The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitution of the United States, May-September 1787. Volume 1Madison, James
History
The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitution of the United States, May-September 1787. Volume 1
Madison, James
Constitutional law -- United States; Constitutions -- United States; United States. Constitution
M^r Pinkney. If the small States should be allowed one Senator only, the
number will be too great, there will be 80 at least.
M^r Dickinson had two reasons for his motion. 1, because the sense of
the States would be better collected through their Governments; than
immediately from the people at large; 2. because he wished the Senate to
consist of the most distinguished characters, distinguished for their
rank in life and their weight of property, and bearing as strong a
likeness to the British House of Lords as possible; and he thought such
characters more likely to be selected by the State Legislatures, than in
any other mode. The greatness of the number was no objection with him.
He hoped there would be 80 and twice 80. of them. If their number should
be small, the popular branch could not be balanced by them. The
legislature of a numerous people ought to be a numerous body.
M^r Williamson, preferred a small number of Senators, but wished that
each State should have at least one. He suggested 25 as a convenient
number. The different modes of representation in the different branches,
will serve as a mutual check.
M^r Butler was anxious to know the ratio of representation before he
gave any opinion.
M^r Wilson. If we are to establish a national Government, that
Government ought to flow from the people at large. If one branch of it
should be chosen by the Legislatures, and the other by the people, the
two branches will rest on different foundations, and dissensions will
naturally arise between them. He wished the Senate to be elected by the
people as well as the other branch, the people might be divided into
proper districts for the purpose & moved to postpone the motion of M^r
Dickinson, in order to take up one of that import.
M^r Morris 2^{ded} him.
M^r 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 not be alarmed at the idea.
Nothing short of this approach towards a proper model of Government
would answer the purpose, and he thought it best to come directly to the
point at once.--His proposition was not seconded nor supported.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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