What were the objections to ratification of the Constitution?
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The Looking Glass for 1787
This pro-Federalist cartoon depicts the debate over the ratification of the Constitution. On the left, Federalists pull a stuck cart toward the shining sun. To the right, Antifederalists pull it toward stormy skies. Library of Congress.
CHRONOLOGY
1787
- – Pro-Constitution essays called The Federalist Papers begin to be published.
1788
- – U.S. Constitution is ratified.
THE PROCESS OF RATIFYING the Constitution was highly contentious. In the three most populous states — Virginia, Massachusetts, and New York — substantial majorities opposed a powerful new national government. North Carolina and Rhode Island refused to call ratifying conventions. Seven of the eight remaining states were easy victories for the Constitution, but securing the approval of the ninth proved difficult. Pro-Constitution forces, called Federalists, had to strategize very shrewdly to defeat anti-Constitution forces, called Antifederalists.