" [Footnote: _Works of J. Adams_, vi. 465.]
On the other hand, the changes made are even more interesting, as an
example of the evolution of institutions. The antique document was
simplified by an orderly arrangement and division into sections; the
obsolete jargon of incorporation was eliminated, which had come down from
the mediaeval guilds; in the dispute with England the want of a bill of
rights had been severely felt, so one was prefixed; and then the
convention, probably out of regard to symmetry, blotted their otherwise
admirable work by creating an unnecessary senate. But viewed as a whole,
the grand original conception contained in this instrument, making it loom
up a landmark in history, is the theory of the three coordinate
departments in the administration of a democratic commonwealth, which has
ever since been received as the corner-stone of American constitutional
jurisprudence.
Though this assertion may at first sight seem too sweeping, it is borne
out by the facts. During the first sessions of the Continental Congress no
question was more pressing than the reorganization of the colonies should
they renounce their allegiance to the crown, nor was there one in regard
to which the majority of the delegates were more at sea. From, their
peculiar education the New Englanders were exceptions to the general rule,
and John Adams in particular had thought out the problem in all its
details.
Pages:
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500