Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry Debates Federalists, Insists on a Bill of Rights
One of the most ardent proponents of a Bill of Rights for the U.S. Constitution was Patrick Henry. During the Virginia Ratifying Convention he repeatedly and doggedly advocated that a list of fundamental liberties – free speech, freedom of religion, right to a jury...
Patrick Henry Warns of a “Great and Mighty Empire”
On June 5, 1788, Patrick Henry gave a speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention warning that “consolidation” – centralizing of power – would turn the United States into a dangerous empire. The speech was prophetic, and if you didn’t know otherwise, you’d assume it...
Patrick Henry’s Lesson on the Need for a Bill of Rights
On June 12, 1788, Patrick Henry spoke during the Virginia Ratifying Convention, reiterating the need for a Bill of Rights in the proposed U.S. Constitution before its adoption. During this speech, he offered a history lesson highlighting the importance of preserving...
Patrick Henry Argues Against Imaginary Dangers
On June 9, 1788, Patrick Henry delivered a speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention arguing that many of the alleged crises of the time used to justify the proposed constitution were “imaginary.” This was actually the fourth long speech Henry delivered during the...