Proposed amendments to the Constitution
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04770 Author/Creator: Place Written: [s.l.] Type: Manuscript document Date: 1788 ca. Pagination: 3 p. + docket 33.7 x 21.3 cm Order a Copy
This document, in a contemporary hand, compiles and compares the proposals of several states. Many of the proposals are in the form substantially used in the Bill of Rights.
[draft]
Amendments to the Constitution Proposed by
Massachusetts. 1st That all powers not expressly delegated to Congress are reserved to the several States. to be by them exercised.
So Carolina The same in Effect viz. that the Constitution warrants no [Construction] to the Contrary.
New Hamshire The same as Massachusetts.
Virginia The same.
Massts. - 2nd. One Representative for every 30,000.
So Carolina Silent
New Hamshire Agreed in this -
Virginia - Agreeing in this.
Massts. - 3rdly Congress not to exercise the Powers vested in them by the 4th. Section of 1st. Article but in Cases when a State shall neglect or refuse to make Adequate Provision for an Equal representation of the People agreeably to the Constin.
So. Carolina The same -
New Hamshire The same - or where the Legislature shall make regulations contrary to a free and Equal Representation.
Virginia The same as Massachusetts.
Massachusetts 4thly. That Congress do not lay direct Taxes but when the money arriving from the Imposts & Excises are insufficient for the Public Exigencies.
So Carolina The same - with this addition "nor then - until Congress shall first have made a Requisition on the States to assess, Levy and [struck: Collect] Pay their respective propositions of such Requisitions: and on Refusal of any State, to comply, Congress to assess & Levy.
New Hamshire The same [2]
Virginia - That - When Congress shall Lay direct Taxes or Excises they shall immediately inform the Executive Power of Each State of the Quota of Each State according to the Courses herein directed which is proposed to be thereby raised, and if the Legislature of any State shall Pass a Law which shall be effectual for raising such Quota at the Time required by Congress the - Taxes and Excises laid by Congress shall not be collected - in such State.
Massachusetts 5thly. That Congress erect no Company of Merchants with Exclusive advantages of Commerce.
So. Carolina Silent
Virginia Silent
New Hamshire The same as Massachusetts.
Massachusetts 6thly. That no Person shall be tried for any Crime for which he may incurr an infamous Punishment or loss of life until he may have been indicted - by a Grand Jury - Except in such Cases as may arise in the Government of the land and naval forces.
So Carolina Silent
New Hamshire Same as Massts.
Virginia Silent
Massachusetts 7thly. The Supream [sic] Judicial Court federal shall have no Jurisdiction of Causes between Citizen & Citizen of Different States unless the matter in -Dispute be the value of 3000 Dollars.
So. Carolina Silent
New Hamshire [sic] Same as Massachusetts.
Virginia Silent [3]
Massachusetts 8thly. In Civil Actions between Citizens of Different States every issue of Fact arising in Actions at Common Law may be tried by a Jury if the Parties or either of them Request it.
So. Carolina Silent
New Hamshire the same as Massachusetts.
Virginia Silent
Massachusetts 9thly That the Words "with the consent of Congress" in the last Paragraph in the 9th Section of the 1st Article be struck out.
So Carolina Silent
New Hamshire That Congress shall at no Time Consent that any Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall accept of a Title of Nobility or any of the Titles of Office from any King, Prince or foreign State.
So far Massachusetts.
So Carolina's That the 3rd Section of the 6th Article ought to be amended, by inserting the word other between the words no and Religious.
[docket]
Memorandums
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