Alexander Hamilton's Notes of the New York Ratification Convention Debates (June 24, 1788)

LANSING. mode of appointment duration in office means of controul—1

Senate intended as representation of the sovereignties of the states— Therefore ought to be dependent.

States have never exercised power of rotation— Rotation in Congress has been valuable— Parties have been extinguished— Will not have less stability— If there no danger that they may betray their trust— Small number— Sickness of a member— Non attendance— Will other members be solicitous to compell attendance?

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R. R. LIVINGSTON. Senators equally interested in preserving the residuary powers—

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LANSING. Representatives will be guardians of state sovereignties.—3 1 to make them actual repres— 2 to make them dependent— 3 Knowlege of circumstances best promoted— 4 Perpetual body— Perpetuation of Faction— 5 Corruption— 6 Local views ought to be Can represent be divested of local views?

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SMITH. Senate ought to have power to perpetuate themselves—4

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LANSING. Contrast views of the states with the views of the people State passions &c. will operate.

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HAMILTON. Observations on Necessity of— stable principle— Necessary of considerable duration for knowlege responsibil[i]ty sense of national character safety against executive. Influence of the states

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LANSING. Representation of States—raise an armyc5ontroul

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SMITH. impossible to form a genuine representation— Therefore must check Therefore must weaken the senate. Question whether a sufficient stability will not be given?— Six years sufficient to acquire but when practice?6 Unchangeable body— Distance will weaken dependence! Policy of the present confederation.