The Constitution

Ratifying the Constitution

The Constitution was written more than 200 years ago. In 1787 the Constitution caused months of fierce debates between the states. There were many who welcomed a strong and effective government, there were others who feared the powerful government. The Constitution was ratified in April 1789 when 11 out of 13 states approved, George Washington became the president. In about a year later both of the other states approved.
The arguments for ratifying the Constitution were that some people felt that welcoming this government may unite the 13 states and form them into a nation. The federalists felt the division of powers and system of checks and balances would protect Americans from the tyranny of centralized authority. In Document 1 the editor supports ratifying the Constitution because he personally felt that it was time for change. He discusses that we as in the people and states need a new, protecting, and efficient federal government. He says t...