To pass the resolution: "whereas the constitution of the U.S. Is the supreme law of the land, and its ready and faithful observance the duty of all good and law

On Dec 17, 1860, the House voted 154–14. Result: passed. By party: Republicans 74–14, Democrats 49–0, Others 31–0. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 14 members voted against their own party.

During the 36th Congress (1859–1860), James Buchanan was president, and Republicans held the House majority and Democrats the Senate majority.

Yes: 154
No: 14
Did not vote: 76
Date: Dec 17, 1860

By party

Democrats49 yes · 0 no · 38 didn’t vote
Republicans74 yes · 14 no · 30 didn’t vote
Others31 yes · 0 no · 8 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

William Vandever R-IA voted no
Thomas Dawes Eliot R-MA voted no
John Bassett Alley R-MA voted no
Israel Washburn Jr. R-ME voted no
Mason Weare Tappan R-NH voted no
Thomas McKey Edwards R-NH voted no
Francis Elias Spinner R-NY voted no
Charles Baldwin Sedgwick R-NY voted no
Alfred Wells R-NY voted no
Edwin Ruthvin Reynolds R-NY voted no
John Carey R-OH voted no
John Hutchins R-OH voted no
John Fox Potter R-WI voted no
Cadwallader Colden Washburn R-WI voted no

How each representative voted: Yes

How each representative voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To pass the resolution: "whereas the…: House Vote, Dec 17, 1860,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/36-H-304/to-pass-the-resolution-whereas-the-constitution-of-the (accessed 2026-10-17).