Page:The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Volume 3.djvu/610

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[III]

The Senate and H. D. shall by joint Ballot annually (septennially) chuse the Presidt. U. S. from among themselves or the People at large. — In the Presidt. “the executive Authority of the U. S. shall be vested.”

“It shall be his Duty to inform the Legislature [at every session][1] of the condition of the United States, so far as may respect his Department—to recommend Matters to their Consideration [such as shall appear to him to concern their good government, welfare and prosperity] *—to correspond with the Executives of the several States—to attend to the Execution of the Laws of the U S” (by the several States)—“to transact Affairs with the Officers of Government, civil and military—to expedite all such Measures as may be resolved on by the Legislature”—(to acquire from time to time, as perfect a knowledge of the situation of the Union, as he possibly can, and to be charged with all the business of the home department. He will be empowered, whenever he conceives it necessary) “to inspect the Departments of foreign Affairs—War—Treasury—” (and when instituted of the) “Admiralty—to reside where the Legislature shall sit—to commission all Officers, and keep the Great Seal of the United States.”

“He shall, by Virtue of his Office, be Commander in chief of the Land Forces of U. S. and Admiral of their Navy.”[2]

“He shall have Power to convene the Legislature on extraordinary occasions—to prorogue them,” (when they cannot agree as to the time of their adjournment,) “provided such Prorogation shall not exceed Days in the space of any —He may suspend Officers, civil and military.”

(He shall be removable by impeachment.[3] The Legislature shall fix his salary on permanent principles.)

He shall have a Right to advise with the Heads of the different Departments as his Council.[4]

Council of Revision, consisting of the Presdt. S. for for. Affairs, S. of War, Heads of the Departments of Treasury and Admiralty or any two of them togr wt the Presidt.[4]

(IV)

(The 4th article . . . is formed exactly upon the principles of the 4th article of the present confederation, except with this difference, that the demand of the Executive of a State for any fugitive


  1. New York Constitution of 1777, Article ⅩⅨ.
  2. Confirmed by Observations. Cf. New York Constitution, Article ⅩⅧ.
  3. Pinckney was opposed to impeachment on July 20. See Records of that date.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Confirmed by Observations. Cf. Records of June 6.