Constitutionally Speaking

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In this episode of Constitutionally Speaking, Jay and Luke continue their review of the ratifying conventions. The Federalists faced a stiff challenge in Massachusetts, despite the fact that its delegates supported the Constitution at the Constitutional Convention. Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Elbridge Gerry all voiced skepticism. Ultimately a compromise was introduced: The Bay State would ratify the Constitution, with a series of recommended amendments. This helped ease the concerns of moderate Anti-Federalists and was integral to the eventual adoption of the document. Jay and Luke also discuss ratification in Maryland and South Carolina, where the Federalists won easy victories.

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In this episode of Constitutionally Speaking, Jay and Luke begin their discussion of ratification. The early contests saw big victories for the Federalists, in Delaware, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. With the exception of Pennsylvania, these were all small states with pressing needs for a stronger national government. Because the proposed Senate would protect their sovereignty, they ratified the Constitution quickly and eagerly. Pennsylvania, however, was a different story. Opposition to the Constitution in the west was strong, but slow to mobilize thanks to the "cram job" engineered by Philadelphia Federalists to ratify the Constitution before it had a full vetting. The Anti-Federalists responded by denouncing the ratifying convention after the fact, presaging the fierce battle to come in Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia.

Recommended Readings:

Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/constitutionally-speaking/ratification-part-1-big-wins-federalists/.

Podcast listeners: Now become a Ricochet member for only $2.50 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/join/.

Subscribe to Constitutionally Speaking by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in iTunes or by RSS feed.