The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitution of the United States, May-September 1787. Volume 2

United States. Constitutional Convention · 1787-07-19 to 1787-09-17 (convention debates recorded; excerpts reflect entries in the official journal as presented here) primary

passage 195 of 266 · Act to which the States by their Legislatures, make themselves parties, becomes a compact from which no one of the parties can recede of itself. > act as president, and such officer shall act accordingly, until (3/3)

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in brief

It describes constitutional amendment procedures, including proposal by Congress or state legislatures, ratification by three-fourths of legislatures or conventions, and the early-1808 limitation on amendments affecting specified sections, followed by the supremacy clause and a no religious test rule.

be proposed by the Congress: Provided, that no amendment which may be made prior to the year 1808 shall in any manner affect the ----[88] and[89] ---- section[90] of[91] article.

[84] "of two thirds" struck out by Madison.

[85] "of two-thirds" inserted by Madison.

[86] "three-fourths at least of" struck out by Madison.

[87] "of three-fourths" inserted by Madison.

[88] "1 & 4 clauses in the 9" inserted by Madison.

[89] "and" struck out by Madison.

[90] Changed to "sections" by Madison.

[91] "the first" inserted by Madison.

VI.

All debts contracted and engagements entered into before the adoption of this Constitution shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution as under the confederation.

This constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, any thing in the constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding.

The senators and representatives beforementioned, and the members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.

VII.

The ratification of the conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the establishment of this constitution between the States so ratifying the same.

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topics: constitutions and founding law · justice as a virtue · supply, logistics, and encampment

The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitut… · United States. Constitutional Convention · 1787