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The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitution of the United States, May-September 1787. Volume 1

United States. Constitutional Convention (recorded by James Madison) · 1787 (composed during the convention; Madison’s notes later revised) primary

passage 148 of 238 · part of the Fifth Article of the Confederation of the said > act from more worthy motives. One great error is (13/53)

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in brief
The Convention continues debating Senate term length options, including four-, six-, and nine-year terms with rotation, with arguments about regional differences, representatives’ residence, and avoiding long-term drift from appointing states.

M^r Wilson 2^{ded} the motion.

Gen^l Pinkney opposed six years in favor of four years. The States he said had different interests. Those of the Southern, and of S. Carolina in particular were different from the Northern. If the Senators should be appointed for a long term, they w^d settle in the State where they exercised their functions; and would in a little time be rather the representatives of that than of the State appoint^g them.

M^r Reed mov^d that the term be nine years. This w^d admit of a very convenient rotation, one third going out triennially. He w^d still prefer "during good behaviour," but being little supported in that idea, he was willing to take the longest term that could be obtained.

M^r Broome 2^{ded} the motion.

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topics: assemblies, councils, and senates · political legitimacy and consent

The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitut… · United States. Constitutional Convention (recorded by James Madison) · 1787