Thorpe, Francis Newton, 1857-1926

Francis Newton Thorpe was an author in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, writing extensively about the early history of American government and culture. Some of his books, such as Benjamin Franklin and the University of Pennsylvania, and Government of the People of the State of Pennsylvania, directly reflect early Pennsylvania history.

From the description of Francis Newton Thorpe's typescript manuscript of A history of the American people, 1899-1900. (University of Pittsburgh). WorldCat record id: 307580565

The New York State Constitutional Convention began on October 13, 1801 in Albany, New York. At the core of the convention was discussion about the Council of Appointment, a body comprised of the governor and four senators who had the power to appointment all state, county, and municipal officials. The debate focused on the issue that both the governor and the senators of the Council claimed the right to nominate appointees. Traditionally, the governor would make appointments while the Council would approve them. However, despite the fact that the powers of the Council were intended only for voting on the governor's appointees, they too began to appoint candidates. The Constitutional Convention of 1801 settled the matter. It was decided that the number of state senators was to be fixed at 32, and the assembly would be given 100 members with the possibility of adding 50 more in the future. The right of nomination was also given to each member of the Council of Appointment in addition to the governor.

From the description of Copybook of the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention of the State of New York, 1801. (University of Pittsburgh). WorldCat record id: 304518733