Ratification: Getting the States to Agree

Ratification refers to the process of formally approving the United States Constitution. To become law, the Constitution needed the support of at least nine of the thirteen states. The ratification debates were intense, as many states had differing opinions on the power of the central government and the lack of a Bill of Rights.

Ultimately, the Constitution was ratified in 1788, and the Bill of Rights was added in 1791 to address the concerns of those who felt individual liberties needed protection.