Ratification: Getting the States to Agree

Ratification was the process through which the states approved the United States Constitution. After it was drafted in 1787, it required the agreement of nine out of the thirteen states to become law. This process was not easy; many states had concerns about the powers of the federal government and the lack of a Bill of Rights.

Debates and discussions took place in state conventions, where supporters of the Constitution, known as Federalists, argued that a strong national government was necessary for unity and stability.