"That it be an instruction to the Committee of the States to prepare a clause or clauses for establishing an Executive Council, as a Council of State for the President of the U. States, to consist of six members, two of which from the Eastern, two from the middle, and two from the Southern States, with a Rotation and duration of office similar to those of the Senate; such Council to be appointed by the Legislature or by the Senate."
Doctor Franklin 2ded the motion. We seemed he said too much to fear cabals in appointments by a number, and to have too much confidence in those of single persons. Experience shewed that caprice, the intrigues of favorites & mistresses, were nevertheless the means most prevalent in monarchies. Among instances of abuse in such modes of appointment, he mentioned the many bad Governors appointed in G. B. for the Colonies. He thought a Council would not only be a check on a bad President but be a relief to a good one.
Mr Govr Morris. The question of a Council was considered in the Committee, where it was judged that the Presidt by persuading his Council to concur in his wrong measures, would acquire their protection for them.
Mr Wilson approved of a Council in preference to making the Senate a party to appointmts.
Mr Dickinson was for a Council. It wd be a singular thing if the measures of the Executive were not to undergo some previous discussion before the President.
Mr Madison was in favor of the instruction to the Committee proposed by Col: Mason.
The motion of Mr Mason was negatived. Mayd ay. S. C. ay. Geo. ay.–N. H. no. Mas. no. Ct no. N. J. no. Pa no. Del. no. Va no. N. C. no.
On the question, "authorizing the President to call for the opinions of the Heads of Departments, in writing": it passed in the affirmative N. H. only being no. [61]
[ [61] Not so stated in the printed Journal; but conformable to the result afterwards appearing.–Madison's Note.
The clause was then unanimously agreed to—