Approving the Constitution Pgs

Ratifying the Constitution According to Article VII of the Constitution, 9 of the 13 states had to ratify, or agree to, the Constitution before it would become law. According to Article VII of the Constitution, 9 of the 13 states had to ratify, or agree to, the Constitution before it would become law. Once the delegates signed the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, George Washington ordered it sent to Congress. Once the delegates signed the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, George Washington ordered it sent to Congress. Congress sent copies to the states. Congress sent copies to the states.

State Conventions Each state held ratifying conventions to vote for or against the Constitution. Each state held ratifying conventions to vote for or against the Constitution. Those who were in favor of the Constitution were called Federalists. Those who were in favor of the Constitution were called Federalists. Those who were against the Constitution were called Anti-Federalists. Those who were against the Constitution were called Anti-Federalists. Anti-Federalists did not want a strong federal government unless a bill of rights was added to the Constitution. Anti-Federalists did not want a strong federal government unless a bill of rights was added to the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists Anti-Federalists wanted a bill of rights added to the Constitution. Anti-Federalists wanted a bill of rights added to the Constitution. Patrick Henry - Virginia Patrick Henry - Virginia George Clinton – New York George Clinton – New York Samuel Adams - Massachusetts (He did not like We the People he thought is should be We the States.) Samuel Adams - Massachusetts (He did not like We the People he thought is should be We the States.) John Hancock – Massachusetts John Hancock – Massachusetts

What is a Bill of Rights? Many delegates to the state conventions desired a bill of rights. Many delegates to the state conventions desired a bill of rights. A bill of rights was a list of things the government could not do. A bill of rights was a list of things the government could not do. For example, Patrick Henry and James Otis were almost sent to prison for speaking our against the British government. For example, Patrick Henry and James Otis were almost sent to prison for speaking our against the British government. A bill of rights would protect freedom of speech. A bill of rights would protect freedom of speech.

The Vote The first state to ratify the Constitution was Delaware on December 7, The first state to ratify the Constitution was Delaware on December 7, The last state to ratify the Constitution was Rhode Island on May 29, The last state to ratify the Constitution was Rhode Island on May 29, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify on June 21, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify on June 21, The last four states to ratify were Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island. The last four states to ratify were Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.

1. Delaware Pennsylvania New Jersey Georgia Connecticut Massachusetts Maryland South Carolina New Hampshire Virginia New York North Carolina Rhode Island