Andrew Johnson: “If the Southern States are component parts of the Union, the Constitution is the supreme law for them, as it is for all…”

With these brief suggestions the bill is respectfully returned, and the consideration of Congress invited to the accompanying preamble and resolutions.

I would therefore recommend such an amendment of the Constitution as may remove all intermediate agency in the election of the President and Vice-President.

The danger of a defeat of the popular choice in an election by the House of Representatives is no greater than in an election made nominally by the people themselves.

My object in this communication is to suggest certain defects in the Constitution which seem to me to require correction.