Prequel to the Federalist Papers - The State House Yard Speech
James Wilson’s State House Yard Speech was the first public defense of the US Constitution.
The State House Yard Speech
Nineteen days after the Constitution was signed, James Wilson gave a speech to the people of Philadelphia defending the new Government in the yard of the Pennsylvania State House.
Forever after known as the State House Yard Speech, this was the first public discussion in favor of the Constitution.
In the two and a half weeks since the Constitution had been signed, dozens of Anti-Federalists had appeared, publishing articles ridiculing the document and calling out its many flaws.
The Thesis
Wilson’s speech covered many of the most criticized aspects of the Constitution including direct taxation, a standing army and the lack of a bill of rights.
Interestingly, this oratory covers many of the same topics (though in a much more consolidated form) that the Federalist Papers would spend the following year on.
When the speech was published around the United States, it became the basis of the argument for most pro-Constitution citizens.
In this capacity, the State House Yard Speech became the spiritual prequel to the Federalist Papers.
Standing Behind His Stance
Perhaps the most interesting thing about the State House Yard Speech is that James Wilson gave it in person and published it under his real name.
At a time when most essays about the Constitution (both Federalist and Anti-Federalist) were published anonymously, Wilson had the courage to sign his name to his beliefs.
In fact, he explicitly says that, as a Delegate to the convention, it was his responsibility to explain to the people that elected him how they came about the final product and why those people should choose to support the new Government.
Would you like to learn about the Federalist Papers?
Well, I’ve recently completed reviewing the entirety of the Federalist Papers so make sure you check out the list of Papers here:
