To Ratify or Not to Ratify?
It is September, 1787, in the United States. Distinguished men have spent the summer in
Philadelphia secretly drafting a new constitution for the United States to replace the Articles of
Confederation. Now the states must decide whether or not to ratify the Constitution. A heated
debate about the merits of the new document rages in the country.
You will represent a person living in the United States in 1787. Will your character support the
ratification of the US Constitution? Why or why not?
To learn
Conduct research to learn about your character. Some guiding questions (depending on your
person, you will not be able to answer all of these questions):
 Who are they? What is their social, economic, and political status in the US?
 What had they done in the United States (or American colonies) prior to 1787?
 What role, if any, did they play in creating the Constitution?
 Do the laws of their state of residence allow them to vote?
 How do they feel about the Constitution? Are there particular parts they like? Dislike?
(You may have to do some speculating here based on what you learn about your person.)
To prepare
You will create a one-page flyer that expresses your character’s position on whether or not the
Constitution should be ratified. Imagine this as something that might be posted to get peoples’
attention. It should include more text than a simple campaign poster, but should also be designed
to make a visual impact. This 8 ½ x 11” one-sided flyer must include:
 A clear position on whether or not the Constitution should be ratified, with specific
reasons
 Relevant quotes from primary sources of your character, or from other people with whom
your character would have agreed (be sure to name the author of the quote)
 An “about the author” section (your character is the author); this should be about 25% of
the page
Works Cited and OPVL
You will also turn in (typed):
 A properly-formatted works cited page of all sources used
 An OPVL of one primary source relevant to your character
In class
In 1787, debates about ratifying the Constitution took place in inns and public houses around the
country. To simulate this, you will engage in a debate with other characters (class members)
about the Constitution. You must come in costume!
People
1. George Washington
2. Martha Washington
3. Edmund Randolph
4. John Adams
5. Abigail Adams
6. Alexander Hamilton
7. Thomas Jefferson
8. James Madison
9. Dolley Madison
10. Aaron Burr
11. James Monroe
12. Benjamin Bannaker
13. Venture Smith
14. Phyllis Wheatley
15. James Otis
16. Daniel Shays
17. Benjamin Rush
Assessment
18. Elbridge Gerry
19. Luther Martin
20. Benjamin Franklin
21. John Jay
22. Rawlin Lowndes
23. Sally Hemings
24. Patrick Henry
25. Edmund Randolph
26. Denmark Vesey
27. Richard Allen
Name:
Homework Category: OPVL, Works Cited, Flyer
Participation Category: participation in class debate (including costume)
Homework Category

OPVL for primary source is
complete and accurate

Works Cited is properly
formatted

Flyer is eye-catching and
professionally presented

Flyer presents a persuasive
argument about the
ratification of the
Constitution

“About the author” section of
flyer is accurate and relevant
to the topic
Participation Category

Costume shows effort and
reflects character

Student actively participates
in debate
Period: