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The Consitutional Congress Record


            The Constitutional Convention began in May 1787 and lasted until September of the same year. Delegates from all states met in Philadelphia to discuss and draft the United States Constitution. James Madison was one of the leading and most important architects of this most important document. A study of his detailed notes from the daily meetings of the statesmen give us great insight as to the painstaking process that took place in order to draft the framework of this new Nation. His notes explain the fears and concerns of the people of that day as they had recently fought and won the war of independence with England. The delegates were determined to never be governed again by a tyrannical government, such as was their history, so they began their journey to draft the Constitution.
             On June 12, 1787, one of the main topics of discussion was the length of term a Congressman would serve. Mr. Sharman and Mr. Ellsworth moved that the congressman be re-elected every year. Mr. Rutledge then proposed that it should be every two years. Mr. Jennifer then stated that it should be every three years because the more frequent they are replaced the more indifferent the people will be to whom is in office. He also pointed out that it would be harder to find men who wanted to serve in such a precarious position. Mr. Madison seconded the motion for three years because he feels the three years will be necessary. He fears that less time in office will create instability in the government. .
             Mr. Gerry says the people of New England will never give up the idea of annual elections. He states that the people fear it will be like the transition in England from a triennial to a septennial ultimately resulting in usurpation. He considers an annual election as the only defense from a tyranny and he is against the triennial. Mr. Madison then says they should not vote by what they think the people's opinions are because they don't know exactly what the people's opinions are.


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