1754
The Albany Plan of Union
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.
1. That within ___ months after the passing such act, the
House of Representatives that happen to be sitting within that
time, or that shall be especially for that purpose convened, may
and shall choose members for the Grand Council, in the following
proportion, that is to say,
2. -----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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. That they make laws for regulating and governing such new
settlements, till the crown shall think fit to form them into
particular governments.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. That the general accounts shall be yearly settled and
reported to the several Assemblies.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
