Address of the Albany Antifederal Committee, 1788

As we have been informed, that the advocates for the new constitution, have lately traveled through the several districts in the county, and propagated an opinion, that is a good system of government: we be leave to state in as few words as possible, some of the many objections against it.

1. The convention, who were appointed for the sole and express purpose of revisiting and amending the confederation, have taken upon themselves the power of making a new one.

2. The great and extensive powers granted to the new government over the lives, liberties, and property of every citizen.

3. The small number of members who are to compose the general legislature, which is to pass laws to govern so large and extensive a continent, inhabited by people of different laws, customs, and opinions, and many of them residing upwards of 400 miles from the seat of government.

4. The members of the government are not to be chosen by the people, but appointed by the legislature of each state for the term of six years. This will destroy their responsibility, and induce them to act like the masters and not the servants of the people.

5. The power to lay poll taxes, duties, imposts, excises, and other taxes.

6. Their laws are to be the supreme law of the land, and the judges in every state are to be bound thereby, notwithstanding the constitution or laws, of any state to the contrary – A sweeping clause, which subjects every thing to the controul of the new government.

7. Slaves are taken into the computation in apportioning the number of representatives, whereby 50,000 slaves, give an equal representation with 30,000 freemen…

8. The power to raise, support, and maintain a standing army in time of peace.