The Federalist, on the new Constitution, written in 1788 . bers, and whatever improvements may be suggested by ex-perience, for siii plifying and accelerating the process in disput-ed cases, so gieat a portion of a year would unavoidably elapse,before an illegitimate member could be dispossessed of his seat,that the prospect of such an event would be little check to un-fair and illicit means of obtaining a seat. All these considerations taken together, warrant us in affirm-ing, that biennial elections will be as useful to the affairs of thepublic, as we^aye seen that they will be safe to the l
The Federalist, on the new Constitution, written in 1788 . bers, and whatever improvements may be suggested by ex-perience, for siii plifying and accelerating the process in disput-ed cases, so gieat a portion of a year would unavoidably elapse,before an illegitimate member could be dispossessed of his seat,that the prospect of such an event would be little check to un-fair and illicit means of obtaining a seat. All these considerations taken together, warrant us in affirm-ing, that biennial elections will be as useful to the affairs of thepublic, as we^aye seen that they will be safe to the liberties ofthe people.^^^ PUBLIUS. NUMBER LIV. BY MR» JAY. The same subject continued, with a view to the ratio of representation. The next view which I shall take of the house of representa-tives, relates to the apportionment of its members among theseveral states, which is to be determined by the same rule withthat of direct taxes. It is not contended, that the number of people in each stateought not to be the standard for regulating the proportion ot. iStuatrf ^irijcf ^ fj^ti^y St-^ jroM^ eJJ^\x THE FEDERALIST. 295 ^? those, who are to represent the people of each state. The cstah-Iishment of the same rule for the apportionment of taxes, willprobably be as little eontested ; thougjh the rule itself in this case,is by no means founded on the same principle. In the formerrase, the rule is understood to refer to the personal rights of thepeople, with vvhich it has a natural and universal connexion. Inthe latter, it has reference to the proportion of wealth, of whichit is in no case a preci-e measure, and in ordinary cases a veryunfit one. But notwithstanding; the imperfection of the rule, asapplied to the relative wealth and contributions of the states, itis evidently the least exceptionable amoni^ those that are practi-cable ; and had too recently obtained the general sanction ofAmerica, not to have found a ready preference with the conven-tion. All this is admitted, it will
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