United_States_House_of_Representatives Elbridge_Gerry

gerry supported economic policies of federalist alexander hamilton (portrait ezra ames).

in june 1789 gerry proposed congress consider of proposed constitutional amendments various state ratifying conventions had called (notably of rhode island , north carolina, had @ time still not ratified constitution). in debate followed, led opposition of proposals, arguing did not go far enough in ensuring individual liberties. lobbied inclusion of freedom of assembly in first amendment, , leading architect of fourth amendment protections against search , seizure. sought unsuccessfully insert word expressly tenth amendment, might have more limited federal government s power. successful in efforts severely limit federal government s ability control state militias. in tandem, protection, had once argued against idea of federal government controlling large standing army, comparing – memorably , mischievously – standing penis: excellent assurance of domestic tranquility, dangerous temptation foreign adventure.

gerry vigorously supported alexander hamilton s reports on public credit, including assumption @ full value of state debts, , supported hamilton s new bank of united states, positions consistent earlier calls had made economic centralization. although speculated in depreciated continental bills of credit (the ious @ issue), there no evidence participated in large-scale speculation attended debate when took place in 1790, , became major investor in new bank. used floor of house speak out against aristocratic , monarchical tendencies saw threats republican ideals, , opposed laws , provisions perceived limiting individual , state liberties. opposed attempt give officers of executive significant powers, opposing establishment of treasury department because head might gain more power president. opposed measures strengthened presidency (such ability fire cabinet officers), seeking instead give legislature more power on appointments.

gerry did not stand re-election in 1792, returning home raise children , care sickly wife. agreed serve presidential elector john adams in 1796 election. during adams term in office, gerry maintained relations both adams , vice president thomas jefferson, hoping divided executive might lead less friction. hopes not realized: split between federalists (adams) , democratic-republicans (jefferson) widened.