Ratification Convention Debate Analysis

Jeremy Keeshin

Debate in the Virginia Ratifying Convention 1. There are many reasons that there is such a tremendous fear of this “national” government, the most prominent being that it makes them more like Britain with a centralized monarchy. George Mason vehemently argues the point that a government over an expansive amount of land cannot exist while still maintaining the liberties of the people. He says that there has never before been an exception to the rule. He feels and argues that the more they reform to this national government, the more the states lose their power. They fear this national government because there would be a battle between the states and nation for power and rights, such as taxation. The more the government centralizes, the more it compromises the original focus, which was to preserve the liberties of the people. Those are his worries and fears about the new constitution that however, could be acquiesced by the capability to make amendments. 2. Patrick Henry’s concept of liberty includes mostly the capability to go about life with out worrying of the “dangers” presented by a centralized government. He emphasizes the part that true liberty with this Constitution must have within it the capabilities to make amendments. He points out, however, how lousy this document is at allowing these amendments. He goes on to give countless examples about how if three fourths or two thirds are needed to pass, and that group is made up of incompetent persons, these needed amendments cannot get passed. His perception of liberty means that one must stray from monarchy in order to preserve the rights of the people. He mentions an instance of how easily a president can slip and become a king. This is the fine line mentioned by Patrick Henry about liberty and how it must be protected.