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Zion Besieg'd and Attack'd, 1787.
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This political cartoon is allegorical, full of birds, snakes, animals, and people depicted as animals. Detail of a proposed attack on the Pennsylvania Constitution, pictured as a fort with figures hoisting telescopes, peering down from the fortress. A satyr lifts a figure with the face of Hamilton. The accompanying text, "Follow me up boys, I will be governor. This constitution is too democratic. The people are not virtuous enough to enjoy such liberty. We are the Gentleman's party and will keep down those Plae-beans."

Credit: Courtesy of The Library Company of Philadelphia

Opposition to Pennsylvania's radical state constitution of 1776 resulted in a state convention that drafted a new, more conservative constitution in 1790. This complex political cartoon from 1787 shows artisans defending the constitution against the wealthy. The text at the bottom reads, "Follow me up boys, I will be governor. This constitution is too democratic. The people are not virtuous enough to enjoy such liberty. We are the Gentleman's party and will keep down those Plae-beans."

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