We represent the people,—we are a Nation. To vote by States will keep up colonial distinctions.… The more a man aims at serving America, the more he serves his colony. I am not pleading the cause of Pennsylvania; I consider myself a citizen of America.—Benjamin Rush, Speech in the Continental Congress, July, 1776: Bancroft, History of the United States, Vol. IX. p. 54.
It is my first wish to see the United States assume and merit the character of one great Nation, whose territory is divided into different States merely for more convenient government and the more easy and prompt administration of justice,—just as our several States are divided into counties and townships for the like purposes. Until this be done, the chain which holds us together will be too feeble to bear much opposition or exertion, and we shall be daily mortified by seeing the links of it giving way and calling for repair, one after another.—John Jay, Letter to John Lowell, May 10, 1785: Life, by William Jay, Vol. I. p. 190.
He took this occasion to repeat, that, notwithstanding his solicitude to establish a National Government, he never would agree to abolish the State Governments or render them absolutely insignificant. They were as necessary as the General Government, and he would be equally careful to preserve them.—George Mason, Speech in the Constitutional Convention, June 20, 1787: Debates, Madison Papers, Vol. II. pp. 914, 915.
Whether the Constitution be good or bad, the present clause clearly discovers that it is a National Government, and no longer a Confederation: I mean that clause which gives the first hint of the General Government laying direct taxes.—George Mason, Speech in the Virginia Convention to ratify the Constitution, June 4, 1788: Elliot’s Debates, (2d edit.,) Vol. III. p. 29.