Lesson 83 of 84 · The Constitution
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareRatification: Getting the States to Agree
Ratification was the process through which the states approved the United States Constitution.
🎯 Your mission
Spot the fair part. Spot the unfair part.
⚡ The twist
Laws change. Power changes who gets to change them.
Mind = Blown
🤯 In ancient Athens, 'democracy' only included about 10% of the people.
Then & Now
🏛️ The rule you'll meet today is still on the books — sort of.
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.
Key Facts
Nine states needed to ratify the Constitution for it to take effect.
The Federalists and Anti-Federalists debated over the powers of the federal government.
The Bill of Rights was later added to address concerns about individual liberties.
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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