Historically significant DS, signed as Secretary of State, “Th: Jefferson,” one page, 9 x 15.25, June 23, 1790. Official printing of an act passed by the Congress of the United States during its Second Session, headed, "An Act for giving Effect to an Act, intituled, 'An Act to establish the judicial Courts of the United States,' within the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations." The act begins: "Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the act intituled, 'An act to establish the judicial courts of the United States,' shall have the like force and effect within the state of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, as elsewhere within the United States…the said State shall be one district, to be called Rhode-Island district…and the same is hereby annexed to the eastern circuit." The act further outlines the schedule for the sessions of the court, to be held alternately in Newport and Providence. Imprinted at the conclusion with the names of Speaker Frederick Muhlenberg, Vice President John Adams, and President George Washington, and prominently signed below in ink by Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. In fine condition.
Rhode Island was the last of the original colonies to ratify the United States Constitution on May 29, 1790, less than one month earlier. Article III established only the Supreme Court while granting Congress the power to create lower courts as necessary—a modest example of the 'checks and balances' between the three branches of government. By this act on June 23rd, Congress organized Rhode Island as one judicial district assigned to the Eastern Circuit, authorizing one judgeship, and Jefferson subsequently notified the nation's governors by sending copies of the newly passed statute. This signed act represents the very beginnings of the United States, with the federal government invoking the Constitutional powers granted to it upon ratification. It is an early example of Jefferson's role in the creation of the American judicial system, an influence which would only increase during his term as president.
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