[inquest]

The purpose of the "of the members present" rule had nothing to do with the state of transportation. It was instituted so as to prevent Senators from obstructing the proceedings by refusing to show up. It's a way of telling them that if they don't show, they get left out in the cold.

[Carry_Okie]

I'm mot sure I buy that. I can tell you that there was virtually no discussion of that language on Article VI during the Federal Convention.

Got a reference out of Farrand?