ROCK THE VOTE!

Ratifying the US Constitution

Objectives

Discuss issues within each state

Predict each state outcome

View actual outcomes

Reflect on WHY vote was close/not close

Delaware, Dec. 7, 1787

Positives of ratifying: Equal representation in Senate Centralized government evens the “playing field” in

the economy Eliminates possibility of one dominating state Would be the FIRST state to ratify

Negatives of ratifying: In Delaware… NONE!

30-0 DELAWARE RATIFIES

Pennsylvania, Dec. 12, 1787

Positives of ratifying: Large number of representatives in House Settle and organize trade Helped pay war debts Settle land disputes

Negatives of ratifying: Not the first state to ratify (thanks to Delaware) Disliked lack of personal rights

43-11 PENNSYLVANIA RATIFIES

New Jersey, Dec. 18, 1787

Positives of ratifying: Like Delaware, equal representation was very

important Settled and organized trade Citizens could vote

Negatives of ratifying In New Jersey… NONE

38-0 NEW JERSEY RATIFIES

Georgia, Jan. 2, 1788

Positives of ratifying: Strong national government better for the nation as a

whole Equal representation

Negatives of ratifying: Farm/plantation owners lose some individual rights

26-0 GEORGIA RATIFIES

Connecticut, Jan. 9, 1788

Positives of ratifying: Equal representation Strong central government

Negatives of ratifying: Negatively effected in settling of land disputes Lack of individual rights

128-40 CONNECTICUT RATIFIES

Massachusetts, Feb. 6, 1788

Positives of ratifying: Strong central government Very powerful in the House State laws already similar to what was laid out in the Constitution

Negatives of ratifying: Concessions to slavery Lack of individual rights No religious test for holding office

Massachusetts was promised a Bill of Rights prior to ratification

187-168 MASSACHUSETTS RATIFIES

Maryland, Apr. 28, 1788

Positives of ratifying: Equal representation Strong national government Voting rights

Negatives of ratifying: Regulates trade Lack of individual rights

63-11 MARYLAND RATIFIES

South Carolina, May 23, 1788

Positives of ratifying: Protection from future wars Eases war debts Strong showing in new government (especially with

the 3/5 compromise)

Negatives of ratifying: Lack of individual rights (especially plantation owners) Future end to slavery Loss of control on taxes and trade

149-73 SOUTH CAROLINA RATIFIES

New Hampshire, June 21, 1788

Positives of ratifying: Equal representation in new government Settled taxes and trade Set end to slavery

Negatives of ratifying: Concessions given to slavery Lack of individual rights New government could become too powerful

57-46 NEW HAMPSHIRE RATIFIES

Virginia, June 25, 1788

Positives of ratifying: Solution to Confederation problem Provided protection (especially militarily) Very powerful in House

Negatives of ratifying: Would end hopes of separate confederation of Southern

states National government would dominate state government Equalized trade and taxes Set end to slave trade

89-79 VIRGINIA RATIFIES

New York, July 26, 1788

Positives of ratifying: Central government Very powerful in House Federalist Papers

Negatives of ratifying: Set tax rates Anti-Federalist Papers

30-27 NEW YORK RATIFIES

North Carolina, Nov. 21, 1789

Positives of ratifying: Solved the Confederation problem Provided protection Very powerful in house

Negatives of ratifying: Lack of individual rights National government would dominate state

government

194-77 NORTH CAROLINA RATIFIES

Rhode Island

Why is Rhode Island different? Refused to sign Did not send delegates to constitutional convention HATED idea of centralized government Were convinced new concept would fail Content with current system

Wait? Rhode Island never ratified the US Constitution?

How Can The NEW United States Persuade Rhode Island to Ratify?

Answering the question: Treat Rhode Island as a foreign nation Impose HARSH taxes on imports and exports

After several months, Rhode Island agreed to vote on ratification

The Results on May 29, 1790:

34-31 RHODE ISLAND RATIFIES

Ratification Map