1Term of the Senate, [12 June] 1787 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison considered 7 years as a term by no means too long. What we wished was to give to the Govt. that stability which was every where called for, and which the Enemies of the Republican form alledged to be inconsistent with its nature. He was not afraid of giving too much stability by the term of Seven years. His fear was that the popular branch would still be too great an overmatch for...
2Term of the First Branch of the Legislature, [12 June] 1787 (Madison Papers)
Jenifer proposed a three-year term for members of the first branch of Congress. Mr. Madison seconded the motion for three years. Instability is one of the great vices of our republics, to be remedied. Three years will be necessary, in a Government so extensive, for members to form any knowledge of the various interests of the States to which they do not belong, and of which they can know but...
The clause of the fourth resolution providing for the members “to receive liberal stipends” was under consideration. Mr. Madison moves to insert the words “ & fixt .” He observed that it would be improper to leave the members of the Natl. legislature to be provided for by the State Legisls: because it would create an improper dependence; and to leave them to regulate their own wages, was an...