Editorial note — Chapter Summary
Henry Reeve translation
a [ See the articles of the first confederation formed in 1778. This constitution was not adopted by all the States until 1781. See also the analysis given of this constitution in “The Federalist” from No. 15 to No. 22, inclusive, and Story’s “Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States,” pp. 85-115.]
b [ Congress made this declaration on February 21, 1787.]
c [ It consisted of fifty-five members; Washington, Madison, Hamilton, and the two Morrises were amongst the number.]
d [ It was not adopted by the legislative bodies, but representatives were elected by the people for this sole purpose; and the new constitution was discussed at length in each of these assemblies.]