Why Did Patrick Henry Oppose the Constitution?
Quick Answer
Patrick Henry opposed the U.S. Constitution because he believed that it gave too much power to the central government at the expense of the state governments. This Anti-Federalist position caused him to avoid the Constitutional Convention of 1787, though he did argue against the adopting the Constitution at Virginia's constitutional convention.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
Henry did not consent to attend the Constitutional Convention because he "smelt a rat": he figured that the drafters of the Constitution were trying to create a more centralized government that would have more power than the weak regime authorized by the Articles of Confederation. Because of the objections of Anti-Federalists like Patrick Henry and Elbridge Gerry, the proponents of the new Constitution promised that they would link passage of the document with a Bill of Rights. This Bill of Rights, which later became the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, spelled out specific limits on the new central government. Though this did not placate all of the Anti-Federalists, it did help drag the new Constitution across the finish line. Henry continued to oppose the new Constitution, but his opposition softened over time. By 1799, he was a committed Federalist who spoke against proposals calling for states' nullification of federal laws, since he believed that any dissension or revolt against the U.S. Constitution would lead to civil war and tyranny.
Learn more about US HistoryRelated Questions
-
Q:
What Is the Purpose of Patrick Henry's Speech?
A: Patrick Henry delivered his "Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death" speech with the purpose of freeing Virginia from British colonial rule. Delivered in 1775, ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Major Issues Did the Framers of the Constitution Disagree Upon?
A: The framers disagreed upon many issues during the creation of the constitution, but they were most concerned about state representation, creating checks an... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is the Difference Between a Unitary and a Federal State?
A: A unitary state keeps all power under the control of the central government, while a federal state splits power between central authorities and local or re... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is a Confederate System of Government?
A: A confederate system of government is one where regional, or state, governments hold most of the power and the central government is weaker. The central go... Full Answer >Filed Under:
