State Ratifying Conventions
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 –...
Imaginary vs Real Dangers: Patrick Henry’s Anti-Federalist Speech No. 4
In his 4th speech during the Virginia Ratifying Convention, Patrick Henry made the case that the constitution was being sold as a response to dangers that didn’t truly exist – but instead created an even greater one, consolidation. Path to Liberty, Fast Friday...
Don’t Give in to Fear: Patrick Henry’s Anti-Federalist Speech No. 3
Responding to Federalist claims that rejecting ratification would lead to danger, chaos and potential ruin, Patrick Henry took the other side, “it is the fortune of a free people not to be intimidated by imaginary dangers” and urged the addition of a bill of rights...
A Federalist Blowout: South Carolina Ratifies the Constitution
May 23, 1788 – South Carolina became the 8th state to ratify the Constitution, easily doing so after just a few short days of debate. But was the federalist victory representative of the people, or were the antifederalists just outmaneuvered? Path to Liberty:...