Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. 3 (of 16)United States. Congress
History
Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. 3 (of 16)
United States. Congress
Law -- United States; United States -- Politics and government
“In all future elections of President and Vice President, the
Electors shall name in their ballots the person voted for as
President, and in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice
President, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of
the same State with themselves. The person having a majority of
all the Electors for President shall be the President; and if
there shall be no such majority, the President shall be chosen
from the highest numbers, not exceeding three, on the list
for President, by the House of Representatives, in the manner
directed by the constitution. The person having the greatest
number of votes as Vice President shall be the Vice President,
and in case of an equal number of votes for two or more persons
for Vice President, they being the highest on the list, the
Senate shall choose the Vice President from those having such
equal number, in the manner directed by the constitution.”
Mr. DAWSON observed, that at the time of the adoption of the
constitution, that part of it which related to the election of a
President and Vice President had been objected to; and evils likely to
occur had been foreseen by some gentlemen at that day. Experience had
shown that they were not mistaken. Every gentleman in that House knew
the situation in which the country had been placed by the controverted
election of a Chief Magistrate; it was one which he trusted never would
return. It had been a subject much reflected on by the people, and by
the State Legislatures, several of which had declared their approbation
of the principle contained in the resolution reported by the committee.
The House had two years since ratified a similar amendment by a
constitutional majority of two-thirds. At that time no objections were
made to the principle of the amendment. All the objection then made was
on account of the lateness of the day and thinness of the House. Mr. D.
considered it unnecessary to make any further remarks at that time, as he
could not anticipate any objections that might be urged. He moved that
the Committee should rise and report the resolution without amendment.
Mr. J. CLAY, though in favor of the principle of the amendment, was
of opinion that, as to some of its parts, it required alteration. He
therefore moved:
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