STRUGGLE FOR RATIFICATION- CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES

The Constitution had to be ratified by nine states before it could take effect, and ratification nearly failed. In addition to the anti-Federalists, who opposed any sort of central government, many people feared that the proposed Constitution did not adequately safeguard their rights. The framers had miscalculated. They thought that because they had not given Congress specific power—for example, to interfere with freedom of speech—Congress would be unable to do so. Many doubted that Congress would show this restraint. In closely fought and often bitter battles in state conventions, the Constitution’s supporters secured victory only by promising to amend the Constitution at the first opportunity.

Delaware became the first state to ratify, on December 7, 1787. It was followed by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, and South Carolina. On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify, thus making the Constitution legally effective. But without ratification by New York and Virginia, it was doubtful the Constitution could succeed. Virginia ratified four days later, but by the narrow margin of 10 votes out of 168 cast. New York finally ratified on July 26, by a vote of 30 to 27. North Carolina eventually ratified in 1789, and Rhode Island in 1790.

Madison, elected to the first Congress, pushed through a series of proposals that became the first ten amendments, also known as the Bill of Rights. These amendments safeguard freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion; guarantee a fair, open, and speedy trial for people accused of crimes; prohibit cruel and unusual punishments; and provide many other protections against tyrannical government. The states ratified the Bill of Rights in 1791.