"You well know, sir, that when the Constitution was submitted to the People of the respective States for their adoption or rejection, it awakened the warmest debates of the several State conventions"

This quote by Caleb Cushing is describing the adoption of the United States Constitution. When the Constitution was very first proposed, it triggered a good deal of debate in the various state conventions. Cushing is stressing the importance of the Constitution and the debates that surrounded its adoption. He is also highlighting the significance of individuals in the adoption process, as it was the people of the respective states who eventually chose whether to accept the Constitution. This quote acts as a suggestion of the value of the Constitution and individuals who adopted it. It also works as a suggestion of the importance of debate and conversation in the democratic process.