Why Did The Framers Ratify The Constitution?

The ratification of the US Constitution was pushed by influential figures' support, the promise of a Bill of Rights, and the necessity for large, influential states to endorse the new government structure. The debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists, embodying contrasting views on government power, ultimately resulted in the Constitution's ratification and the addition of the Bill of Rights. The film *Empire of Reason* illustrates key events and influences that led convention delegates to ratify the US Constitution in 1787-1788.

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Influential figures' support

The support of influential figures was key to the ratification of the US Constitution. James Madison and George Washington were among the most prominent supporters of the Constitution, with Washington's intervention through letter writing proving particularly persuasive to many delegates in Virginia. The support of these key figures, along with the promise to add a Bill of Rights after ratification, were crucial to Virginia's decision to ratify. Virginia and New York were large and influential states, and their eventual ratification provided crucial support for the newly formed union. Without these states, the viability of the new government would have been in doubt.

The debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists, embodying contrasting views on government power, ultimately resulted in the Constitution's ratification and the addition of the Bill of Rights. Federalists argued for a robust central government, while Anti-Federalists warned of potential tyranny. This debate highlighted the need for compromise and adjustments to the Constitution. The Federalists and Anti-Federalists recognised the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation, which had created a weak federal government that struggled to maintain order and effectively govern the new nation. Delegates recognised that a stronger central government was necessary for the unity and stability of the states.

The promise of a Bill of Rights

The support of influential figures, such as George Washington and James Madison, was also instrumental in swaying conventioneers to ratify the Constitution. Washington and Madison actively advocated for the Constitution and their intervention through letter writing, particularly in Virginia, persuaded many delegates. The ratification by key states like Virginia and New York played a pivotal role in securing the Constitution's acceptance. These large and influential states provided crucial support for the newly formed union and their endorsements addressed concerns about the viability of the new government.

The inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation, which created a weak federal government that struggled to maintain order and effectively govern the new nation, also contributed to the push for ratification. Delegates recognised that a stronger central government was necessary for the unity and stability of the states. The combination of these factors, including the promise of a Bill of Rights, ultimately convinced conventioneers to ratify the US Constitution.

The need for a stronger central government

The ratification of the US Constitution was pushed by influential figures' support, the promise of a Bill of Rights, and the necessity for large, influential states to endorse the new government structure. The Articles of Confederation had created a weak federal government that struggled to maintain order and effectively govern the new nation. Delegates recognised that a stronger central government was necessary for the unity and stability of the states.

The Federalists argued for a robust central government, while the Anti-Federalists warned of potential tyranny. This debate highlighted the need for compromise and adjustments to the Constitution. The ratification by key states like Virginia and New York played a pivotal role in securing the Constitution's acceptance. Without these states, the viability of the new government would have been in doubt.

The combination of recognising the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation, support from prominent figures, the promise of a Bill of Rights, and the debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists were instrumental in encouraging convention delegates to ratify the Constitution.

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Ratification by key states

The ratification of the US Constitution by large and influential states such as Virginia and New York was crucial to its acceptance. These states' endorsements were pivotal in securing the viability of the new government. Their approvals also emphasised the contentious atmosphere surrounding ratification, with narrow majorities in favour.

Before the Constitution, the Articles of Confederation had created a weak federal government that struggled to maintain order and effectively govern the new nation. Delegates recognised that a stronger central government was necessary for the unity and stability of the states. This recognition of the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation was a key factor in pushing conventioneers to ratify the Constitution.

The support of influential figures such as George Washington and James Madison was also important in advocating for the Constitution. Washington's intervention through letter writing, for example, persuaded many delegates in Virginia. These key figures, along with the promise to add a Bill of Rights after ratification, were crucial to Virginia's decision to ratify.

The debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists, embodying contrasting views on government power, ultimately resulted in the Constitution's ratification and the addition of the Bill of Rights. Federalists argued for a robust central government, while Anti-Federalists warned of potential tyranny. This debate highlighted the need for compromise and adjustments to the Constitution.

The inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation had failed to provide the federal government with the power to regulate interstate commerce, which had resulted in economic instability. The federal government was also unable to effectively resolve disputes between the states, as it lacked the power to enforce its decisions.

The Articles of Confederation had also failed to provide for a strong national defence. The federal government did not have the power to raise and support an army or navy, which left the nation vulnerable to attack.

Additionally, the Articles of Confederation had created a system of government that was overly dependent on the states. The federal government lacked the power to enforce its laws and was reliant on the states for funding. This had resulted in a situation where the federal government was effectively subordinate to the states, rather than being a strong, independent central authority.

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