Part II: Ratification of the Constitution, Chapters 31-34 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 31: Speech of James Wilson (October 6th, 1787)

The Constitution goes to the states for ratification. Chapter 31 opens in Pennsylvania, whose legislature is already in session. James Wilson, a federalist, is calling for immediate elections. James Wilson is asked to defend the Constitution. He argues that an omission of a bill of rights is not a problem because the Constitution is clear that the national government only has the rights delegated to it. He argues that the abolition of trial by jury at the federal level is not a general problem. He further argues that the Constitution, while permitting a standing army, is not in this respect distinct from the Articles of Confederation. He claims the Constitution will not annihilate the states, because, for instance, the state legislatures...