Thesis Statement: The ratification of the United States Constitution in 1787 provided the framework for a new system of government.

The Constitution of the United States comprises the nation's fundamental law, providing the framework for its governance and the principles under which it must operate. When the constitution was written, it was intended to endure for ages and be flexible and adaptable for future generations. The constitution was intended to be the supreme law of the land.

The Articles of Confederation, which were ratified in 1781 was the first constitution. The Articles of Confederation dealt with three issues: representation, taxation, and the extent of co

1. United States. Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States

Alexander Hamilton called for all states to send delegates to Philadelphia to meet in May 1787. George Washington was chosen as the presiding officer. The constitution was framed by fifty-five delegates from twelve of the thirteen states, as Rhode Island did not appoint delegates. Another important framer was Benjamin Franklin, a senior member delegate who was responsible for suggesting the Electoral College, the way in which the president was to be elected. James Madison was one of the most active framers of the constitution, a leader who was to be called the "Father of the Constitution". He was a southerner, slave owner from Virginia, educated in New Jersey. (Robinson p. 209). And another framer was George Mason, from Virginia, who was deeply troubled about the issue of slavery. Mason was the author of the Virginia Seminal Bill of Rights, which began with the assertion that "all men are naturally equal". This called the attention of the delegates to the tendency of slavery to weaken the nation's defense against foreign foes. (Robinson p. 211). It was the will of the framers to build a strong and stable government. They also expected the government to coordinated the power of the three branches of government, the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches.

2. Robinson, L. Donald. Slavery in the Structure of American Politics 1765-1920. New York: Jovanovich, Inc., 1971.

5. America On-line. Internet Service.

The original ten amendments of the United States Constitution gave us our Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights give us the freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. The state also has the right to maintain a militia; it is not to quarter soldiers upon people. It also disallows general search warrants. (Caughey p. 135). Other amendments are addressed more directly to protecting each resident of the United States against arbitrary and unreasonable treatment by his or her government.

On September 17, 1787, George Washington, President of the Federal Convention, sent the completed constitution to the Congress of the Confederation, urging prompt ratification. The ratification of the constitution would be a gamble for everyone. Much would depend on the attitude with which the congressmen and the delegates to ratifying conventions approached their task. One remarkable note to the ratification process was the lack of controversy aroused by the arrangements in the constitution affecting slavery. (Robinson pp. 234-235).

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Approximate Word count = 1734
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)