Eleanor Finch
The Virginia Ratifying Convention, also known as the Virginia Federal Convention, was a meeting of 168 delegates from Virginia who convened in Richmond in 1788 to ratify or reject the United States Constitution. The Convention met from June 2 through June 27, and on June 26, 1788, the delegates ratified the Constitution in the name and on behalf of the People of Virginia. This was not the first time Virginia had ratified an amendment to the Constitution; in 2006, Virginia voters ratified an amendment to the Bill of Rights prohibiting same-sex marriage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 26 June 1788 |
| Delegates | 168 |
| Location | Richmond Theatre, Richmond |
| Convention president | Judge Edmund Pendleton |
| Amendment | Same-sex marriage ban |
| Amendment ratification date | 7 November 2006 |
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What You'll Learn
The Virginia Ratifying Convention
The delegates to the Virginia Ratifying Convention represented a diverse range of perspectives and interests within the state. They included representatives from different geographic regions, social classes, and political factions. The Convention provided a forum for these diverse viewpoints to be expressed and debated, and the final decision to ratify the Constitution was the result of a complex process of negotiation and compromise.
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The Federal Convention
The Convention declared that the powers granted under the Constitution were derived from the People of the United States and could be resumed by them if they were ever perverted to their injury or oppression. They also asserted that any power not explicitly granted to the federal government remained with the people and that no right could be cancelled, abridged, restrained, or modified by Congress, the President, or any department or officer of the United States.
The delegates recognised that while the Constitution may have had imperfections, they believed that these should be examined and addressed through the processes outlined in the Constitution itself, rather than delaying its ratification and potentially endangering the Union.
On June 26, 1788, the delegates, in the name and on behalf of the People of Virginia, assented to and ratified the Constitution, announcing that it was binding upon the People of Virginia. This ratification was an important step in the process of establishing the United States Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
In 2006, Virginia voters ratified an amendment to the state's Bill of Rights, prohibiting same-sex marriage. This amendment had been previously approved by the General Assembly.
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The United States Constitution
On 7 November 2006, Virginia voters ratified an amendment to the Bill of Rights, previously approved by the General Assembly, prohibiting same-sex marriage.
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The General Assembly
The ratification of the Constitution by Virginia was a significant moment in the history of the United States. Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies that had declared independence from Britain in 1776, and it played a crucial role in the formation of the new nation. The ratification of the Constitution by Virginia helped to solidify the union and set the stage for the creation of a strong federal government.
Today, the General Assembly of Virginia is the legislative body of the state, and it is responsible for making laws and setting policies that affect the lives of all Virginians. The Assembly is composed of two houses: the Senate and the House of Delegates. The Senate is the upper house, with 40 members, while the House of Delegates is the lower house, with 100 members. The two houses work together to pass laws and oversee the state's budget and administration.
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The Bill of Rights
The amendments in the Bill of Rights cover a range of topics, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, and protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. They also establish the rights of those accused of crimes, including the right to a speedy trial and the right to an attorney.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitution was ratified in Virginia on 26 June 1788.
The Virginia Ratifying Convention, also known as the Virginia Federal Convention.
There were 168 delegates.
The convention took place in Richmond at the Richmond Theatre, which is now the site of Monumental Church.
Yes, in 2006, Virginia voters ratified an amendment to the state's Bill of Rights prohibiting same-sex marriage.
