(Episode 6) Ratification and a Little Extra

We've got one more step in our discussion before we get to the content of our great Constitution. That step is ratification.

Article VII of the Constitution provides the process for ratification. It's so simple, we can just give you the full text of it here: "The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same." That's it.

At first glance, the ratification of the Constitution doesn't seem like a topic that would yield much interesting information. After all, it's simple math, right? Either you get the votes you need, or you don't. Where's the fun in that?

Trust us when we tell you there was some drama surrounding ratification. In Episode 6, we discuss the rules for ratification, why the math isn't as simple as it seems, and some of the downright juicy details behind each state's steps toward ratification. This might be the most interesting math word problem you've (n)ever heard of.

There's a wealth of information on the topic (at least for most of the states). Here's where we got ours:

Basic Background and Drama:
The Timeline (it's intimidating, but fear not!)
Key Figures of Ratification
Gordon Lloyd's fantastic Ratification Site (Courtesy of TeachingAmericanHistory.Org)
The Ratification Process: State by State
Observing Constitution Day

More Fun Facts:
Fascinating Facts about the Constitution
7 Things You May Not Know About the Constitutional Convention

The Bill of Rights:
Its History and Significance
Madison's Speech on the Significance of the Amendments
Bill of Rights with Commentary by the Bill of Rights Institute


Comments