George Bryan and John Smilie published a series of eight articles signed by “An Old Whig” from October 1787 to February 1788, expressing concern about the ratification of the newly-drafted Constitution of the United States. Among the warnings contained in the articles was this observation about political power:
“It is a matter of immense consequence, in establishing a government which is to last for ages, and which, if it be suffered to depart from the principles of liberty in the beginning, will in all probability, never return to them, that we consider carefully what sort of government we are about to form. Power is very easily increased; indeed it naturally grows in every government, but it hardly ever lessens.”
Benjamin Franklin’s Rules for How to Lose a Great Empire in 20 Easy Steps
Benjamin Franklin explained how to lose a great empire in 20 easy steps. Explore his hilarious 1773 satire—and why Britain should have taken the hint.
Rattlesnakes for Felons: Benjamin Franklin’s Plan to Repay Britain
Benjamin Franklin answered Britain’s convict shipments with “Rattlesnakes for Felons,” a satirical proposal to send rattlesnakes in return—and place them near Parliament.
The Pine Tree Riot: Before Colonists Dumped Tea, They Fought Over Trees
Before the Boston Tea Party, New Hampshire colonists fought the Crown over white pine trees in the forgotten 1772 Pine Tree Riot.
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