Show Notes

In this episode, Jason and Matt discuss the importance of Article I, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution. They cover the discussion in the Constitutional Convention as well as the clear grant of authority solely to the legislature to make all laws. In addition, they discuss the importance of the bi-cameral Congress.

• U.S. Constitution – Article I, Section 1: “All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.”
• John Locke – Two Treatises of Government
• Constitutional Convention
  • May 29th, 1787: “Resd. That the National Legislature ought to consist of two branches” – From the Edmund Randolph Plan (Virginia Plan)
  • June 18th, 1787: “The Supreme Legislative power of the United States of America to be vested in two different bodies of men; the one to be called the Assembly, the other the Senate who together shall form the Legislature of the United States with power to pass all laws whatsoever subject to the Negative hereafter mentioned.” – James Madison
• North Carolina Ratification: “The Confederation derived its sole support from the state legislatures. This rendered it weak and ineffectual. It was therefore necessary that the foundations of this government should be laid on the broad basis of the people” – William Davie, NC Delegate to the Constitutional Convention
• Washington/Jefferson exchange: Upon his return from France, Jefferson expressed frustration to Washington about why they added a senate to Congress–rather than just have ONE chamber. When Jefferson asked why they had done it this way, Washington responded:
  • “Why did you pour that coffee into your saucer?’
  • ‘To cool it,’ responded Jefferson.
  • ‘Even so,’ said Washington, ‘we pour legislation into the senatorial saucer to cool it.’”