Letter from James Monroe to James Madison (1787)

by James Monroe
  • May 23, 1787
What does Monroe mean by saying the Convention is “the sole point on which all future movements will turn” and why does he describe it this way? What does this reveal about the expectations placed on the Convention and its ultimate success?
How does Monroe’s concern about gaining “concurrence of all the states” reflect the growing tension among delegates between preserving state sovereignty and establishing a stronger national government as evidenced by other Act I letters? How might this tension shape the proceedings and progress of the Convention?

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Source: “To James Madison from James Monroe, 23 May 1787,” Founders Online, National Archives. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/01-09-02-0231. 

We all look with great anxiety to the result of the Convention at Philadelphia. Indeed it seems to be the sole point on which all future movements will turn. If it succeeds wisely & of course happily, the wishes of all good men will be gratified. The arrangements must be wise, and every way well concerted, for them to force their way through the States. The experience of the federal government has taught them that it will be almost impossible to adopt any plan that will have the concurrence of all the states; or if it has, that will be of any duration afterwards.

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