a key role in the close vote favoring ratification. A number of Virginians were angered by Randolph's change in position concerning the Constitution.

Randolph ultimately refused to sign the final document, one of only three members who remained in the Constitutional Convention yet refused to sign (together with fellow Virginian George Mason and Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts and of Gerryman-dering fame). Randolph thought the final document lacked sufficient checks and balances, and published an account of his objections in October, 1787. Ran-dolph had several objections to the Convention's proposal. He thought the federal judiciary would pose a threat to state courts, and he thought the Senate was too powerful and Congress's power too broad. He also objected to there being no provision for a second convention to act afte...

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