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
This prerogative of the General Gov^t, is the
great pervading principle that must controul the centrifugal tendency of
the States; which, without it, will continually fly out of their proper
orbits and destroy the order & harmony of the political System.
M^r Williamson was ag^{st} giving a power that might restrain the States
from regulating their internal police.
M^r Gerry c^d not see the extent of such a power, and was ag^{st} every
power that was not necessary. He thought a remonstrance ag^{st}
unreasonable acts of the States w^d reclaim them. If it sh^d not force
might be resorted to. He had no objection to authorize a negative to
paper money and similar measures. When the confederation was depending
before Congress, Massachusetts was then for inserting the power of
emitting paper money am^g the exclusive powers of Congress. He observed
that the proposed negative w^d extend to the regulations of the Militia,
a matter on which the existence of a State might depend. The Nat^l
Legislature with such a power may enslave the States. Such an idea as
this will never be acceded to. It has never been suggested or conceived
among the people. No speculative projector, and there are eno' of that
character among us, in politics as well as in other things, has in any
pamphlet or newspaper thrown out the idea. The States too have different
interests and are ignorant of each other's interests. The Negative
therefore will be abused. New States too having separate views from the
old States will never come into the Union. They may even be under some
foreign influence; are they in such case to participate in the negative
on the will of the other States?
M^r Sherman thought the cases in which the negative ought to be
exercised, might be defined. He wished the point might not be decided
till a trial at least sh^d be made for that purpose.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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