ence, that governments derive their just
powers from the consent of the governed; and are formed by the
people to protect their rights, not to withhold them; or we must
acknowledge the truth contended for by the plaintiff, that
citizenship carries with it every incident to every citizen
alike. It can not be disputed, that upon this principle of
absolute political equality, our Government is founded. So
thought the Hon. Luther Martin, of Maryland, one of the most
distinguished lawyers of his day, and a member of the convention
that framed our Constitution. We quote his own words. (Elliott's
Debates, Vol. 4.)

This, sir, is the substance of the arguments, if arguments
they may be called, which were used in favor of inequality
of suffrage. Those who advocated the equality of suffrage,
took the matter up on the original principles of government;
they urged that all men considered in a state of nature,
before any government is formed, are equally free and
independent, no one having any right or authority to
exercise power over another, and this, without any regard to
difference in personal strength, understanding, or wealth.
That when such individuals enter into government, they have
each a right to an equal voice in its first formation, and
afterward have each a right to an equal vote in every matter
which relates to their government; that if it could be done
conveniently, they have a right to exercise it in person;
when it can not be done in person but for convenience,
representatives are appointed to act for them; every person
has a right to an equal vote in choosing that representative
who is entrusted to do for the whole, that which the whole,
if they could assemble, might do in person, and in the
transacting of which each would have an equal voice. That if
we were to admit, because a man was more wise, more strong,
or more wealthy, he should be entitled to more votes than
another, it would be inconsistent with the freedom and
liberty of that other, and would reduce him to slavery.
Suppose, for instance, ten individuals in a state of nature
about to enter into government, nine of whom are equally
wise, eq