Posted on 11/02/2017 1:30:26 AM PDT by Jacquerie
Subtitle: Swamp-Creatures.
Meeting in Convention, delegates once again considered the Fourth Resolution, which dealt with senatorial elections, term length, age qualification, salary, and eligibility to additional offices.
The answers to these issues will frame the senators’ dual-loyalty to the general government and their states. Under the Articles of Confederation, allegiance to the states was so strong that state interests typically superseded the interests of the nation. In turn, this led in part to the deteriorating social and economic conditions which pushed reluctant states to convene in Philadelphia. On the other hand, too strong an attachment to the capital city was just as dangerous. The Framers sought balance; find the median between senators-as-ambassadors and senators-as-oligarchs.
While no one argued against terms long enough to promote stability, General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney (SC) cautioned against any period beyond four years. He feared that even state appointed senators would eventually succumb to the interests of the state which will host the new seat of government.
Other delegates chimed-in, in another desultory ‘round and ‘round stream of opinions on the matter. The convention needed focus at this important juncture. Enter James Madison.
He urged members to consider the purpose of the senate. It was to protect the people from their government and themselves. The experienced men at the convention were well aware of legislative corruption. Two houses, each a check on the other, were necessary, one of short terms, the other of longer terms from a source other than direct election by the people, by which to achieve deeper understanding of public interests.
Madison outlined again the purpose of the federal convention. Under the Articles of Confederation, the states veered into wild democracy in which majority interests trampled the minority. The revolutionary republican spirit placed too much power . .
(Excerpt) Read more at articlevblog.com ...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.