Shall Liberty or Empire Be Sought?

In his influential speech at the Virginia ratifying convention on June 5, 1788, Patrick Henry passionately opposed the ratification of the United States Constitution, famously questioning whether "Liberty or Empire" should be sought. Emphasizing the importance of rights and liberties, he expressed skepticism about the Constitution's promises, arguing that it would ultimately fail to protect them. Henry prioritized liberty over unity, criticized the powers granted to the president and Senate, and voiced concerns over a standing army, suggesting that he would prefer a monarchy where the people could impose checks on a king, rather than a system allowing presidential control over military power.