23 December 1783: From George Washington to United States Congress

Justin Magill — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:05:00 +0000

CONSTITUTION PARTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

Justin Magill

One of the most significant events of the American Revolution was the return of power from George Washington to Congress.

George Washington had the popularity and the military power to establish himself as king in America. Instead, he resigned his commission back to Congress when the war ended.

23 December 1783

“The great events on which my resignation depended having at length taken place; I have now the honor of offering my sincere Congratulations to Congress & of presenting myself before them to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the Service of my Country.

“Happy in the confirmation of our Independence and Sovereignty, and pleased with the oppertunity afforded the United States of becoming a respectable Nation, I resign with satisfaction the Appointment I accepted with diffidence—A diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task, which however was superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our Cause, the support of the Supreme Power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven.

“The successful termination of the War has verified the more sanguine expectations—and my gratitude for the interposition of Providence, and the assistance I have received from my Countrymen, encreases with every review of the momentous Contest.

“While I repeat my obligations to the Army in general, I should do injustice to my own feelings not to acknowledge in this place the peculiar Services and distinguished merits of the Gentlemen who have been attached to my person during the War. It was impossible the choice of confidential Officers to compose my family should have been more fortunate. Permit me Sir, to recommend in particular those, who have continued in Service to the present moment, as worthy of the favorable notice & patronage of Congress.

“I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my Official life, by commanding the Interests of our dearest Country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendence of them, to his holy keeping.

“Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of Action—and bidding an Affectionate farewell to this August body under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my Commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life.”

Source: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/99-01-02-12223

Honor George Washington by donating $23.00 to the only political party dedicated to re-establishing America’s Constitutional Republic, for which the Founders and we continue to stand.

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Congressional Reform

Karen Murray — Wed, 07 Jun 2000 02:38:00 +0000

Congress must once again be accountable to the people and obedient to the Constitution, repealing all laws that delegate legislative powers to regulatory agencies, bureaucracies, private organizations, the Federal Reserve Board, international agencies, the president, and the judiciary.

THE PRINCIPLES

U.S. Constitution, Article 6, Clause 3:

“The Senators and Representatives… shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution . . .”

The Congress of these United States has become an overpaid, overstaffed, self-serving institution.

It confiscates taxpayer funds to finance exorbitant and unconstitutionally determined salaries, pensions, and perks. Most members of Congress have become more accountable to the Washington establishment than to their constituents. Both chambers of Congress are all too often unresponsive and irresponsible, arrogantly placing themselves above the very laws they enact, and beyond the control of the citizens they have sworn to represent and serve.

It is time for the American people to renew effective supervision of their public servants, to restore right standards, and to take back the government.

THE PROBLEM

The U.S. Constitution, as originally framed in Article I, Section 3, provided for U.S. Senators to be chosen by state legislators. This provided the states direct representation in the legislative branch so as to deter the usurpation of powers that are constitutionally reserved to the states or to the people.

The Seventeenth Amendment changed this by providing for the direct, popular election of U.S. Senators. This effectively removed state government representation in the federal legislative process, destroying a vital check and balance on federal power designed by the Framers of Constitution.

Since the ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment, Congress has usurped power relatively unchecked. Very few members of Congress make it through a single session without violating their oath of office to the Constitution.

THE SOLUTION

It is vital that Americans repeal the Seventeenth Amendment, if the U.S. Senate is to return to being a body which truly represents the legislatures of each individual state at the federal level.

This will return the function of electing the Senate back to the state legislatures and will restore the checks and balances of power, which our Constitution originally provided.

The result will be that all current powers, programs, and sources of revenue that the federal government has unconstitutionally appropriated will be returned to the states and the people of the states under the Tenth Amendment.

THE CONSTITUTION PARTY COMMITTMENT

The Constitution Party will:

Support legislation to prohibit the attachment of unrelated riders to bills. Any amendments must fit within the scope and object of the original bill.
Support legislation to require that the Congressional Record contain an accurate record of proceedings. Members of Congress are not to be permitted to rewrite the speeches delivered during the course of debates, or other remarks offered from the floors of their respective houses; nor may any additional materials be inserted in the Record, except those referred to in the speaker’s presentation and for which space is reserved.
Abolish Congressional Pensions and Benefits. We seek to abolish Congressional pensions and other benefits that extend beyond their term in office and favor a conflict-of-interest provision that prevents former congressmen from lobbying for two years after leaving office.

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