The Albany Plan of Union The Plan of Union proposed at Albany in 1754 was an attempt to confront two related problems. The first was the need for joint, united action by the colonies, not only in times of war but as a matter of normal political practice. The second was the need Franklin and the delegates to the Congress perceived to insert a third governmental entity between the individual colonies and the British government. The plan would have created the first American government. But the delegates to the conference in Albany did not have the power to adopt the Plan of Union, but only to propose it - both to Parliament and to each of the colonial governments. In the end, not a dingle colonial government approved of the scheme. It is proposed that humble application be made for an act of Parliament of Great Britain, by virtue of which one general government may be formed in America, including all the said colonies, within and under which government each colony may retain its present constitution, except in the particulars wherein a change may be directed by the said act, as hereafter follows. That the said general government be administered by a President-General, to be appointed and supported by the crown, and a Grand Council, to be chosen by the representatives of the people of the several Colonies met in their respective assemblies. That within- months after the passing such act, the House of Representatives that happen to be sitting within that time, or that shall be especially for that purpose convened, may and shall choose members for the Grand Council, in the following proportion, that is to say, Massachusetts Bay 7 [3.]- who shall meet for the first time at the city of Philadelphia, being called by the President-General as soon as conveniently may be after his appointment. [4.] That there shall be a new election of the members of the Grand Council every three years; and, on the death or resignation of any member, his place should be supplied by a new choice at the next sitting of the Assembly of the Colony he represented. [5.] That after the first three years, when the proportion of money arising out of each Colony to the general treasury can be known, the number of members to be chosen for each Colony shall, from time to time, in all ensuing elections, be regulated by that proportion, yet so as that the number to be chosen by any one Province be not more than seven, nor less than two. [6.] That the Grand Council shall meet once in every year, and oftener if occasion require; at such time and place as they shall adjourn to at the last preceding meeting, or as they shall be called to meet at by the President- General on any emergency; he having first obtained in writing the consent of seven of the members to such call, and sent duly and timely notice to the whole. [7.] That the Grand Council have power to choose their speaker; and shall neither be dissolved, prorogues, nor continued sitting longer than six weeks at one time, without their own consent or the special command of the crown. [8] That the members of the Grand Council shall be allowed for their service ten shillings sterling per diem, during their session and journey to and from the place of meeting, twenty miles to be reckoned a day's journey. [9] That the assent of the President-General be requisite to all acts of the Grand Council, and that it be his office and duty to cause them to be carried into execution. [10] That the President-General, with the advice of the Grand Council, hold or direct all Indian treaties, in which

The Albany Plan of Union The Plan of Union proposed at Albany in 1754 was an attempt to confront two related problems. The first was the need for joint, united action by the colonies, not only in times of war but as a matter of normal political practice. The second was the need Franklin and the delegates to the Congress perceived to insert a third governmental entity between the individual colonies and the British government. The plan would have created the first American government. But the delegates to the conference in Albany did not have the power to adopt the Plan of Union, but only to propose it - both to Parliament and to each of the colonial governments. In the end, not a dingle colonial government approved of the scheme. It is proposed that humble application be made for an act of Parliament of Great Britain, by virtue of which one general government may be formed in America, including all the said colonies, within and under which government each colony may retain its present constitution, except in the particulars wherein a change may be directed by the said act, as hereafter follows. That the said general government be administered by a President-General, to be appointed and supported by the crown, and a Grand Council, to be chosen by the representatives of the people of the several Colonies met in their respective assemblies. That within- months after the passing such act, the House of Representatives that happen to be sitting within that time, or that shall be especially for that purpose convened, may and shall choose members for the Grand Council, in the following proportion, that is to say, Massachusetts Bay 7 [3.]- who shall meet for the first time at the city of Philadelphia, being called by the President-General as soon as conveniently may be after his appointment. [4.] That there shall be a new election of the members of the Grand Council every three years; and, on the death or resignation of any member, his place should be supplied by a new choice at the next sitting of the Assembly of the Colony he represented. [5.] That after the first three years, when the proportion of money arising out of each Colony to the general treasury can be known, the number of members to be chosen for each Colony shall, from time to time, in all ensuing elections, be regulated by that proportion, yet so as that the number to be chosen by any one Province be not more than seven, nor less than two. [6.] That the Grand Council shall meet once in every year, and oftener if occasion require; at such time and place as they shall adjourn to at the last preceding meeting, or as they shall be called to meet at by the President- General on any emergency; he having first obtained in writing the consent of seven of the members to such call, and sent duly and timely notice to the whole. [7.] That the Grand Council have power to choose their speaker; and shall neither be dissolved, prorogues, nor continued sitting longer than six weeks at one time, without their own consent or the special command of the crown. [8] That the members of the Grand Council shall be allowed for their service ten shillings sterling per diem, during their session and journey to and from the place of meeting, twenty miles to be reckoned a day's journey. [9] That the assent of the President-General be requisite to all acts of the Grand Council, and that it be his office and duty to cause them to be carried into execution. [10] That the President-General, with the advice of the Grand Council, hold or direct all Indian treaties, in which