Who Shall Ratify? The People or the States? Summary and Analysis

It is August 30, and the end is in sight. Although no final adjournment date has been set, it is understood that they will not extend past September. Outside the State House, the states are becoming restless. A newspaper reports that states are neglecting the repair of their roads and canals awaiting the result of the Convention, in case a new national government will be taking responsibility for them.

An argument arises over how many states must agree to the proposed Constitution for it to be ratified. Numbers between seven and ten are considered, but some delegates, such as those from Maryland, believe that all 13 states should be required to ratify. Since Rhode Island has stayed away from the Convention and other delegates have left in protest, requiring...