The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
CONSTITUTION / UNITED STATES / OBJECTIONS TO
The conduct of Massachusetts has been noble. She accepted the
constitution, but voted that it should stand as a perpetual
instruction to her Delegates, to endeavor to obtain such and such
reformations; and the minority, though very strong both in numbers and
abilities, declared
viritim and seriatim, that acknowledging the principle
that the majority must give the law, they would now support the new
constitution with their tongues, and with their blood, if necessary. I
was much pleased with many and essential parts of this instrument,
from the beginning. But I thought I saw in it many faults, great and
small. What I have read and reflected has brought me over from several
of my objections of the first moment, and to acquiesce under some
others. Two only remain, of essential consideration, to wit, the want
of a bill of rights, and the expunging the principle of necessary
rotation in the offices of President and Senator. At first, I wished
that when nine States should have accepted the constitution, so as to
insure us what is good in it, the other four might hold off till the
want of the bill of rights, at least, might be supplied. But I am now
convinced that the plan of Massachusetts is the best, that is, to
accept, and to amend afterwards.
to William Carmichael, 27 May 1788
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