ajority of the representatives might be opposed to it. The
representatives of the grain producing, and those of the planting
states, might combine in imposing excessive taxes upon the productions
of the manufacturing states. Or the manufacturing and the grain
producing states might, with the same intent, combine against the
planting states.
Sec.9. As it was the purpose of the framers of the constitution to make
taxation, as nearly as possible, equal in the different states, by
uniform duties; and as every necessary object of indirect taxation may
be attained by duties on imports; duties on exports are properly
prohibited. And to secure to all the states freedom and equality in
trade, it is expressly provided in the same clause, that "no preference
shall be given, by any regulation of commerce or revenue, to the ports
of one state over those of another; nor shall vessels bound to or from
one state be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in another."
Sec.10. The next clause provides that "no money shall be drawn from the
treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by law." This places
the public money beyond the reach or control of the executive or any
other officer, and secures it in the hands of the representatives of the
people. In pursuance of this provision, congress, at every session,
passes laws specifying the objects for which money is to be
appropriated. The latter part of the clause requires, that "a regular
statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public
money shall be published from time to time." And it is by law made the
duty of the secretary of the treasury to make to congress annually such
statement, which is published by order of congress; so that the people
may know for what purposes the public money is expended.
Sec.11. It is next declared, that "no title of nobility shall be granted by
the United States." Although the bare titles of lord, duke, &c., which
are conferred upon citizens in monarchical governments, could not add to
the political power of any person under our constitution; yet, as it is
desirable that there should be equality of rank as well as of political
rights, it is proper that congress should be prohibited from creating
titles of nobility. And to guard public officers against being corrupted
by foreign influence, they are forbidden to "accept of any present,
emolument, office, or title of any kind whatever, from any king, prince,
or foreign state."
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