The House of Representatives: "Grand Depository of the Democratic Principle"?

Abstract

When Edmond Randolph opened main business of Philadelphia Convention on May 29, 1787, he recited usual criticisms of Articles of Confederation; he then proceeded to remedy; basis of which, he said, must be republican principle.' What Randolph meant in terms of political institutions appears quite clearly in Virginia Plan he was about to propose. The whole governmental structure was to be founded on a popularly elected of legislature, which was to choose second from nominees proposed by state legislatures. The two together were to name executive and judiciary. By providing for popular election of branch, Plan made necessary recognition of compelling notion of sovereignty of people. The House of Representatives stands today as most obvious result of this recognition. Massive changes were wrought, of course, in scheme that Randolph offered. But Convention, throughout its deliberations, clung to Virginia resolve to :suffuse first branch with a democratic quality. It declined to sanction property qualifications for either electors or elected. It refused to subject new states to an inequality in representation. And it repeatedly approved election of representatives by people. In discussions raised by issue of popular election, we get best idea of framers' conception of House of Representatives. There was some sentiment for election by state legislatures. Roger Sherman, for example, complained that people want information and are constantly liable to be misled.2 Elbridge Gerry, deploring excess of democracy, offered only wavering support.3 Madison, James Wilson, and George Mason, however, voiced opposing views in strongest possible terms. Madison was convinced that popular election was essential, that the great fabric to be raised would be more stable and durable if it should rest on solid foundation of people themselves. . .4 Wilson likewise deemed popular election essential and added thought that legislature should be the most exact transcript of whole society.5 But most significant statement was that of George Mason who projected a conception of House of Representatives which has been preeminent from that day to this. As Madison has it,6