Question

Why was it important and publicly celebrated as each state voted to ratify? Why do you think there was such an effort to have as many states as possible ratify the Constitution?

Answer 1

1. It was important to ratify the Constitution as soon as possible because Article VII stipulated that nine states had to ratify the Constitution for it to go into effect. Moreover, the Constitution had been produced in secret, so the ratifying conventions served the purpose of informing the public of the provisions. They also served as forums for discussion of the different ideas it contained.

2. The Federalists believed that it was important for as many states to ratify the Constitution as soon as possible. They were worried that a delay or a rejection of the Constitution would result in anarchy and civil strife. They attempted to convince people through their writings, which are now collectively known as The Federalist Papers. Their essays successfully countered most criticism.