This document summarizes the ratification process of the US Constitution. It explains that 9 of the 13 original states had to ratify the Constitution for it to take effect. It describes the arguments made by Anti-Federalists, who opposed ratification due to concerns about individual rights protections and the scope of national government power. It also outlines the counterarguments of Federalists in favor of ratification and a stronger central government. Finally, it lists the dates that each state ratified the Constitution.

1. THE FINAL STEP
Ratification

2. Ratification Process
9 of 13 states had to ratify or approve
 Why not all 13 states?
Constitution would be presented to special
conventions in each state
 Delegates to conventions would be elected by popular vote
Example of Social Contract Theory
 Locke—Just governments “derive their…powers from the
consent of the governed.”

3. George Mason (VA)
Luther Martin (MD)
Robert Yates (NY)
Patrick Henry (VA)
Elbridge Gerry (MA)
Mercy Otis Warren
(MA)
Richard Henry Lee
(VA)
Leading Anti-Federalists

4. Rights not
protected/needed Bill
of Rights
Only House of Reps is
chosen directly by the
people
Powers given to
national gov’t were
vague & general &
could be unlimited
National gov’t would
be too far removed
from average citizens
Not enough protection
from national gov’t
becoming too powerful
Anti-Federalist Arguments

5. Do You Agree?
What do you think…
 Was the national government too big?
 Was a Bill of Rights needed?
 What was better for the people – a strong national government
or a strong state government?
 At this point…would you vote to approve the Constitution as it
is?
You have to wonder what the other side thinks…

6. Federalist Papers
John Jay (NY)
James Madison (VA)
Alexander Hamilton
(NY)
Series of 85 essays
promoting ratification
of the Constitution
Published under the
name Publius, meaning
“public”
Leading Federalists

7. Would fix problems of
Articles
Rights protected by
separation of powers,
checks & balances, &
system of
representation
Bill of rights not
necessary, state
constitutions already
had them
Civic virtue alone will
not promote welfare,
gov’t is also needed to
do so
Federalist Arguments

8. Which Side Would You Have Taken
What do you think…
 Was the national government fine the way it was?
 Was a Bill of Rights needed?
 Would you have voted to approve the Constitution as it was?

9. Ratification
Delaware Dec. 7, 1787
Pennsylvania Dec. 12,
1787
New Jersey Dec. 18, 1787
Georgia Jan. 2, 1788
Connecticut Jan. 9, 1788
Massachusetts Feb. 6
1788
Maryland April 28, 1788
South Carolina May 23,
1788
New Hampshire June 21,
1788
 Virginia June 25, 1788
New York July 26, 1788
North Carolina Nov. 21,
1789
Rhode Island May 29,
1790