This 1788 essay by the Maryland Antifederalist known as “A Farmer” or “Maryland Farmer,” likely John Francis Mercer, discusses possible issues with the proposed constitution’s mode of representation. The author argues that representative government only works when based on fixed, aristocratic social classes with defined social responsibilities. He argues that senators and the executive should be elected for life. This fixed ruling cohort would prevent oligarchies from taking over the representative government created by the Constitution. “A Farmer” argues that everyone should have the right to vote, regardless of property ownerships, but that only those who own property should be allowed to govern.