America. Changing the Government cannot change the obligation of the U— S— which devolves of course on the New Government. Nothing was in his opinion necessary to be said. If any... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris, said he never had become a public Creditor that he might urge with more propriety the compliance with public faith. He had always done so and always would, and preferr’d the term “shall” as the most explicit. As to buying up the debt,... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment on Costs of Defence and Welfare Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Report of the Committee on Slave Trade and Navigation (Amended) Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
C.C. Pinckney's Amendment to Protect the Slave Trade until 1808 Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Madison. Twenty years will produce all the mischief that can be apprehended from the liberty to import slaves. So long a term will be more dishonorable to the National character than to say nothing about it in the Constitution. Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment to Limit Slave Importation to the Carolinas and Georgia Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Col: Mason was not against using the term “slaves” but agst naming N— C— S— C. & Georgia, lest it should give offence to the people of those States. Mr Sherman liked a description better than the terms proposed, which had been declined by the old... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris withdrew his motion. Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Baldwin's Amendment on Duty on Slaves Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Baldwin in order to restrain & more explicitly define “the average duty” moved to strike out of the 2d. part the words “average of the duties laid on imports” and insert “common impost on articles not enumerated” which was agreed to nem: cont: Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman was agst. this 2d part, as acknowledging men to be property, by taxing them as such under the character of slaves, Mr. King & Mr. Langdon considered this as the price of the 1st part. Genl. Pinkney admitted that it was so. Col: Mason.... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
It was finally agreed nem: contrad: to make the clause read “but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation not exceeding ten dollars for each person” Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article VII: Section 5 (Capitation Tax) Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Sect 5— art— VII was agreed to nem: con: as reported. Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Propositions for the Committee on Commercial Discrimination Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Ghorum thought such a precaution unnecessary; & that the revenue might be defeated, if vessels could run up long rivers, through the jurisdiction of different States without being required to enter, with the opportunity of landing & selling their... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
McHenry and C.C. Pinckney's Propositions on Commercial Discrimination Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
On The question now taken on Mr. Dickinson motion of yesterday, allowing appointments to offices, to be referred by the Genl. Legislature to the Executives of the several States” as a farther amendment to sect. 2. art. X., the votes were N. H. no Mas.... Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment on Presidential Powers of Correspondence Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment for Senate Ratification of Pardon's Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
L. Martin's Amendment for Pardons only after Conviction Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson objected that pardon before conviction might be necessary in order to obtain the testimony of accomplices. He stated the case of forgeries in which this might particularly happen. Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Williamson suggested that the Legislature ought to have power to provide for occasional successors. & moved that the last clause (of 2 sect. X art:) 〈relating to a provisional successor to the President〉 be postponed. Mr Dickinson 2ded. the... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The clause for removing the President on impeachment by the House of Reps and conviction in the supreme Court, of Treason, Bribery or corruption, was postponed nem: con: at the instance of Mr. Govr. Morris, who thought the Tribunal an improper one,... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson thought the general provision for oaths of office, in a subsequent place, rendered the amendment unnecessary Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XI (Judiciary) Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XI: Section 1 (Supreme Court) Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Read objected to vesting these powers in the same Court Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XI: Section 2 (Judges) Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Dickinson's Amendment on Removal of Judges Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Govr. Morris thought it a contradiction in terms to say that the Judges should hold their offices during good behavior, and yet be removeable without a trial. Besides it was fundamentally wrong to subject Judges to so arbitrary an authority. Mr.... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment to Prevent Increase in Compensation to Supreme Court Judges Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris opposed it for reasons urged by him on a former occasion— Col: Mason contended strenuously for the motion. There was no weight he said in the argument drawn from changes in the value of the metals, because this might be provided for... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XI: Section 3 (Jurisdiction) Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment for Supreme Court Jurisdiction over all Controversies involving the United States Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Madison & Mr. Govr. Morris moved to insert after the word “controversies” the words “to which the U— S— shall be a party” — which was agreed to nem: con: Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Johnson's Amendment for Supreme Court Jurisdiction over the Constitutional Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Madison doubted whether it was not going too far to extend the jurisdiction of the Court generally to cases arising Under the Constitution, & whether it ought not to be limited to cases of a Judiciary Nature. The right of expounding the Constitution... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The motion of Docr. Johnson was agreed to nem: con: it being generally supposed that the jurisdiction given was constructively limited to cases of a Judiciary nature Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Rutledge's Amendment for Supreme Court Jurisdiction over Treaties Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
On motion of Mr Rutlidge, the words “passed by the Legislature” were struck out, and after the words “U. S” were inserted nem. con: the words “and treaties made or which shall be made under their authority” — conformably to a preceding amendment in... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris wished to know what was meant by the words “In all the cases before mentioned it (jurisdiction) shall be appellate with such exceptions &c,” whether it extended to matters of fact as well as law — and to cases of Common law as well as... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment Reworking the First Clause (Jurisdiction Over Federal Laws) Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Madison & Mr. Govr. Morris moved to strike out the beginning of the 3d sect. “The jurisdiction of the supreme Court” & to insert the words “the Judicial power” which was agreed to nem: con: Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment for Supreme Court Jurisdiction over Cases involving Land Claims in Different States Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman moved to insert after the words “between Citizens of different States” the words, “between Citizens of the same State claiming lands under grants of different States” — according to the provision in the 9th. art: of the Confederation —... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XI: Section 4 (Criminal Trial by Jury in State Courts) Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Pinckney's Amendment Protecting Habeas Corpus Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Rutlidge was for declaring the Habeas Corpus inviolable— He did 〈not〉 conceive that a suspension could ever be necessary at the same time through all the States— Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment Protecting Habeas Corpus Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson doubted whether in any case 〈a suspension〉 could be necessary, as the discretion now exists with Judges, in most important cases to keep in Gaol or admit to Bail. Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment Protecting Habeas Corpus: Part One Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The first part of Mr. Govr. Morris’ 〈motion,〉 to the word “unless” was agreed to nem: con: Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment Protecting Habeas Corpus: Part Two Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The first part of Mr. Govr. Morris’ 〈motion,〉 to the word “unless” was agreed to nem: con: — on the remaining part; N. H. ay. Mas. ay. Ct. ay. Pa. ay. Del. ay. Md. ay. Va. ay. N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. no. [Ayes — 7; noes — 3.] Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Sect. 5. of art: XI. was agreed to nem: con:〈The vote on this section as stated in the printed journal is not unanimous: The statement here probably the right one.〉 [Editors' note: Farrand concurs that Jackson recorded this vote incorrectly.] Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XII (Prohibitions Upon States) Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Wilson's Amendment to Prohibit Bills of Credit and Paper Money Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Ghorum thought the purpose would be as well secured by the provision of art: XIII which makes the consent of the Genl. Legislature necessary, and that in that mode, no opposition would be excited; whereas an absolute prohibition of paper money... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The question being divided [Editors' note: As the Convention divided the amendment and considered the clauses separately, the editors have dropped the 'whole' version of the amendment and proposed the clauses individually.] Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
King's Amendment Protecting Private Contracts Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment to Prohibit State Embargoes Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris. This would be going too far. There are a thousand laws relating to bringing actions — limitations of actions & which affect contracts— The Judicial power of the U— S— will be a protection in cases within their jurisdiction; and within... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman thought the States ought to retain this power in order to prevent suffering & injury to their poor. Col: Mason thought the amendment would be not only improper but dangerous, as the Genl. Legislature would not sit constantly and therefore... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment to Prohibit Imposts or Duties on Imports Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman thought the power might safely be left to the Legislature of the U. States. Col: Mason, observed that particular States might wish to encourage by impost duties certain manufactures for which they enjoyed natural advantages, as Virginia,... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Art: XII as amended agreed to nem: con: Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XIII (Further Prohibitions Upon States) Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
King's Amendment Against Export Duties Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment for Trade Duties to be Paid into US Treasury Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Madison liked the motion as preventing all State imposts — but lamented the complexity we were giving to the commercial system. Mr. Govr. Morris thought the regulation necessary to prevent the Atlantic States from endeavouring to tax the Western... Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Art XIII was then agreed to as amended. Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XIV (Reciprocal Citizenship Rights) Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Genl. Pinkney was not satisfied with it. He seemed to wish some provision should be included in favor of property in slaves. Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XV (Fugitives from State Laws) Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment to Replace 'High Misdemeanor' with 'Other Crime' Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Butler's Amendment to Seize Fugitive Slaves Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson. This would oblige the Executive of the State to do it, at the public expence. Mr Sherman saw no more propriety in the public seizing and surrendering a slave or servant, than a horse. Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Butler withdrew his proposition in order that some particular provision might be made apart from this article. Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XVI (State Laws) Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Williamson's Amendment on Validity of State Laws and Courts Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson & Docr. Johnson supposed the meaning to be that Judgments in one State should be the ground of actions in other States, & that acts of the Legislatures should be included, for the sake of Acts of insolvency &c — Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Ghorum was for agreeing to the article, and committing the 〈proposition.〉 Mr. Madison was for committing both. He wished the Legislature might be authorized to provide for the execution of Judgments in other States, under such regulations as might... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question for committing art: XVI with Mr. Pinkney’s motion N. H. no. Mas. no. Ct. ay. N. J. ay. Pa ay. Del. ay. Md. ay. Va. ay. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay. [Ayes — 9; noes — 2.] Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The motion of Mr. Randolph was also committed nem: con: Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris moved to commit also the following proposition on the same subject. “Full faith ought to be given in each State to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other State; and the Legislature shall by general laws,... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Dickenson mentioned to the House that on examining Blackstone’s Commentaries, he found that the terms “expost facto” related to criminal cases only; that they would not consequently restrain the States from retrospective laws in civil cases, and... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Pinckney's Amendment for a Two-Third Majority to Impose Commercial Regulations Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Genl. Pinkney said it was the true interest of the S. States to have no regulation of commerce; but considering the loss brought on the commerce of the Eastern States by the revolution, their liberal conduct towards the views* of South Carolina, and... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XVII (Admittance of States) Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment to Strike Out the Last Two Clauses Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
L. Martin's Amendment for Admission of New States by Simple Majority Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment Simplifying the Admission of New States Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. L— Martin & Mr Govr. Morris moved to strike out of art XVII “but to such admission the consent of two thirds of the members present shall be necessary.” Before any question was taken on this motion, Mr Govr. Morris moved the following proposition... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment Simplifying the Admission of New States: 1st Clause Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Madison opposed the motion, insisting that the Western States neither would nor ought to submit to a Union which degraded them from an equal rank with the other States. Col. Mason— If it were possible by just means to prevent emigrations to the... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The first part to Union inclusive was agreed to nem: con: Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. L— Martin opposed the latter part— Nothing he said would so alarm the limited States as to make the consent of the large States claiming the Western lands, necessary to the establishment of new States within their limits. It is proposed to... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
On Mr Govr. Morris’s Motion to substitute &c 〈it was agreed to〉 — N. H. no. Mas. ay. Ct. no. N. J. no. Pa. ay. Del. no. Md no. Va. ay. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay. [Ayes — 6; noes — 5.] Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Art: XVII — before the House, as amended. Mr. Sherman was against it. He thought it unnecessary. The Union cannot dismember a State without its consent. Mr Langdon thought there was great weight in the argument of Mr. Luther Martin, and that the... Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Carroll's Amendment for States to be Divided without their Consent Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment on the Admission and Creation of New States Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Dickinson's Amendment Regulating the Combining of States Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Dickinson moved to add the following clause to the last — “Nor shall any State be formed by the junction of two or more States or parts thereof, without the consent of the Legislatures of such States, as well as of the Legislature of the U.... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Carroll's Amendment on Territory Ceded in Treaty of Paris Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment on Territorial Claims Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Govr Morris moved to postpone this in order to take up the following. “The Legislature shall have power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the U. States; and nothing in... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. L. Martin, urged the unreasonableness of forcing & guaranteeing the people of Virginia beyond the Mountains, the Western people, of N. Carolina. & of Georgia, & the people of Maine, to continue under the States now governing them, without the... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson was agst. the motion. There was nothing in the Constitution affecting one way or the other the claims of the U. S. & it was best to insert nothing, leaving every thing on that litigated subject in statu quo. Mr. Madison considered the claim... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris. this is unnecessary, as all suits to which the U. S— are parties— are already to be decided by the Supreme Court. Mr. L. Martin, it is proper in order to remove all doubts on this point. Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Question on Mr. L— Martin’s amendatory motion N— H— no. Mas— no. Ct. no. N. J. ay. Pa. no. Del. no. Md. ay. Va. no — States not farther called the negatives being sufficient & the point given up. [Editors' note: The Journal provides a fuller record,... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The Motion of Mr. Govr. Morris was then agreed to, 〈Md. alone dissenting.〉 [Editors' note: Farrand writes that Madison had originally recorded the vote as agreed 'nem. con:' but then crossed it out and mistakenly substituted from Journal the vote on... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XVIII (Federal Obligations) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Dickinson's Amendment Removing Request from State Legislatures for Protection Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Dayton mentioned the Conduct of Rho. Island as shewing the necessity of giving latitude to the power of the U— S. on this subject. Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Dickinson's Amendment for State Executives to Request Protection Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
On this question N. H. ay. Mas. no. Ct. ay. N. J. ay. Pa. ay. Del. ay. Md divd. Va. no. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay. [Ayes — 8; noes — 2; divided — 1.] Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
L. Martin's Amendment for Executive Power During Legislative Recess Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
On Question on the last clause as amended N. H. ay. Mas— ay. Ct. ay— N. J. ay— Pa. ay. Del. no. Md. no. Va. ay. N— C— ay— S— C. ay. Geo— ay, [Ayes — 9; noes — 2.] Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XIX (Amendments) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris suggested that the Legislature should be left at liberty to call a Convention, whenever they please. Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The art: was agreed to nem: con: Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XX (Oath of Office) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Pinckney's Amendment Prohibiting Religious Tests Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman thought it unnecessary, the prevailing liberality being a sufficient security agst. such tests. Mr. Govr. Morris & Genl. Pinkney approved the motion Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XXI (Ratification by States) Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Wilson's Amendment Requiring Seven States to Ratify the Constitution Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Postpone Article XXI to Consider the Report of the Committee on Commercial Discrimination Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris thought the blank ought to be filled in a twofold way, so as to provide for the event of the ratifying States being contiguous which would render a smaller number sufficient, and the event of their being dispersed, which wd require a... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Carroll's Amendment Requiring All Thirteen States to Ratify the Constitution Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr King thought this amendt. necessary, otherwise as the Constitution now stands it will operate on the whole though ratified by a part only. Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
King's Amendment for Constitution to Apply Only to States who Ratify Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question N. H. ay. Mas. ay. Ct. ay. N— J— ay. Pa. ay. Md. no. Virga. ay. N. C. ay. 〈S. C. ay.〉 Geo. ay. [Ayes — 9; noes — 1.] [Editors' note: Delaware was not quorate for this vote.] Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment Requiring a Majority of States and People to Ratify the Constitution Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman doubted the propriety of authorizing less than all the States to execute the Constitution, considering the nature of the existing Confederation. Perhaps all the States may concur, and on that supposition it is needless to hold out a breach of faith. Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Postpone Article XXI (Ratification by States) to Consider Committee Reports Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Clymer and Mr. Carrol moved to postpone the consideration of Art: XXI in order to take up the Reports of Committees not yet acted on— On this question, 〈the States were equally divided.〉 N. H. ay. Mas. no. Ct. divd. N. J— no. Pa. ay— Del— ay. Md.... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment to Allow States to Decide on Manner of Ratification Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Postpone Article XXI (Ratification by States) to Consider Article XXII (Ratification by Congress) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman moved to postpone art. XXI. & to take up art: XXII on which question, N. H. no. Mas. no. Ct. ay— N. J. no— P. ay— Del— ay— Md ay. Va. ay. 〈N. C. no〉S. C. no— Geo— no— [Ayes — 5; noes — 6.] Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment Requiring Ten States to Ratify the Constitution Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson supported the motion of Mr. Madison, requiring a majority both of the people and of States. Mr Clymer was also in favor of it. Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Col: Mason was for preserving ideas familiar to the people. Nine States had been required in all great cases under the Confederation & that number was on that account preferable Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XXII (Ratification by Congress) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment to Strike Out 'For Their Approbation' Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. L— Martin believed Mr. Morris to be right, that after a while the people would be agst. it. but for a different reason from that alledged. He believed they would not ratify it unless hurried into it by surprize. Mr. Gerry enlarged on the idea of... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Carrol mentioned the mode of altering the Constitution of Maryland pointed out therein, and that no other mode could be pursued in that State. Mr. King thought that striking out “Conventions”. as the requisite mode was equivalent to giving up the... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Postpone Article XXII (Ratification by Congress) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr Morris was ready for a postponement. He had long wished for another Convention, that will have the firmness to provide a vigorous Government, which we are afraid to do. Mr. Randolph stated his idea to be, in case the final form of the... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Article XXIII (Establishment of New Government) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Art: XXIII being taken up. as far the words “assigned by Congress” inclusive, was agreed to nem: con: the blank having been first filled with the word “nine” as of course. Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment to Remove Choice of President by Congress Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Art: XXIII as amended was then agreed to nem: con: Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question to agree to the following clause, to be inserted after sect— 4. art: VII. “nor shall any regulation of commerce or revenue give preference to the ports of one State over those of another”. Agreed to nem: con: Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Madison thought the restriction wd. be inconvenient, as in the River Delaware, if a vessel cannot be required to make entry below the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania. Mr. Fitzimmons admitted that it might be inconvenient, but thought it would be a... Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment to Strike Out 'Tonnage' Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The word “tonnage” was struck out, nem: con: as comprehended in “duties” Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
On question On the clause of the Report “and all duties, imposts & excises, laid by the Legislature shall be uniform throughout the U. S.” It was agreed to nem: con: Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment to Prevent Congress from Declaring the Effect of a Judgment in One State on Another Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment on State Acts, Records and Proceedings Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On motion of Mr. Madison, “ought to” was struck out, and “shall” inserted; and “shall” between “Legislature” & “by general laws” struck out, and “may” inserted, nem: con: Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Col: Mason favored the motion, particularly if the “effect” was to be restrained to judgments & Judicial proceedings Mr. Wilson remarked, that if the Legislature were not allowed to declare the effect the provision would amount to nothing more than... Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question to agree to the report as amended viz “Full faith & credit shall be given in each State to the public acts, records & judicial proceedings of every other State, and the Legislature may by general laws prescribe the manner in which such... Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The clause in the Report “To establish uniform laws on the subject of Bankruptcies” being taken up. Mr. Sherman observed that Bankruptcies were in some cases punishable with death by the laws of England— & He did not chuse to grant a power by which... Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Pinckney's Amendment to Soften Rule Preventing Congressmen Holding Other Offices Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
King's Amendment Preventing Congressmen from Filling New Offices Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Sherman was for entirely incapacitating members of the Legislature. He thought their eligibility to offices would give too much influence to the Executive. He said the incapacity ought at least to be extended to cases where salaries should be... Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Williamson's Amendment Preventing Congressmen from Filling New Offices or Granting Increased Emoluments Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The last clause rendering a Seat in the Legislature & an office incompatible was agreed to nem: con: Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The (1st.) clause of the Report was agreed to nem. con. [Editors' note: After being unable to vote in the previous session, Delaware returned to quorum.] Tuesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The (2) clause was also agreed to nem: con: Tuesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Second Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters: Third Proposition Tuesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Second Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters: Fourth Proposition Tuesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gorham disapproved of making the next highest after the President, the vice-President, without referring the decision to the Senate in case the next highest should have less than a majority of votes. as the regulation stands a very obscure man with... Tuesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Pinckney's Amendment for Each House to Decide on Members Privileges Tuesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Third Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters: First Proposition Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
This report being taken up. — The (1) clause was agreed to nem. con: Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Randolph & Mr. Madison expressed doubts as to the propriety of giving such a power, & wished for a postponement. Mr Govr. Morris thought it so plain a case that no postponement could be necessary. Mr. Wilson thought the power involved, and the... Tuesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
To the (2) clause Mr. Gerry objected that it admitted of appropriations to an army. for two years instead of one, for which he could not conceive a reason— that it implied there was to be a standing army which he inveighed against as dangerous to... Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The clause (2). was agreed to nem: con: Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Third Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters: Fourth Proposition - First Clause Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
So much of the (4) clause as related to the seat of Government was agreed to nem: con: Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Third Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters: Fourth Proposition - Second Clause Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Gerry contended that this power might be made use of to enslave any particular State by buying up its territory, and that the strongholds proposed would be a means of awing the State into an undue obedience to the Genl. Government — Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
King's Amendment for State Consent to Purchase of land by Federal Government Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. King thought himself the provision unnecessary, the power being already involved: but would move to insert after the word “purchased” the words “by the consent of the Legislature of the State” This would certainly make the power safe. Mr. Govr... Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. King thought himself the provision unnecessary, the power being already involved: but would move to insert after the word “purchased” the words “by the consent of the Legislature of the State” This would certainly make the power safe. Mr. Govr... Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Third Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters: Fifth Proposition Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The (5) clause was agreed to nem: con: Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The resolution & order were separately agreed to nem: con: Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The resolution & order were separately agreed to nem: con: Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gerry gave notice that he should move to reconsider articles XIX. XX. XXI. XXII. Mr. Williamson gave like notice as to the Article fixing the number of Representatives, which he thought too small. He wished also to allow Rho: Island more than one,... Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Rutledge's Amendment for Presidential Election by the Legislature Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Wilson's Amendment for Presidential Election by Legislature in Case of a Tie Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment for Presidential Election to Require a Third of Votes Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gerry objected that this would put it in the power of three or four States to put in whom they pleased. Mr. Williamson. There are seven States which do not contain one third of the people — If the Senate are to appoint, less than one sixth of the... Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment for Three Candidates in Case of a Tie Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman would sooner give up the plan. He would prefer seven or thirteen. Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The Report made yesterday as to the appointment of the Executive being then taken up. Mr. Pinkney renewed his opposition to the mode, arguing 1. that the electors will not have sufficient knowledge of the fittest men, & will be swayed by an attachment... Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment for President Chosen by Highest Vote of Electors Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr Morris thought the point of less consequence than it was supposed on both sides. It is probable that a majority of the votes will fall on the same man, As each elector is to give two votes, more than ¼ will give a majority. Besides as one vote... Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Madison considered it as a primary object to render an eventual resort to any part of the Legislature improbable. He was apprehensive that the proposed alteration would turn the attention of the large States too much to the appointment of... Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Spaight's Amendment for Thirteen Candidates in Case of a Tie Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment to Discount Electors Who Don't Vote Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Dickinson's Amendment to Insert 'Appointed' Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Col: Mason. As the mode of appointment is now regulated, he could not forbear expressing his opinion that it is utterly inadmissible. He would prefer the Government of Prussia to one which will put all power into the hands of seven or eight men, and... Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. King and Mr. Gerry moved to insert in the (5) clause of the Report (see Sepr 4) after the words “may be entitled in the Legislature” the words following — “But no person shall be appointed an elector who is a member of the Legislature of the U. S.... Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gerry proposed, as the President was to be elected by the Senate out of the five highest candidates, that if he should not at the end of his term be re-elected by a majority of the Electors, and no other candidate should have a majority, the... Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Spaight's Amendment for Seven Year Presidential Terms Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Spaight's Amendment for Six Year Presidential Terms Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Gerry suggested that the eventual election should be made by six Senators and seven Representatives chosen by joint ballot of both Houses. Mr King observed that the influence of the Small States in the Senate was somewhat balanced by the influence... Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
King's Amendment to Bar Members of Congress and Government Officers from being Electors Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Second Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters: Fourth Proposition - Fifth Clause Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Second Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters: Fourth Proposition - Sixth Clause Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Spaight's Amendment for Electors to Meet at Seat of Federal Government Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On a question on the sentence in clause (4). “if such number be a majority of that of the electors” 〈appointed.”〉N— H— ay— Mas. ay. Ct ay. N. J. ay— Pa no— Del— ay. Md. ay. Va no— N. C. no. S— C. ay Geo. ay. [Ayes — 8; noes — 3.] [Editors' note: The... Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On a question on the clause referring the eventual appointment of the President to the Senate N— H— ay. Mas. ay. Ct. ay. N. J. ay. Pa ay. Del— ay— Va ay. N. C. no Here the call ceased. [Editors' note: The editors have referred to this clause as the... Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment For Two Thirds of Senate to be Present When Counting Votes Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gorham thought it a wrong principle to require more than a majority in any case. In the present case it might prevent for a long time any choice of a President Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Williamson suggested as better than an eventual choice by the Senate, that this choice should be made by the Legislature, voting by States and not per capita. Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment for the House of Representatives to Decide on President in Case of a Tie Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Col: Mason liked the latter mode best as lessening the aristocratic influence of the Senate. Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr Morris suggested the idea of providing that in all cases, the President in office, should not be one of the five Candidates; but be only re-eligible in case a majority of the electors should vote for him— (This was another expedient for... Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
King's Amendment for Two Thirds of States and a Majority of the House of Representatives to be a Quorum When Choosing a President Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Col Mason liked it as obviating the remark of Mr Madison Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Adjournment Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Adjourned Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Randolph's Amendment for Congress to Have Power to Choose Acting President Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment for House of Representatives to Decide on Inconclusive Presidential Vote by Electors Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment Lessening Periods of Acting Presidents Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Madison observed that this, as worded, would prevent a supply of the vacancy by an intermediate election of the President, and moved to substitute — “until such disability be removed, or a President shall be elected —” Mr. Governr. Morris 2ded. the... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
It seemed to be an objection to the provision with some, that according to the process established for chusing the Executive, there would be difficulty in effecting it at other than the fixed periods; with others, that the Legislature was restrained in... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Gerry withdrew the first part of his motion Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Second Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters: Sixth Proposition Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Second Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters: Seventh Proposition Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Second Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters: Seventh Proposition - First Clause Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Wilson's Amendment Requiring Consent of House of Representatives to Treaties Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Gerry's Amendment on Quorum Required for House of Representatives to Break Tied Presidential Vote Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Read observed that the States having but one member only in the House of Reps. would be in danger of having no vote at all in the election: the sickness or absence either of the Representative or one of the Senators would have that effect Mr.... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gerry opposed this regulation. We might as well put the President himself at the head of the Legislature. The close intimacy that must subsist between the President & vice-president makes it absolutely improper. He was agst. having any vice... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman thought the only question that could be made was whether the power could be safely trusted to the Senate. He thought it could; and that the necessity of secrecy in the case of treaties forbade a reference of them to the whole... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The first sentence as to making treaties, was then Agreed to: nem: con: Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Second Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters: Seventh Proposition - Second Clause Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Spaight's Amendment for Presidential Power on Interim Appointments Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On motion of Mr. Spaight — “that the President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate by granting Commissions which shall expire at the end of the next Session of the Senate” It was agreed to nem: con: Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Second Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters: Seventh Proposition - Fifth Clause Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Wilson thought it objectionable to require the concurrence of ⅔ which puts it in the power of a minority to controul the will of a majority. Mr. King concurred in the objection; remarking that as the Executive was here joined in the business, there... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment for Ratification of Peace Treaties to Require a Simple Majority Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Madison moved to insert after the word “treaty” the words “except treaties of peace” allowing these to be made with less difficulty than other treaties — It was agreed to nem: con: Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment for Two Thirds of the Senate to Make Peace Without the Consent of the President Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson objected to the mode of appointing, as blending a branch of the Legislature with the Executive. Good laws are of no effect without a good Executive; and there can be no good Executive without a responsible appointment of officers to execute.... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Gorham thought the precaution unnecessary as the means of carrying on the war would not be in the hands of the President, but of the Legislature. Mr. Govr Morris thought the power of the President in this case harmless; and that no peace ought to... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the motion of Mr. Madison & Mr. Butler N. H. no. Mas. no. Ct. no. N. J. no. Pa. no. Del— no. Md. ay— Va no— N. C. no. S. C. ay. Geo. ay. [Ayes — 3; noes — 8.] Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the part of the clause concerning treaties amended by the exception as to Treaties of peace. N. H. ay. Mas. ay. Ct. ay. N. J. no. Pa. no. Del. ay. Md. ay. Va. ay. N— C. ay. S— C. ay— Geo. no. [Ayes — 8; noes — 3.] [Editors' note: Farrand ascribes... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Second Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters: Eighth Proposition Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Instruction to Devise a Proposition for an Executive Council Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris. The question of a Council was considered in the Committee, where it was judged that the Presidt. by persuading his Council— to concur in his wrong measures, would acquire their protection for them— Mr. Wilson approved of a Council,... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question, “authorizing the President to call for the opinions of the Heads of Departments, in writing:” it passed in the affirmative, N. H. only being no.* 〈The clause was then unanimously agreed to.〉 *〈Not so stated in the Printed Journal; but... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
King's Amendment Requiring a Two Thirds Majority to Ratify Treaties Conceding Any Rights Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Second Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters: Ninth Proposition Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment for Presidential Impeachment for Maladministration Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Madison So vague a term will be equivalent to a tenure during pleasure of the Senate. Mr Govr Morris, it will not be put in force & can do no harm— An election of every four years will prevent maladministration. Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Col. Mason withdrew “maladministration” & substitutes “other high crimes & misdemeanors” 〈agst. the State”〉 Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Madison, objected to a trial of the President by the Senate, especially as he was to be impeached by the other branch of the Legislature, and for any act which might be called a misdemesnor. The President under these circumstances was made... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment for Trial for Impeachment by the House of Representatives Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment to Clarify Impeachment for High Crimes and Misdemeanors Against the United States Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment to Role of Senate Regarding Money Bills Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
It was moved to strike out the words “and shall be subject to alterations and amendments by the Senate” and insert the words used in the Constitution of Massachusetts on the same subject — “but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments as in... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question On the first part of the clause — “All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the house of Representatives”* N. H. ay. Mas. ay. Ct. ay. N. J. ay Pa. ay. Del. no. Md. no. Va. ay. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay. [Ayes — 9; noes —... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
[A] question taken on the clause 〈so amended〉 viz — “The Senate of the U. S. shall have power to try all impeachments: but no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two thirds of the members present: and every member shall be on oath” N.... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Gerry's Amendment for Congress to have Sole Power to Establish Offices Not Created by Constitution Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
McHenry's Amendment to Clarify President's Role in Convening Extraordinary Sessions of Congress Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson said he should vote agst the motion because it implied that the senate might be in Session, when the Legislature was not, which he thought improper. Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Reconsider the Number of Members in the House of Representatives Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman opposed it— he thought the provision on that subject amply sufficient. Col: Hamilton expressed himself with great earnestness and anxiety in favor of the motion. He avowed himself a friend to a vigorous Government, but would declare at the... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Instruction to Devise a Motion on Pardons in Cases of Treason Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Randolph moved to refer to the Committee also a motion relating to pardons in cases of Treason — which was agreed to nem: con: Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Adjournment Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Adjourned Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Williamson, observed to the House that no provision was yet made for juries in Civil cases and suggested the necessity of it. Mr. Gorham. It is not possible to discriminate equity cases from those in which juries are proper. The Representatives of... Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Appoint a Committee to Devise a Bill of Rights Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman. was for securing the rights of the people where requisite. The State Declarations of Rights are not repealed by this Constitution; and being in force are sufficient — There are many cases where juries are proper which cannot be... Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Adjournment Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Adjourned Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Appoint a Committee on Sumptuary Legislation Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Col. Mason — He had moved without success for a power to make sumptuary regulations. He had not yet lost sight of his object. After descanting on the extravagance of our manners, the excessive consumption of foreign superfluities, and the necessity of... Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
and a Committee appointed, consisting of Col: Mason, Docr. Franklin, Mr. Dickenson, Docr Johnson, and Mr. Livingston. Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
and a Committee appointed, consisting of Col: Mason, Docr. Franklin, Mr. Dickenson, Docr Johnson, and Mr. Livingston. Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
and a Committee appointed, consisting of Col: Mason, Docr. Franklin, Mr. Dickenson, Docr Johnson, and Mr. Livingston. Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
and a Committee appointed, consisting of Col: Mason, Docr. Franklin, Mr. Dickenson, Docr Johnson, and Mr. Livingston. Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
and a Committee appointed, consisting of Col: Mason, Docr. Franklin, Mr. Dickenson, Docr Johnson, and Mr. Livingston. Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Correction to Printer's Errors Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The words “by lot” — were not in the Report as printed; but were inserted in manuscript, as a typografical error, departing from the text of the Report referred to the Committee of Style and arrangement... (punish) a typographical omission [Editors'... Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Randolph's Amendment to Replace 'Servitude' with 'Service' Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Art: 1— sect. 2— On motion of Mr. Randolph the word “servitude” was struck out, and “service” 〈unanimously〉 inserted, the former being thought to express the condition of slaves, & the latter the obligations of free persons. Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Dickinson's Amendment to Strike Out 'And Direct Taxes' Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris. The insertion here was in consequence of what had passed on this point; in order to exclude the appearance of counting the Negroes in the Representation — The including of them may now be referred to the object of direct taxes, and... Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the motion to strike out “and direct taxes” from this place N— H— no— Mas— no— Ct. no. N— J— ay. Pa. no. Del. ay. Md ay. Va. no— N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. no. [Ayes — 3; noes — 8.] Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment to Insert 'The Day on Which' Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Governur Morris. The amendment is unnecessary. The law knows no fractions of days — Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
A number of members being very impatient & calling for the question N. H. no. Mas. no. Ct. no. N— J. no. Pa. ay. Del. no— Md ay— Va ay. N— C. no. S— C. no. Geo. no— [Ayes — 3; noes — 8.] Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Motion to Adjourn Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Adjourned Thursday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Reconsider Number of Representatives Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The Report of the Committee of stile & arrangement being resumed, Mr. Williamson moved to reconsider in order to increase the number of Representatives fixed for the first Legislature. His purpose was to make an addition of one half generally to the... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Article I: Section 3 (Senate) Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment to Strike Out 'By Lot' Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Art. 1. sect. 3. — the words *“by lot” were struck out nem: con: on motion of Mr. Madison, that some rule might prevail in the rotation that would prevent both the members from the same State from going out at the same time — *〈“By lot” had been... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment to Strike Out 'Ex Officio' Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
“Ex officio” struck out of the same section as superfluous; nem: con: Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment for Affirmation or Oath During Impeachment Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
〈and “or affirmation” after “oath” inserted also unanimously — 〉 Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Rutledge's Amendment for Suspension from Office Pending Impeachment Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Madison — The President is made too dependent already on the Legislature, by the power of one branch to try him in consequence of an impeachment by the other. This intermediate suspension, will put him in the power of one branch only — They can at... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question to agree to it N— H. no. Mas. no— Ct. ay— N— J. no. Pa. no. Del— no. Md no. Va. no. N— C. no. S. C. ay, Geo. ay, [Ayes — 3; noes — 8.] Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Article I: Section 4 (Regulations of Elections) Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment Prohibiting Congress from Altering Location of Senatorial Elections Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Art. 1. sect. 4. “except as to the places of choosing Senators” added nem: con: to the end of the first clause, in order to exempt the seats of Govt in the States from the power of Congress Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Article I: Section 5 (Regulation of Legislature) Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment Allowing Only the Senate to Keep Proceedings Secret Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
It was intimated on the other side that cases might arise where secrecy might be necessary in both Houses — Measures preparatory to a declaration of war in which the House of Reps. was to concur, were instanced. Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question, 〈it passed in the negative〉 〈N. H. no. (Rh. Isd:) Mas. no. Con: no. (N. Y. abs) N. J. no. Pen. ay. Del— no. Mary. ay. Virg. no. N. C. ay. S. C. divd. Geor. no〉 [Ayes — 3; noes — 7; divided — 1.] [Editors' note: Madison crossed out... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Baldwin observed that the clause. art. 1. sect 6. declaring that no member of Congs, “during the time for which he was elected; shall be appointed to any Civil office under the authority of the U. S. which shall have been created, or the emoluments... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Article I: Section 8 (Legislative Powers) Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Rutledge's Amendment to Remove Congressional Power to Appoint Treasurer Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gorham & Mr. King said that the motion, if agreed, to would have a mischievous tendency. The people are accustomed & attached to that mode of appointing Treasurers, and the innovation will multiply objections to the System. Mr. Govr. Morris... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment for Congressional Power to Define Offences Against the Law of Nations Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson hoped the alteration would by no means be made. To pretend to define the law of nations which depended on the authority of all the Civilized Nations of the World, would have a look of arrogance. that would make us ridiculous. Mr. Govr The... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Franklin's Amendment for Congressional Power to Cut Canals Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Sherman objected. The expence in such cases will fall on the U— States, and the benefit accrue to the places where the canals may be cut. Mr Wilson. Instead of being an expence to the U. S. they may be made a source of revenue. Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment to Grant Charters of Incorporation Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Col: Mason was for limiting the power to the single case of Canals. He was afraid of monopolies of every sort, which he did not think were by any means already implied by the Constitution as supposed by Mr. Wilson. The motion being so modified as to... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment for Congressional Power to Establish a University Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Wilson supported the motion Mr Govr Morris. It is not necessary. The exclusive power at the Seat of Government, will reach the object. Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment Against Standing Armies Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Madison was in favor of it. It did not restrain Congress from establishing a military force in time of peace if found necessary; and as armies in time of peace are allowed on all hands to be an evil, it is well to discountenance them by the... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr King thought the power unnecessary. Mr Wilson. It is necessary to prevent a State from obstructing the general welfare. Mr King— The States will be prejudiced and divided into parties by it— In Philada. & New York, It will be referred to the... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment to Grant Charters of Incorporation for Canals Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question N. H— no— Mas— no— Ct no. N— J— no. Pa. no. Del. no. 〈Maryd no〉 Va ay— N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. ay. [Ayes — 2; noes — 9.] Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Reconsider Article I: Section 9 - Clause 3 (Attainder and Ex Post Facto Laws) Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment to Strike Out Prohibition of Ex Post Facto Laws Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Pinckney's Amendment to Secure the Liberty of the Press Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman— It is unnecessary— The power of Congress does not extend to the Press. Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Read's Amendment Strengthening Restriction on Direct Taxation to Proportion of Population Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Art. I. Sect. 9. “no capitation tax shall be laid, unless &c” Mr Read moved to insert after “capitation” the words. “or other direct tax” He was afraid that some liberty might otherwise be taken to saddle the States with a readjustment by this rule,... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment to Insert 'Or Enumeration' Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Govr. Morris urged that this wd. be impossible in many cases. Mr. King remarked, that the term expenditures went to every minute shilling. This would be impracticable. Congs. might indeed make a monthly publication, but it would be in such general... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment to Publish Public Accounts From Time to Time Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment on Commercial Discrimination Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr, Pinkney was in favor of the motion. Mr. Fitzimmons— It is absolutely impossible to publish expenditures in the full extent of the term. Mr. Sherman thought “from time to time” the best rule to be given. Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
“Annual” was struck out — & those words — inserted nem: con: Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The motion of Col. Mason so amended was then agreed to nem: con: and added after — “appropriations by law as follows— “And a regular statement and account of the recepits & expenditures of all public money shall be published from time to time.” Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Gerry's amendment Prohibiting Congress from Impairing the Obligation of Contracts Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Gerry entered into observations inculcating the importance of public faith, and the propriety of the restraint put on the States from impairing the obligation of contracts — Alledging that Congress ought to be laid under the like prohibitions. he... Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Motion to Adjourn Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Adjourned. Friday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Appoint a Committee to Prepare an Address to the People Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Rutledge objected on account of the delay it would produce and the impropriety of addressing the people before it was known whether Congress would approve and support the plan— Congress, if an address be thought proper can prepare as good a one— The... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the motion of Mr. Carrol N— H. no. Mas. no— Ct. no. N— J— no. Pa ay. Del. ay. Md. ay— Va. ay. N— C.* abst. S. C. no.* Geo. no— [Ayes — 4; noes — 6; absent — 1.] *〈In the printed Journal N. Carolina— no & S. Carol: omitted.〉 Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. King was agst. any change whatever as opening the door for delays. There had been no official proof that the numbers of N— C are greater than before estimated. And he never could sign the Constitution if Rho: Island is to be allowed two members... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Pinkney urged the propriety of increasing the number of Reps allotted to N. Carolina. Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Bedford contended for an increase in favor of Rho: Island, and of Delaware also Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question for allowing two Reps. to Rho: Island 〈it passed in the negative〉 N. H— ay. Mas. no. Ct. no. N. J. no. Pa. no. Del. ay. Md. ay. Va. no. N. C— ay. S. C. no— Geo— ay. [Ayes — 5; noes — 6.] Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question for allowing six to N. Carolina, 〈it passed in the negative〉 N.H. no. Mas. no. Ct. no—N. J. no. Pa. no. Del— no—Md. ay. Va. ay. N—C. ay. S— C. ay. Geo. ay. [Ayes — 5; noes — 6.] Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment to Remove Congressional Oversight Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On a motion to strike out the last part “and all such laws shall be subject to the revision and controul of 〈the〉 Congress” 〈it passed in the Negative.〉 N. H. no. Mas. no. Ct no— N. J. no. Pa divd. Del. no. Md. no Va ay— N— C— ay. S. C. no Geo. ay.... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The substitute was then agreed to: 〈Virga. alone being in the Negative.〉 [Editors' note: Farrand writes that Madison had 'taken [this vote count] from the Journal, which ascribes Vote 545, Detail of Ayes and Noes, to this question. The correctness of... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment on Imposts and Duties Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Col. Mason in support of this explained and urged the situation of the Chesapeak which peculiarly required expences of this sort. Mr. Govr. Morris. The States are not restrained from laying tonnage as the Constitution now Stands. The exception... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On motion “that no State shall lay any duty on tonnage without the Consent of Congress” N. H— ay— Mas. ay. Ct. divd. N. J. ay. Pa. no. Del. ay. Md. ay. Va. no. N— C. no. S— C. ay. Geo. no. [Ayes — 6; noes — 4; divided — 1.] Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment Redrafting the Final Clause Article I: Section 10 Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The remainder of the paragraph was then remoulded and passed as follows viz— “No State shall without the consent of Congress, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with another State,... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment Lessening Periods of Acting Presidents Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Art II. sect. 1. (paragraph 6) “or the period for chusing another president arrive” was changed into “or a President 〈shall〉 be elected” comformably to a vote of the ____ day of ____ Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Rutledge's Amendment Prohibiting Presidential Emoluments Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Rutlidge and Docr Franklin moved to annex to the end paragraph 7. sect. 1. art II— “and he (the President) shall not receive, within that period, any other emolument from the U. S. or any of them.” on which question N— H. ay— Mas. ay. Ct. no. N.... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Randolph's Amendment to Prohibit Presidential Pardon for Treason Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the motion of Mr. Randolph N. H. no— Mas. no— Ct. divd. N— J— no. Pa. no— Del. no. Md no— Va ay— N— C. no— S. C. no. Geo— ay. [Ayes — 2; noes — 8; divided — 1.] Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment Allowing Congress to Delegate Appointments Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Madison. It does not go far enough if it be necessary at all — Superior Officers below Heads of Departments ought in some cases to have the appointment of the lesser offices. Mr Govr Morris There is no necessity. Blank Commissions can be sent — Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the motion N. H. ay. Mas— no— Ct ay. N. J. ay. Pa. ay. Del. no. Md. divd Va no. N. C. ay— S C no. Geo— no— [Ayes — 5; noes — 5; divided — 1.] Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The motion being lost by the equal division 〈of votes,〉 It was urged that it be put a second time, some such provision being too necessary, to be omitted. and on a second question it was agreed to nem. con. Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Pinckney's Motion Protecting Trial by Jury in Civil Cases Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gorham. The constitution of Juries is different in different States and the trial itself is usual in different cases in different States, Mr. King urged the same objections Genl. Pinkney also. He thought such a clause in the Constitution would be... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Govr Morris had rather there should be no pardon for treason, than let the power devolve on the Legislature. Mr Wilson. Pardon is necessary for cases of treason, and is best placed in the hands of the Executive. If he be himself a party to the... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The motion was disagreed to nem: con: Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment Reframing the Fugitive Slave Clause Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Art. IV. sect 2. parag: 3. the term “legally” was struck out, and “under the laws thereof” inserted 〈after the word “State,”〉 in compliance with the wish of some who thought the term 〈legal〉 equivocal, and favoring the idea that slavery was legal in a... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Article IV: Section 3 (Admittance of States) Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Gerry's Amendment to Insert 'or a State and Part of a State' Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Gerry moved to insert after “or parts of States” the words “or a State and part of a State” which was disagreed to by a large majority; it appearing to be supposed that the case was comprehended in the words of the clause as reported by the... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment to Clarify Role of Congress in Preventing Domestic Violence Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
〈Art. IV. sect. 4. After the word “Executive” were inserted the words “when the Legislature cannot be Convened”〉 [Editors' note: Madison may have added this amendment to his notes later. If so, the amendment probably comes from the 1819 printed... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Article V (Amendments) Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment on Amendments to the Constitution Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Madison did not see why Congress would not be as much bound to propose amendments applied for by two thirds of the States as to call a call a Convention on the like application. He saw no objection however against providing for a Convention for the... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The motion of Mr. Govr Morris and Mr. Gerry was agreed to nem: con Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman expressed his fears that three fourths of the States might be brought to do things fatal to particular States, as abolishing them altogether or depriving them of their equality in the Senate. He thought it reasonable that the proviso in... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment Against Three Fourths Majority for Ratification of Amendments Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On this motion N— H— divd. Mas— ay— Ct ay. N— J. ay— Pa no. Del— no. Md no. Va no. N. C. no. S— C. no. Geo— no. [Ayes — 3; noes — 7; divided — 1.] Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Gerry's Amendment Against Ratification of Amendments by State Conventions Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Gerry moved to strike out the words “or by Conventions in three fourths thereof” On this motion N— H— no. Mas. no— Ct. ay. N— J. no. Pa no— Del— no. Md no. Va. no. N— C. no. S. C. no— Geo— no. [Ayes — 1; noes — 10.] Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment Protecting States' Internal Police and Representation in the Senate Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Madison. Begin with these special provisos, and every State will insist on them, for their boundaries, exports &c. Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the motion of Mr. Sherman N. H— no. Mas. no. Ct ay. N. J. ay— Pa no. Del— ay. Md. no. Va. no N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. no. [Ayes — 3; noes — 8.] Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment to Strike Out Article V (Amendments) Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman then moved to strike out art V altogether Mr Brearley 2ded. the motion, on which N. H. no. Mas. no. Ct. ay. N. J. ay. Pa. no. Del. divd. Md. no. Va. no. N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. no [Ayes — 2; noes — 8; divided — 1.] Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment to Protect State Representation in the Senate Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr Morris moved to annex a further proviso— “that no State, without its consent shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate” This motion being dictated by the circulating murmurs of the small States was agreed to without debate, no one... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment Requiring a Two Thirds Majority to Pass Navigation Acts Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On this motion N. H. no. Mas— no. Ct no. N— J. no— Pa no. Del. no. Md ay. Va. ay. N. C abst S. C. no— Geo— ay. [Ayes — 3; noes — 7; absent — 1.] [Editors' note: North Carolina was not quorate for this vote or the subsequent votes in this session.] Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question on the proposition of Mr Randolph. All the States answered- no Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question to agree to the Constitution. as amended. All the States ay. [Editors' note: The Journal also records this vote and indicates that both New York and North Carolina were unable to vote, as they were not quorate.] Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Order That the Constitution be Engrossed Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The Constitution was then ordered to be engrossed. [Editors' note: McHenry records the order to print 500 copies of the Constitution. It is unclear if this motion was made separately, or as part of the order to engross the Constitution.] Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Motion to Adjourn Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
And the House adjourned Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment on the Subscription of the Constitution Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The Constitution be Signed by the Delegates Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Randolph's Amendment on Amendments by State Conventions Requiring a Second Constitutional Convention Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Pinkney. These declarations from members so respectable at the close of this important scene, give a peculiar solemnity to the present moment. He descanted on the consequences of calling forth the deliberations & amendments of the different States... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Gorham's Amendment for One Representative per Thirty Thousand People Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
No opposition was made to the proposition of Mr. Gorham and it was agreed to unanimously Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question to agree to the Constitution enrolled in order to be signed. It was agreed to all the States answering ay. Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the motion of Docr. Franklin N. H. ay. Mas. ay— Ct. ay— N. J. ay— Pa. ay— Del— ay. Md. ay. Va. ay— 〈N. C. ay〉 S. C. divd.* Geo. ay. [Ayes — 10; noes — 0; divided — 1.] * Genl Pinkney & Mr. Butler disliked the equivocal form of the signing, and on... Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Deposit the Journal and Papers with the President Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
A question was then put on depositing the Journals and other papers of the Convention in the hands of the President, On which, N— H— ay. Mtts ay. Ct. ay— N. J. ay. Pena. ay. Del. ay. Md.* no. Va. ay. N. C. ay— S. C. ay. Geo. ay. [Ayes 10; noes —... Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Docr. Franklin rose with a speech in his hand, which he had reduced to writing for his own conveniency, and which Mr. Wilson read in the words following. “Mr. President I confess that there are several parts of this constitution which I do not at... Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
When the President rose, for the purpose of putting the question, he said that although his situation had hitherto restrained him from offering his sentiments on questions depending in the House, and it might be thought, ought now to impose silence on... Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
President to Retain the Journal and Papers Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The President having asked what the Convention meant should be done with the Journals &c, whether copies were to be allowed to the members if applied for. It was Resolved nem: con: "that he retain the Journal and other papers, subject to the order of... Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Whilst the last members were signing it Doctr. Franklin looking towards the Presidents Chair, at the back of which a rising sun happened to be painted, observed to a few members near him, that Painters had found it difficult to distinguish in their art... Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Randolph then rose and with an allusion to the observations of Docr Franklin, apologized for his refusing to sign the Constitution, notwithstanding the vast majority & venerable names that would give sanction to its wisdom and its worth. He said... Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The Constitution being signed by all the Members except Mr Randolph, Mr Mason, and Mr. Gerry who declined giving it the sanction of their names Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Motion to Adjourn Sine Die Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
The Constitution being signed by all the Members except Mr Randolph, Mr Mason, and Mr. Gerry who declined giving it the sanction of their names, the Convention dissolved itself by an Adjournment sine die — Monday September 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Virginia Plan Wednesday May 1787Committee: The Convention
Signing of the Constitution Monday September 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Randolph's First Proposition (Rejection of Articles of Confederation) Wednesday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Randolph's Second Proposition (Rejection of Treaties) Wednesday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Mason observed that the present confederation was not only deficient in not providing for coercion & punishment agst. delinquent States; but argued very cogently that punishment could not 〈in the nature of things be executed on〉 the States... Wednesday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
The motion to postpone for this purpose was lost: Yeas Massachusetts, Connecticut. Delaware S. Carolina — 4 Nays N. Y. Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina — 4〉 Wednesday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
On the question 〈as moved by Mr. Butler on the third proposition〉 it was resolved in Committee of the whole that a national Governt. ought to be established consisting of a supreme Legislative Executive & Judiciary.” Massts. being ay — Connect. no. N.... Wednesday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Madison's Amendment Against Representation Based on Number of Free Inhabitants Wednesday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. King observed that the quotas of contribution which would alone remain as the measure of representation, would not answer; because waving every other view of the matter, the revenue might hereafter be so collected by the general Govt. that the sums... Wednesday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
〈Mr. Madison admitted the propriety of the observation, and that some better rule ought to be found. Wednesday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Hamilton's Amendment For Representation Based on Number of Free Inhabitants Wednesday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Randolph's Amendment for Proportional Representation Wednesday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Motion to Change Phrasing of the Second Resolution Wednesday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
〈The 3d. Resolution〉 “that the national Legislature ought to consist of two branches” was agreed to without debate or dissent, 〈except that of Pennsylvania, given probably from complaisance to Docr. Franklin who was understood to be partial to a single... Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
On the question for an election of the first branch of the national Legislature, by the people, Massts. ay. Connect. divd. N. York ay. N. Jersey no. Pena. ay. Delawe. divd. Va. ay. N. C. ay. S. C. no. Georga. ay. [Ayes — 6; noes — 2; divided — 2.] Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Fifth Resolution - First Clause Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. King reminded the Committee that the choice of the second branch as proposed (by Mr. Spaight) viz. by the State Legislatures would be impracticable, unless it was to be very numerous, or the idea of proportion among the States was to be... Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Govr. Morris observed that the valuable assistance of those members could not be lost without real concern, and that so early a proof of discord in the convention as a secession of a State, would add much to the regret; that the change proposed was... Wednesday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Sherman opposed the election by the people, insisting that it ought to be by the 〈State〉 Legislatures. The people he said, 〈immediately〉 should have as little to do as may be about the Government. They want information and are constantly liable to... Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Pinckney's Amendment Against Nomination by State Legislatures Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
On this question. *Massts. no. Cont. no. N. Y. no. N. J. no. Pena. no. Del. divd. Va. no. N. C. no. S. C. no Georg no. [Ayes — 0; noes — 9; divided — 1.] Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Spaight's Amendment for the Second Branch to be Chosen by State Legislatures Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Butler apprehended that the taking so many powers out of the hands of the States as was proposed, tended to destroy all that balance 〈and security〉 of interests among the States which it was necessary to preserve; and called on Mr. Randolph the... Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Wilson opposed both a nomination by the State Legislatures, and an election by the first branch of the national Legislature, because the second branch of the latter, ought to be independent of both. He thought both branches of the National... Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
On the whole question for electing by the first branch out of nominations by the State Legislatures, Mass. ay. Cont. no. N. Y. no. N. Jersey. no. Pena. no. Del. no. Virga. ay. N. C. no. S. C. ay. Ga. no. [Ayes — 3; noes — 7.] So the clause was... Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Sixth Resolution (Legislative Powers) Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Sixth Resolution - First Clause (Originating Acts) Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
On the question whether each branch shd. originate laws, there was an unanimous affirmative without debate. Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Sixth Resolution - Second Clause (Assume Powers of Confederation Congress) Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
On the question for transferring all the Legislative powers of the 〈existing〉 Congs. to this Assembly, there was also a silent affirmative nem. con. Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Sixth Resolution - Third Clause (Legislate where States Incompetent) Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
On the question for giving powers, in cases to which the States are not competent, Massts. ay. Cont. divd. (Sharman [sic] no Elseworth [sic] ay) N. Y. ay. N. J. ay. Pa. ay. Del. ay. Va. ay. N. C. ay, S. Carolina ay. Georga. ay. [Ayes — 9; noes — 0;... Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Sixth Resolution - Fourth Clause (Power Over National Legislation) Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Franklin's Amendment to Federal Negative to State Laws Contravening Treaties Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
The words “or any treaties subsisting under the authority of the Union”, being added after the words “contravening &c. the articles of the Union”; on motion of Dr. Franklin, were agreed to witht. debate or dissent. Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Pinkney, & Mr. Rutledge objected to the vagueness of the term incompetent, and said they could not well decide how to vote until they should see an exact enumeration of the powers comprehended by this definition. Mr. Butler repeated his fears that... Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Sixth Resolution - Fifth Clause (Coercion of States) Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. 〈Madison〉, observed that the more he reflected on the use of force, the more he doubted the practicability, the justice and the efficacy of it when applied to people collectively and not individually. — , A Union of the States 〈containing such an... Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Motion to Rise Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
The Committee then rose & the House Adjourned〉 Thursday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Pinkney [sic] was for a vigorous Executive but was afraid the Executive powers of 〈the existing〉 Congress might extend to peace & war &c which would render the Executive a Monarchy, of the worst kind, towit an elective one. Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Wilson's Amendment for a Single National Executive Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
A considerable pause ensuing and the Chairman asking if he should put the question, Docr. Franklin observed that it was a point of great importance and wished that the gentlemen would deliver their sentiments on it before the question was put. Mr.... Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Pinckney's Amendment to Strike Out Madison's Last Clause Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Madison did not know that the words were absolutely necessary, or even the preceding words. “to appoint to offices &c. the whole being perhaps included in the first member of the proposition. He did not however see any inconveniency in retaining... Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Seventh Resolution - Amended First Clause Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Wilson’s motion for a single magistrate was postponed by common consent, the 〈Committee〉 seeming unprepared for any decision on it; 〈and the first part of the clause agreed to, viz. “that a National Executive be instituted.”〉 [Editors' note: In... Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Madison's Amendment on Executive Powers Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Seventh Resolution - Third Clause (Presidential Terms) Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Wilson's Amendment for Three Year Executive Terms Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Pinckney's Amendment for Seven Year Executive Terms Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Sherman was for three years, and agst. the doctrine of rotation as throwing out of office the men best qualified to execute its duties. Mr. Mason was for seven years at least, and for prohibiting a re-eligibility as the best expedient both for... Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
On the question for seven years, Massts. dividd. Cont. no. N. Y. ay. N. J. ay. Pena. ay. Del. ay. Virga. ay. N. C. no. S. C. no. Georg. no [Ayes — 5; noes — 4; divided — 1.] There being 5. ays, 4 noes, 1 divd. a question was asked whether a majority... Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
There being 5. ays, 4 noes, 1 divd. a question was asked whether a majority had voted in the affirmative? The President decided that it was an affirmative vote. Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Seventh Resolution - Second Clause (Selection of Executive) Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Wilson renewed his declarations in favor of an appointment by the people. He wished to derive not only both branches of the Legislature from the people, without the intervention of the State Legislatures 〈but the Executive also;〉 in order to make... Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Rutlidge [sic] suggests an election of the Executive by the second branch only of the national Legislature — [Editors' note: Madison records that Rutledge's suggestion took place after the Committee's decision to postpone consideration of this... Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Motion to Rise Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Clarify Vote Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
〈The Committee then rose and the House 〈adjourned.〉 Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Wilson's Amendment for Executive to be Elected by Districts Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Wilson repeated his arguments in favor of an election without the intervention of the States. He supposed too that this mode would produce more confidence among the people in the first magistrate, than an election by the national Legislature. Mr.... Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
On the question for electing the Executive by the national legislature, 〈for the term of seven years, it was agreed to〉 Massts. ay. Cont. ay. N. Y. ay. Pena. no. Del. ay. Maryd. no. Va. ay. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay. [ayes — 8; noes — 2.] Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Franklin's Amendment that the Executive Receive No Remuneration Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
The motion was seconded by Col. Hamilton with the view he said merely of bringing so respectable a proposition before the Committee, and which was besides enforced by arguments that had a certain degree of weight. No debate ensued, and the proposition... Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Dickinson's Amendment for Executive to be Removed on Request of State Legislatures Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Amendment for Executive to be Removed by National Legislature Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Motion to Rise Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
〈The motion was then〉 postpd. 〈the Committee rose〉 & the House Adjd. Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Wilson thinks neither the original proposition nor the amendments go far enough. If the Legislative Exētiv & Judiciary ought to be distinct & independent, The Executive ought to have an absolute negative. Without such a Self-defence the Legislature... Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Wilson's Amendment for Executive to have Absolute Veto Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Sherman contended that the National Legislature should have power to remove the Executive at pleasure. Mr. Mason. Some mode of displacing an unfit magistrate is rendered indispensable by the fallibility of those who choose, as well as by the... Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Randolph opposed it with great earnestness, declaring that he should not do justice to the Country which sent him if he were silently to suffer the establishment. of a Unity in the Executive department. He felt an opposition to it which he believed... Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Gerry sees no necessity for so great a controul over the legislature as the best men in the Community would be comprised in the two branches of it. Docr. Franklin, said he was sorry to differ from his colleague for whom he had a very great... Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
On the question for striking out so as to give Executive an absolute Negative — Massts. no. Cont. no. N. Y. no. Pa. no. Dl. no. Md. no. Va. no. N. C. no. S. C. no. Georga. no. [Ayes — 0; noes — 10.] Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Gerry observed that a power of suspending might do all the mischief dreaded from the negative of useful laws; without answering the salutary purpose of checking unjust or unwise ones. Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Amendment for a Two Thirds Majority in Each Branch of the Legislature to Overrule Executive Veto Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
On a question for enabling two thirds of each branch of the Legislature to overrule the revisionary check: it passed in the affirmative sub silentio; 〈and was inserted in the blank of Mr. Gerry’s motion.〉 Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
It was then moved & 2ded. to proceed to the consideration of the 9th. resolution submitted by Mr. Randolph — when on motion to agree to the first clause namely “Resolved that a National Judiciary be established” It passed in the Affirmative nem. con. Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Wilson was in favor of the motion. It had been opposed by the gentleman from Virga. Mr. Randolph but the arguments used had not convinced him. He observed that the objections of Mr. R. were levelled not so much agst. the measure itself, as agst.... Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Gerry's Alternative to the Eighth Resolution Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Ninth Resolution - Third Clause (Appointment of Judges) Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Wilson opposed the appointmt 〈of Judges by the〉 national Legisl: Experience shewed the impropriety of such appointmts. by numerous bodies. Intrigue, partiality, and concealment were the necessary consequences. A principal reason for unity in the... Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Amendment to Remove Appointment of National Judiciary from the Legislature Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
〈Mr. Wilson gave notice that he should at a future day move for a reconsideration of that clause which respects “inferior tribunals” Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Pinkney gave notice that when the clause respecting the appointment of the Judiciary should again come before the Committee, he should move to restore the “appointment by the national Legislature” Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Eleventh Resolution (Federal Guarantees) Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Thirteenth Resolution (Amendments) Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Pinkney doubted the propriety or necessity of it. Mr. Gerry favored it. The novelty & difficulty of the experiment requires periodical revision. The prospect of such a revision would also give intermediate stability to the Govt. Nothing had yet... Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Fourteenth Resolution (Oath of Office) Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Fifteenth Resolution (Ratification) Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Sherman thought such a popular ratification unnecessary. the articles of Confederation providing for changes and alterations with the assent of Congs. and ratification of State Legislatures. Mr. M〈adison〉 thought this provision essential. The... Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Gerry. Much depends on the mode of election. In England, the people will probably lose their liberty from the smallness of the proportion having a right of suffrage. Our danger arises from the opposite extreme: hence in Massts. the worst men get... Wednesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Motion to Reconsider the First Clause of the Eighth Resolution Wednesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
On the question for joining the Judges to the Executive in the revisionary business Mass. no. Cont. ay. N. Y. ay. N. J. no. Pa. no. Del. no. Md. no. Va. ay. N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo. no. [Ayes — 3; noes — 8.] Wednesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Reconsider the Negative on State Laws Thursday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Pinkney [sic]〈according to notice〉 moved to reconsider the clause respecting the negative on State laws which was agreed to and 〈tomorrow〉 fixed for the purpose. Thursday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Read proposed “that the Senate should be appointed by the Executive Magistrate out of a proper number of persons to be nominated by the individual legislatures.” He said he thought it his duty, to speak his mind frankly. Gentlemen he hoped would... Thursday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
The question being about to be put Mr. Patterson hoped that as so much depended on it, it might be thought best to postpone the decision till tomorrow, which was done nem. con — Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Rutledge's Amendment for Representation in the First Branch based on Taxation Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
〈Resol: 11.〉 for guarantying Republican Govt. & territory to each State 〈being〉 considered: 〈the words “or partition” were, on motion of Mr. Madison added, after the words “voluntary junction”: Mas. N. Y. P. Va. N. C. S. C. G. ay. Con: N. J. Del. Md. - - - no.〉 Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Sherman's Amendment for Annual Elections to the First Branch of the Legislature Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Rutledge's Amendment for Biannual Elections to the First Branch of the Legislature Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Madison [...] observed that the great difficulty in rendering the Executive competent to its own defence arose from the nature of Republican Govt. which could not give to an individual citizen that settled pre-eminence in the eyes of the rest, that... Wednesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Sherman seconded the motion; observing that the particular States would thus become interested in supporting the National Governmt. and that a due harmony between the two Governments would be maintained. He admitted that the two ought to have... Thursday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Jenifer's Amendment for Triennial Elections to the First Branch of the Legislature Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
The word “liberal” was struck out nem. com. Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Fourth Resolution - Second Clause (Terms and Compensation in First Branch) Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Col. Mason. whatever power may be necesary for the Natl. Govt. a certain portion must necessarily be left in the States. It is impossible for one power to pervade the extreme parts of the U. S. so as to carry equal justice to them. The State... Thursday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Gerry's Amendment for the National Executive to be Chosen by State Executives Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Brearly [...] He was sorry he said that any question on this point was brought into view. It had been much agitated in Congs. at the time of forming the Confederation and was then rightly settled by allowing to each sovereign State an equal vote.... Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Question on the clause relating to term of service & compensation of 1st. branch Massts. ay. Ct. no. N. Y no. N. J. ay. Pa. ay. Del. ay. Md. ay. Va. ay. N. C. ay. S. C. no. Geo. ay. [Ayes — 8; noes — 3.] Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Pinckney's Motion to Strike Out the Fourth Clause Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Spaight's Amendment for Seven Year Terms Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Sherman thought 7 years too long. He grounded his opposition he said on the principle that if they did their duty well, they would be reelected. And if they acted amiss, an earlier opportunity should be allowed for getting rid of them. He preferred... Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Pierce's Amendment for Three Year Terms Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Patterson [...] We ought to keep within its limits, or we should be charged by our constituents with usurpation. that the people of America were sharpsighted and not to be deceived. But the Commissions under which we acted were not only the measure... Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
〈Resol: 9. being resumed〉 The latter parts of the clause relating to the jurisdiction of the Natl. tribunals, was struck out nem. con in order to leave full room for their organization. Wednesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Pinckney's Amendment for National Judiciary to be Appointed by the Legislature Wednesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Sharman [sic] & Mr. Pinkney [sic] withdrew their motion, and the appt. by the Senate was agd. to nem. con. Wednesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Sharman [sic] & Mr. Pinkney [sic] withdrew their motion, and the appt. by the Senate was agd. to nem. con. Wednesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Gerry's Amendment for Money Bills to Originate in the First Branch of the Legislature Wednesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Sherman's Amendment for Proportion Representation in the First Branch and One State One Vote in the Second Branch Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Dickenson [sic] contended for the actual contributions of the States as the rule of their representation & suffrage 〈in the first branch〉. By thus connecting the interest of the States with their duty, the latter would be sure to be performed. Mr.... Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Resolution 13. for amending the national Constitution hereafter without consent of Natl. Legislature being considered, several members did not see the necessity of the Resolution at all, nor the propriety of making the consent of the Natl. Legisl.... Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
〈Resolution 14.〉 requiring oaths from the 〈members of the State Govts.〉 to observe the Natl. Constitution 〈& laws, being〉 considered. Mr. Sharman opposed it as unnecessarily intruding into the State jurisdictions. Mr. Randolph considered 〈it〉 as... Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
L. Martin's Amendment Against Requiring Oaths from State Officers Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
New Jersey Plan - First Resolution (Revision of Articles of Confederation) Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Elsworth's Amendment Reworking the First Resolution Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Elseworth proposed as a more distinctive form of collecting the mind of the Committee on the subject, “that the Legislative power of the U. S. should remain in Congs." This was not seconded, though it seemed better calculated for the purpose than... Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Hamilton, had been hitherto silent on the business before the Convention, partly from respect to others whose superior abilities age & experience rendered him unwilling to bring forward ideas dissimilar to theirs, and partly from his delicate... Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. M〈adison〉. Much stress had been laid by some gentlemen on the want of power in the Convention to propose any other than a federal plan. To what had been answered by others, he would only add, that neither of the characteristics attached to a... Tuesday June 1787Committee: First Committee on Representation
[Sherman] acted in place of Mr. Elseworth who was kept away by indisposition. [Editors' note: Though Ellsworth was elected to represent Connecticut in the Committee, Roger Sherman took his place.] Tuesday July 1787Committee: First Committee on Representation
This motion was not much deliberated on nor approved in the Committee. Tuesday July 1787Committee: Third Committee on Representation
King's Amendment to Massachusetts's Number of Representatives Monday July 1787Committee: Third Committee on Representation
The augmentation of the no of Masts. from 7 to 8 was made in ye. Come. at the instance of Mr. King Monday July 1787Committee: Committee of Style and Arrangement
Instruction to Devise a Motion on Pardons in Cases of Treason Monday September 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
The question being abt. to be put Docr. Franklin sd. he had thrown his ideas of the matter on a paper wch. Mr. Wilson read to the Committee in the words following — Mr Chairman It has given me a great pleasure to observe that till this point, the... Monday June 1787Committee: Committee on Sumptuary Legislation
Col. Mason [...] moved that a Committee be appointed to report articles of Association for encouraging by the advice the influence and the example of the members of the Convention, economy frugality and american manufactures. Docr Johnson 2ded the... Thursday September 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Gerry. The people of New England will never give up the point of annual elections. they know of the transition made in England from triennial to Septennial elections, and will consider such an innovation here as the prelude to a like usurpation. He... Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Madison's Amendment for Fixed Compensation in the First Branch Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Franklin's Amendment Against Liberal Compensation in the First Branch Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Randolph was for the term of 7 years. The Democratic licentiousness of the State Legislatures proved the necessity of a firm Senate. The object of this 2d. branch is to controul the democratic branch of the Natl. Legislature. If it be not a firm... Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee on Sumptuary Legislation
Col. Mason [...] moved that a Committee be appointed to report articles of Association for encouraging by the advice the influence and the example of the members of the Convention, economy frugality and american manufactures. Docr Johnson 2ded the... Thursday September 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Madison's Amendment for National Judiciary to be Appointed by the Second Branch of the Legislature Wednesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Butler saw no reason for such a discrimination. We were always following the British Constitution when the reason of it did not apply. There was no analogy between the Ho of Lords and the body proposed to be established. If the Senate should be... Wednesday June 1787Committee: First Committee on Representation
Sherman's Amendment to the Report of the First Committee on Representation Tuesday July 1787Committee: Committee on Sumptuary Legislation
Col. Mason [...] moved that a Committee be appointed to report articles of Association for encouraging by the advice the influence and the example of the members of the Convention, economy frugality and american manufactures. Docr Johnson 2ded the... Thursday September 1787Committee: Committee on Sumptuary Legislation
Col. Mason [...] moved that a Committee be appointed to report articles of Association for encouraging by the advice the influence and the example of the members of the Convention, economy frugality and american manufactures. Docr Johnson 2ded the... Thursday September 1787Committee: Committee on Sumptuary Legislation
Col. Mason [...] moved that a Committee be appointed to report articles of Association for encouraging by the advice the influence and the example of the members of the Convention, economy frugality and american manufactures. Docr Johnson 2ded the... Thursday September 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Postpone Hamilton's Resolution Wednesday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
It was then moved that the Resolution be postponed, which was agreed to. Wednesday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Postpone the Resolution Made by Randolph and Madison Wednesday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
It was then moved & 2ded. to postpone the Resolution moved by Mr. Randolph & Mr. Madison, which being agreed to Wednesday May 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Randolph. was not scrupulous on the point of power. When the salvation of the Republic was at stake, it would be treason to our trust, not to propose what we found necessary. He painted in strong colours, the imbecility of the existing confederacy,... Saturday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Wilson said he was almost unwilling to declare the mode which he wished to take place, being apprehensive that it might appear chimerical. He would say however at least that in theory he was for an election by the people; Experience, particularly... Friday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Postpone Consideration of the First Clause Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
On the question to postpone in order to take Mr. Gerry’s proposition into consideration 〈it was agreed to〉 Massts. ay. Cont. no. N. Y. ay. Pa. ay. Del. no. Maryd. no. Virga. no. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Ga. ay. [Ayes — 6; noes — 4.] Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Postpone Consideration of the 11th Resolution Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
〈The 11. propos:〉 “for guarantying to States 〈Republican Govt. & territory &c,” being read,〉Mr. Patterson wished the point of representation could be decided before this clause should be considered, and moved to postpone it: which was not. opposed, and... Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Lansing called for the reading of the 1st. resolution of each plan, which he considered as involving principles directly in contrast; that of Mr. Patterson says he sustains the sovereignty of the respective States, that of Mr. Randolph distroys it:... Saturday June 1787Committee: The Convention
[Wilson:] A proportion in this representation can be preserved in the 2d. as well as in the 1st. branch; and the election can be made by electors chosen by the people for that purpose. He moved an amendment to that effect, which was not... Monday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson signified that his view in agreeing to the Commitmt. was that the Come might consider the propriety of adopting a scale similar to that established by the Constitution of Masts. which wd give an advantage to ye. small States without... Friday July 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Hamilton's Plan Monday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Postpone the Consideration of the Last Resolution Wednesday May 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. M〈adison〉 observed that if the uncommitted part of the Report was connected with the part just committed, it ought also, to be committed; if not connected, it need not be postponed till report should be made. Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Postpone Consideration of the Report of the Second Committee on Representation: First Proposition Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris & Mr. Rutlidge moved to postpone the 1st. paragraph relating to the number of members to be allowed each State in the first instance, and to take up the 2d. paragraph authorizing the Legislre to alter the number from time to time... Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question for allowing each State one vote in the Second branch as moved by Mr. Elseworth. Massts. no. Cont. ay. N. Y. ay. N. J. ay. Pa. no. Del. ay. Md. ay. Mr. Jenifer being not present Mr. Martin alone voted Va. no. N. C. no. S. C. no. Geo.... Monday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Elseworth saw no reason for departing from the mode contained in the Report. Whoever chooses the member, he will be a citizen of the State he is to represent & will feel the same spirit and act the same part whether he be appointed by the people or... Monday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Postpone Sherman's Proposal on Residency to Consider Dickinson's Alternative Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question for postponing in order to consider Mr Dickinsons motion N. H. no. Mas. no. Ct. no. N. J. no. Pa. no. Del. no. Md. ay. Va. no. N. C. no. S. C. ay. Geo. ay. [Ayes — 3; noes — 8.] Wednesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Postpone Article VII: Section 3 (Proportioning Direct Taxation) Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman would agree to such a reconsideration, but did not see the necessity of postponing the section before the House. — Mr. Dickenson withdrew his motion. Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Dickenson withdrew his motion. Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment to Strike Out 'National' in the Second Resolution Wednesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
the word “national” struck out as of course. Wednesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Take Up Martin's Motion to Reconsider Presidential Re-eligibility Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
On reconsideration of the vote rendering the Executive re-eligible a 2d. time, Mr. Martin moved to reinstate the words “to be ineligible a 2d. time”. [Editors' note: It was agreed to reconsider presidential re-eligibility on the 18 July, so this... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
The last motion having been misunderstood, it was moved and seconded that it be put again [Editors' note: As the convention proceeds to take the vote again it is implied that this motion was agreed to.] Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Williamson suggests that a reciprocal oath should be required from the National officers, to support the Governments of the States. Monday July 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
The 〈remaining〉 Clauses 〈of Resolution 4th.〉 relating to the qualifications of members of the National Legislature 〈being〉 postpd. nem. con. as entering too much into detail for general propositions Thursday May 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Govr. Morris opposed it as fettering the Legislature too much. Advantage may be taken of it in time of war or the apprehension of it, by new States to extort particular favors. If the mode was to be fixed for taking a census, it might certainly be... Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Morris's Amendment to Make Direct Taxation Proportionate with Representation Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Elseworth withdraws his motion & seconds that of Mr. Randolph. Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Amendment for a Census Every Twenty Years Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Randolph’s proposition 〈as varied by Mr. Wilson being〉 read for question on the whole. Mr. Gerry, urged that the principle of it could not be carried into execution as the States were not to be taxed as States. With regard to taxes in imports, he... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Postpone Gerry's Motion on Pre-Census Taxation Friday July 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Williamson was agst. giving a power that might restrain the States from regulating their internal police. Mr. Gerry cd. not see the extent of such a power, and was agst. every power that was not necessary. He thought a remonstrance agst.... Friday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Col. Mason said the case of new States was not unnoticed in the Committee; but it was thought and he was himself decidedly of opinion that if they made a part of the Union, they ought to be subject to no unfavorable discriminations. Obvious... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Doctr. Johnson. On a comparison of the two plans which had been proposed from Virginia & N. Jersey, it appeared that the peculiarity which characterized the latter was its being calculated to preserve the individuality of the States. The plan from Va.... Thursday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Read's Amendment on Representation if States' Gain Territory Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Randolph’s motion requiring the Legislre. to take a periodical census for the purpose of redressing inequalities in the Representation was resumed. Mr. Sherman was agst. Shackling the Legislature too much. We ought to choose wise & good men, and... Wednesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
this motion was not seconded. (It was probably approved by several members, who either despaired of success, or were apprehensive that the attempt would inflame the jealousies of the smaller States.) [Editors' note: The motion was dropped for lack of... Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
To Refer the Report of the Committee of Detail to the Committee of the Whole House Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
The Report of the Committee of detail being taken up, Mr. Pinkney moved that it be referred to a Committee of the whole. This was strongly opposed by Mr Ghorum and several others, as likely to produce unnecessary delay. Tuesday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Mercer agreed to substitute Mr. Kings motion in place of Mr. Morris’s. [Editors' note: By removing his second in favour of King's motion, Mercer caused Morris's motion to be dropped.] Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Reconsider Article VII: Section 1 - Clause 1 (Taxing and Spending) Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Randolph wished for a reconsideration in order to better the expression, and to provide for the case of the State debts as is done by Congress. Friday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Reconsider Article VIII (Legislative Supremacy) Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
On motion of Mr. Madison 2ded. by Mr Govr Morris art VIII was reconsidered [Editors' note: None of the sources record a vote count for this decision.] Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment for Authority of Past and Future Treaties Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Butler contended again that Representation sd. be according to the full number of inhabts. including all the blacks; admitting the justice of Mr. Govr. Morris’s motion. Mr. Mason also admitted the justice of the principle, but was afraid... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Randolph's Renewed Amendment for a Census Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. King. Altho’ this amendment varies the aspect somewhat, he had still two powerful objections agst. tying down the Legislature to the rule of numbers. 1. they were at this time an uncertain index of the relative wealth of the States. 2. if they were... Thursday July 1787Committee: The Convention
On motion of Mr. Madison 2ded. by Mr Govr Morris art VIII was reconsidered and after the words “all treaties made,” were inserted nem: con: the words “or which shall be made” Saturday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Refer Article XVII to a Committee Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Postpone the Third Proposition Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman was for giving immediate ease to those who looked on this clause as of great moment, and for trusting to their concurrence in other proper measures. Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Reconsider Article XIX (Amendments) Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Wilson's Motion for Four-Year Citizenship Qualification in the House Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Williamson feared that N. Hamshire will have reason to complain. 3 members were allotted to her as a liberal allowance for this reason among others, that she might not suppose any advantage to have been taken of her absence. As she was still... Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Gerry's Revised Motion on Pre-Census Taxation Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Reconsider Representation in Both Houses Tuesday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Gerry wished that in future the eligibility might be confined to Natives. Foreign powers will intermeddle in our affairs, and spare no expence to influence them. Persons having foreign attachments will be sent among us & insinuated into our... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Williamson's Motion for Nine-Year Citizenship Qualification in the House Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson [...] He had no objection to Col. Hamiltons motion & would withdraw the one made by himself. Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Butler was strenuous agst. admitting foreigners into our public Councils. Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Wilson's Renewed Motion for Four-Year Citizenship Qualification in the House Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris opposed the alteration as leaving still an incoherence. If Negroes were to be viewed as inhabitants, and the revision was to proceed on the principle of numbers of inhabts. they ought to be added in their entire number, and not in the... Friday July 1787Committee: The Convention
Wilson's Motion for Seven-Year Citizenship Qualification in the Senate Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson moved that (in Art: V. sect. 3) 9 years be reduced to seven. 〈which was disagd. to and the 3d. Section (art. V.) confirmed by the following vote.〉 [Editors' note: The Journal records this motion as, 'shall the word "nine" in the 3rd sect.... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment for Constitutional Amendments to be Made by Congress Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Wilson's Amendment for Ratification of Amendments by Two Thirds of the States Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
King's Amendment for a Two Thirds Majority to Ratify Peace Treaties Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson wished the requisition of two thirds to be struck out altogether If the majority cannot be trusted, it was a proof, as observed by Mr. Ghorum, that we were not fit for one Society. Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Rutlidge is it to be supposed that the States are to be cut up without their own consent. The case of Vermont will probably be particularly provided for. There could be no room to fear, that Virginia or N— Carolina would call on the U. States to... Thursday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Hamilton 2ded. the motion, but he said with a different view from Mr. Gerry— He did not object to the consequences stated by Mr. Gerry— There was no greater evil in subjecting the people of the U. S. to the major voice than the people of a... Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Col. Hamilton was in general agst. embarrassing the Govt. with minute restrictions. There was on one side the possible danger that had been suggested — on the other side, the advantage of encouraging foreigners was obvious & admitted. Persons in Europe... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris was agst. striking out the “exception of Treaties of peace” If two thirds of the Senate should be required for peace, the Legislature will be unwilling to make war for that reason, on account of the Fisheries or the Mississippi, the... Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Sherman's Amendment Requiring Both Houses of Congress to Agree to Alter the Rights Granted in the Treaty of Paris Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Madison observed that it had been too easy in the present Congress to make Treaties altho’ nine States were required for the purpose. Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Rutledge's Amendment Prohibiting Amendments Relating to Tax and Slavery Prior to 1808 Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Mercer 2ded. the motion. It was necessary he said to prevent a disfranchisement of persons who had become Citizens under the faith 〈& according to〉 — the laws & Constitution 〈from〉 being on a level in all respects with natives. Mr. Rutlidge. It... Monday August 1787Committee: The Convention
Reconsider Seventh Proposition: Fifth Clause of the Second Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
A reconsideration of the whole clause was agreed to. Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Rutlidge said he never could agree to give a power by which the articles relating to slaves might be altered by the States not interested in that property and prejudiced against it. In order to obviate this objection, these words were added to the... Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Wilson's Amendment for a Simple Majority in the Senate to Ratify Treaties Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the question N— H. no— Mass no— (Mr. Gerry ay) Ct. no. N. J— no. Pa. no. Del. no. Md. no. Va. no. N. C. ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay. [Ayes — 3; noes — 8.] Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Ghorum. There is a difference in the case, as the President’s consent will also be necessary in the new Govt. Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Williamson. This will be less security than ⅔ as now required. Mr Sherman— It will be less embarrassing. Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Govr. Morris — This will put it in the power of one man to break up a Quorum. Mr. Madison, This may happen to any Quorum. Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Col: Hamilton withdrew the remainder of the motion to postpone art XXII, observing that his purpose was defeated by the vote just given; Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Madison's Amendment on Amendments to the Constitution Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Hamilton concurred with Mr. Gerry as to the indecorum of not requiring the approbation of Congress. He considered this as a necessary ingredient in the transaction. He thought it wrong also to allow nine States as provided by art XXI. to institute... Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Hamilton's First Amendment on Ratification of the Constitution Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Williamson & Mr. Gerry moved to re-instate the words “for the approbation of Congress” in art: XXII. which was disagreed to nem: con: Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Postpone Consideration of Randolph's Amendment on Ratification of the Constitution Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Col: Mason urged & obtained that the motion should lie on the table for a day or two to see what steps might be taken with regard to the parts of the system objected to by Mr Randolph [Editors' note: None of the sources records a vote count.] Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On a question on clause of the Report of the Come. of Eleven relating to Treaties by ⅔ of the Senate. All the States 〈were〉 ay — except Pa N. J. & Geo. no. Saturday September 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Reconsider Proposition 9 Tuesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Wilson. This motion being seconded, it is necessary now to speak freely He expressed in strong terms his disapprobation of the expedient proposed, particularly the suspending the plan of the Convention on the approbation of Congress. He declared it... Monday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Randolph's Amendment on Ratification of the Constitution Monday September 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Rutlidge havg. obtained a rule for reconsideration of the clause for establishing inferior tribunals under the national authority, now moved that that part of the clause 〈in propos. 9.〉 should be expunged [Editors' note: The phrasing here implies... Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Rutledge's Amendment Removing Legislature's Power of Appointing to Inferior Courts Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Wilson's Amendment for Legislature to have Power to Institute Inferior Courts Tuesday June 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. Butler. The people will not bear such innovations. The States will revolt at such encroachments. Supposing such an establishment to be useful, we must not venture on it. We must follow the example of Solon who gave the Athenians not the best Govt.... Tuesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Reconsider Article VI: Section 13 (Presidential Approval) Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Dickinson's Amendment Requiring Congressional Consent to Duties to Cover Cost of Customs Service Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Reconsider Number of Representatives Saturday September 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Mr. 〈Madison〉 observed that unless inferior tribunals were dispersed throughout the Republic with final jurisdiction in many cases, appeals would be multiplied to a most oppressive degree; that besides, an appeal would not in many cases be a remedy.... Tuesday June 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman was of the same opinion; adding that the States would not like to see so small a minority and the President, prevailing over the general voice. In making laws regard should be had to the sense of the people. who are to be bound by them, and... Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr. Sherman. When the Committee of eleven reported the apportionment— five Representatives were thought the proper share of N— Carolina. Subsequent information however seemed to entitle that State to another— Saturday September 1787Committee: The Convention
On the motion to reconsider N— H— ay— Mas— no. Ct ay— N— J. no— Pen. divd. Del. ay. Md. ay. Va. ay— N. C. ay. S— C. ay. Geo. ay. [Ayes — 8; noes — 2; divided — 1.] Saturday September 1787Committee: Committee of the Whole House
Fifth Resolution (Second Branch of Legislature) Thursday May 1787Committee: The Convention
Mason's Amendment for Duties to Cover Cost of Customs Service Wednesday September 1787Committee: The Convention
Mr Govr Morris saw no objection to the motion. He did not consider the dollar per Hhd laid on Tobo in Virga. as a duty on exportation, as no drawback would be allowed on Tobo. [tobacco] taken out of the Warehouse for internal consumption, Mr. Dayton... Wednesday September 1787