The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 10, September, 1836Various
General
The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 10, September, 1836
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
This power, like that of regulating the militia, was claimed and
exercised by the State Legislatures before this Constitution, and is
not taken away; therefore, by the reasoning of MR. MARSHALL, in whose
presence this right was frequently asserted, it still exists, not _by
implication_, but as an original power not given away. But JUDGE
HOPKINSON pursues a reverse mode of reasoning, and thinks the right
does not exist—first, because not expressly granted by the
Constitution—and secondly, because no form of proceeding is prescribed
by which a refractory Senator could be compelled to obey. We must
answer to the first, that the power is not granted but reserved, and
is always understood to exist where representation exists, unless
expressly prohibited. For the second, we must say, that no human
ingenuity could devise a mode of compelling a refractory Senator to
obey, because he may keep his purpose concealed until he votes; and
that a power of subsequent punishment has never been given to
_constituents_ over their delegates in any representative government,
and would be more objectionable and dangerous in this case than any
other, on account of the peculiar relative situation of the two
governments. The _power_ of disobedience, of giving bad votes, and
voting from corruption instead of conviction, is in the hands of all
representatives, without power of punishment in the hands of
constituents—can it thence be inferred that they have the _right_ thus
to act? The Constitution requires, for wise purposes, an indefinite
and absolute power of attorney irrevocable for six years, and any form
of punishment, to be effective, must interfere with this requisition.
There are legal powers, which it would be a gross violation of moral
duty to execute, and we must hope for some principles of virtue to
actuate our Senators as well as other fiduciaries, without keeping
their limbs always bound in cords, and their necks under the axe.
There was no power to punish for this offence under the confederation.
The power to recall was distinct from it, and though it might punish
offences, could not create duties. Our instructions are private. The
Senate has nothing to do with them. Our Senator may burn them. The
Senate cannot punish him, and we could not, if he took a bribe.
Suppose a legislator is always intoxicated, or spends his nights in
riot, or gaming, and is thus rendered stupid and inefficient, or
careless. This will be admitted to be a violation of duty, but his
constituents cannot prevent it, or punish him. Constituents have no
power even to compel attendance, nor can they recall for
non-attendance, whether produced by wickedness or misfortune; and yet
MR. JAY says—“All the States will have an equal influence in the
Senate, _especially_ while they continue to be careful in appointing
proper persons, and _insist_ on their punctual attendance.” There is
no such power given in the Constitution.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account