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Patrick Henry
Henry’s speeches warned that the Constitution would create a dangerously centralized government that threatened state sovereignty and individual liberties. He famously declared his preference for liberty over union, arguing that the new system lacked adequate protections for citizens’ rights. Henry’s passionate oratory helped force the addition of a Bill of Rights to secure ratification.
Warns that the Constitution contains ambiguous language that could lead to dangerous interpretations and abuses of power.
Argues that legitimate government must be founded on the consent of the governed and not on the centralization of power.
Outlines the potential dangers of the proposed government, focusing on its ability to overpower states and infringe on individual rights.
Stresses the need for amendments to the Constitution, particularly a Bill of Rights, to protect citizens from government overreach.
Warns that the Constitution’s provisions could lead to a large standing army, posing a threat to liberty.
Argues that the process for creating new states from territories could lead to centralized federal control over more land and people.
Calls for stronger restraints on government to prevent corruption and protect individual freedoms.
Stresses the importance of a well-regulated militia, fearing that the proposed government would weaken state militias and empower a federal army.
Emphasizes the need for officials to be held accountable to the people to prevent the abuse of power.
Reaffirms the necessity of state militias for defense and questions the Constitution’s allowance for a federal military monopoly.
Expresses concern over the federal control of the District of Columbia and its potential to lead to unchecked power.
Argues strongly for the inclusion of a Bill of Rights to safeguard individual liberties and limit government power.
Warns that the Constitution’s implied powers could lead to the expansion of federal authority, including issues like slavery.
Points out that many important rights were omitted from the Constitution’s enumeration and must be safeguarded through amendments.
Emphasizes the risks posed by the Constitution’s lack of explicit protections for habeas corpus and against ex post facto laws.
Highlights the lack of protections for citizens against a potentially oppressive judiciary under the new Constitution.
Raises concerns about the burdens of both national and state debt under the new Constitution, warning of potential financial crises.
Warns that the Constitution’s grant of treaty power to the federal government could lead to the subjugation of state interests.
Argues that the ability to make treaties without adequate checks could undermine the sovereignty of the states.
Calls for stricter accountability of government officials to prevent the centralization of power and abuse of office.
Expresses concern that federal courts would become supreme over state courts, eroding state authority and individual rights.
Stresses the importance of preserving trial by jury, fearing the Constitution’s provisions would undermine this right.
Argues that the enumeration of rights in the Constitution could be misinterpreted or insufficient to fully protect individual liberties.
Emphasizes the need for clear reserved powers for states to ensure a balance of authority and prevent federal overreach.
