Patrick henry made this statement in his speech at the virginia ratifying convention. the purpose of the speech was to explain why he opposed ratifying the constitution without a bill of rights. a quotation by patrick henry at the virginia ratifying convention. he says, you are not to inquire how your trade may be increased, nor how you are to become a great and powerful people, but how your liberties can be secured, for liberty ought to be the direct end of your government. © 2013 flvs with which statement would the author of the quote above most likely agree? the president should have the ability to meet with leaders from around the world to plan for war. the u. s. supreme court should have the ability to strike down a law limiting prayer on public property. the new york legislature should have the ability to pass a law limiting media coverage of a local tragedy. a coalition of u. s. senators should be able to add nasa funding to the new congressional budget.