the confederation to be defective in several essential points, particularly in not vesting the federal government either with a power of providing revenue for itself, or with ascertained and productive funds, secured by a sanction so solemn and general as would inspire the fullest confidence in them, and make them a substantial basis of credit; and that it is essential to the common welfare that there should be, as soon as possible, a conference of the whole states upon the subject, and that it would be advisable, for this purpose, to propose to Congress to recommend, and to each state to adopt, the measure of assembling a general convention of the states, specially authorized to revise and amend the confederation, reserving a right to the respective Legislatures to ratify their determination." These resolutions are also, with great probability, attributed to the influence of Mr. Hamilton. The other states, however, were not induced to any action, probably because they were not formally notified of them. In the year 1785, however, the states of Maryland and Virginia appointed commissioners to meet at Alexandria, to form a compact relative to the navigation of Chesapeake bay, and to establish a tariff of duties on imports which would operate equally in those two states. But their deliberations led them to more enlarged and enlightened views. They recommended to their respective states to appoint delegates to meet those of other states, in order to form a more general scheme for commercial regulations, and for raising a common revenue. In pursuance of this recommendation, the Legislature of Virginia, in January, 1786, appointed commissioners, to meet such as might be appointed by the other states,

to devise a uniform plan for the regulation of com. merce, which should afterwards be submitted to the states for ratification. This appointment was notified to the other states in order, and was well approved by many, and delegates from five of them met at Annap‐ olis, in the month of September ensuing. So small was this assembly, and so deeply sensible of the great necessity which existed for a general and fundamental reform of government, they did not then attempt the task, but concurred in an urgent appeal to Congress for a general convention. Happy for our country, their appeal prevailed. In accordance with the recommendation of Congress, all the states, except Rhode Island, appointed delegates, who met in convention at Philadelphia, in May, 1787. Our present Constitution was the result of their deliberations. Founded upon the best established principles of political philosophy, framed by men wise, patriotic, and philanthropic, while the hearts of the patriot and Christian blended in one agonizing prayer for the overruling influence of the Christian's God, it is perhaps the wisest and the best man ever sought protection under, and, if strictly adhered to, will guide us in peace, prosperity, and happiness, to that highest destiny of governments, the nation's honor, and the people's good. After a session of nearly five months, and every portion of it had undergone a full discussion, assailed and defended by some of the mightiest intellects in the world, it received the unanimous consent of the Convention, on the 17th day of September, 1787: an example of unanimity beyond expectation, and unprecedented in the history of man.

CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.

WE the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this CONSTITUTION for the United States of America.

ARTICLE I.

SEC. 1. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

House of Representatives.

SEC. 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of members chosen every second year by the people of the several states, and the electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the state Legislature.

No person shall be a representative who shall not have attained to the age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state in which he shall be chosen.

Representatives and direct taxes shall be proportioned among the several states which may be included within this union, according to their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole number of free persons, including those bound to service for a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct. The number of representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand, but each state shall have at least one representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the state of New Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New York six, New Jersey four,

Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three.

the

When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies.

The House of Representatives shall choose their speaker and other officers; and shall have the sole power of impeachment.

Senate.

SEC. 3. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two senators from each state, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six years; and each senator shall have one vote.

Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the first election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes. The seats of the senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year, of the second class at the expiration of the fourth year, and of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one-third may be chosen every second year; and if vacancies happen by resignation, or otherwise, during the recess of the Legislature of any state, the executive thereof may make temporary appointments until the next meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies.

No person shall be a senator who shall not have attained to the age of thirty years, and been nine years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state for which he shall be chosen.

The vice-president of the United States shall be president of the Senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided.

The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a president pro tempore, in the absence of the vice-president, or when he shall exercise the office of president of the United States.

The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. When sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath, or affirmation. When the president of the United States is tried, the chief justice shall preside: and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present.

Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any

office of honor, trust or profit under the United States: but the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment and punishment, according to law.

Elections and Annual Sessions.

SEC. 4. The times, places and manner of holding elections for senators and representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter such regulations, except as to the places of choosing

senators.

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by law appoint a different day.

Powers of the separate Houses.

SEC. 5. Each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties as each house may provide.

Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behaviour, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member.

Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such parts as may in their judgment require secrecy: and the yeas and nays of the members of either house on any question shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered on the journal.

Neither house, during the session of Congress, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting.

Privileges and Restraints.

SEC. 6. The senators and representatives shall receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the treasury of the United States. They shall in all cases, except treason, felony, and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at the session of their respective