Malcolm Rivera
The Federalists convinced enough states to support the new Constitution by arguing that it was a significant improvement over the Articles of Confederation and that it could be amended. In December 1787, Delaware became the first state to approve the Constitution. However, the outcome remained uncertain in pivotal states such as Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia. The Federalists strategically adjourned conventions and promised to consider amendments protecting individual liberties to gain support. They also used political incentives, such as the promise of the vice presidency, to secure critical votes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Convinced enough states that the new Constitution was an improvement over the Articles of Confederation | Delaware became the first state to approve the Constitution in December 1787 |
| Promised to consider amendments protecting the liberties of the people after the Constitution was ratified | Massachusetts became the sixth state to approve the Constitution by a narrow vote of 187 to 168 |
| Strategically adjourned the convention to muster more support | New Hampshire |
| Agreed to recommend a list of amendments amounting to a bill of rights | Massachusetts |
| Seduced John Hancock with visions of the vice presidency and possibly the presidency | John Hancock delivered a critical block of votes |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The Federalists convinced enough states that the new Constitution was an improvement on the Articles of Confederation
- Delaware was the first state to approve the Constitution in December 1787
- The Federalists promised to consider amendments protecting the liberties of the people
- John Hancock, a revolutionary leader, was seduced by the Federalists with visions of the vice presidency and possibly the presidency
- James Madison introduced proposals that were incorporated in 12 amendments by Congress in 1789
The Federalists convinced enough states that the new Constitution was an improvement on the Articles of Confederation
The Anti-Federalists mounted an effective opposition in essays and debates. Some demanded prior amendments to be sent to a second convention before they would accept the new government. During the debate in Massachusetts, opposition forced the Federalists to promise to consider amendments protecting the liberties of the people after the Constitution was ratified as written. On February 6, Massachusetts became the sixth state to approve the Constitution by a narrow vote of 187 to 168. In New Hampshire, the Federalists thought they did not have enough votes to ratify, so they adjourned the convention until June so that they could muster more support.
The Federalists agreed to recommend a list of amendments amounting to a bill of rights, and Massachusetts ratified the Constitution. The revolutionary leader, John Hancock, was seduced by the Federalists with visions of the vice presidency and possibly the presidency, and he delivered a critical block of votes. In the end, the Federalists promised to add amendments specifically protecting individual liberties. James Madison ultimately agreed to support a bill of rights to head off the possibility of a second convention that might undo the work of the first.
Virginia's Constitution Ratification: The Deciding Factors
You may want to see also
Delaware was the first state to approve the Constitution in December 1787
In December 1787, Delaware became the first state to approve the Constitution. The Federalists convinced enough states to support the new Constitution, arguing that it was a significant improvement over the Articles of Confederation. They also promised to add amendments to the Constitution to protect individual liberties, which was a key demand of the Anti-Federalists.
The Federalists' arguments were persuasive enough to secure the necessary votes for ratification. They emphasised that the Constitution could be amended or changed, and several states suggested amendments at the same time they voted to ratify it. This indicated that these states viewed ratification as a step in a process, rather than a final decision.
The Federalists faced opposition from the Anti-Federalists, who demanded prior amendments before accepting the new government. During the debate in Massachusetts, the Federalists agreed to consider amendments protecting the liberties of the people after ratification. This agreement was crucial in gaining the support of Massachusetts, which became the sixth state to approve the Constitution by a narrow vote of 187 to 168.
The Federalists also employed strategic adjournments to muster more support when they felt they did not have enough votes, as seen in New Hampshire. Additionally, they used the promise of political power to sway influential figures, such as John Hancock, who delivered a critical block of votes in Massachusetts.
Through a combination of persuasive arguments, strategic manoeuvres, and compromises, the Federalists gained enough votes to ratify the Constitution, with Delaware leading the way as the first state to approve it.
Rhode Island's Ratification: A Constitutional Turning Point
You may want to see also
The Federalists promised to consider amendments protecting the liberties of the people
The Anti-Federalists were mounting an effective opposition through essays and debates, and some demanded prior amendments to be sent to a second convention before they would accept the new government. During the debate in Massachusetts, the Federalists were forced to promise to consider amendments protecting the liberties of the people after the Constitution was ratified as written. This promise was critical in securing the approval of Massachusetts, which became the sixth state to approve the Constitution by a narrow vote of 187 to 168.
The Federalists also strategically adjourned the convention in New Hampshire, where they believed they did not have enough votes to ratify, until June so they could gather more support. In addition, they seduced the revolutionary leader John Hancock, who was initially undecided on the Constitution, with visions of the vice presidency and possibly the presidency, and he delivered a critical block of votes.
Ultimately, the Federalists agreed to support a bill of rights to prevent the possibility of a second convention that could undo the work of the first. Upon ratification of the Constitution, James Madison introduced proposals that were incorporated into 12 amendments by Congress in 1789. Ten of these amendments, now known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified by the states in 1791. The first amendment guarantees freedoms of religion, speech, press, peaceable assembly, and petition and has also been interpreted to protect the right of association.
The Constitution and George Washington: A Founding Father's Legacy
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$17.99 $17.99
John Hancock, a revolutionary leader, was seduced by the Federalists with visions of the vice presidency and possibly the presidency
Hancock's political bargain with Federalists was described by Rufus King: "Hancock will hereafter receive the universal support [for the governorship] of Bowdoins Friends, and we tell him that if Virginia does not unite, which is problematical that he is considered as the only fair candidate for President". Hancock's support for the Federalists was critical in delivering a block of votes.
The Federalists convinced enough states to support the new Constitution by arguing that it was a big improvement over the Articles of Confederation and that it could be amended. They also promised to add amendments specifically protecting individual liberties.
John Adams' Stance on Ratifying the Constitution
You may want to see also
James Madison introduced proposals that were incorporated in 12 amendments by Congress in 1789
The Federalists convinced enough states to support the new Constitution by arguing that it was a big improvement on the Articles of Confederation and that it could be amended. Several states suggested amendments to the Constitution at the same time they voted to ratify it.
James Madison, a Federalist, introduced proposals that were incorporated into 12 amendments by Congress in 1789. Madison agreed to support a bill of rights to head off the possibility of a second convention that might undo the work of the first. The first of these amendments contains guarantees of freedom of religion, speech, press, peaceable assembly, and petition.
The Constitution: Ratification for a United Future
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Federalists convinced enough states that the new Constitution was a big improvement over the Articles of Confederation. They also promised to add amendments to protect individual liberties.
Delaware became the first state to approve the Constitution in December 1787.
Massachusetts became the sixth state to approve the Constitution by a narrow vote of 187 to 168.
John Hancock, the revolutionary leader, was initially unable to make up his mind on the Constitution. However, he was eventually persuaded by the Federalists with the promise of the vice presidency or possibly the presidency. Hancock delivered a critical block of votes.
The Federalists agreed to recommend a list of amendments amounting to a bill of rights, which included guarantees of freedom of religion, speech, press, peaceable assembly, and petition.
