ions._

What is the recognized law of nations in regard to the payment of the
debts of a nation when it changes its form of government? If England
should become a republic would this rule apply? Does it apply when a
territory becomes a state? Were the debts of the confederation paid? How?
What was the amount of the debt of the United States at the time of the
adoption of the constitution? What is the value of the notes and bonds of
the "Confederate States of America"? Why?

Which is sovereign, the nation or the individual states? Where else are
there any provisions which teach the same thing? Why should _judges_ be
specially mentioned in VI. 2? What department of the government makes
treaties? Are they binding upon the other departments? Upon the several
states? Can a state nullify an act of congress? Has any state ever tried
to do so?

Why are _state_ officers bound to support the constitution of the _United
States_? Is the requirement to take the "oath of office" a religious test?
Why is the choice of oath or affirmation given? What was the iron-clad
oath?

Would the ratification of the constitution by nine states have made it
binding upon the other four? The articles of confederation required the
consent of all the states to any amendment to them; by what right was this
constitution adopted against the wishes of Rhode Island and North
Carolina? If those two states had persisted in their refusal to ratify the
constitution, what would have been their relations to the United States?
Justify your answer.

CHAPTER XXIX.

THE AMENDMENTS.

We have now considered the constitution about as it was presented to the
states for ratification. Judging by our own affection for the noble
instrument we would expect to learn that it was ratified promptly and
unanimously. But, as a matter of fact, much hard work was required on the
part of its friends to secure its ratification. Its every provision had to
be explained and justified. Probably the most able exposition was made by
Hamilton, Madison and Jay, in a series of papers entitled, "The
Federalist."

One of the greatest objections urged against the constitution was that it
did not guarantee sufficiently the rights of individuals. It will be
remembered in this connection that the principal grievance against
England, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence, was that
personal rights had not been respected; and that, in consequence, the
first form of governmen