Who goes there?

by B. K. Benson

"The colonies rebelled against Great Britain and won their independence in war," said I.

"Well; what then?"

"The colonies sent delegates to a convention, and the delegates framed a constitution."

"Well; what then?"

"The colonies agreed to abide by the constitution."

"That is to say, the Colonies, or States, ratified the action of the constitutional convention?" he asked.

"Yes; that is what I mean," said I.

"Then do you think the States created the general government? Think a little before you answer."

"Why should I think? It seems plain enough."

"Yet I will present an alternative. Did the States create the Federal government, or did the people of the whole United States, acting as a body-politic, create it?"