University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Popular Basis of Political Authority
This speech, "The Address and Reasons of Dissent of the Minority of the Convention of Pennsylvania to Their Constituents," contains some of the arguments for opposing the Constitution.
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Resolution of the Constitutional Convention
The text of the Resolution of the Constitutional Convention authorizing the submission of the Constitution of the United States to the legislatures of the states to be ratified by state conventions.
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: John Tyler, Virginia Ratifying Convention
The original text of a statement by John Tyler, member of the Virginia Constitutional Ratifying Convention, on his opposition to the new Constitution.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Ratification of the Constitution by the State of Massachusetts
The original text of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the state of Massachusetts in February 1788.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Ratification of the Constitution by the State of New Hampshire
The original text of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the State of New Hampshire in June 1788 with a list of the legislators.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Ratification of the Constitution by the State of Pennsylvania
Text of the document recommending ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the Pennsylvania legislature.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Ratification of the Constitution by the State of South Carolina
The text of the document signed by the legislature of South Carolina ratifying the U. S. Constitution.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Ratification of the Constitution by the State of Virginia
The original text of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the State of Virginia.
Teaching American History
Teaching American History: "In Doors": Ratification in State Conventions
Strengthen understanding of the ratification of the Constitution. Study the state ratification conventions of Massachusetts, Virginia, and New York.
Teaching American History
Teaching American History: The Federal Pillars
An overview of the order in which the states ratified the Constitution. Find an assortment of newspaper clippings recognizing the ratification process across the states.
Teaching American History
Teaching American History: State by State Ratification Table
A chart illustrating the order of states as they ratified the new constitution. Find the delegates from the states, vote, population, and outcomes.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Resolution of Congress of September 28, 1787
The original text of the resolution of Congress submitting the newly drafted constitution to the states for ratification.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Ratification of the Us Constitution
This resource from Khan Academy provides practice questions over the ratification of the US Constitution. These questions are intended for students taking high school or college level American Government and Civics courses, including the...
![Digital History: The Debate Over Ratifying the Constitution [Pdf] Website](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Digital History: The Debate Over Ratifying the Constitution [Pdf] Website")
Digital History
Digital History: The Debate Over Ratifying the Constitution [Pdf]
Read about why ratification of the United States' new constitution was such a struggle. Find arguments for and against ratification, and discover who supported the Federalist position and who the Anti-Federalist position. [PDF]
Michigan State University
Michigan State University: American Revolution: The Argument Over the Constitution
The National Humanities Center provides a full-length essay on the constitutional debate during the time of the Constitutional Convention.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Ratification of the Constitution by the State of Connecticut
The original text of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the state of Connecticut with a list of legislators.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Ratification of the Constitution by the State of Maryland
The original text of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the state assembly of Maryland with a list of the legislators.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Ratification of the Constitution by the State of North Carolina
The original text of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the State of North Carolina. Included is a list of the legislators.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Ratification of the Constitution by the State of New York
The original text of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the State of New York.
US Government Publishing Office
U.s. Government Publishing Office: Constitution of the United States Article Vii
The full original text of Article VII of the U.S. Constitution establishing the rules for legal ratification of the entire U.S. Constitution by the individual states. Includes explanatory historical notes.
Quia
Quia: Hangman the Order of the 13 Original States
Play hangman while remembering the order of the thirteen original states. After reading the clue, simply click on the letters to begin revealing the answer.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Ratification Process: State by State
The ratification of the Constitution was placed at the hands of the state legislatures. Read about which states supported the ratification, which were opposed, and why. Find out why, even after the requisite number of states had voted...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Ratifying the Constitution
The delegates to the Constititional Convention produced a new governing document for the new United States. Read about how they determined to take the ratification process to the people of the states.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Ratifying the Constitution
The process for ratifying the United States Constitution is explained in simple terms. Suggestions for research projects, resource links, and some activities are included. The rest of the site has lots more information on the U. S....