The Diary of William Maclay and Other Notes on Senate Debates

by U.S. Congress, Kenneth R. Bowling (Editor), Helen E. Veit (Editor)

Winner of the Thomas Jefferson Prize from the Society for History of the Federal Government Caustic, witty, and rich in anecdotes and personal observations, the diary of William Maclay is the preeminent unofficial document of the First Federal Cogress and, whth James Madison's notes from the Federal Convetion, one of the two most important journals in American political and constitutional history. The first U.S. Senate met in secret, and much of what is known about its proceedings comes from Pennsylvania senator William Maclay, who kept a diary of what was said on the floor and who seldom failed to make an entry for each day. To this record he added his analysis of the debate, details about behind-the-scenes pliticking and social list in New York and Philidelphia, and comments on the character, motives, and morals of those with whom he associated-including Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, and Hamilton. The diary establishes beyond any doubt that the Founding Fathers practiced legislative politics much as their descendants do today. Rich in both information and opinion, the book makes an engrossing reading.

560 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 1988

About the author

The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States consisting of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Both senators and representatives are chosen through direct election, though vacancies in the Senate may be filled by a gubernatorial appointment. Members are usually affiliated to the Republican Party or to the Democratic Party, and only rarely to a third-party or as independents. Congress has 535 voting members: 435 Representatives and 100 Senators.

The members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms representing the people of a single constituency, known as a "district". Congressional districts are apportioned to states by population using the United States Census results, provided that each state has at least one congressional representative. Each state, regardless of population or size, has two senators. Currently, there are 100 senators representing the 50 states. Each senator is elected at-large in his or her state for a six-year term, with terms staggered, so every two years approximately one-third of the Senate is up for election.