AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Debates over Constitutional Ratification (Day 62/309)

Welcome to today’s explanation of Debates over Constitutional Ratification in my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Signing of the Constitution, Wikimedia Commons

On September 17, 1787, the Constitution, signed by 39 delegates, was sent to the states for ratification. Approval by 9 out of 13 states was required for the Constitution to replace the Articles. 

Federalist Papers, Wikimedia Commons

Federalists, who supported the ratification of the Constitution, agreed that a stronger federal government was necessary to maintain order and preserve the union. They published The Federalist Papers to inform 

Americans about the aspects of the Constitution and convince Americans to vote for ratification.

Bill of Rights, Wikimedia Commons

Anti-Federalists, who opposed the ratification of the Constitution, believed that a stronger federal government would restrict states’ rights and argued that it did not protect individual rights.

Dates of Ratification, Wikimedia Commons

At the convention in Virginia, strong Anti-Federalist opposition threatened ratification. Federalists promised to add a Bill of Rights to guarantee rights of individuals and states. Ratification by Viriginia led several other states to also vote in favor.

Significant debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists endangered the ratification of the Constitution. However, with the addition of a Bill of Rights the Constitution was ratified in the summer of 1788.

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Election of 1789 in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!