The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitution of the United States, May-September 1787. Volume 2Madison, James
History
The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitution of the United States, May-September 1787. Volume 2
Madison, James
Constitutional law -- United States; Constitutions -- United States; United States. Constitution
That it will meet the full and entire approbation of every State
is not perhaps to be expected. But each will doubtless consider
that had her Interests been alone consulted the Consequences
might have been particularly disagreable or injurious to others.
That it is liable to as few Exceptions as could reasonably have
been expected we hope and believe. That it may promote the
lasting Welfare of that Country so dear to us all and secure her
Freedom and Happiness is our most ardent Wish--
M^r Williamson moved to reconsider the clause requiring three fourths of
each House to overrule the negative of the President, in order to strike
out 3/4 and insert 2/3. He had he remarked himself proposed 3/4 instead
of 2/3, but he had since been convinced that the latter proportion was
the best. The former puts too much in the power of the President.
M^r 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 it was more probable that a
single man should mistake or betray this sense than the Legislature.
M^r Gov^r Morris. Considering the difference between the two proportions
numerically, it amounts in one House to two members only; and in the
others to not more than five; according to the numbers of which the
Legislature is at first to be composed. It is the interest moreover of
the distant States to prefer 3/4 as they will be oftenest absent and
need the interposing check of the President. The excess rather than the
deficiency, of laws was to be dreaded. The example of N. York shews that
2/3 is not sufficient to answer the purpose.
M^r Hamilton added his testimony to the fact that 2/3 in N. York had
been ineffectual either where a popular object, or a legislative faction
operated; of which he mentioned some instances.
M^r Gerry. It is necessary to consider the danger on the other side
also. 2/3 will be a considerable, perhaps a proper security. 3/4 puts
too much in the power of a few men. The primary object of the
revisionary check in the President is not to protect the general
interest, but to defend his own department. If 3/4 be required, a few
Senators having hopes from the nomination of the President to offices,
will combine with him and impede proper laws. Making the vice-President
Speaker increases the danger.
M^r Williamson was less afraid of too few than of too many laws. He was
most of all afraid that the repeal of bad laws might be rendered too
difficult by requiring 3/4 to overcome the dissent of the President.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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