The wisdom of the provision has, however, been seriously questioned.  “As there is a degree of depravity in mankind, which requires a certain degree of circumspection and distrust, so there are other qualities in human nature, which justify a certain portion of esteem and confidence.  Republican government presupposes the existence of these qualities in a higher form, than any other.  It might well be deemed harsh to disqualify an individual from any office, clearly required by the exigencies of the country, simply because he had done his duty....  The chances of receiving an appointment to a new office are not so many, or so enticing, as to bewilder many minds; and if they are, the aberrations from duty are so easily traced, that they rarely, if ever, escape the public reproaches.  And if influence is to be exerted by the executive, for improper purposes, it will be quite as easy, and its operation less seen, and less suspected, to give the stipulated patronage in another form.” [Footnote:  Judge Story.]

[2] This was to obviate state jealousy, to allay the fears entertained by some that the general government would obtain undue influence in the national councils.

TABULAR VIEW.

Each pupil may make out a tabulation, giving briefly the facts called for in this outline: 

I. CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS, HOW REGULATED.
II.  SESSIONS OF CONGRESS—­
     1.  Frequency.
     2.  Time of beginning. 
III.  POWERS AND DUTIES OF EACH HOUSE—­
     1.  Membership.
     2.  Quorum.
     3.  Discipline.
     4.  Publicity.
     5.  Adjournment. 
IV.  MEMBERS OF CONGRESS—­
     1.  Privileges.
     2.  Restrictions.

Debate.

Resolved, That members of the cabinet should have seats in congress ex officio.

Pertinent Questions.

Why not leave the power to regulate congressional elections unreservedly with the states?  Where are the United States senators from this state elected?

How are United States senators elected?  See appendix.

Is congress now in session?  Will the next session be the long or the short one?  When, within your recollection, was there an “extra session” of congress?  Could the president convene one house without the other?  Which is the longest session of congress on record?  Does congress meet too often?

Where does congress now meet?  Is that the best place?  At what different places has congress met since the adoption of the constitution?

If two persons should claim the same seat in the House of Representatives, who would decide between them?  How would the contest be carried on? (See page 330.) Has there ever been a “contested” election from this state?

What number of representatives is the least that could transact business?  The least number of senators?  The least number of representatives that could possibly pass a bill?  Of senators?  What is done if at any time during the proceedings it is found that there is “no quorum present?”