Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

CHAPTER XLIX.

The Confederation.

AFTER various discussions, Congress finally agreed, in Nov. 1777, upon certain Articles of Confederation, which were sent to the states for their consideration. Various delays and objections arose, and it was not till March, 1781, that Maryland, the last state, gave her assent.

Scarcely had these articles of confederation been adopted, before the defects of the system were discovered. Among the most formidable was this, that while Congress had power to adopt various measures, it had no effectual means of carrying them into effect.

An eminent statesman thus expressed himself on this subject: "Congress may make and conclude treaties, but can only recommend the observance of them; they may appoint ambassadors, but they cannot defray their expenses. They may borrow money, but they cannot pay a dollar. They may coin money, but they cannot import an ounce of bullion. They may make war, and determine what number of troops are necessary, but they cannot raise a single soldier. In short, they may declare everything, but can do nothing."

Thus it seems that Congress had no power to compel the states to an observance of their acts. The states might obey or disobey, as they pleased; and, in point of fact, many of the acts of Congress under the confederation, were totally unobserved.

Nor had Congress any power to punish individuals for any breach of their laws; nor could they

lay taxes, nor collect revenue; nor could they regulate commerce; and, consequently, the most opposite systems of trade with foreign countries existed in the different states.

These and other evils became so apparent, that the necessity of change was obvious to all: yet it was with great difficulty that the states could be induced to adopt the necessary means for an adequate remedy. [See Appendix.]

CHAPTER L.

Origin of the Constitution.

IN 1786, the legislature of Virginia recommended a convention of commissioners from all the states, to take into consideration the state of trade. In compliance with this suggestion, commissioners from five states met at Annapolis, in Maryland, in September, 1784. These adopted a report, recommending it to Congress to call a convention of delegates from all the states, at Philadelphia, in May, 1787.

On

Congress adopted this recommendation, and a convention was held accordingly, all the states, except Rhode Island, sending delegates to this body. the 17th September, 1787, the present Constitution of the United States was adopted and sent forth to the people for their consideration. It was ratified by all the states except North Carolina and Rhode Island, and went into operation in 1789.

North Carolina adopted the Constitution in 1789, and Rhode Island in 1790. Thus all the thirteen

states became parties to the Union: and the other thirteen have since voluntarily come into the compact. It now becomes a matter of interest and duty, with every American citizen, to study this instrument carefully, that he may fully and clearly understand that national government, to which he looks for the security of many of his dearest rights.

CHAPTER LI.

Preliminary Remarks on the Constitution. BEFORE we proceed further, it may be well to apprize the young reader of the complicated nature. of our government. In Great Britain, France, &c., the system is simple, and easily understood. The laws of the British Parliament operate over the whole of England, Ireland and Scotland, and there is no interfering power to check or limit their force. The laws of the French legislature, in like manner, operate over the whole of France.

But here we have twenty-six states, each being a separate and complete republic, with all the machinery of government within itself. The Constitution of the United States is therefore only a contract or agreement between these states, in which it is stipulated that they all give up to the national government certain rights and powers, as set forth in that instrument. All rights and powers not expressly granted to the national government, are reserved to the states.

The chief powers granted to the national government, are the making of war and peace; regulating commerce; coining moneys; establishing post-offices; imposing taxes, and laying duties

upon foreign merchandise; borrowing money on the credit of the United States, &c. These powers

being granted to Congress, the states cannot exercise them.

The Constitution,* with Explanatory Remarks.

In this Chapter, the Constitution is printed in Italic.

PREAMBLE.

We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America.

The first object of the Constitution, as set forth in the preamble, is "to form a more perfect union." The necessity of a union of the states, more perfect than had before existed, had been taught by experience. How could separate states protect themselves from the aggressions of foreign foes? How could small states sustain themselves against large ones-as Rhode Island against New York? these and many other considerations, a more perfect union was necessary; and as this is obtained. by the Constitution, we ought to cherish it as one of the most essential blessings of our social condition.

For

* It has been objected to the Constitution that it was not preceded by a "Bill of Rights," as is the fact with most of the state constitutions. The Declaration of Independence, and the Declaration of Rights by Congress in 1794, may be regarded as setting forth the great principles of liberty, sustained in the Constitution (See Appendix.)

The second object is to "establish justice." To establish justice, is indeed the great object of all good government. Without justice there can be no true freedom, no secure enjoyment of our rights. But how can the Constitution of the United States aid in the establishment of justice? Do not the state courts secure this? Not in all cases. Foreigners could not be secure of justice in the individual states; nor could the citizens of one state be secure in another. Experience had taught this, and therefore it became a leading object, in the formation of the Constitution, to establish justice on a broad and liberal basis, so that all who came within the scope of our government might find shelter and protection.

The next object is "to ensure domestic tranquillity;" that is, to ensure the states against the intrigues of foreign nations; against domestic jealousy and commercial rivalry; against disputes ind dissensions of all kinds; against factions and nsurrections. These are objects of the highest consideration, and the necessity of providing some means of averting such evils, had been shown by the bitter lessons of history.

It

The next object is "to provide for the common defence." It has been often remarked, that to ensure peace we must be prepared for war. was therefore indispensable that the general government should have power to levy armies, sustain a navy, erect fortifications, &c. How could these things be done, except by placing them in the charge of the national government? The separate states could not carry on war against foreign nations, for any one would be borne down in the contest. The only effectual mode of pro

« AnteriorContinuar »