Patrick Henry warned June 5, 1788:
“My great objection to this Government is, that it does not leave us the means of defending our rights, or of waging war against tyrants …
There is to be a great and mighty President, with very extensive powers — the powers of a King …
This Constitution … squints towards monarchy …
Your President may easily become King …
If your American Chief be a man of ambition and abilities, how easy is it for him to render himself absolute!
The army is in his hands … and it will be … with him to seize the first auspicious moment to accomplish his design …
The President … can prescribe the terms on which he shall reign master, so far that it will puzzle any American ever to get his neck from under the galling yoke …