Study Notes on the Signing of the Constitution and the Ratification Debate

The Signing of the Constitution

Artwork by Thomas Prichard Rossiter depicting the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
- Features key Founding Fathers:
- James Wilson signing the document.
- George Washington presiding from the dais with an image of the sun behind him.

Original text began with "We the people of the United States" rather than naming individual states (e.g., New Hampshire, Massachusetts).
Included a statement of purposes:
- To "establish justice"
- To promote "the general welfare"
- To "secure the blessings of liberty"
Responses to the Articles of Confederation, which many delegates believed had failed to achieve these goals.

Last session occurred on September 17, 1787.
Benjamin Franklin's urging to set aside individual objections and approve the document despite imperfections.
Of the 45 delegates present, 39 signed the Constitution.
Document sent to states for ratification.

Established a new framework for American development:
- Enabled creation of a national economic market.
- Created national political institutions.
- Reduced powers of individual states.
- Sought to limit popular democracy.
Led to a nationwide debate over preserving American freedom.

The Constitution became effective with approval from nine states, contrary to the Articles of Confederation's requirement of all thirteen.
Each state elected delegates to a ratifying convention, leading to a fierce public debate producing pamphlets and newspaper articles.
Hamilton, Madison, and John Jay wrote the Federalist Papers (85 essays) under the pen name "Publius," published in newspapers and later compiled into a book in 1788.
- -Regarded as significant contributions to American political thought.

Hamilton's and Madison's arguments focused on:
- Constitution as a protector of liberties, contrary to fears of oppression.
- Checks and balances ensuring political tyranny almost impossible.
- Madison's remarks emphasized the need to balance democracy and respect for property, warning against the economic divide.

Anti-Federalists believed the Constitution favored power over liberty.
Lack of coherent leadership among the opposition.
- Included influential figures like Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Patrick Henry.
- Concerns over diminishing state influence.
Alarm about broader congressional powers, including threats to slavery.
Advocated for local governance and self-government, proclaiming their motto of "Liberty."
Highlighted the absence of a Bill of Rights, which led to fears over unprotected rights, such as trial by jury and free speech.

Pro-Constitution sentiment arose mainly in urban and commercial areas, often among property owners.
Anti-Federalism was supported by small farmers, especially those opposed to national debt measures and taxes.
In 1787, only 12 out of 92 newspapers published Anti-Federalist views.

Madison's promise to enact a Bill of Rights helped secure support.
By mid-1788, nine states ratified the Constitution; only Rhode Island and North Carolina opposed.
Anti-Federalism largely faded but influenced views on a powerful central government in American political culture.

The most valued freedoms today were not in the original Constitution but were later added in the first ten amendments (Bill of Rights), ratified in 1791.
First Amendment:
- Ensured free speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion.
Second Amendment:
- Affirmed the right to "keep and bear arms".
Provisions against abuses like unwarranted arrests and obligatory self-incrimination; reaffirmation of trial by jury.
Notably focused on the concept of religious freedom, contrasting with prior reliance on divine providence in documents like the Declaration of Independence.

The Bill of Rights solidified the notion of citizen rights against concentrated national power and promoted discussions about liberty in the context of rights.
Specifically highlighted fundamental rights essential for a democratic society, such as free speech, which transitioned into a basic citizen entitlement under the Constitution.

The Constitution did not provide explicit definitions of citizenship but referenced it several times, suggesting state-determined rights.
The presidency required a "natural born citizen", hinting at certain birthright implications of citizenship.
The "comity clause" ensured rights of citizens were consistent across states, asserting that movement between states did not negate one's rights.

The ambiguity around citizenship post-independence transitioned from British subjecthood to a more complex framework within the states.