The Impartial Examiner was the pseudonym used by an Anti-Federalist writer who published a series of essays in the Virginia Independent Chronicle. The author’s identity remains uncertain, though some scholars have suggested possible connections to Virginia political circles.
The Impartial Examiner’s essays criticized the proposed Constitution’s structure and potential for abuse of power. The writer focused on concerns about federal overreach and the need for explicit protections of individual rights.
Warns that the Constitution’s supremacy clause would destroy state sovereignty and create a dangerously powerful federal government without protecting individual rights.
Argues that the Constitution’s taxation powers would create interstate conflicts while its excise, military, and judicial provisions would destroy traditional liberties.
Examines whether constitutional change is necessary, noting agreement on strengthening federal commerce and taxation powers but disagreement over whether the proposed system sacrifices too much liberty.
