If in the opinion of the people the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates; but let there be no change by usurpation, for it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed.
Johnson warns against changing constitutional powers through usurpation, advocating for amendments instead.
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I transmit the accompanying communications from the Secretary of the Interior, together with the papers to which they have reference.
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.
For these objections, and many others that might be presented, I cannot approve this bill, and therefore return it for the action of Congress required in such cases by the Federal Constitution.
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