Tag Archives: Ratification

In 1787 Federalists and Anti-Federalists adamantly debated constitutional ratification. The two Word Clouds appearing here illustrate points critical to each party in the ratification debates. Image 1 depicts terms important to understanding Federalists’ reasons for supporting the ratification of the … Continue reading →

Just as the ratification process began in Pennsylvania in October 1787, James Wilson gave a speech before a “raucous” crowd that helped offer his responses to various criticisms already made against the Constitution (Richard Beeman, Plain, Honest Men (2010), 379). … Continue reading →

Five states had already ratified the Constitution before Massachusetts debated the matter in January 1788. In what became precedent in the ratifying conventions of the major states like Virginia and New York, ratification would only come with the Federalist concession … Continue reading →

Some of the greatest critiques concerning the ratification of the Constitution came from two opposing views: The absence of a bill of rights for the protection of the peoples natural rights, the vagueness of the “necessary and proper” clause, and … Continue reading →

Federalist No. 24, “The Powers Necessary to the Common Defense Further Considered For the Independent Journal,” and Anti-Federalist No. 10, argued the necessity and constitutional right for fostering a standing army in the United States during peacetime. The Federalists and Anti-Federalists … Continue reading →