N. H. divided. Mas. no. Ct no. N. J. ay. Pa ay. Del. no. Md ay. Va ay. N. C. no. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.
Mr Gerry moved "that in the election of President by the House of Representatives, no State shall vote by less than three members, and where that number may not be allotted to a State, it shall be made up by its Senators; and a concurrence of a majority of all the States shall be necessary to make such choice." Without some such provision five individuals might possibly be competent to an election; these being a majority of two thirds of the existing number of States; and two thirds being a quorum for this business.
Mr Madison 2ded the motion.
Mr Read observed that the States having but one member only in the House of Reps would be in danger of having no vote at all in the election: the sickness or absence either of the Representative or one of the Senators would have that effect.
Mr Madison replied that, if one member of the House of Representatives should be left capable of voting for the State, the states having one Representative only would still be subject to that danger. He thought it an evil that so small a number at any rate should be authorized to elect. Corruption would be greatly facilitated by it. The mode itself was liable to this further weighty objection that the representatives of a Minority of the people, might reverse the choice of a majority of the States and of the people. He wished some cure for this inconveniency might yet be provided.
Mr Gerry withdrew the first part of his motion; and on the, Question on the 2d part viz: "and a concurrence of a majority of all the States shall be necessary to make such choice" to follow the words "a member or members from two thirds of the States"–It was agreed to nem: con:
The section 2. (see Sepr 4) requiring that the President should be a natural-born Citizen &c., & have been resident for fourteen years, & be thirty five years of age, was agreed to nem: con:
Section 3 (see Sepr 4). "The vice President shall be ex-officio President of the Senate"
Mr Gerry opposed this regulation. We might as well put the President himself at the head of the Legislature. The close intimacy that must subsist between the President & vice-president makes it absolutely improper. He was agst having any vice President.
Mr Govr Morris. The vice President then will be the first heir apparent that ever loved his father. If there should be no vice president, the President of the Senate would be temporary successor, which would amount to the same thing.