Episode 19: Ratification, Part 2: Amendments!

In this episode of Constitutionally Speaking, Jay and Luke continue their review of the ratifying conventions.

In this episode of Constitutionally Speaking, Jay and Luke continue their review of the ratifying conventions. The Federalists faced a stiff challenge in Massachusetts, despite the fact that its delegates supported the Constitution at the Constitutional Convention. Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Elbridge Gerry all voiced skepticism. Ultimately a compromise was introduced: The Bay State would ratify the Constitution, with a series of recommended amendments. This helped ease the concerns of moderate Anti-Federalists and was integral to the eventual adoption of the document. Jay and Luke also discuss ratification in Maryland and South Carolina, where the Federalists won easy victories.

Recommended Readings

Massachusetts Ratifying Convention, Ratification and Proposed Amendments,

http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/v1ch14s33.html
Samuel Adams to Richard Henry Lee, 3 Dec. 1787,

http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/v1ch8s20.html