The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitution of the United States, May-September 1787. Volume 2

by United States. Constitutional Convention; James Madison

M^r Gov^r Morris suggested that the Legislature should be left at liberty to call a Convention, whenever they please.

The Art: was agreed to nem: con:

Art: XX. taken up.–"or affirmation" was added after "oath."

M^r Pinkney moved to add to the Art:–"but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the authority of the U. States."

M^r Sherman thought it unnecessary, the prevailing liberality being a sufficient security ag^st such tests.

M^r Gov^r Morris & Gen^l Pinkney approved the motion.

The motion was agreed to nem: con: and then the whole Article; N. C. only no–and M^d divided.

Art: XXI. taken up, viz: "The ratifications of the Conventions of –— States shall be sufficient for organizing this Constitution."

M^r Wilson proposed to fill the blank with "seven" that being a majority of the whole number & sufficient for the commencement of the plan.

M^r Carrol moved to postpone the article in order to take up the Report of the Committee of Eleven (see Tuesday Aug^st 28)–and on the question