Handout A: State-by-State Ratification Summary – The Ratification Debate

Handout A: State-by-State Ratification Summary

Directions: Use the following table as a reference in analyzing the constitutional ratification process. What trends and patterns do you note?

States in Order of Ratification	Date of Ratification	Convention Vote For Ratification	Convention Vote Against Ratification	Notes
Delaware	Dec. 7, 1787	Unanimous
Pennsylvania	Dec. 12, 1787	46	23
New Jersey	Dec. 18, 1787	Unanimous
Georgia	Jan. 2, 1788	Unanimous
Connecticut	Jan. 8, 1788	128	40
Massachusetts (including Maine)	Feb. 6, 1788	187	168	Ratified based on proposition that amendments would be considered in the First Congress; 9 amendments proposed
Maryland	Apr. 28, 1788	63	11
South Carolina	May 23, 1788	149	73	5 declarations & resolves proposed
New Hampshire	June 21, 1788	57	46	12 amendments proposed
Virginia	June 26, 1788	89	79	20 amendments and an additional 20 items constituting a bill of rights proposed
				Constitution declared ratified July 2, 1788
New York	July 26, 1788	30	27	31 amendments and an additional 25 items in a bill of rights proposed
North Carolina	Nov. 21, 1789	195	77	Ratified only after the First Congress sent 12 amendment proposals to the states for ratification. 26 amendments and an additional 20 items constituting a bill of rights proposed.
Rhode Island	May 29, 1790	34	32	Ratified only after the First Congress sent 12 amendment proposals to the states for ratification. 21 amendments and an additional 18 items constituting a bill of rights proposed.