US Government Publishing Office
U.s. Government Publishing Office: Constitution of the United States Article Vii
The full original text of Article VII of the U.S. Constitution establishing the rules for legal ratification of the entire U.S. Constitution by the individual states. Includes explanatory historical notes.
Digital History
Digital History: The Debate Over Ratifying the Constitution [Pdf]
Read about why ratification of the United States' new constitution was such a struggle. Find arguments for and against ratification, and discover who supported the Federalist position and who the Anti-Federalist position. [PDF]
Michigan State University
Michigan State University: American Revolution: The Argument Over the Constitution
The National Humanities Center provides a full-length essay on the constitutional debate during the time of the Constitutional Convention.
Tom Richey
Tom richey.net: The u.s. Constitution: Framing, Principles and Ratification [Ppt]
Presents key ideas for examining how the Articles of Confederation were replaced with the Constitution and the compromises that were reached during debates.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Constitution: The Work Begins
Discover how the Constitution was initiated and read about the Constitutional Congress. After learning about the beginning stages of the Constitution, take a quiz to show your learning.
Digital History
Digital History: Ratifying the Constitution
After the Constitution was written, debated, and finally adopted by the Constitutional Convention, it was sent to the states to ratify. Read about the fears of those who did not want to ratify it and see how their fears were addressed.
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Notes From Virginia Ratifying Convention
Edmund Randolph's notes taken at the state convention of Virginia on ratification of the new Constitution.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Ratifying the Constitution
The process for ratifying the United States Constitution is explained in simple terms. Suggestions for research projects, resource links, and some activities are included. The rest of the site has lots more information on the U. S....
US National Archives
National Archives: We the People
View George Washington's annotated draft of the Constitution while discussing the ratification process. Specifically, the students will analyze changes to the Preamble of the Constitution. Critical thinking questions are provided.
iCivics
I Civics: The Federalist Debate
The ratification debate between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists gives us insight into the ideas behind both sides and a better understanding of how our government developed in its early years.
iCivics
I Civics: Road to the Constitution
How did we go from thirteen British colonies to the United States of America? Explore the major hardships of life under British rule, how the colonists decided to break away, and how they set a path for a new and independent government....
iCivics
I Civics: Race to Ratify
This simulation game set in the 1780s focuses on the ratification of the Constitution.
Curated OER
Etc: Distribution of Votes in Ratification of the Constitution, 1787 1788
A map showing the distribution of votes in the ratification of the Constitution (1787-1788) for the Middle and Southern States south of New England, including the Kentucky and Tennessee districts. The map is keyed to show areas where the...
Library of Congress
Loc: Madison's Treasures
Documents presented here relate to two seminal events in which Madison played a major role: the drafting and ratification of the Constitution of the United States (1787-1788) and the introduction (1789) in the First Federal Congress of...
![Success Link: 1787 [Archived Version] Lesson Plan](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/501064-ffae068b782fcb5a01d3c7ce2e1a5a66.jpg?1661827526 "Success Link: 1787 [Archived Version] Lesson Plan")
Success Link
Success Link: 1787 [Archived Version]
By using the novel, Shh! We're Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz, and 1787 by Joan Anderson, students learn the lively discussion among the delegates to the Constitutional Convention concerning the ratification of the document they...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Antifederalists' Victory in Defeat
By 1788 eleven states ratified the Constitution, more than enough to put it into effect as the document establishing rules for the nation. Read about the goals of the Federalists in estabilishing a national government and find out how...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Us Constitution Bill of Rights
[Free Registration/Login Required] In this lesson students explore Amendments 1-10 and discuss the impact of events that led to the ratification of the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. Complete credit page of websites used to create...
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: George Washington and Executive Power
This lesson looks at the legacy of George Washington, perhaps the most influential leader in the creation of the American nation. Through his achievements as commander-in-chief during the Revolution, in support of the drafting and...
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Women's Fight for the Vote
Find out how women won the right to vote. Read a brief history of the women's suffrage movement and the text of the Nineteenth Amendment.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Resolution of Congress of September 28, 1787
The original text of the resolution of Congress submitting the newly drafted constitution to the states for ratification.
University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma Law Library: Federalist Papers
The complete text of the 85 Federalist Papers which explained why the authors believed the new Constitution should be ratified.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: The New Nation, 1783 1815
[Free Registration/Login Required] This website documents the United States through its struggles to become a new nation. Site includes primary source documents for the Articles of Confederation, US Constitutional Convention, and George...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: The Modern Presidency: Tools of Power
This unit details how the role of the President of the United States has evolved to the position it is today since the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Offers video, readings, web resources and activities.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Explaining the Bill of Rights
Read about the need for a Bill of Rights to be added to the Constitution. Find out what each of the first ten amendments means.