Jonah Patel
The ratification of the U.S. Constitution was a long and arduous process, with passionate debates taking place across the states. The Federalists, who supported the Constitution, were led by prominent figures such as Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. Hamilton and Madison played a crucial role in lobbying for votes in favour of ratification, and they, along with Jay, authored the Federalist Papers to promote their cause. George Washington, although against political divisions, also strongly supported the ratification of the Constitution, believing that the Articles of Confederation had failed to provide adequate governance. He actively participated in the ratification process, writing letters to political leaders and urging them to support the Constitution. The support of these influential figures was instrumental in shaping the outcome of the ratification debates and ultimately led to the establishment of a new federal government.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of speakers supporting the ratification of the Constitution | 2 |
| Names of the speakers | Alexander Hamilton, James Madison |
| Other names involved in the process | John Jay, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall, Patrick Henry, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Morris, John Dunlap, David Claypoole |
| Year of the ratification of the US Constitution | 1787 |
| Date of the signing of the US Constitution | September 17, 1787 |
| Number of states that needed to ratify the Constitution | 9 out of 13 |
| First state to ratify the Constitution | Delaware |
| Date of Delaware's ratification | December 7, 1787 |
| Date the Constitution became the official framework of the US government | June 21, 1788 |
| Number of delegates that signed the US Constitution | 38 or 39 out of 41 or 55 |
| Publications supporting the ratification | The Federalist Papers, The Pennsylvania Packet |
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What You'll Learn
Alexander Hamilton and James Madison led the lobbying efforts
Hamilton, now Secretary of the Treasury, sought passage of the Funding Act so that the federal government could assume state Revolutionary War debts and thus endow the government with more economic power. He proposed that the federal Treasury take over and pay off the debt states had incurred to pay for the American Revolutionary War. The Treasury would issue bonds that rich people would buy, thereby giving the rich a tangible stake in the success of the national government.
Madison's support of the bill of rights was of critical significance. As one of the new representatives from Virginia to the First Federal Congress, he worked tirelessly to persuade the House to enact amendments. Defusing the anti-Federalists' objections to the Constitution, Madison was able to shepherd through 17 amendments in the early months of Congress, a list that was later trimmed to 12 in the Senate.
Hamilton and Madison's efforts were not without opposition. Some states voiced opposition to the Constitution on the grounds that it did not provide protection for rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press. However, the terms of the Massachusetts Compromise reached in February 1788 stipulated that amendments to that effect—what became the Bill of Rights—would be immediately proposed. Despite this, passions in the state were warm, with pro- and anti-Federalist groups clashing.
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George Washington supported ratification
George Washington, who was unanimously elected president of the Philadelphia convention, supported the ratification of the Constitution. He believed that the unity of the nation had been tested under the Articles of Confederation, and the current government was so powerless that it would soon dissolve. In a letter to the Marquis de Lafayette, he expressed his surprise that "the men of large property in the south should be more afraid that the constitution should produce an Aristocracy or a Monarchy than the genuine democratical people of the east".
Washington, therefore, took an active role in the ratification process. He spent his mornings writing letters to political leaders throughout the nation, urging them to support the Constitution. He also sent copies of the document to Thomas Jefferson, the Marquis de Lafayette, and the three most recent governors of Virginia, Benjamin Harrison, Patrick Henry, and Edmund Randolph, who each had serious reservations about the Constitution.
Washington's support for the ratification was widely known and had a strong influence. He facilitated the ratification of the Constitution throughout various states, including Virginia. He also helped to persuade the House to enact amendments, which became the Bill of Rights.
Washington's leadership during the convention prompted delegates to envision an executive with wide-ranging powers. He was subsequently elected the first president of the United States in 1789.
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Washington's correspondence laid out reasons for his support
George Washington's correspondence laid out several reasons for his support for the ratification of the Constitution. Firstly, he believed that the unity of the nation had been weakened by the Articles of Confederation, which allowed states to act more like independent, sovereign countries. Washington feared that the current government was so powerless that it would collapse due to a loss of support from the people or a lack of representation in the Confederation Congress. He argued that a stronger central government was needed, and the Constitution provided this by establishing three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The legislative branch included expanded powers of Congress, such as the power to tax, which had been lacking under the Articles of Confederation.
Secondly, Washington understood the importance of states' rights but believed that "Individuals entering into Society must give up a Share of Liberty to preserve the Rest." He urged those with doubts about the Constitution to support it, knowing that once it was approved, amendments could be made to address any concerns. This was a key aspect of his support, as he praised the amendment provision of the Constitution, which provided a viable method for correcting problems that might arise after its implementation.
Thirdly, Washington's defence of the Constitution aligned him with younger political leaders like James Madison and set him apart from older revolutionaries like George Mason, who did not support it. Washington also disagreed with other planters in his social class who opposed the Constitution, finding it strange that they feared the rise of aristocracy or monarchy more than the democratic will of the people. Additionally, Washington was concerned about the economic implications of a weak nation, as he himself was deeply in debt.
Lastly, Washington took an active role in the ratification process by sending copies of the document to political leaders, such as Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette, seeking their support. He also wrote letters urging others to back the Constitution, knowing that ratification by nine of the thirteen states was necessary to establish a new federal government. His support carried significant weight, and Federalists often used his endorsement to promote ratification.
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Washington's leadership prompted a vision of an executive with wide-ranging powers
The United States Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1788, when New Hampshire became the ninth of 13 states to approve it. The journey to ratification was long and challenging, with several leaders advocating for a stronger, more centralized government. Alexander Hamilton of New York, for instance, led the call for a constitutional convention to reassess the nation's governing document.
George Washington, unanimously elected president of the Philadelphia convention, played a pivotal role in the ratification process. He was instrumental in transforming the ideals of the Revolution into reality, leveraging his experience as a soldier, revolutionary, constitution-maker, and future chief executive. Washington's leadership style, characterised by his visionary and intellectual prowess, long-range thinking, and ethical use of power, left an indelible mark on the convention.
Washington's leadership during the convention inspired delegates to envision an executive with broad powers. He rarely participated in debates, but his presence and prestige carried weight. As the convention's president, he ensured delegates remained open to compromise, fostering an environment conducive to crafting a stronger national government. Washington's own ideas, which included a strong union, a legislature chosen by the people, a written constitution, and an executive with the power to enforce the law, aligned with the emerging vision of a robust executive.
Washington's support for the Constitution was pivotal. He corresponded with political leaders, urging them to embrace ratification. In his letters, he articulated his concerns about the nation's fragile unity under the Articles of Confederation, arguing that a stronger central government was necessary. Washington's influence extended beyond the convention; he facilitated the ratification process in various states, including Virginia. His defence of the Constitution aligned him with younger political leaders like James Madison, who played a critical role in shepherding through amendments that became the Bill of Rights.
Washington's leadership and stature, coupled with his experience as a soldier and commander-in-chief during the Revolution, undoubtedly influenced the delegates' perception of the executive office. His presence and ideas shaped the convention's outcome, contributing to the creation of a powerful executive branch with the President as the nation's chief executive.
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Madison's support of the bill of rights was critical
James Madison was initially opposed to the Bill of Rights. However, he began to change his mind due to the continuing strength of the Anti-Federalists, who were calling for structural changes and a second constitutional convention to limit the powers of the national government. Madison feared this would lead to chaos and fought against it. He sought greater consensus and harmony around constitutional principles by reaching out to the opponents of the new government.
Madison ran for the House of Representatives, making a campaign promise to support a bill of rights, particularly an amendment protecting religious liberty. He became a champion for the bill of rights in the First Congress, but the idea was met with hostility. Most representatives and senators thought Congress had more important work, such as setting up the new government and passing tax bills. Madison persevered and, on June 8, 1789, delivered a speech in favor of a bill of rights, arguing for a harmonious political order and the ideals of justice.
Madison proposed a list of amendments to the Constitution, including 19 amendments and a preamble. He wanted them to be woven into the text of the Constitution, not simply placed at the end as amendments. He sought to protect religious freedom, a free press, and trial by jury from being infringed by state governments, but he lost these provisions. Despite this setback, he continued to support the bill of rights he had proposed.
Madison's support for the bill of rights was critical. As one of the new representatives from Virginia to the First Federal Congress, he worked tirelessly to persuade the House to enact amendments. He defused the Anti-Federalists' objections to the Constitution and shepherded 17 amendments through the early months of Congress, later trimmed to 12 in the Senate. By December 15, 1791, three-fourths of the states had ratified the 10 amendments now known as the "Bill of Rights."
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Frequently asked questions
Two speakers who supported the ratification of the Constitution were Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.
Alexander Hamilton was a New York delegate who led the call for a constitutional convention to reevaluate the nation's governing document. He was also one of the authors of "The Federalist Papers", which promoted the ratification of the Constitution.
Alexander Hamilton argued that the Constitution provided a necessary framework for a strong, effective central government capable of unifying the nation, protecting against foreign threats, and managing domestic affairs. He believed that the checks and balances built into the Constitution would prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
James Madison was one of the new representatives from Virginia to the First Federal Congress, as established by the new Constitution. He defused the anti-Federalists' objections to the Constitution and shepherded through 17 amendments in the early months of Congress, which were later trimmed to 12 in the Senate.
James Madison countered opposition to the Constitution with a line-by-line exposition of the reasoning behind each clause. He also supported the addition of a Bill of Rights, which guaranteed fundamental freedoms such as speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections against government overreach.
