The years were 1787 and 1788. The places: "out-of-doors" in newspapers and pamphlets throughout America's thirteen states and "in-doors" in the state ratifying conventions. Following the Constitutional Convention, a great debate took place throughout America over the Constitution that had been proposed. This is the story of the debate over the ratification of the United States Constitution.
Introduction to this Web Site
by Gordon LloydThe Six Stages of Ratification
by Gordon LloydRatification Timeline
by Gordon LloydBiographies of the Key Figures
by Gordon Lloyd
The Federalist Papers
Introduction by Gordon Lloyd
Design of the Federalist Papers
by Gordon LloydThe Essential Federalist Papers
by Gordon Lloyd
The Antifederalists
Introduction by Gordon Lloyd
The Essential Antifederalists
by Gordon Lloyd
In-Depth Studies of the Key Ratification States:
Massachusetts
Introduction by Gordon Lloyd
Day-by-Day Summary
by Gordon LloydMassachusetts Ratifying Convention
Collected by Jonathan ElliotVirginia
Introduction by Gordon Lloyd
Day-by-Day Summary
by Gordon LloydVirginia Ratifying Convention
Collected by Jonathan ElliotNew York
Introduction by Gordon Lloyd
Day-by-Day Summary
by Gordon LloydNew York Ratifying Convention
Collected by Jonathan Elliot
State-by-State Ratification Table
by Gordon Lloyd
Interactive Ratification Maps
Compiled by Gordon Lloyd
and Colleen Garot
Original Sources Used on This Site:
The Debates in the Several State Conventions, on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution, as Recommended by the General Convention at Philadelphia, in 1787
Collected by Jonathan ElliotPennsylvania and the Federal Constitution, 1787-1788
Edited by John Bach McMaster and Frederick D. StoneThe Geographical Distribution of the Vote of the Thirteen States on the Federal Constitution, 1787-8
by Orin Grant LibbyDocuments Illustrative of the Formation of the Union of the American States
Selected, Arranged, and Indexed by Charles C. Tansill
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