The Albany Plan of Union
Drafted by Benjamin Franklin, 1754
Although this plan was adopted by delegatyes to the convention, the Albany Plan of Union. Franklin's plan provided that a president be appointed by the crown and a grand council of delegates would be chosen by colonial assemblies. This union would control matters of common interest such as defense, Indian relations, and trade. The plan was rejected by the colonies, however, for none wished to surrender that much power to a central authority.
It is proposed that humble application be made for an act of Parliament of
Great Britain, by virtue of which one general government may be formed in America,
including all the said colonies, within and under which government each colony
may retain its present constitution, except in the particulars wherein a change
may be directed by the said act, as hereafter follows.
That the said general government be administered by a President-General,
to be appointed and supported by the crown; and a Grand Council, to be chosen
by the representatives of the people of the several Colonies met in their
respective assemblies.
That within -- months after the passing such act, the House of Representatives
that happen to be sitting within that time, or that shall especially for that
purpose convened, may and shall choose members for the Grand Council, in the
following proportion, that is to say,
Massachusetts Bay 7
New Hampshire 2
Connecticut 5
Rhode Island 2
New York 4
New Jersey 3
Pennsylvania 6
Maryland 4
Virginia 7
North Carolina 4
South Carolina 4
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-- who shall meet for the first time at the city of Philadelphia, being
called by the President-General as soon as conveniently may be after his appointment.
That there shall be a new election of the members of the Grand Council every
three years; and, on the death or resignation of any member, his place should
be supplied by a new choice at the next sitting of the Assembly of the Colony
he represented.
That after the first three years, when the proportion of money arising out
of each Colony to the general treasury can be known, the number of members
to be chosen for each Colony shall, from time to time, in all ensuing elections,
be regulated by that proportion, yet so as that the number to be chosen by
any one Province be not more than seven, nor less than two.
That the Grand Council shall meet once in every year, and oftener if occasion
require, at such time and place as they shall adjourn to at the last preceding
meeting, or as they shall be called to meet at by the President-General on
any emergency; he having first obtained in writing the consent of seven of
the members to such call, and sent duly and timely notice to the whole.
That the Grand Council have power to choose their speaker; and shall neither
be dissolved, prorogued, nor continued sitting longer than six weeks at one
time, without their own consent or the special command of the crown.
That the members of the Grand Council shall be allowed for their service
ten shillings sterling per diem, during their session and journey to and from
the place of meeting; twenty miles to be reckoned a day's journey.
That the assent of the President-General be requisite to all acts of the
Grand Council, and that it be his office and duty to cause them to be carried
into execution.
That the President-General, with the advice of the Grand Council, hold or
direct all Indian treaties, in which the general interest of the Colonies
may be concerned; and make peace or declare war with Indian nations.
That they make such laws as they judge necessary for regulating all Indian
trade.
That they make all purchases from Indians, for the crown, of lands not now
within the bounds of particular Colonies, or that shall not be within their
bounds when some of them are reduced to more convenient dimensions.
That they make new settlements on such purchases, by granting lands in the
King's name, reserving a quitrent to the crown for the use of the general
treasury.
That they make laws for regulating and governing such new settlements, till
the crown shall think fit to form them into particular governments.
That they raise and pay soldiers and build forts for the defence of any
of the Colonies, and equip vessels of force to guard the coasts and protect
the trade on the ocean, lakes, or great rivers; but they shall not impress
men in any Colony, without the consent of the Legislature.
That for these purposes they have power to make laws, and lay and levy such
general duties, imposts, or taxes, as to them shall appear most equal and
just (considering the ability and other circumstances of the inhabitants in
the several Colonies), and such as may be collected with the least inconvenience
to the people; rather discouraging luxury, than loading industry with unnecessary
burdens.
That they may appoint a General Treasurer and Particular Treasurer in each
government when necessary; and, from time to time, may order the sums in the
treasuries of each government into the general treasury; or draw on them for
special payments, as they find most convenient.
Yet no money to issue but by joint orders of the President-General and Grand
Council; except where sums have been appropriated to particular purposes,
and the President-General is previously empowered by an act to draw such sums.
That the general accounts shall be yearly settled and reported to the several
Assemblies.
That a quorum of the Grand Council, empowered to act with the President-General,
do consist of twenty-five members; among whom there shall be one or more from
a majority of the Colonies.
That the laws made by them for the purposes aforesaid shall not be repugnant,
but, as near as may be, agreeable to the laws of England, and shall be transmitted
to the King in Council for approbation, as soon as may be after their passing;
and if not disapproved within three years after presentation, to remain in
force.
That, in case of the death of the President-General, the Speaker of the
Grand Council for the time being shall succeed, and be vested with the same
powers and authorities, to continue till the King's pleasure be known.
That all military commission officers, whether for land or sea service,
to act under this general constitution, shall be nominated by the President-General;
but the approbation of the Grand Council is to be obtained, before they receive
their commissions. And all civil officers are to be nominated by the Grand
Council, and to receive the President-General's approbation before they officiate.
But, in case of vacancy by death or removal of any officer, civil or military,
under this constitution, the Governor of the Province in which such vacancy
happens may appoint, till the pleasure of the President-General and Grand
Council can be known.
That the particular military as well as civil establishments in each Colony
remain in their present state, the general constitution notwithstanding; and
that on sudden emergencies any Colony may defend itself, and lay the accounts
of expense thence arising before the President-General and General Council,
who may allow and order payment of the same, as far as they judge such accounts
just and reasonable.