A Historical Milestone: Ratifying the U.S. Constitution - Essay Sample

Introduction

In the United States history, the Ratification of the constitution is one of the significant actions and historical milestones that have delivered significant impact to date. Majorly, the transition from the articles of confederation to the United States Constitution was a move that was not seamless, and fixing of the concerns revolving around the articles of confederation was another occurrence that required proper consideration. However, it is inevitable that something had to be done which in one way or the other pushed the ratification of the US constitution. One of the most interesting facts about the ratification of the United States constitution revolves around the primary debates between the Federalist and the Anti-federalists whereby the Federalists wanted to ratify the constitution while the Anti-federalists felt different and it did not wish to the ratification of the constitution (Maier, 2010). Nine states out of thirteen had to approve the new constitution to make it law.

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Moreover, there were at least four significant reasons as to why the United States ratified the constitution.

The Small States Got Apportionment

In the United States, the idea that small states have very little power in the House as compared to much larger states are evident. Through apportionment, it reflects a critical concept whereby the number of seats a state has in the House of Representatives is proportional to the population of the state. Several small states such as Connecticut, New Jersey, and Delaware supported the constitution since they were aware that the constitution strengthened their position relative to larger, more populous states.

Georgia Needed Protection

The Spanish in Florida significantly invaded the state of Georgia and Indians to its West and South. Thus, it was evident that Georgia was too quick to support the Constitution since it required the protection from the Spanish and Indian that would be offered through the constitution.

Rivers of Polemical Literature Such as the Federalist Papers

According to the contents and details of the Federalist Papers, as drafted by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay during the New York ratification debate, there was an argument that the new constitution would not abridge the "natural right" secured in the American Revolution. As a reason for ratification of the constitution, the Federal Papers addressed numerous questions in political theory along with other liberty concern over the protection of rights through democracy. More than just a chain of polemical pamphlets. The Federalist Papers would hinder one of the three governing powers from growing too strong and ensure that the States could expand its border with sacrificing the members' liberty. However, the Federalist Papers are just but a section of the flowing polemical literature during the time.

The Promise of the Bill of Rights

Through ratification of the constitution, it would create a national government that was strong enough to unite the State from any quarrels. Since the Anti-Federalist were afraid, the constitution would make the government too powerful. They agreed on the need to attach Bill of Rights to the constitution to ensure that some liberties were deemed protected. Moreover, after the agreement that drafting of a Bill of Rights would be the first action towards ratification of the constitution, it won support from states such as Virginia, New York, and Massachusetts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, even though the US Constitution was eventually ratified, there were still debated concerning the function of the government concerning various issues. Also, the power of the state governments and rights of the people were other concerns developed within the ratification (Brennan Jr, 1986).

References

Brennan Jr, W. J. (1986). The constitution of the United States: Contemporary ratification. Guild Prac., 43, 1.

Maier, P. (2010). Ratification: the people debate the Constitution, 1787-1788. Simon and Schuster.