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Liberation and deliberation: The North Carolina ratification debates of 1788

This lesson focuses on the deliberations over ratification of the US Constitution by the North Carolina legislators. In particular it traces the arguments of the Federalists and Anti-federalists found in the primary sources digitized in the Documenting the American South collection.

Format: lesson plan (grade 11–12 Social Studies)

By Mark Laskowski.

The Constitutional Convention

In Revolutionary North Carolina, page 6.3

The Articles of Confederation proved too weak to govern the new United States effectively, and in 1787, Congress authorized a convention to revise the document. Instead, the convention wrote an entirely new constitution for the United States.

Format: article

North Carolina demands a declaration of rights

In Revolutionary North Carolina, page 6.6

North Carolina initially rejected the United States Constitution, insisting that it be amended and that a Declaration of Rights be added. The text of the proposed declaration and amendments is provided here with historical commentary noting which provisions found their way into the Bill of Rights.

Format: document

Debating the Federal Constitution

In Revolutionary North Carolina, page 6.5

Excerpt of a speech given by William Richardson Davie at the convention called in North Carolina, 1788, to consider ratification of the United States Constitution. Davie explains why the new Constitution is necessary and why it is not a threat to liberty and argues for ratification. Includes historical commentary.

Format: speech

Resources on the web

LIBERTY! The American Revolution

Mock newspaper articles, activities, a timeline, and a game all come together to provide an engaging experience while learning about the Revolutionary War. A set of six lessons accompany this material. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: PBS