COMMENTARIES, 23 NOVEMBER 1787

be an important one, and worthy of critical examination. My reasons
for this opinion, are contained in the primary objects, for which the
constitution is to be made-which are, to insure domestic tranquility,
promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to our-
selves and our posterity.-In the 1st art. sec. 8, paragraph 18, already
quoted, and in the 5th art.-"The Congress, whenever two thirds of
both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this
constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of
the several states, shall call a Convention for proposing amendments,
which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part
of this constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths
of the several states, or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as the
one, or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Con-
gress. Provided, that no amendments, which may be made prior to the
year 1808, shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clause in the
9th sec. of the 1st art. And that no state, without its consent, shall be
deprived of its equal suffrage in the senate."
There is no stipulation in this article, that no amendments shall be
made to the constitution, but by the legislatures of three fourths of the
states, or of conventions, as the case may be. It is not stipulated that
Congress shall, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of
the states, call a convention for proposing amendments.
The plain language of this article is this, if two thirds of both houses
deem the proposing amendments necessary; not if they deem amend-
ments necessary, they shall propose them. The word "propose" holds
a very important station in this article, and if it is intended that the
states alone shall amend the constitution, it ought to be removed to
the other side of the word "amendments."
If, therefore, Congress shall think amendments necessary to be
made, they will make them, and they will not think it necessary to
propose them to any body of men whatever.
It appears, to me, that the people, if they adopt this constitution, will
convey all the power they possess to the government of the United
States.-They will therefore want no amendment in this respect; for if
there should be any on this ground, to a diminution of power. It must,
therefore, be evident now, that no alterations can be made, or pro-
posed, but such as will relate to the president, senate, and house of
representatives. It is not provided expressly, that there shall be a pres-
ident and vice president chosen every four years; that the senate shall
be chosen every six years, and that the members of the house of rep-
resentatives shall be chosen every two years. If therefore Congress
should deem it necessary to insure domestic tranquility, and to promote

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