The 1787 Constitutional Convention – Presidential Veto Debated

August 15, 1787 (Click to read Madison’s notes on the day) Summary The delegates debated the way bills would be introduced in the legislature and then moved to affirm the power of the president to veto legislation. Madison struck out after four tries to get a committee of revision for legislation. Instead the veto was established … Continue reading “The 1787 Constitutional Convention – Presidential Veto Debated”

The 1787 Constitutional Convention – The Senate

August 9, 1787 (click the link to read Madison’s notes on the day) Summary The delegates debated various aspects of the workings and structure of the Senate. Influences on the Delegates South Carolina’s Charles Pinckney invokes Athens to support a long duration of citizenship for Senators. Mr. PINCKNEY. As the Senate is to have the power … Continue reading “The 1787 Constitutional Convention – The Senate”

The 1787 Constitutional Convention – Can the Election of a President Be Fair?

July 25, 1787 (Click to read Madison’s notes on the day) Summary Since the delegates appointed a Committee of Detail (see yesterday’s post), they planned to take a break beginning July 27. The committee worked through the break and hammered out a draft of the Constitution. In session, the delegates debated, then defeated a proposal … Continue reading “The 1787 Constitutional Convention – Can the Election of a President Be Fair?”

The 1787 Constitutional Convention – Will the President Be an Elected King?

July 24, 1787 (Click to read Madison’s notes on the day). Summary A committee was chosen to compose the decisions made thus far into a document for consideration (Rutledge,  Randolph,  Gorham,  Ellsworth, and  Wilson). The delegates discussed against the method of choosing the chief executive and at this juncture approved appointment by the national legislature. … Continue reading “The 1787 Constitutional Convention – Will the President Be an Elected King?”

The 1787 Constitutional Convention – Back to the Judiciary

July 21, 1787 (Click to read Madison’s notes on the day) Summary The delegates agreed to pay electors from the treasury and to give the executive veto power. They also reconsidered aspects of the judiciary and voted to allow the Senate to select judges. For all of his reverence for republican principles, even Madison wondered … Continue reading “The 1787 Constitutional Convention – Back to the Judiciary”