The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1860-07-04
Platform Adopted at the De-
mocratic National Conven-
tion at Cincinnati, in 1856.

Resolred, That the American Democracy
place their trust in the intelligence, the patri-
otism, and the discriminating justice of the
American people.
Resolucd, That we regard this as distinc-
tive feature of our political creed, which we
proud to maintain before the world, the
great moral element in form of government
springing from and upheld by the popular will,
and we contrast it with the creed and practice
of Federalism under whatever name or form
which seeks to palsy the will of the constitu-
ent, and which conceives no imposture too
monstrous for the popular credulity,
ResolUed, therefore, That entertaining these
views, the Democratic party of this Union.
through their delegates assembled in a general
convention, coming together in spirit of con-
cord of devotion to the doctrines and faith of
free representative government, and appeal
ing to their fellow citizens for the rectitude of
their intentions; renew and reassert before the
American people the declarations of princi-
pies avowed by them when on former occasions,
in general Conyention, they have present their
candidates for. popular suffrages.
/. That the Fe ieral Government is one of
limited power, derived solely from the Consti-
tuition; and the grants of power made therein
ought to be strictly construed by all the de-
partments and agents of the government; and
that it ispinexpedient and dangerous to exer-
else doubtful constitutional powers.
2. The Constitution does not confer upon
the General Government the power to COM
mence and carry on a general system of inter-
nal improvements.
3. That the Constitution does not confer
authority upon the Federal Government, di-
rectly or indirectly, to assume the debts of the
several States, contracted for local and inter
nal improvements, or other State purposes, nor
would such assumption be just expedient.
4. That justice and sound policy forbid the
Federal Government to foster one branch of
industry to the detriment of any other, or to
cherish the interests of one portion to the i'll
jury of another portion of our common coun-
try; that every citizen and every section of
the country has right to demand and insist
upon an equality of rights and privileges, and
to complete and ample protection of persons
property from domestic violence or foreign ag-
gression.
5. That it is the duty of every branch of
most rigid economy in conducting our public
affairs, and that no more revenue ought to be
raised than is required to defray the necessary
expenses of the Government, and for the grad
ual, but certain extinction of the public debt.
6. That the proceeds of the public lands
on ght to be sacredly applied to the national
objects specified in the Constitution, and that
we are opposed to any law for the distribution
of such proceeds among the States, as alike
inexpedient in policy and repugnant to the
Constitution.
| z. That Congress has no power to charter
a national bank; that we believe such an in
stltution one of deadly hostility to the best
interests of the country, dangerous to our re-
publican institutions and the liberties of the
people, and calculated to place the business
of the country within the control of a con-
centrated money power, and above the laws
and the will of the people: and that the results
of the Democratic legislation in this and all
other financial measures upon which issues
have been made between the two political par
ties of the country, have demonstrated to can
did and practical men of@all parties, their
soundness, safety and utility in all business
pursuits.
8. That the separation of the moneys oil
the Government from banking institutions is
indispensable for the safety of the funds of the
Government and the rights of the people.
9. That we are decidedly opposed to taking
from the President the qualified veto power
by W hich he is enabled, under restrictions and
responsibilities amply sufficient to guard the
public interests, to suspend the passage of 8
bill whose merits cannot secure the approval
of two-thirds of the Senate and House O.
Representatives, until the judgment of the
people can be obtained thereon, and which has
saved the American people from the corrup
i and tyranical domination of the Bank of tis