Liberty or Empire: Patrick Henry’s Anti-Federalist Speech No. 2
Centralization of power, standing armies, an elected king – would lead to a mighty empire, rather than a land of liberty. That’s what Patrick Henry warned about in his 2nd speech during the Virginia Ratifying Convention – June 5, 1788. Path to Liberty: May...
We the People or We the States: Patrick Henry’s Anti-Federalist Speech No. 1
In his first speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention, Patrick Henry challenged the legitimacy of the Philadelphia Convention of 1787, warned against consolidation, and argued that a federal system should start with We the States. Path to Liberty, Fast Friday...
The 10th Amendment and the Virginia Ratifying Convention
In Virginia, there was pretty fierce debate over the ratification of the Constitution. The principle of delegated and reserved powers – which eventually became the 10th Amendment – was a big focus of people like James Madison, George Mason, Patrick Henry,...