The Division of Federal and State Powers
How much power would the federal government have? And what powers would the states retain? This was a hotly debated question as the states considered ratifying a new constitution. For the average person, the Federalist Papers are the go-to source for understanding the...
Patrick Henry: Jury Trials Are the “Last and Best Privilege”
During the Virginia ratifying convention on June 20, 1789, Patrick Henry warned that the power bestowed to the Supreme Court would undermine the right to trial by jury. Henry was a strong opponent of ratification throughout the convention. He was deeply wary of the...
Patrick Henry Warns of “Dangerous and Destructive” Treaty Powers
Anti-Federalists generally worried that the Constitution would give the general government too much power. One area that caused concern was the power to make treaties. Patrick Henry addressed this issue in speeches during the Virginia ratifying convention. Under the...