New York Ratifying Convention:
Mr. Chairman, I have endeavored, with as much perspicuity and candor as I am master of,
shortly to state my objections to this clause. I would wish the committee to believe that
they are not raised for the sake of opposition, but that I am very sincere in my sentiments
in this important investigation. The Senate, as they are now constituted, have little or no
check on them. Indeed, sir, too much is put into their hands. When we come to that part of
the system which points out their powers, it will be the proper time to consider this subject
more particularly.....
New-York Journal:
And wherein does this president, invested with his powers and prerogatives, essentially differ from the
king of Great Britain (save as to name, the creation of nobility, and some immaterial incidents, the
offspring of absurdity and locality)? The direct prerogatives of the president, as springing from his
political character, are among the following: It is necessary, in order to distinguish him from the rest
of the community, and enable him to keep, and maintain his court, that the compensation for his services,
or in other words, his revenue, should be such as to enable him to appear with the splendor of a prince.
He has the power of receiving ambassadors from, and a great influence on their appointments to foreign
courts; as also to make treaties, leagues, and alliances with foreign states, assisted by the Senate,
which when made becomes the supreme law of land. He is a constituent part of the legislative power, for
every bill which shall pass the House of Representatives and Senate....
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North Carolina:
I observe that, when these great men are met in Congress, in consequence of this power, they will have the
power of appointing all the officers of the United States. My experience in life shows me that the friends
of the members of the legislature will get the offices. These senators and members of the House of
Representatives will appoint their friends to all offices. These officers will be great men, and they will
have numerous deputies under them. The receiver-general of the taxes of North Carolina must be one of the greatest
men in the country. Will he come to me for his taxes....
Virginia ratifying convention:
When you have a strong democratical and a strong aristocratical branch, you may have a strong executive. But when those are weak,
the balance will not be preserved, if you give the executive extensive powers for so long a time. As this
government is organized, it would be dangerous to trust the President with such powers. How will you punish
him if he abuse his power? Will you call him before the Senate? They are his counsellors and partners in crime. Where are your
checks? We ought to be extremely cautious in this country. If ever the government be changed, it will probably be into
a despotism. The first object in England was to destroy the monarchy; but the aristocratic branch restored him, and of course the
government was organized on its ancient principles. But were a revolution to happen here, there would be no means of restoring
the government to its former organization. This is a caution to us not to trust extensive powers. I have an extreme objection to the
mode of his election....
 
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