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The Debate on the Constitution: Part One
Contents
DEBATES IN THE PRESS AND IN PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE
September r7, r787-January rz, r788
Benjamin Franklin's Speech at the Conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, September 17, 1787
"I Agree to This Constitution, with All Its Faults". .
"Z" Replies to Franklin's Speech, December 6, 1787 "No Wonder He Shed a Tear" . . . . . . . . . . 6
Alexander Hamilton's Conjectures About the New Constitution, September 1787 . . . . . . . . 9
"A Revolution Effected by Good Sense and Deliberation," September 24, 1787 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
David Redick to William Irvine, September 24, 1787 "The Loss of American Liberty". . . . . . . . . . 15
Strictures on the Proposed Constitution, September 26, 1787 . . . . . . . . .
"An American Citizen" [Tench Coxe] I, September 26, 1787
17
The English and American Constitutions Contrasted . . . . 20
"An American Citizen" [Tench Coxe] II, September 28, 1787 Senators and Nobles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
"An American Citizen" [Tench Coxe] III, September 29, 1787 An Uncorrupted House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
"Cato" I, September 27, 1787 Deliberate with Coolness, Analyze with Criticism,
Reflect with Candor. . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Reply to "Cato" I: "Cxsar" I, October 1, 1787 On the Language of Distrust. . . . . . . . 34
Rebuttal to "Cxsar" I: "Cato" II, October n, 1787 On the Right of Free Deliberation . . . . . . . 37
ix
X THE DEBATE ON THE CONSTITUTION
James Madison to George Washington, September 30, 1787 Congress Forwards the Constitution to the States. . . . 42
Richard Henry Lee to George Mason, October l, 1787 On the Deviousness of Congress,s Action, and
the Need for Amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Rev. James Madison to James Madison, c. October l, 1787 For an Experimental Period and an Absolute Separation
of Powers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
"Southwark," October 3, 1787 A ntifederalists - Tories Reborn
"Centinel" [Samuel Bryan] I, October 5, 1787 ".A Most Daring Attempt to Establish
a Despotic Aristocracy)). . . . . . . . .
James Wilson's Speech at a Public Meeting, October 6, 1787
50
52
"Every Thing Which Is Not Given, Is Reserved)). . 63
Reply to Wilson's Speech: "A Democratic Federalist," October 17, 1787
What Shelter from Arbitrary Power?
Reply to Wilson's Speech: "Centinel" [Samuel Bryan] II, October 24, 1787
To Avoid the Usual Fate of Nations ...
Reply to Wilson's Speech: "Cincinnatus" [Arthur Lee] I, November l, 1787
70
77
To Defeat a Monstrous Aristocracy. . . . 92
Reply to Wilson's Speech: "An Officer of the Late Continental Army" [William Findley?], November 6, 1787
"A Set of Aspiring Despots, Who Make Us Slaves)) . 97
Rebuttal to "An Officer of the Late Continental Army": "Plain Truth," November IO, 1787
"I Have Answered All the ObJections)). . . . . 105
CONTENTS
Reply to Wilson's Speech: "Cincinnatus" [Arthur Lee] V, November 29, 1787
"0 Sense Where Is Your Guard! Shame Where Is
Xl
Your Blush P'. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . II4
"An Old Whig" [George Bryan et al.] I, October 12, 1787 No Amendments Will Ever Be Made Without Violent
Convulsion or Civil War . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
"Marcus," October 15, 1787 Interests and the Constitution .
"A Citizen of America" [Noah Webster], October 17, 1787 An Examination Into the Leading Principles of
127
the Federal Constitution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
"Brutus" I, October 18, 1787 "If You Adopt It ... Posterity Will Execrate
Your Memory" ............ .
The Weaknesses of Brutus Exposed: "A Citizen of Philadelphia" [Pelatiah Webster], November 8, 1787
"Congress Can Never Get More Power Than the People Will Give" . . . . . . . . . 176
A Political Dialogue, October 24, 1787 "There Is Some Trick In It" . . . .
James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, October 24, 1787 The Constitution Explained and Justified, with an
"Immoderate Digression" on a Defeated Proposal 192
Thomas Jefferson Replies to Madison, December 20, 1787
"The Will of the Mafority Should Always Prevail". 209
"Cato" III, October 25, 1787 The Dangers to Liberty and Happiness .
"Publius," The Federalist I [Alexander Hamilton], October 27, 1787
"Vigour of Government Is Essential to
214
the Security of Liberty" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Xll THE DEBATE ON THE CONSTITUTION
"John Humble," October 29, 1787 "To Lick the Feet of Our Well Born Masters)) . 224
"Americanus" [John Stevens, Jr.] I, November 2, 1787 "We Must Think, We Must Reason, For Ourselves)) . 227
Elbridge Gerry to the Massachusetts General Court, November 3, 1787
"The Greatest Men May Err)) . . . . . . . . . . 231
Reply to Elbridge Gerry: "A Landholder" [Oliver Ellsworth] IV, November 26, 1787
"To Alarm the Fears of the People)) . . . . . . 234
A Further Reply to Elbridge Gerry: "A Landholder" [Oliver Ellsworth] V, December 3, 1787
"To Combat Phantoms)) . . . . . . . . . 239
Letters from the "Federal Farmer" to "The Republican," November 8, 1787
"Examine Coolly Every Article, Clause, and Word)). . . 245
Refutation of the "Federal Farmer": Timothy Pickering to Charles Tillinghast, ' December 24, 1787
<<The Best Constitution We . . Have Any Right To Expeet)). . . . . . .
George Washington to Bushrod Washington, November 10, 1787
"Is It Best for the States to Unite, or Not to Unite?)) . 305
Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, November 13, 1787
"The Tree of Liberty Must Be Refreshed from Time to Time with the Blood of Patriots and Tyrants)). 309
"Publius," The Federalist VI [Alexander Hamilton], Noven1ber 14, 1787
"Men Are Ambitious, Vindictive and Rapacious)) 3II
"Brutus" III, November 15, 1787 "Representation Is Merely Nominal-A Mere Burlesque)). 317
CONTENTS
Resolution of the Inhabitants of Pittsburgh, November 17, 1787
Nothing Better Could Be Expected. . . . .
"Philanthrop" to the Public, November 19, 1787 "Real True Self Interest Considered on a Large
Extensive Scale, Is Public Good;; . . . . . . .
"A Landholder" [Oliver Ellsworth] III, November 19, 1787 "Power When Necessary far Our Good Is as Much to Be
Xlll
324
325
Desired as the Food We Eat" . . . . . . . . . . . 329
"Publius," The Federalist VIII [Alexander Han1ilton], November 20, 1787
Militarism, the Inevitable Result of Disunion . . . . 333
"Publius," The Federalist IX [Alexander Han1ilton ], November 21, 1787
A Confederate Republic: The Internal Advantages of a Republican with the External Force of a Monarchical Government. . . . . . . . . . 339
George Mason, "Objections to the Constitution," circulated early October 1787, published in full November 22, 1787
America Under the Constitution: "A Monarchy, or a Corrupt Oppressive Aristocracy)) . . . . . . . . . . 345
A "Prolix" Comment on Mason's "Objections": Jan1es Madison to George Washington, October 18, 1787 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Reply to Mason's "Objections": "Civis Rusticus," January 30, 1788
Not to Condemn, But to Correct . . . . . . . . 353
Answers to Mason's "Objections": "Marcus" [Jan1es Iredell] I-V, February 20-March 19, 1788
"A System of Government Which I Am Convinced Can Stand the Nicest Examination';
I, February 20, 1788 . II, February 27, 1788 . III, March 5, 1788 . IV, March 12, 1788 . V, March 19, 1788 .
XIV THE DEBATE ON THE CONSTITUTION
"Cato" V, November 22, 1787 Can an American Be a Tyrant? On the Great Powers
of the Presidency, the Vagueness of the Constitution, and the Dangers of Congress . . . . . . .
"Publius," The Federalist X [James Madison], November 22, 1787
"To Break and Control the Violence of Faction" .
"A Countryman" [Roger Sherman1] II, November 22, 1787
399
. 404
On the Interests of Rulers and Ruled . . . . . . . . . 412
"Americanus" [John Stevens, Jr.] II, November 23, 1787 "Cato's" Folly: ''A President Possessing the Powers
of a Monarch,, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415
Louis Guillaume Otto to Comte de Montmorin, November 26, 1787
There Is No Way to Go Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 420
"Brutus" IV, November 29, 1787 Fair Representation Is the Great Desideratum in Politics . . . 423
"Publius," The Federalist XIV [James Madison], November 30, 1787
''A Revolution Which Has No Parallel in the Annals of Human Society,, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431
"American us" [John Stevens, Jr.] III, November 30, 1787 On Representation and the Modern State. . . . . . . . 437
"Agrippa" [James Winthrop] III, November 30, 1787 On the Present Prosperity: Recommit the Constitution . . 443
Samuel Adams to Richard Henry Lee, December 3, 1787 The Sovereignty and Diversity of the States Will Be Lost . . 446
"Agrippa" [James Winthrop] IV, December 4, 1787 The Despotism and Misery of a Uniform National State. . . . 448
"Publius," The Federalist XVI [Alexander Hamilton], December 4, 1787
Civil War and the Death of the Union . . . . . . .
"American us" [John Stevens, Jr.] IV, December 5 & 6, 1787
. 451
On the Errors of "Cato" and of Celebrated Writers . . . . . 457
CONTENTS
Richard Henry Lee to Governor Edmund Randolph, December 6, 1787
Must We Kill Ourselves For Fear of Dying?. . . . .
John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, December 6, 1787 The Dangers of the One and of the Few . . . . .
"Agrippa" [James Winthrop] V, December n, 1787 On the «Derangement11 of the Federal Courts . ..
George Lee Turberville to James Madison, December n, 1787
xv
4-73
474
Some Puzzling Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 77
"Publius," The Federalist XX.I [Alexander Hamilton], December 12, 1787
The Extent and Malignity of the Present Disease. . . 481
"Americanus" [John Stevens, Jr.] V, December 12, 1787 On Montesquieu, a System Monger Without Philosophic
Precision) and More on the Errors of «Cato11• 487
"Philadelphiensis" [Benjamin Workman] IV, December 12, 1787
«This Monster) This Colossus of Despotism11 •
"Brutus" V, December 13, 1787 On the «Necessary and Proper 11 and the "General
Welfare11 Clauses, and on Congress1s Power to Tax:
494
the States Will Be Destroyed . . . . . . . . . . 499
"Publius," The Federalist XXII [Alexander Hamilton], December 14, 1787
Further Defects in the Present System . . . . . . . 507
"Agrippa" [James Winthrop] VI, December 14, 1787 The Power to Incorporate) and the Regulation of Commerce . 517
Lawrence Taliaferro to James Madison, December 16, 1787 «The Federal Sistum Is Rufly Handeld11 • • • • • • • • 520
"A Landholder" [Oliver Ellsworth] VII, December 17, 1787 «No Religious Test Shall Ever Be Required11• • • • • • • 521
Dissent of the Minority of the Pennsylvania Convention, December 18, 1787 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 526
XVl THE DEBATE ON THE CONSTITUTION
Reply to the Pennsylvania Minority: "America" [Noah Webster], December 31, 1787 ...
A Cumberland County Mutual Improvement Society Addresses the Pennsylvania Minority, January 2, 1788
«Support the Drooping Cause of Liberty)) and Annihilate «the Proposed Aristocratic Delusion)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reply to the Pennsylvania Minority: "A Citizen of Philadelphia" [Pelatiah Webster], January 23, 1788
«Their Folly and Wickedness in Opposing the New Government)) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"Publius," The Federalist XX.III [Alexander Hamilton], December rs, 1787
On Military P<nver: Ends and Means ....... .
"Publius," The Federalist XX.IV [Alexander Hamilton], December 19, 1787
The Danger of a Standing Army: "An Intention to Mislead the People)) . . . . . . . . .
"Philadelphiensis" [Benjamin Workman] V, December 19, 1787
«Diabolical Plots and Secret Machinations ..
553
566
570
575
to Destroy Your Liberties)) . . . . . . . . 581
Joseph Barrell to Nathaniel Barrell, December 20, 1787 ''A Constitution ... Dictated by Heaven Itself)' . . 586
Ezra Stiles: Pluses and Minuses of the Constitution, December 24, 1787 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 589
"Publius," The Federalist XX.VII [Alexander Hamilton], December 25, 1787
On the Acceptance of Federal Authority . . . . . . . . 591
Governor Edmund Randolph's Reasons for Not Signing the Constitution, December 27, 1787
«I Will, as an Individual Citizen, Accept the Constitution)). 595
CONTENTS XVll
George Washington to Charles Carter, December 27, 1787 The Constitution or Anarchy: The Need to Ratify 612
"Brutus" VI, December 27, 1787 The Dangers of Unlimited Taxation: "Give! Give/1) 613
"Publius," The Federalist XXX [Alexander Hamilton], December 28, 1787
''An Unrestrained Power of Taxation))? On the Necessity and Uses of Federal Revenue . . . . . . . . . . 622
"Agrippa" [James Winthrop] IX, December 28, 1787 On the Virtues of "Pure Blood)) and Limited Federal Power . 628
Luther Martin, "The Genuine Information" I, II, VIII, IX, XII, December 28, 1787- Februarv 8, 1788
Resisting the Federalist~ "Violent St;uggle ... to Obtain All Power and Dominion))
I, December 28, 1787 . 631
II, January l, 1788 . . 638
VIII, January 22, 1788. 645
IX, January 29, 1788 . 651
XII, February 8, 1788 . 655
"The New Roof" [Francis Hopkinson], December 29, 1787 Skilful Architects and Intriguing Old Women . . . 662
"Giles Hickory" [Noah Webster] I, December 1787 On the Absurdity of a Bill of Rights . . . . .
"Agrippa" [James Winthrop] X, January l, 1788
669
A Summary View: "This System Ought to Be Rejected)' 673
"Publius," The Federalist XXXII-XXXIII [Alexander Hamilton], January 2, 1788
On Repugnancy, Concurrence, and Reciprocal Forbearance 678
"Centinel" [Samuel Bryan] VIII, January 2, 1788 "The Rapacious Hand of Power" ...... . 686
"Brutus" VII, January 3, 1788 "Unlimitted Authority in Matters of Revenue))? .
XVlll THE DEBATE ON THE CONSTITUTION
"Publius," The Federalist XXXIV [Alexander Hamilton], January 4, 1788
State vs. National Revenues: "Calculate . .. on Permanent Causes of Expence)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 698
Samuel Osgood to Samuel Adams, January 5, 1788 ((An I nexhaustable Fountain of Corruption)) . .
"The Republican" to the People, January 7, 1788 "The Principal Circumstances Which Render
704
Liberty Secure)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7IO
Resolutions of the Tradesmen of the Town of Boston, January 8, 1788
To Promote Trade, Industry, and Morality . . . . . . 717
"Publius," The Federalist XXXVI [Alexander Hamilton], January 8, 1788
The Representation of Interests and Federal Taxation. 720
Thomas B. Wait to George Thatcher, January 8, 1788 "Darkness, Duplicity, and Studied Ambiguity)) 727
"Brutus" VIII, January IO, 1788 On the Calamity of~ National Debt That Cannot
Be Repaid, and on Standing Armies. . . . . .
"Mark Antony," January IO, 1788 Slavery "Ought To Be Regreted . . . But It Is
Evidently Beyond Our Controul)): A Defense of the Three-Fifths Clause . . . . . . . . . .
James Madison to Governor Edmund Randolph, January ro, 1788
The Dangers of a Second Convention . ...
Samuel Holden Parsons to William Cushing, January n, 1788
"Our Security Must Rest in Our Frequently Recurring Back to the People)). . . . . .
"Publius," The Federalist XXXVII [James Madison], January n, 1788
''An Abstract View of the Subject)). . . . . . . . .
732
737
744
754
CONTENTS XIX
"Agrippa" [James Winthrop] XII, January 11, 15, 18, 1788 "Cherish the Old Confederation Like the Apple of Our Eye)) . . 762
"Publius," The Federalist XXXVIII [James Madison], January 12, 1788
A Bedlam of Criticism and a Counsel of Perfection. . . . . . 774
"American us" [John Stevens, Jr.] VI, January 12, 1788 "An Iron Handed Despotism))? . . . . . . . . . . 783
DEBATES IN THE STATE RATIFYING CONVENTIONS
Pennsylvania RatiJYing Convention, November 20-December IS, r787
James Wilson's Opening Address, November 24, 1787 . . . . 791
John Smilie Responds to Wilson on the Lack of a Bill of Rights, November 28, 1787 . . . . . . . . . . 804
James Wilson and John Smilie Debate the Need for a Bill of Rights, November 28, 1787. . .
"The Defect Is in the System Itself": Robert Whitehill on the Dangers of the Powers of Congress and the Illogic of the Habeas Corpus Clause,
. .. 807
November 30, 1787 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sn
Benjamin Rush Speaks Against a Bill of Rights, November 30, 1787 ........... . . 816
William Findlev on the Constitution as a Plan for National Consolidation, December l, 1787. . . . . . . 818
James Wilson Replies to Findley, December l, 1787 820
James Wilson on the Slave-Trade Clause, December 3, 1787. 829
Robert Whitehill Replies to Wilson on the Slave-Trade Clause, December 3, 1787 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 831
XX THE DEBATE ON THE CONSTITUTION
James Wilson's Summation and Final Rebuttal, December n, 1787 . . . . . . . . . . .
Benjamin Rush on Morality and Government, December 12, 1787 . . . . . . . . . . .
Robert Whitehill's Amendments and the Final Vote, December 12, 1787 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecticut RatiJYing Convention, January 3--9, r788
Oliver Ellsworth Defends the Taxing Power and Comments on Dual Sovereignties and Judicial Review,
869
January 7, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877
Governor Samuel Huntington on the Need for Coercive National Power, January 9, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . 885
Massachusetts RatiJYing Convention, January 9~February 1, r788
Letter to the Massachusetts Centinel by "Marcus" Objecting to Instructing the Delegates, January 9, 1788 . . . 889
Fisher Ames on Biennial Elections and on the Volcano of Democracy, January 15, r788. . . . . . . . . . 891
A Sharp Exchange on the Powers of Congress and Its Probable Corruption, January 17, 1788 . . 896
Major Martin Kinslev on the Excessive Powers of Congress, January 21, 1788 . . . . . . 902
Thomas Dawes, Jr., on Legitimate Standing Armies, January 24, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904
Amos Singletary and Jonathan Smith on "Leviathan" Swallowing Up "Us Little Folks" and on the Danger of Anarchy, January 25, 1788 . . . . . . 906
Abraham Holmes and Christopher Gore on the Possible Abuses of the Federal Judiciary, January 30, 1788 910
General William Heath on Slavery, January 30, 1788 . 915
Charles Jarvis on the Amendment Procedure: An Irrefutable Argument for Ratification, January 30, 1788 . . . . . . 917
CONTENTS XXl
The Reverend Daniel Shute and Colonel William Jones on Religious Tests and Christian Belief, January 31, 1788 . 919
John Hancock Proposes Ratification, with Amendments Recommended to "Quiet the Apprehensions of Gentlemen," January 31, 1788 . . . . . . . 921
Samuel Adams Supports Hancock's Proposition, January 31, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 923
Samuel Nasson's "Pathetick Apostrophe" to Liberty, and Judge Increase Sumner's Reply, February l, 1788 925
Isaac Backus on Religion and the State, Slavery, and Nobility, February +, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . 931
Charles Jarvis Supports Hancock's Strategy on Amendments, February +, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 934-
Nathaniel Barrell, a "Plain Husbandman," Warns of the Passion for Power, but Favors Ratification, February 5, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 938
John Hancock's Final Observations: "We Must All Rise or Fall Together," February 6, 1788. . . . . 94-l
The Form of the Ratification of Massachusetts, February 6, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
APPENDIX
The Declaration of Independence
The Articles of Confederation . .
Letter from the Constitutional Convention to the President of Congress . . . . .
Resolutions of the Convention Concerning the Ratification
94-3
94-9
954-
and Implementation of the Constitution . . . . . . . 967
The Constitution. . . . . . . . . . . . . 968
XXll THE DEBATE ON THE CONSTITUTION
Biographical Notes . .... .
Chronology of Events r714-1804
Notes on State Constitutions) r716--<)o .
Note on the Texts
Notes
Index
995
1055
1117
n23
n37
1195
The Debate on the Constitution: Part Two
Contents
DEBATES IN THE PRESS AND IN PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE
January r4-August 9) r788
Robert Yates and John Lansing, Jr., to Governor George Clinton, January 14, 1788
On the Likely Failure of Liberty: The Dissent of Two New York Delegates to the Philadelphia Convention
Hugh Ledlie to John Lamb, January 15, 1788 "Beware, Beware) Beware, For I Apprehend a
Dreadful Snare)) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nathaniel Barrell to George Thatcher, January 15, 1788 Will Congress Remain a Faithful Guardian? .....
Rawlins Lowndes and Edward Rutledge Debate in the South Carolina Legislature, January 16, 1788
Should One Experiment with Liberty, or Tamper with Slavery? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"Publius," The Federalist XXXIX [James Madison], January 16, 1788
What Is a Republic? Can It Be Part National, Part Federal? .......... .
"An Old State Soldier" I, January 16, 1788
"To Complete the Designs of a War That Ended Many Years Before)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"Brutus" IX, January 17, 1788 The Dangers of a Standing Anny .
"Publius," The Federalist XLI [James Madison], January 19, 1788
On the Powers of the National Government: An Analysis
7
16
19
26
33
40
of Annies, Taxation, and the General Welfare Clause. 47
Henry Knox to John Sullivan, January 19, 1788 "Something Must Be Done Speedily)).
ix
57
X THE DEBATE ON THE CONSTITUTION
"Americanus" [John Stevens, Jr.] VII, January 21, 1788 A Refutation of Governor Edmund Randolph)s Objections . 58
"Publius," The Federalist XLII [James Madison], January 22, 1788
On the Powers of the Federal Government: Relations with Forei._qn Nations, and Other Provisions of Article I, Section 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
"Publius," The Federalist XLIII [James Madison], January 23, 1788
Are Force and Right Necessarily on the Same Side?.
"Centinel" [Samuel Bryan J XII, January 23, 1788 The Federalists' Conspiracy Detected: "The Most Odious
System of Tyranny That Was Ever Projected. . A Crime
71
of the Blackest Dye" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sr
"Brutus" X, January 24, 1788 "That Dangerous Engine of Despotism a Standing Army'' 86
"Publius," The Federalist XLIV [James Madison], January 25, 1788
Restraints on the States and a Defense of the ''Necessary and Proper" and "Supreme Law" Clauses . . 93
"Publius," The Federalist XL V [James Madison], January 26, !788
On the Preponderant Power of the States .
On the New Constinition, January 28, 1788 "A Mere Disguise far Parliament and King"
"Publius," The Federalist XLVI [James Madison], January 29, 1788
Federal Tyranny: "The Incoherent Dreams of
IOI
107
a Delirious Jealousy'' . . . . . . . . . . 109
David Ramsay to Benjamin Lincoln, January 29, 1788
"Federalism ... Has Gained Great Ground". . . . II7
John Williams to His Constituents, written January 29, 1788,
published February 25, 1788 New York's Advantage in the Present System: Low Ta.>:es . . n9
CONTENTS D
"Publius," The Federalist XL VII [James Madison J, January 30, 1788
On the Separation of Powers: A Subject Misconceived and Misapplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
"Brntus" XI, January 31, 1788 The Supreme Court: They Will Mould the Government Into
Almost Any Shape They Please . . . . . . . . . 129
"Publius," The Federalist XL VIII [James Madison], Febrnary l, 1788
The Separation of Powers: On the Dangers of Legislative Usurpation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
"Publius," The Federalist XLIX [James Madison], Febrnary 2, 1788
On the Dangers of Too Frequent Conventions: Stirring the Public Passions and Attacking the Timidity of Reason . 142
"Civis" [David Ramsay] to the Citizens of South Carolina, Febrnary 4, 1788
Advantages for the South. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 7
"Agrippa" [James Winthrop J XVIII, febrnary 5, 1788
Amend the Articles of Con.federation or Amend the Constitution? Fourteen Conditions for Accepting the Constitution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
"Publius," The federalist LI [James Madison], Febrnary 6, 1788
On the Safety of Multiple Interests: Ambition Will Counteract Ambition ........... .
"A. B." [Francis Hopkinson], The Raising: A New Song for Federal Mechanics, Februarv 6, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . 169
"Brutus" XII, February 7 and 14, 1788
On the Power of the Supreme Court: Nothing Can Stand Before It. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
George Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette, February 7, 1788
Two Basic Reasons to Support the Constitution. .
171
XU THE DEBATE ON THE CONSTITUTION
"Publius," The Federalist Lii [James Madison], February 8, 1788
On the House of Representatives: Electoral Qualifications and Biennial Elections . . . . . . . . . . . 182
"Publius," The Federalist LIII [James Madison], February 9, 1788
On the Frequency of Elections. . . . . . . . .
William Williams to the Printer, February n, 1788 To Obtain Blessings from the Most High . . . .
"Publius, "The Federalist LIV [James Madison], February 12, 1788
Are Slaves Property or Persons? . . . . . . . .
"Publius," The Federalist L V [James Madison], February 13, 1788
How Large Should the House of Representatives Be?
"Publius," The Federalist LVI [James Madison], February 16, 1788
"The Sufficiency of a Moderate Number of Representatives)) . . . . . . . . . . .
"Publius," The Federalist LVII [James Madison], February 19, 1788
Representatives and Their Constituencies: The Chords
193
196
202
208
Which Bind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Harry Innes to John Brown, February 20, 1788
The Trans-Appalachian West: "We Shall Be the Mere Vassals of the Congress)) . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
"Brutus" XIII, February 21, 1788 The Judicial Power: Can an Individual Sue a State? . 222
Hugh Williamson's Speech at Edenton, North Carolina, delivered November 8, r787, printed February 25, 26, 27, 1788
"General Bankruptcy and Loss of Honor . . . Rejoice in the Prospect of Better Times)). . . . . . . . . . . 227
"Centinel" [Samuel Bryan] XVI, February 26, 1788
A Conspiracy Detected To Obliterate Debts Owed to the Public ................ . 237
CONTENTS nu
Jeremiah Hill to George Thatcher, c. February 26, 1788 "Future Grandeur)). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
"A Deep Laid Scheme to Enslave Us . . Invented in the Society of the Cincinnati," February 27, 1788 . . . . . 243
"Publius," The Federalist LXII [James Madison], February 27, 1788
The Senate Examined . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
"The Impartial Examiner" I, part 2, February 27, 1788 On the Diversity of Interests and the Dangers of Standing
Armies and a Supreme Court. . . . . . . . . . 251
Benjamin Rush to Jeremy Belknap, February 28, 1788
A Hopeful Future. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
"Brutus" XIV, February 28 and March 6, 1788
The Supreme Court: The Danger of Appellate Jurisdiction. 258
Joseph Spencer to James Madison, Enclosing John Leland's Objections, February 28, 1788
Ten Objections by a Leading Vit;_qinia Baptist . . . . . 267
Rhode Island's Assembly Refuses to Call a Convention and Submits the Constitution Directly to the People, February 29 and March l, 1788. . . . . . . . . . . 270
The Freemen of Providence Submit Eight Reasons for Calling a Convention, March 26, 1788 . . . 276
"A Columbian Patriot" [Mercy Otis Warren], Observations on the Constitution, February 1788
"The Gulph of Despotism Set Open)) . . . . . . . 284
"Giles Hickory" [Noah Webster] III, February 1788
Liberty Is Never Secured by Paper Declarations ..
"Publius," The Federalist LXIII [Jan1es Madison], March r, 1788
304
"The Necessity of a Well Constructed Senate,, . . . 316
"Publius," The Federalist LXV [Alexander Hamilton], March 7, 1788
The Senate as the Court for Impeachments . . . . . . 325
XIV THE DEBATE ON THE CONSTITUTION
John Page to Thomas Jefferson, March 7, 1788
Convincing the Voters . . . . . . . . . . .
"Publius," The Federalist LXVIII [Alexander Hamilton], March 12, 1788
The Electoral College Will Prevent "Cabal, Intrigue and
331
Corruption)) in Presidential Elections. . . . . . . . 333
"Publius," The Federalist LXIX [Alexander Hamilton], March 1+, 1788
The Limits of Executive Power. . . . . . . . . . . . 338
"Publius," The Federalist LXX [Alexander Hamilton], March 15, 1788
Executive Ene1'._lf.V.' Is It Necessary? Safe? . . . 3+6
Comte de Moustier to Comte de Montmorin, March 16, 1788
On the Difficulty of Judging What the Outcome Will Be 355
"Publius," The Federalist LXXI [Alexander Hamilton], March 18, 1788
On the Length of the President,s Term . . . . . . . . 357
"Publius," The Federalist LXXII [Alexander Hamilton], March 19, 1788
Should the President Be Eligible far Reelection? . 362
"A Freeman" to the Freeholders and Freemen of Rhode Island, March 20, 1788
The British and American Constitutions Contrasted
"Brutus" XV, March 20, 1788
The Supreme Court: "No Power Above Them That Can
368
Controul Their Decisions, or Correct Their Errors)). . 372
"Publius,'' The Federalist LXXIV [Alexander Hamilton], March 25, 1788
The President,s Pardoning Power: To "Restore the Tranquility of the Commonwealth)). . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
James Madison to Eliza House Trist, March 25, 1788
Madison,s First "Harangue . .. In the Open Air)) . 382
CONTENTS XV
"Publius," The Federalist LXXV [Alexander Hamilton], March 26, 1788
Why Both the President and the Senate Have Treaty-Making Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
"Publius," The Federalist LXXVI [Alexander Hamilton], April l, 1788
On Executive Appointments: Why the President and the Senate Together? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
"Publius," The Federalist LXXVII [Alexander Hamilton], April 2, 1788
Executive Powers: Energy and Safety Combined . . . 395
"K." [Benjamin Franklin] to the Editor, April 8, 1788
The Antifederalists Compared with the Ancient Jews as Rejectors of Divine Constitutions . . . . . . . . . 401
"To Be or Not To Be? Is the Question,'' April 16, 1788 . 406
"Fabius" [John Dickinson], "Observations on the Constitution Proposed by the Federal Convention" III, April 17, 1788
Freedom and Society: On the Necessity of Sacrificing Separate Rights for the Good of All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
"Plough Jogger,'' April 17, 1788 Too Little Virtue for a Mild Government .
Benjamin Rush to David Ramsay, April 19, 1788 Against Simple Democracies and Bills of Rights: Only
Representation and Checks Can Guarantee Liberty 417
George Washington to John Armstrong, April 25, 1788 On Amendments and the Value of a Formidable Opposition . 420
"Fabius" [John Dickinson], "Observations on the Constitution Proposed by the Federal Convention" VIII, April 29, 1788
On the Safety of an Extensive Republican Empire . . . . . 424
A Grand Procession in Honor of Ratification, May 6, 1788
"The Most Interesting Scene Ever Exhibited in this Part of the World)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430
XVI THE DEBATE ON THE CONSTITUTION
J. Hector St. John Crevecoeur to Comte de la Luzerne, May 16, 1788
Dismal Prospects for the Neiv Union . . . . . . 439
James Madison to George Nicholas, May 17, 1788
The Constitution and the Development of the American West . . . . . . . . . . . .
"An American" [Tench Coxe J, May 21, 1788 Vit;ginia's Poiver Under the Constitution and the Dangers of
443
Failing to RatifY: Advice from a Respectful Countryman . 451
Richard Henry Lee to Edmund Pendleton, May 26, 1788
To Guarantee Essential Rights: A Scheme for Amending the Constitution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +62
"Publius," The Federalist LXXVIII [Alexander Hamilton], May 28, 1788
On the Independence of Judges and Judicial Revieiv. . . 4-67
"Publius," The Federalist LXXX [Alexander Hamilton], May 28, 1788
On the Bounds and Jurisdiction of the Federal Courts . 476
"Publius," The Federalist LXXXI [Alexander Hamilton], May 28, 1788
On the Supposed Danger of the Supreme Court Legislating and Becoming «Uncontrolable and Remediless'' . . . . +83
"Publius," The Federalist LXXXII [Alexander Hamilton J, May 28, 1788
State and Federal Courts: Concurrent Jurisdictions? . . . 4-93
"Publius," The Federalist L:XXXV [Alexander Hamilton], May 28, 1788
Some Final Thoughts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-98
David Ramsay's Oration at Charleston, South Carolina, delivered May 27, 1788, printed June 5, 1788
«Heaven Smiled on Their Deliberations, and Inspired Their Councils ivith a Spirit of Conciliation)) . . . . . . . 506
Simeon Baldwin's Oration at New Haven, July 4-, 1788 «This Monument of Wisdom . .. the Foundation of a
Glorious Empire)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 514-
CONTENTS XVU
"Phocion," July 17, 1788 On the Economic Advantages of Union: Providence Will Be
Another Antwerp, Newport Another Brest . . . . . . . 526
"Solon, Junior" [David Howell], August 9, 1788 The Spirit of the Times: Greater Than Laws and
Constitutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Ratifications and Resolutions of Seven State Conventions, February 6-August 2, 1788
Principles Affirmed and Amendments Proposed .
DEBATES IN THE STATE RATIFYING CONVENTIONS
South Carolina Ratifying Convention, May 12-24, 1788
Charles Cotesworth Pinckney Explains America's Unique
533
Structure of Freedom, May 14, 1788 . . . . . . . 577
Patrick Dollard Fears a Corrupt, Despotic Aristocracy . . 592
Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 2-27, 1788
Patrick Henry's Opening Speech: A Wrong Step Now and the Republic Will Be Lost Forever, June 4, 1788. . . 595
Governor Edmund Randolph Explains Why He Now Supports the Constitution with Amendments, June 4, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 598
George Mason Fears for the Rights of the People, June 4, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 605
James Madison Replies to Patrick Henry, Defending the Taxing Power and Explaining Federalism, June 6, 1788 . 6n
Patrick Henry Replies to Governor Randolph, June 7, 1788 . 623
Henry Lee's Sharp Reply to Patrick Henry's Attacks on the Constitution, June 9, 1788 . . . . . . 637
James Madison on Direct Taxation by the Federal Government, June n, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . 649
XVlll THE DEBATE ON THE CONSTITUTION
James Madison on Concurrent Taxation and the future of the American West, June r2, 1788. . . . . . . . . . 664
Patrick Henry Elaborates His Main Objections, and James Madison Responds, June 12, 1788 . . . . . . . . . 673
James Monroe Questions James Madison on Congressional Control of Elections to the House and Senate, June 14, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 693
Patrick Henry's Objections to a National Army and James Madison's Reply, June 16, 1788. . . . . . . . . . 695
Patrick Henry and James Madison Debate Constructive Rights and the Uses of the Militia, June 16, 1788 . 701
George Mason and James Madison Debate the Slave-Trade Clause, June 17, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706
Governor Edmund Randolph on the "Necessary and Proper" Clause, Implied Powers, and Bills of Rights, June 17, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 709
George Mason on the President: He Will Serve for Life and Be Corrupted by Foreign Powers, June 17, 1788 . . . . . 718
George Mason Fears the Power of the Federal Courts: What Will Be Left to the States~ June 19, 1788 . . . . 720
John Marshall on the fairness and Jurisdiction of the Federal Courts, June 20, 1788 . . . . . . . . 730
John Dawson's Fears for the Future, June 24, 1788 . 742
Zachariah Johnston, "of the Middle Rank," Favors Ratification Without Previous Amendments, June 25, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 751
New York RatiJYing Convention, June 17-July 26, r788
Melancton Smith and Alexander Hamilton Debate Representation, Aristocracy, and Interests, June 21, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 757
Robert R. Livingston, Melancton Smith, and John Jay Debate Aristocracy, Representation, and Corruption, June 23, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 776
CONTENTS XlX
Gilbert Livingston Warns Against Giving the Senate Power Too Profusely, June 24, 1788. . . . . . . . . . . . 789
Robert R. Livingston Replies to Gilbert Livingston's "Dreamings of a Distempered Fancy," June 24, 1788 . 792
Alexander Hamilton Defends the Senate: A Small, Independent, Discerning Body to Check the Passions of the People, June 24, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . 795
Melancton Smith and Alexander Hamilton Debate Rotation in the Senate, June 25, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . 803
Melancton Smith Fears the Federal Taxing Power and the Capacity of Any Free Government to Rule So Vast a Nation, June 27, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 816
Melancton Smith Writes to Nathan Dane, Reconsidering His Position on Ratification and Amendments, June 28, 1788 822
Alexander Hamilton Discusses Federal Taxation and Denies That His Views Arc Influenced by Personal Ambition, June 28, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 824
Robert R. Livingston Compares Antifedcralists to "Children Making Bubbles with a Pipe," July l, 1788 . . . . . 836
Melancton Smith Mocks Robert R. Livingston's "Comic Talents" and Replies to His "Misrepresentation," July 2, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 841
Nathan Dane Writes to Melancton Smith, Recommending That New York Unconditionally Ratif)', July 3, 1788 . 844
Melancton Smith Replies to Nathan Dane, Agreeing with His Arguments, c. July 15, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . 851
Melancton Smith Speaks in Support of Ratification Without Condition, July 23, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 852
North Carolina RatifYing Convention, July 21-August 4, 1788
Five Speakers Debate Congressional Control of Congressional Elections, July 25, 1788. . . . . . . . . 854
The Debate on Congressional Elections Continued: Britain and America Contrasted, July 25, 1788 . . . . . . . . 861
XX THE DEBATE ON THE CONSTITUTION
James Iredell on the Necessity for a Peacetime Army, July 26, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 864
James Iredell on the Presidency, Spies, the Pardoning Power, and Impeachment, July 28, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . 870
Samuel Spencer Objects to the Powers of the Senate and Fears It Will Control the President, July 28, 1788 . . 879
James Iredell on Impeaclunent: "It Must Be for an Error of the Heart, and Not of the Head," July 28, 1788 . . . . 882
Samuel Spencer and William R. Davie Debate the Need for a Bill of Rights and the Jurisdiction of the Federal Courts, July 29, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888
Andrew Bass Thinks the Constitution Is "Uncommonly Difficult, or Absolutely Unintelligible"; Maclaine and Iredell Respond, July 29, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . 897
James Iredell and Timothy Bloodworth Debate the Supremacy of the Constitution and of Federal Law, July 29, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 899
Henrv Abbot and James Iredell Debate the Ban on Religious Tests: Could Not the Pope Be President? July 30, 1788 . 902
Rev. David Caldwell and Samuel Spencer Continue the Debate on Religious Toleration, July 30, 1788 . . 908
James Iredell Urges Ratification, and a Vote Is Taken, July 30, 1788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 910
APPENDIX
The Declaration of Independence
The Articles of Confederation . .
Letter from the Constiu1tional Convention to the President of Congress . . . . .
Resolutions of the Convention Concerning the Ratification
921
926
937
and Implementation of the Constitution 939
The Constitution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 940
CONTENTS
Biographical Notes. . . .
Chronology of Events 1714-1804
Notes on State Constitutions, 1776--90 .
Note on the Texts
Notes
Index
XX!
967
1025
ro87
ro93
nos
n59