State of Parties and the Country [pp. 1-53]

State of Parties and the Country.
Resolved, That the American Democracy place their trust in the intelli gence, the patriotism, and the discriminating justice of the American
people.
Resolved, That we regard this as a distinctive feature of our politi cal creed, which we are proud to maintain before the world, as the great
moral element in a form of government springing from, and upheld by,
the popular will; and we contrast it with the creed and practice of Federalism, under whatever name or form, which seeks to palsy the will of
the constituent, and which conceives no imposture too monstrous for the
popular credulity.
Resolved, therefore, That, entertaining these views, the Democratic
party of this Union, through their delegates assembled in a general
convention of the States, coming together in a spirit of concord, of devotion to the doctrines and faith of a free representative Government,
and appealing to their fellow-citizens for the rectitude of their intentions,
renew and reassert, before the American people, the declarations of principles avowed by them when, on former occasions, in general convention,
they presented their candidates for the popular suffrage.
1. That the Federal Government is one of limited powers, derived
solely from the Constitution; and the grants of power made therein
ought to be strictly construed by all the departments and agents of the
Government; and that it is inexpedient and dangerous to exercise doubtful constitutional powers.
2. That the Constitution does not confer upon the General Government the power to commence and carry on a general system of internal
improvements.
3. That the Constitution does not confer authority upon the Federal
Government, directly or indirectly, to assume the debts of the several
States, contracted for local and internal improvements, or other State
purposes; nor would such assumption be just or expedient.
4. That justice and sound policy forbid the Federal Government to
foster one branch of industry to the detriment of any other, or to cherish the interests of one portion to the injury of another portion of our
common country; that every citizen, and every section of the country,
has a right to demand and insist upon an equality of rights and privileges, and to complete and ample protection of persons and property from
domestic violence or foreign aggression.
5. That it is the duty of every branch of the Government to enforce
and practice the most rigid economy in conducting our public affairs;
and that no more revenue ought to be raised than is required to defray
1853.]
43