Let’s consider this next section of our Constitution from Article I, Section 2, Clause 3:
The colonies had practiced “One state One vote” with the Articles of Confederation, which the smaller states wanted, but the larger states wanted to vote by representation. This disagreement was so sharp that the convention was brought to a standstill which God rescued through Benjamin Franklin’s call to prayer that we enjoyed last week.
A compromise was then reached through Roger Sherman’s input from Connecticut, the representation of the citizens of the states would be realized in the House and the states would be represented equally in the Senate.
Sherman shared that “he would agree to have two branches, and a proportional representation in one of them; provided each state had an equal voice in the other. This was necessary to secure the rights of the lesser states; otherwise three or four of the larger states would rule the others as they please. Each state like each individual had its peculiar habits, usages, and manners, which constituted its happiness. It would not therefore give to others a power over this happiness, any more than an individual would do, when he could avoid it.”(1)
Major William Pierce shared that he, “was for an election by the people as to the first branch; and by the states to the second branch; by which means the citizens of the states would be represented both individually and collectively.”(2)
This compromise is the result of Reverend Thomas Hooker’s teaching in 1638, when he taught from Exodus 18:21:
“But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint then as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.”
These men in Connecticut then wrote the first state Constitution based on these principles, which influenced our national Constitution almost 150 years later!
Thank You Jesus, for Your Providence!
(1) James Madison, The Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787 Which Framed the Constitution of the United States of America, ed. Gaillard Hunt and James Brown Scott (New York: Oxford University Press 1920), p. 137-138.
(2) James Madison, The Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787 Which Framed the Constitution of the United States of America, ed. Gaillard Hunt and James Brown Scott (New York: Oxford University Press 1920), p. 66.
Listen every Saturday to WCNO at 8:30 am EST at 89.9 FM.
I have learned many of these quotes from The Making of America by Cleon Skousen. You may purchase it here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 NIV
© 2024 Mrs. Brenda MacMenamin, All Rights Reserved. Permission given to share pages and posts in entirety.
Sign up for the FREE weekly blog. I will be sharing bits each week about Biblical Worldview Education and methodology.
Please partner with us here. Click here to sign up for the weekly email to learn our Biblical Heritage of Liberty, the original intent of our Constitution and to connect with our community for ONLY $10 per month.