Lesson 19 of 84 · The Constitution
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareRatification: Getting the States to Agree
Ratification was the process of getting the states to agree to the new Constitution after it was written.
🎯 Your mission
Learn how the rule got made — and who it serves.
⚡ The twist
Not voting is also a vote.
Mind = Blown
🤯 Some laws on the books are over 800 years old and still apply.
Then & Now
🏛️ The rule you'll meet today is still on the books — sort of.
Ratification was the process of getting the states to agree to the new Constitution after it was written. Delegates from each state met in Philadelphia in 1787 to create the Constitution, but it needed approval from nine out of thirteen states to become law. Some states were hesitant and demanded a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms. After much debate and compromise, the Constitution was ratified in 1788, forming the foundation of the U.S. government.
Key Facts
Nine states needed to ratify the Constitution for it to become law.
The Bill of Rights was proposed to address concerns about individual freedoms.
Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution.
Timeline
The U.S. enters World War II
World War II ends
Brown v. Board of Education: school segregation declared unconstitutional
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2How many states needed to ratify the Constitution for it to become law?
Why this still matters
Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Make up a fair rule for your family. Pitch it.
For the dinner table
“What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”
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