Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry: Top Anti-Federalist Warnings
In a series of speeches during the Virginia Ratifying Convention, Patrick Henry laid out much of the anti-federalist case against ratification without amendments. The foundation underlying all his arguments was a consistent warning against consolidation – or...
Ten Thousand Implied Powers: Patrick Henry’s Final Antifederalist Speech
In his last major speech during the Virginia Ratifying Convention, Patrick Henry warned against the potential for “ten thousand implied powers,” and called for a number of amendments prior to ratification. Path to Liberty, Fast Friday Edition: August 11, 2023...
Treaties, Trials and Supremacy: Patrick Henry’s Anti-Federalist Speeches 8-10
In a series of speeches during the Virginia Ratifying Convention, Patrick Henry warned against a combination of the treaty, the judicial power and – the supremacy clause – that it would lead to government violating individual liberty with impunity. Path to...
Implied vs Expressly Reserved: Patrick Henry’s Anti-Federalist Speeches 5-7
In a series of speeches during the Virginia Ratifying Convention, Patrick Henry warned that despite arguments to the contrary, the federal government wouldn’t act like its powers were only those delegated to it. Instead, it would act like all others before it –...