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Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry Quotes

Governor of Virginia

Patrick Henry, born on May 29, 1736, and died on June 6, 1799, was a prominent political figure and orator during the American Revolutionary War. He served as the Governor of Virginia and is remembered for his passionate speeches and unwavering stance. Henry is famous for his famous slogan 'Give me liberty or give me death' in a speech before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which inspired many Americans to join the fight for independence.

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Famous Patrick Henry Quotes

“I have the highest veneration of those Gentleman, -- but, Sir, give me leave to demand, what right had they to say, We, the People? My political curiosity, exclusive of my anxious solicitude for the public welfare, leads me to ask who authorized them to speak the language of, We, the People, instead of We, the States? States are the characteristics, and the soul of the confederation. If the States be not the agents of this compact, it must be one of great consolidated National Government of the people of all the States.”

“First, the constitution ought to secure a genuine and guard against a select militia, by providing that the militia shall always be kept well organized, armed, and disciplined, and include, according to the past and general usuage of the states, all men capable of bearing arms; and that all regulations tending to render this general militia useless and defenceless, by establishing select corps of militia, or distinct bodies of military men, not having permanent interests and attachments in the community to be avoided.”

“I look on that paper (the Constitution) as the most fatal plan that could possibly be conceived to enslave a free people.”

People Looks Plans Paper Constitution

Author:Patrick Henry

“[Our Constitution] is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.”

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Author:Patrick Henry

“The Constitution is said to have beautiful features; but when I come to examine these features, Sir, they appear to me horribly frightful. Among other deformities, it has an awful squinting - it squints towards monarchy. And does not this raise indignation in the breast of every true American? Your president may easily become king. Where are your checks in this government? I would rather infinitely - and I am sure most of this convention are of the same opinion - have a king, lords, and commons than a government so replete with such insupportable evils.”

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Author:Patrick Henry

“My political curiosity, exclusive of my anxious solicitude for the public welfare, leads me to ask who authorized them (the framers of the Constitution) to speak the language of 'We, the People,' instead of 'We, the States'?”

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Author:Patrick Henry

“....I am sure that the dangers of this system (the Federal Constitution) are real, when those who have no similar interest with the people of this country (the South) are to legislate for us - when our dearest rights are to be left, in the hands of those, whose advantage it will be to infringe them.”

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Author:Patrick Henry

“What right do they have to say "we the people" rather than we the States?”

People States Constitution

Author:Patrick Henry