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’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...
Setting a Foundation: The Virginia Declaration of Rights
On June 12, 1776, the Fifth Virginia Convention passed the Virginia Declaration of Rights. It is arguably the most important founding document that most people have never heard of. The Virginia Declaration of Rights laid the groundwork for both the Declaration of...