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HistoryCentral.com > American History > New Nation > Major Events > 1787 Constituition Ratified
The fight for the ratification of the Constitution was fought in each state separately. While in some states, such as Delaware, which was the first to ratify the Constitution, there was little opposition; in others, opposition ran high and the votes were often close. In three states; Massachusetts, Virginia and New York; the fight was particularly difficult. The Annals of the ConventionFor months, the deliberations in Philadelphia had been kept secret from the country. Two days after the Convention ended, the Pennsylvania "Gazette" published the full text of the Constitution. Thus began the national debate on the Constitution. The convention was originally intended to modify the current Articles of Confederation, and suddenly there was a new form of government being proposed. Objections came from all sides. Some were reasoned, such as concerns over the lack of a bill of rights or the superfluity of the Vice President. Some of the objections, however, bordered on the hysterical, with individuals claiming that the delegates were reestablishing an English monarchy. The Federalists responded by publishing a series of articles in the New York newspapers. The articles were written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay; and became known as the "Federalist Papers." Congress quickly passed the Constitution on to the individual states for their approval. Pennsylvania was the first to hold a constitutional convention, and delegates sat for six weeks debating the agreement. While Pennsylvanians were arguing, Delaware became the first state to approve the constitution, on December 6, 1787. Before long, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Georgia had ratified the document. In Massachusetts, 355 delegates met in the Brattle Street Church. Delegates were elected from throughout the state. Pro-Federalists were elected from the Boston area and the coastal areas, while Anti-Federalists were elected from the western part of the state. After a week of debate, the delegates approved the Constitution by a narrow majority. The most important debate took place in Virginia. Washington did not attend the meeting, but everyone knew of his approval. To carry the day, the Federalists had to rely on James Madison, John Marshall, George Nicholas and other distinguished Virginians. Among the Anti-Federalists were such notables as George Mason, James Monroe, and the famous Patrick Henry. The fight was difficult, but eventually, with the proviso that a Bill of Rights be added, Virginia approved the Constitution. With Virginia's ratification, the only big state remaining was New York. On July 26th, New York ratified the Constitution. |
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