Ratification of the Constitution

Good choices for Ms. Duggan’s project:

1. Databases

US History in Context

US History Collection

Biography in Context

Expanded Academic ASAP

No library card needed! Just click here or on the database link at the left to use our databases.

2. Web sites

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution.html

The Constitution, from the National Archives Best site!

At least a dozen sites have the Constitution posted to them. So why use this one? You can read the original document, enlarge it, or read the transcript in type. It Is supported by the US agency charged with preserving and documenting government and historical records—a reliable source.

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lwed.html Elliott’s Debates

The full title of Jonathan Elliot’s five-volume collection is a mouthful: The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption ofthe Federal Constitution. It is the best source for primary documents about the transitional period following the Constitutional Convention. On September 17, 1787, the Continental Congress agreed to distribute the proposed Constitution to the states. Each state was then to elect delegates to state convention to approve or disapprove the new Constitution. The Constitution needed ratification by nine of the thirteen states.

http://teachingamericanhistory.org/ratification/ Ratification of the Constitution  Best site!

Stop here first. I love this site! Why? It is packed with primary sources, from transcripts of debates to maps showing geographical distribution of votes. Even better, it delivers the elements of the debate from ‘indoors’ in the state ratifying conventions as well as‘out-of-doors’ in newspapers, pamphlets, and public meetings. From Ashland University, Ohio.

http://constitutioncenter.org/ National Constitution Center

This exciting new museum with interactive displays has a great web site. In addition to information about the Constitution’s ratification, you will find plenty about the role the document played in subsequent years.

3. And books!

We have multiple copies of the following books set aside:

Founding Brothers/Ellis

Miracle at Philadelphia/Bowen

Summer of 1787/Stewart

If you have any questions about using these resources, or you need help finding other materials, please see Mrs. Tucker.