Notes on Debates by Gunning Bedford (June 9, 1787)

Mr. Brearly. Against. The proposed mode of representation unfair as by calculation made on the last requisitions of Congress. 16 Townships in one County in N. Jersey. One of them as large as any three others. The large one always sends whom she pleases. Agree it is not fair that Georgia should have the same voice as Virginia. The only way to remedy it by equalizing the states.

Mr. Patterson. The powers of Convention not adequate to the present object. If we don't confine ourselves to our powers, our constituents will not assent. Our commissions contain complections of the States. Sovereignty includes equality. Confederation must be made by sovereign states. Equality obtained by equalization. No citizen will be injured by this. A large state should pay more because she has more to protect. By a calculation of the number of Members to be sent to Parliament it appeared they would have one third share. Would this save America from tyranny. The efficacy of Nations depends on the power vested in them and not the source from which the power derived.1