[gutzmank]

THE FEDERALIST is one source of the Federalists’ ratification-era argument, though not the best–for the reasons explained in the lectures. The complete version of ratification materials is THE DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF THE RATIFICATION OF THE CONSTITUTION, which –at 26 volumes–costs well over the sum you mentioned.

I’m afraid I don’t have time to do research projects from subscribers about particular issues of constitutional interpretation. This particular question certainly did come up in the Richmond Ratification Convention, and so is dealt with in my JAMES MADISON AND THE MAKING OF AMERICA.

Perhaps Dr. McClanahan will offer further detail.