Article 1, Section 2, Paragraph 4
When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.
Writs of Election
A writ is any written, sealed law of a king. It has become somewhat general, referring to a legal directive or order.
The executive power of the state was to issue a written and signed law calling for an election to fill the vacancy.
Later, this was amended to allow the Governor to appoint someone to fill the vacancy, until the next election (Amendment XVII).
This original provision kept the government a representative form, free of dictatorial power experienced today.
By definition, representatives must be chosen by the people.
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