In this quote British Secretary of State William Pitt is urging Connecticut to

a direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal. this may result in the adoption of a new law.  

the national congress's powers over the states were specific and definite: it had the sole power to negotiate treaties, declare war, and make peace. all powers not granted to congress were reserved for state governments. congress had no power to levy taxes, for example.

(d) he had been a leader of the sons of liberty.