308 CONVENTION AT ALEXANDRIA. The first step towards the formation of a new constitution, was rather accidental than premeditated. Certain citizens of Virginia and Maryland had formed a scheme for promoting the navigation of the Potomac river and Chesapeake bay, and commissioners were appointed by those two states to meet at Alexandria, in March, 1785, and devise some plan of operation. These persons made a visit to Mount Vernon, and, while there, it was proposed among themselves that more important objects should be connected with the purpose at first in view, and that the state governments should be solicited to appoint other commissioners with more enlarged powers, instructed to form a plan for maintaining a naval force in the Chesapeake, and also to fix upon some system of duties, upon exports and imports, in which both states should agree, and that in the end, congress should be petitioned to allow these privileges. This project was approved by the legislature of Virginia, and commissioners were accordingly appointed. The same legislature passed a resolution, recommending the design to other states, and inviting them to unite, by their commissioners, in an attempt to establish such a system of commercial relations as would promote general harmony and prosperity. Five states, in addition to Virginia, acceded to this proposition, namely, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. From these states, commissioners assembled at Annapolis, in September, 1786, but they had hardly entered into a discussion of the topics which naturally forced themselves into view, before they discovered the powers with which they were entrusted, to be so limited, as to tie up their hands from effecting any purpose that could be of essential utility. On this account, as well as from the circumstance, that so few states were represented, they wisely declined deciding on any important measures in re ference to the particular subjects for which they had come together. This convention is memorable, however, as having been the prelude to the one which followed. Before the commissioners adjourned, a report was agreed upon, in which the necessity of a revision and reform of the articles of the old federal compact was strongly urged, and which contained a recommendation to all the state legisla What was the first step taken to- | What was accomplished by the comwards the formation of a new con- missioners at Alexandria? #titution? By the assembly at Annapolis! THE FEDERAL CONVENTION. 309 tures, for the appointment of deputies, to meet at Philadelphia, with more ample powers and instructions. This report was laid before congress, and a resolution was passed by that body, recommending a convention for the purpose of revising the articles of confederation, and giving a more substantial and efficient form to the constitution of the general government. In conformity with these recommendations, a convention of delegates from the several states met at Philadelphia, in May, 1787. Of this body of eminent statesmen, George Washington was unanimously elected president. He had been early solicited to add the weight of his influence to the convention by Mr. Madison, one of its strongest advocates, but had with characteristic modesty declined. No denial, however, would be taken either by the legislature of Virginia, who elected him a delegate, or by the august body itself, who chose that the chief of the revolution should preside over its deliberations, while forming the constitution of the country which he had saved from oppression and anarchy. The convention was composed of some of the most illustrious men, whose names adorn our national history. Besides Washington himself, there were Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Patrick Henry, Franklin, Hamilton, Jay, Randolph, the Lees, and a host of others. The discussion and arrangement of the several articles, was carried on with closed doors, and lasted four months. At length, on the 17th of September, the proposed constitution was made public. It was presented to congress, and by that body submitted to the several states for acceptance. This constitution is essentially different from the old articles of confederation. The most important point of difference, consists in giving to the general government the controul of the revenue, and the regulation of commerce; and thus enabling the congress to raise money directly from the people, instead of resorting to the old system of requisitions on the state governments, which had been found totally inefficient. By the constitution of the United States, the government is made to consist of three departments, the legislative, ex Where did they recommend a con vention to be held? Who was one of its strongest advo- Who were distinguished members of the convention? When was the proposed constitution made public? What were its principal features? 310 THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. ecutive and judicial. The legislative or law-making department, consists of a senate and house of representatives, collectively styled the congress. The members of the house of representatives are chosen by the people, in districts containing a certain number of inhabitants; and they hold the office for two years. The senators are chosen by the state legislature, two from each state, to hold office for six years, one-third of the senate being renewed every two years. Besides assisting in the making of laws, this body confirms the appointments of executive officers made by the president, and ratifies treaties. The executive department consists of the president, and the officers appointed by him, to execute the laws. The president is appointed by electors, who are chosen by the people; or by the representatives, when there is no choice by a majority of the electors. He is elected for four years but may be elected again. The command of the army and navy, the appointment of all civil, military and naval officers, acting by authority of the United States, and the ratification of treaties are vested in him, the two latter powers being subject, however, to the confirmation or rejection of the senate. Another important power of the president is, that of putting a negative, or veto, on such acts of congress as he may disapprove. A majority of two-thirds of both houses is then necessary, in order to give the act the authority of a law, without the sanction of the president. By the constitution, congress is authorised to declare war, raise and support armies, maintain a navy, collect revenue, lay direct taxes, regulate commerce, coin money, and provide in general for the security and welfare of the nation. The judicial department of the government consists of a supreme court, and such district courts as congress may establish. The judges in these courts have jurisdiction of all cases arising under the laws of the United States, and under treaties, as well as the cases between individuals of different states, and between foreigners and citizens. The constitution no sooner appeared, than it was attacked with great earnestness by a powerful party. Various objections were made to its several provisions, and a discussion What are the three departments of the government? What constitutes the legislative department? Describe the senate. The executive department. What are the chief powers of the Of the congress? FORMATION OF PARTIES. 311 in the public journals ensued, lively and animated, in proportion to the importance of the subject. It was indeed a question of life and death to the political existence of the nation, and the parties to which it gave rise, have under different names divided the country ever since. The chief supporters of the constitution, Madison, Hamilton and Jay, had published, while it was under consideration, a series of letters, signed the Federalist, a name which was subsequently applied to the party who adopted their opinions. Their opposers were styled anti-federalists, a designation which was afterwards changed to republicans, democrats, and sundry other terms; the party meanwhile preserving its identity, by opposing such measures as appeared to them calculated to withdraw power from the people, and the individual states, for the purpose of lodging it in the hands of the general government. The constant struggle which has since been maintained between these parties, has been much deprecated by those who regard the occasional excesses to which it leads, rather than the necessity from which it arises. It is essential to the existence of free institutions, that public measures should be freely discussed and examined on every side. Such discussions enlighten the people, and prevent the adoption of measures dangerous to their liberties; and if a storm occasionally arise, it serves but to clear the political atmosphere, and render it more suitable for the hardy sons of liberty to inhale. A constant dead calm, is the characteristic of that political region only where despotism silences every murmur, and disperses every cloud of discontent. Notwithstanding the animated opposition which was made to it, the federal constitution soon obtained the assent of all the states, save two-Rhode Island and North Carolina. New York was said to have acceded, chiefly from fear of being excluded from the union; and, in consenting, she had demanded a new convention to make amendments in the act. Even Virginia thought it necessary to propose alterations. She required a declaration of rights, and the limitation that the president should be but once re-elected. The discus What were its supporters called? What were its opponents called? cal parties considered essential tr freedom? What states at once adopted the constitution? What states declined acceding to it? | What is said of New York? Of Virginia? 312 WASHINGTON ELECTED PRESIDENT. sions concerning these points of difference, occupied the year. 1788, after which the constitution was generally accepted, and the grand point of a federal union achieved. The fourth of March, 1789, was the time appointed for the commencement of the new government. So wanting, however, were many of the states, or their representatives, in zeal, that three weeks elapsed before a full meeting of both houses could be procured. At length the votes for president and vice-president of the United States were opened and counted in the senate, when it was found that George Washington was unanimously elected president, and John Adams, having received the second number of votes, was elected vicepresident. With unfeigned reluctance, occasioned both by the love of retirement and tenderness for his reputation, did the illustrious Washington accept the first office of the nation. The sacrifice was demanded of him, as, in the words of Hamilton, the success of the great experiment, viz. the working and existence of the new government altogether depended upon the moral force which the name and character of Washington would bring to its chief office. CHAPTER XXXIII. WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. THE intelligence of his being elected to the office of chief magistrate of the United States, was communicated to General Washington, while on his farm at Mount Vernon, on the 14th of April, 1789. He accepted this high honour with. expressions of gratitude for this new proof of the attachment and confidence of his country, and with declarations of diffidence in himself. I wish,' he said, that there may not be reasons for regretting the choice; for, indeed, all I can promise, is to accomplish that which can be done by an honest zeal.' When was it generally accepted? Who was the first vice-president? How did he receive it? |