[Sequoya]

Hamilton wrote Federalist 81 and was eloquent about the sovereignty of the states.

Jefferson was still in France during the Constitutional Convention but they relied heavily on his previous writings. Jefferson was very influential in the formation of the Constitution even though he wasn’t there for the debates.

But many people don’t like Jefferson as much as other founders and I find that interesting. Jefferson is one of my favorites. Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Sam Adams, and Patrick Henry are my favorites.

[Non-Sequitur]

Jefferson was very influential in the formation of the Constitution even though he wasn’t there for the debates.

I'm currently reading "What Kind of Nation: Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall, and the Epic Struggle to Create a United States" by James F. Simon. In it Simon points out that Jefferson played no part in the creation of the Constitution. In fact his initial reaction to Madison's creation was decided unenthusiastic, and he was always a reluctant supporter.

[republicanwizard]

Interesting. You cite two people in particular who didn't believe that the Constitution was a good idea. Sam Adams and Patrick Henry opposed ratification. Maybe then they were right; Lincoln should have not felt constricted by a bad document.