1From John Adams to Roger Sherman, 17 July 1789 (Adams Papers)
I have read over with Pleasure, your Observations on the new federal Constitution, and am glad of an opportunity to communicate to you my opinion of some Parts of them. it is by a free and friendly Intercourse of Sentiments that the Friends of our Country may hope for Such an Unanimity of Opinion and Such a Concert of Exertions, as may sooner or later produce the Blessings of good Government,...
2From John Adams to Roger Sherman, 18 July 1789 (Adams Papers)
In my Letter of Yesterday, I think it was demonstrated that the English Constitution is a Republic, and that the Regal Negative upon the Laws, is essential to that Republic: because that without it, that Government would not be what it is a monarchical Republic, and consequently could not preserve the Ballance of Power between, the Executive and Legislative Powers, nor that other Ballance,...
3From John Adams to Roger Sherman, 20 July 1789 (Adams Papers)
There is a Sense, and a degree, in which the Executive, in our Constitution, is blended with the Legislature: The President, has the Power of Suspending a Law; of giving the two Houses an Opportunity to pause, to think, to collect themselves, to reconsider a rash Step of a Majority; he has the Right to Urge all his Reasons against it, by Speech or Message; which becoming Public is an Appeal to...
4From John Adams to Roger Sherman, 22 July 1789 (Adams Papers)
As the Citizens of these States, are all Legislators, or Creators of Legislators, it is, as you observe in your favour of the 20 th. , necessary that Government Should be well understood by them. it is necessary too that We Should understand it alike. That We should all agree in Principles, and the essential Parts of Systems. to this end it is necessary that We understand each others Language,...
5From John Adams to Roger Sherman, 14 May 1789 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter of Thanks to our fellow Citizens of New Haven and to M r Edwards, for the most endearing Compliment I ever received. I suppose myself chiefly indebted to your Friendship for the favourable Representation of my Character among your Neighbours which has produced this obliging Result. I hope it will not be long before We shall have an opportunity to renew our former...