Chapter 5, The Concept of Ratification Summary

“On September 17, moments after the Convention adjourned for the last time, the Pennsylvania delegate, Thomas FitzSimons, took the literal first step toward ratification of the Constitution. From the legislative chamber on the main floor of the statehouse, he climbed forty-two stairs to the hall where the Pennsylvania assembly was also sitting to inform its members that their delegation stood ready to report at the first opportunity” (pg. 94). His actions express the urgency of the situation. The framers want the Constitution ratified as soon as possible. The longer ratification takes, the more discussion that takes places, the more questions are asked, and the less likely it is that ratification will take place. The terms of ratification mean that the Constitution must be accepted or rejected in its entirety. The states cannot attach amendments or provisions on...