Eleanor Finch
The ratification of the Constitution was a long and arduous process. The Constitution needed to be ratified by at least nine states to go into effect. Leading Federalists James Madison and Alexander Hamilton made a case for ratification in the Federalist Papers, while leading Anti-Federalists Patrick Henry and George Mason argued against it. George Washington also played an active role in the ratification process, sending copies of the document to political leaders and urging them to support it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of ratification | 21st June 1788 |
| Number of states required to ratify | At least nine |
| States that ratified | Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York |
| Leading Federalists | James Madison, Alexander Hamilton |
| Leading Anti-Federalists | Patrick Henry, George Mason |
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What You'll Learn
The Federalist Papers
The Federalists believed that the ratification of the Constitution was necessary to ensure a stronger, more centralised government. They argued that the Articles of Confederation, which had previously governed the country, were no longer fit for purpose, as they treated the individual states as independent, sovereign countries. This, the Federalists believed, was a threat to the stability of the nation.
Leading Federalists, Hamilton and Madison, made their case for ratification in the Federalist Papers. They were opposed by the Anti-Federalists, led by Patrick Henry and George Mason. Mason refused to sign the final document, arguing that the central government created by the Constitution would threaten liberty and take power away from the individual states.
Despite this opposition, the Federalists were ultimately successful in their campaign. On 6 February, Massachusetts became the sixth state to approve the Constitution. Two other states, Maryland and South Carolina, soon followed, bringing the total to eight. On 21 June 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, meaning that it could now go into effect.
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The Anti-Federalists
Other Anti-Federalists included the three most recent governors of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Benjamin Harrison, who each had serious reservations about the Constitution.
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The role of George Washington
George Washington played a key role in the ratification of the Constitution. He was an active participant in the process, sending copies of the document to influential figures such as Thomas Jefferson, the Marquis de Lafayette, Benjamin Harrison, Patrick Henry, and Edmund Randolph. He also wrote letters to political leaders across the nation, urging them to support the Constitution. Washington's efforts were crucial in building support for the Constitution and ensuring its eventual ratification.
Washington's support for the Constitution was based on his belief in the need for a stronger, more centralized government. He recognised that the Articles of Confederation, which had previously governed the country, were inadequate for a nation seeking stability and unity. Washington's influence as a respected leader and his clear articulation of the benefits of the Constitution helped to sway public opinion and secure the necessary votes for ratification.
Washington's role in the ratification process was also shaped by his understanding of the potential consequences for himself and the nation. He was aware that the adoption of the Constitution would likely lead to his election as the first President of the United States. While this prospect may have been appealing to some, Washington also knew that it would mean leaving his beloved estate at Mount Vernon.
Washington's decision to actively promote the ratification of the Constitution demonstrates his commitment to the stability and unity of the nation. He recognised that a stronger central government was necessary to effectively govern the diverse and growing country. Washington's leadership and influence were critical factors in the successful ratification of the Constitution, which became the official framework of the United States government on June 21, 1788.
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The Articles of Confederation
The final draft of the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union was completed on 15 November 1777. Consensus was achieved by including language guaranteeing that each state retained its sovereignty, leaving the matter of western land claims in the hands of the individual states, including language stating that votes in Congress would be en bloc by state, and establishing a unicameral legislature with limited and clearly delineated powers.
The first state to ratify was Virginia on 16 December 1777; 12 states had ratified the Articles by February 1779, 14 months into the process.
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The influence of Virginia and New York
The ratification of the Constitution required the support of at least nine states. However, the approval of Virginia and New York was also considered essential due to their political and economic influence and geographical location.
Virginia's support was critical because it was home to several influential figures with reservations about the Constitution. For example, Washington sent copies of the document to Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette, seeking their backing. He also corresponded with three former governors of Virginia, Benjamin Harrison, Patrick Henry, and Edmund Randolph, all of whom had serious concerns about the Constitution.
New York's Alexander Hamilton played a pivotal role in calling for a constitutional convention to reevaluate the nation's governing document. He recognised the need for a stronger, more centralised government, which the Articles of Confederation had failed to provide. Hamilton's leadership and New York's influence were instrumental in shaping the ratification debate and ultimately securing the required number of states to ratify the Constitution.
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Frequently asked questions
At least nine states needed to ratify the Constitution for it to go into effect.
The Federalists, led by James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, argued in favour of ratification.
The Anti-Federalists, led by Patrick Henry and George Mason, argued against ratification.
In New Hampshire, the Federalists adjourned the convention until June so that they could gain more support for ratification.
Washington actively supported ratification, sending copies of the document to political leaders and urging them to support it.
