Germs of the idea of a written constitution

Development of the idea of contract in Roman law; mediaeval charters

The “Great Charter” (1215)

The Bill of Rights (1689)

Foreshadowing of the American idea by Sir Harry Vane (1666)

The Mayflower compact (1620)

The “Fundamental Orders” of Connecticut (1639)

Germinal development of the colonial charter toward the modern state constitution

Abnormal development of some recent state constitutions, encroaching upon the legislature

The process of amending constitutions

The Swiss “Referendum”

QUESTIONS ON THE TEXT

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS AND DIRECTIONS

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

CHAPTER VIII.

THE FEDERAL UNION.

Section 1. Origin of the Federal Union.

Circumstances favourable to the union of the colonies.  The New England Confederacy (1643-84).  Albany Congress (1754); Stamp Act Congress (1765); Committees of Correspondence (1772-75).  The Continental Congress (1774-89).  The several states were never at any time sovereign states.  The Articles of Confederation.  Nature and powers of the Continental Congress.  It could not impose taxes, and therefore was not fully endowed with sovereignty.  Decline of the Continental Congress.  Weakness of the sentiment of union; anarchical tendencies.  The Federal Convention (1787).

QUESTIONS ON THE TEXT.

Section 2. The Federal Congress.

The House of Representatives.  The three fifths compromise.  The Connecticut compromise.  The Senate.  Electoral districts; the “Gerrymander”.  The election at large.  Time of assembling.  Privileges of members.  The Speaker.  Impeachment in England; in the United States.  The president’s veto power.

QUESTIONS ON THE TEXT.

Section 3. The Federal Executive.

The title of “President”.  The electoral college.  The twelfth amendment.  The electoral commission (1877).  Provisions against a lapse of the presidency.

Original purpose of the electoral college not fulfilled

Electors formerly chosen in many states by districts; now always on a general ticket

“Minority presidents”

Advantages of the electoral system

Nomination of candidates by congressional caucus (1800-24)

Nominating conventions; the “primary”; the district convention; the national convention

Qualifications for the presidency; the term of office

Powers and duties of the president

The president’s message

Executive departments; the cabinet

The secretary of state

Diplomatic and consular service

The secretary of the treasury