James Madison to Edmund Randolph (June 15, 1789)

The inclosed paper contains the proposition made on monday last on the subject amendments. It is limited to points which are important in the eyes of many and can be objectionable in those of none. The structure & stamina of the Govt. are as little touched as possible. Nothing of a controvertible nature can be expected to make its way thro' the caprice & discord of opinions which would encounter it in Congs. when 2/3 must concur in each House, & in the State Legislatures 3/4 of which will be requisite to its final success.1 The article which I fear most for is that which respects the representation. The small States betray already a coolness towards it.2 And I am not sure that another local policy may not mingle its poisin in the healing experiment.