Levi Bartlett: Manuscript Concerning the 12th Amendment to the Constitution(1803–1804)

• MS 2008.10
• 1 item (4 pp.)

In this document, Bartlett addresses objections to amending the U.S. Constitution and to a proposed amendment to alter the manner of electing the President and Vice-President. Bartlett acknowledges that the Constitution is not to be amended “on every trivial case” but states that “ it is … a duty incumbent on every Nation not only to form in wisdom but to amend & perfect its constitution in such way as is suitable to the Genius & Spirit of the Govt …” Bartlett goes on to argue that the amendment will not be to the detriment of the small states in the process of presidential elections.

Levi Bartlett (1763–1828), son of New Hampshire signer Josiah Bartlett, was a physician and judge of the circuit court in New Hampshire.