Let us choose, then, among ourselves, such persons as are capable of this employment.

To them we will delegate our powers to institute our government and laws.

They shall be the representatives of our wills and of our interests.

And in order to attain the fairest representation possible of our wills and our interests, let it be numerous, and composed of men resembling ourselves.
Having made the election of a numerous body of delegates, the people thus addressed them: We have hitherto lived in a society formed by chance, without fixed agreements, without free conventions, without a stipulation of rights, without reciprocal engagements,--and a multitude of disorders and evils have arisen from this precarious state.

We are now determined on forming a regular compact; and we have chosen you to adjust the articles.
Examine, then, with care what ought to be its basis and its conditions; consider what is the end and the principles of every association; recognize the rights which every member brings, the powers which he delegates, and those which he reserves to himself.