Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 2.djvu/29

 RECORDS OF THE FEDERAL CONVENTION Z 5 Tuesday MADISON J,ly x? MADISON Tuesday July 17. in Convention Mr. Governr. Morris moved to reconsider the whole Resolu- tion agreed to yesterday concerning the constitution of the 2 branches of the Legislature. His object was to bring the House to a consideration in the abstract of the powers neces- sary to be vested in the general Government. It had been said, Let us know how the Govt. is to be modelled, and then we can determine what powers can be properly given to it. He thought the most eligible course was, first to determine on the necessary powers, and then so to modify the Governt. as that it might be justly & properly enabled to administer them. He feared if we proceded to a consideration of the powers, whilst the vote of yesterday including an equality of the States in the ed. branch, remained in force, a reference to it, either mental or expressed, would mix itself with the merits of every question concerning the powers.- this motion was not seconded. (It was probably approved by several members, who either despaired of success or were apprehensive that the attempt would inflame the jealousies of the smaller States.) The 6th. Resoln. in the Report of the Come. of the whole relating to the powers, which had been postponed in order to consider the 7 & 8th. relating to the Constitution of the, Natl. Legislature, was now resumed- Mr. Sherman observed that it WOuld be difficult to draw the line between the powers of the Genl. Legislatures, and those to be left with the States; that he did not like the definition contained in the Resolution, and proposed in place of the words "of individual legislation" line 4 inclusive, to insert "to make laws binding on the people of the (Uni.ted) States in all cases (which may concern the common interests of the Union); but not to interfere with (the Government of the individual States in any matters of internal police which respect the Govt. of such States only, and wherein the General) welfare of the U. States is not concerned." 5 Revised {rom Journal.

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