Federalists: The Constitution's Founding Supporters

The ratification of the US Constitution was a long and arduous process. Supporters of the Constitution, known as Federalists, included George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. These individuals believed that a stronger central government was necessary for the country's stability and future. They also argued that a more powerful government would better protect individual liberties. To promote ratification, Hamilton, Madison, and Jay authored the Federalist Papers, a series of essays explaining and defending the proposed government. Smaller states, like Delaware, also favored the Constitution as it promised equal representation and stronger protection under a federal government. On the other hand, Anti-Federalists, including wealthy individuals and elites, opposed ratification, fearing that a powerful central government would threaten individual liberties and consolidate power in the hands of a few. The Constitution ultimately became the official framework of the US government when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it on June 21, 1788.

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Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay

Hamilton's performance at the New York ratifying convention in Albany was particularly notable. He faced a large group of Anti-Federalists and successfully made the case for ratification, ensuring that the new government would not split into separate confederacies.

James Madison, meanwhile, played a significant role in the actual writing of the Constitution. He introduced 17 amendments to the document, 12 of which were adopted by Congress and sent to the states for ratification. Madison was also a key figure at the Virginia ratifying convention and, along with Hamilton and Jay, authored "The Federalist Papers", a series of 85 essays explaining and defending the proposed new government.

Madison was committed to individual liberties and played an important role in advocating for a bill of rights. Despite initially opposing its inclusion as a precondition for ratification, he eventually became an active proponent, introducing proposed amendments that formed the core of what became the Bill of Rights.

John Jay, along with Hamilton and Madison, contributed to "The Federalist Papers", which were published in newspapers nationwide. These essays proved effective in gaining allies for the Constitution and helped to explain and defend the proposed new government's functioning.

The combined efforts of these three individuals were crucial in securing the ratification of the Constitution, which became the official framework of the US government on June 21, 1788, when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it.

George Washington

Washington was born into the landed gentry in 1732 in Virginia. He became a surveyor at the age of 16 and later joined the Royal Navy. He rose to prominence as the commander-in-chief during the Revolution and was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. He was unanimously elected president of the convention and his support was instrumental in the ratification of the new Constitution.

Washington rarely participated in the debates at the convention, but his private letters reveal his support for ratification. He believed that the unity of the nation was being tested under the Articles of Confederation and that the current government was powerless. He argued that individuals must give up some liberty to preserve the rest and urged people with doubts about the Constitution to support it, highlighting the possibility of future amendments.

Washington's influence extended beyond the convention. He hosted the Mount Vernon Conference in 1785 and presided over the Constitutional Convention, influencing its success. After the Constitution was ratified in 1788, he was unanimously chosen as the first president by the electoral college. He governed with dignity and restraint during his two terms, guiding the new government and establishing precedents for future presidents.

Washington's role in the ratification of the Constitution and his subsequent presidency were pivotal in transforming the ideals of the Revolution into reality, shaping the course of the emerging nation.

Commercial interests

The founding fathers and delegates who supported ratification were often from the more commercial regions of their states. They favoured a strong central government and were more inclined to vote for clauses that bolstered its authority. These delegates were merchants, creditors, and men of property, reflecting their commercial backgrounds and interests.

The commercial centre of the country, New York, was vital for any future union. Artisans, for instance, typically chose merchants to represent them, as merchants were perceived as their "natural patrons and friends." This dynamic influenced the composition of legislative bodies, such as New York's state senate and assembly, which were predominantly composed of landowners of moderate wealth.

The economic interests of the founding fathers extended beyond commerce. Some scholars argue that the slaveholdings of the founders and the presence of slave-owning delegates influenced their support for ratification. These individuals, driven by their economic interests, were more inclined to strengthen the central government and secure ratification.

Additionally, the framers of the Constitution were mindful of the commercial and economic implications of their decisions. They included provisions that allowed for duties (taxes) on imports but not on exports, and they prohibited state paper money issues. These choices reflect a consideration of commercial and economic factors in shaping the nation's governance.

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Men of property

The ratification of the U.S. Constitution was supported by a diverse group of individuals, including those referred to as "men of property." This group, which included individuals with significant land ownership and wealth, played a crucial role in the adoption of the Constitution.

The support of the men of property was influenced by their belief in the need for a stronger central government and their confidence in the Constitution's ability to protect their interests. They recognised the limitations of the Articles of Confederation, which had previously governed the nation, and understood that a stronger, more centralised government was necessary for future stability. This aligned with the arguments put forth by Federalists like Alexander Hamilton, who advocated for a framework that enabled a strong and effective central government capable of managing domestic affairs and protecting against foreign threats.

The men of property were not merely passive supporters; they actively contributed to the ratification process. They authored pamphlets, published essays, and used their influence to shape public opinion. Their arguments often centred around the idea that a strong central government would protect their property rights and economic interests. Additionally, they may have been motivated by the potential benefits of a stronger economy and increased commercial opportunities that a unified nation could provide.

One notable figure among the men of property was George Washington, who was unanimously elected as the first president after the Constitution's ratification. Washington's support carried significant weight, and he disagreed with other planters and older revolutionaries in his social class who did not support the Constitution. He believed that a strong nation was preferable to a weak one, and his influence extended beyond his home state of Virginia, impacting the ratification process in other states as well.

The support of the men of property was not without opposition. Anti-Federalists, including influential figures like Patrick Henry, warned that a powerful central government would infringe upon natural rights and civil liberties. They argued that a strong national government could lead to a loss of state sovereignty and the subjugation of common working people to the will of an all-powerful authority. However, the men of property, along with other Federalists, successfully advocated for the Constitution, and their efforts contributed to its eventual ratification.

In conclusion, the men of property played a significant role in the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Their support was driven by a desire for a stronger central government that could protect their interests, and they actively worked to shape public opinion and influence the ratification process. Their contributions, alongside those of other Federalists, helped establish the governing framework that continues to shape the United States today.

Creditors

The ratification of the U.S. Constitution was supported by creditors. The Federalists, who supported ratification, included big property owners, conservative small farmers, businessmen, wealthy merchants, clergymen, judges, lawyers, and professionals. They favored a strong centralized government, the indirect election of government officials, longer term limits for officeholders, and representative democracy.

The Federalists believed that the nation might not survive without the passage of the Constitution, and that a stronger national government was necessary after the failed Articles of Confederation. They argued that the Constitution provided a system of checks and balances, where each of the three branches could limit the power of the other branches. They also believed that the federal courts would protect citizens from government abuse and guarantee their liberty.

The ratification of the Constitution created a new governing system that reflected the need for a more centralized governing system among the old colonies. The document established a government based on principles of federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances. The debates over its ratification laid the groundwork for a political culture that values compromise, civic engagement, and the protection of individual rights.

The Federalists successfully articulated their position in favor of the adoption of the Constitution through papers and other writings. They were better organized than the Anti-Federalists, advocated for positive changes, and had strong support in the press of the day. They published a series of 85 articles in New York City newspapers, advocating for ratification of the Constitution. Alexander Hamilton, an influential Federalist, wrote many of these essays, which were later compiled into "The Federalist Papers."

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