The Constitution's Ratification: A Story For Young Learners

The United States Constitution went into effect on March 4, 1789, after nine states had approved it. This is known as 'ratification'. The Federalists, who were advocates of the Constitution, had to use clever tactics to get the states to agree. One by one, the states held conventions to debate the document. The first five conventions voted for ratification, but in other states, hard fighting was required. In the end, all 13 states agreed to the Constitution.

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The minimum number of states needed to ratify the Constitution was nine

The process of ratification was not easy. One by one, each state held a convention to debate the document. The Federalists, or advocates of the Constitution, had to use clever tactics to ensure they were not defeated. In Massachusetts, for example, a majority of the delegates were initially unfriendly and the convention lasted almost a month. In Richmond, Virginia, Patrick Henry and George Mason argued against the Constitution, while James Madison, John Marshall, and George Washington directed the Federalist forces. Virginia eventually voted for ratification by a close margin.

The Federalists were advocates of the Constitution

The Federalists used clever tactics to convince the states to ratify the Constitution. They knew that if they could get the first few states to agree, it would create a favourable impression and make it easier to persuade the others. And they were right! The first five states to ratify the Constitution were Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut.

However, it wasn't easy for the Federalists in every state. In Massachusetts, for example, most of the delegates were initially unfriendly towards the Constitution. It took almost a month of debating before Massachusetts finally agreed to ratify.

The Federalists also faced strong opposition in Virginia and New York, two states considered vital to the Constitution's success. Patrick Henry and George Mason argued against ratification, but in the end, Virginia voted in favour by a close margin on June 25, 1788.

In the end, the Federalists were successful, and the Constitution was ratified by the required minimum of nine states. The last state needed to reach this number was New Hampshire, which ratified the Constitution on June 21, 1788. The Constitution officially went into effect on March 4, 1789.

The first five conventions voted for ratification

The United States Constitution went into effect on March 4, 1789, after nine states had approved it. The minimum number of nine states was assured when New Hampshire ratified the Constitution on June 21, 1788. The first five conventions voted for ratification one by one. Delaware ratified the Constitution on December 7, 1787, Pennsylvania on December 12, New Jersey on December 18, and within the first two weeks of 1788, Georgia and Connecticut followed suit. In other states, hard fighting was required. In Massachusetts, a majority of the delegates were at first unfriendly, and the convention wrangled for almost a month. Of the four remaining states, two were considered vital to success—Virginia and New York. In Richmond, Virginia, Patrick Henry and George Mason argued against the Constitution while James Madison, John Marshall, and George Washington skillfully directed the Federalist forces. Finally, on June 25, 1788, Virginia voted for ratification by a close margin. The two states that took a long time to decide to agree were Rhode Island and North Carolina.

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Two states took a long time to decide to agree

After the Convention, the Constitution had to be approved by the states. Only nine states had to agree to, or ratify, the Constitution, but everyone wanted all 13 states to agree. Two states took a long time to decide to agree. These states were Rhode Island and North Carolina. In the end, they did agree. Once the first nine states agreed, we say the Constitution was “ratified”. New Hampshire was the ninth state to ratify.

The Federalists, as the advocates of the Constitution were called, had to use clever tactics to get the Constitution ratified. One by one, the states held conventions to debate the document. A favourable impression was produced when the first five conventions readily voted for ratification. Delaware ratified the Constitution on December 7, 1787; Pennsylvania on December 12; New Jersey on December 18; and within the first two weeks of 1788, Georgia and Connecticut. In other states, however, hard fighting was required. In Massachusetts, a majority of the delegates were at first unfriendly, and the convention wrangled for almost a month.

Of the four remaining states after New Hampshire ratified the Constitution, two were considered vital to success—Virginia and New York. In Richmond, Virginia, Patrick Henry and George Mason argued against the Constitution while James Madison, John Marshall, and George Washington skillfully directed the Federalist forces. Finally, on June 25, 1788, Virginia voted for ratification by a close margin. The Constitution went into effect on March 4, 1789, after nine states had approved it.

The Framers added an amendment process

The Federalists, as the advocates of the Constitution were called, had to use clever tactics to get the Constitution ratified. One by one, the states held conventions to debate the document. Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia and Connecticut all voted for ratification. In other states, hard fighting was required. In Massachusetts, a majority of the delegates were at first unfriendly, and the convention wrangled for almost a month. In Richmond, Virginia, Patrick Henry and George Mason argued against the Constitution while James Madison, John Marshall, and George Washington skillfully directed the Federalist forces. Virginia eventually voted for ratification by a close margin.

The minimum number of nine states was assured when New Hampshire ratified the Constitution on June 21, 1788. The Constitution went into effect on March 4, 1789, after nine states had approved it.

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