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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC07523 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1830 |
| Title | James Madison to James Hillhouse regarding amendments to the Constitution |
| Date | 17 May 1830 |
| Author | Madison, James (1751-1836) |
| Recipient | Hillhouse, James |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Madison writes a detailed critique of amendments proposed by Senator Hillhouse of Connecticut. Hillhouse, a former Federalist, proposed the amendments first in 1808 and published them in 1830. He proposed eliminating the Electoral College and selecting the President and Vice-President by drawing lots from members of the Senate. He also proposed shortening the term of office to 2 years. Madison acknowledges the proposal but raises objections, including the larger states not agreeing to it, the President not having a national perspective, regional prejudices, etc. He concludes "As long as the Country shall be exempt from a military force powerful in itself, and combined with a powerful faction, liberty and peace will find safeguards in the Elective resource and the spirit of the people." With closing three lines in Madison's hand and a postscript noting "Mrs. Madison is highly gratified by your kind expressions towards her." |
| Subjects | President Vice President US Constitution US Constitutional Amendment Congress Election Government and Civics Military History Standing Army First Lady Women's History |
| People | Madison, James (1751-1836) Hillhouse, James (1754-1832) |
| Place written | Montpelier, [?] |
| Theme | The Presidency; Government & Politics; Women in American History |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | Signer of the U.S. Constitution. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |