Of Constitutions Summary and Analysis

Constitutions and governments are distinct, Paine argues. Constitution is the act of a people constituting a government with rights. It is the origin of the delegated power of a government. The United States is a unique example. Paine discusses the nature of the American Constitutions. States initially formed their own governments but on the same general principles. Pennsylvania initially had twelve counties and Philadelphia had its own committee. The committees of the counties and the city were elected by the people but not to form a constitution. The constitutional convention occurred in the United States and was signed there with the authority of the representatives who in turn had the authority of the people.

Congress met in September 1774 and May 1175, but they were only a deputation from regional legislatures. Congress merely issued recommendations. After the Declaration of Independence, a...