Antifederalist Writings and Speeches
Maryland
(A Farmer, Essay V)
A 1788 essay by the Antifederalist “Maryland Farmer” arguing that the Constitution would not create a true republic at the national level.
New York
Essays of Brutus I through XVI
A series of essays arguing against ratification of the Constitution.
Observations Leading to a Fair Examination of the System of Government Proposed by the Late Convention (Letters from the Federal Farmer, I through VI)
Essays against ratification by the Antifederalist author known as “The Federal Farmer.”
The Impartial Examiner
Virginia (The Impartial Examiner, Essay I)
An Antifederalist essay arguing that the Constitution creates an “arbitrary government.”
Pennsylvania
Centinel I
One of the earliest Antifederalist essays opposing the ratification of the Constitution, written to the people of Pennsylvania.
The Address and Reasons of Dissent of the Minority of the Convention of Pennsylvania to their Constituents
A report produced by the Antifederalists of the Pennsylvania Ratifying Convention.
Massachusetts
Virginia
Speeches of Patrick Henry in the Virginia State Ratifying Convention
Speeches made by Patrick Henry against the ratification of the Constitution at the Virginia ratifying convention.
Support ContextUS
ContextUS is an open source, non-profit project. Support us by making a tax-deductible donation.
Make a Donation