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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.

Debating war with Britain: Against the war

In North Carolina in the New Nation, page 8.5

Article from the Carolina Federal Republican of Raleigh, published just after Congress declared war on Great Britain in 1812, arguing against the war. Includes historical commentary.

Format: newspaper

Commentary and sidebar notes by L. Maren Wood.

Nathaniel Macon on democracy

In North Carolina in the New Nation, page 1.7

Excerpt of a speech by Nathaniel Macon, arguing against the "Midnight Judges Act" of 1801, in which he summarizes the political philosophy of Democratic-Republicans. Primary source includes historical commentary.

Format: speech

Commentary and sidebar notes by David Walbert.

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

Political parties in the United States, 1788–1840

Timeline and explanation of the development of political parties in the early national period. Includes a sidebar about parties in North Carolina.

Format: article

Alexander Martin (1740–1807)

Alexander Martin was a North Carolina delegate to the Constitutional Convention, fought in the American Revolution, and served as governor and in the state legislature.

Format: biography

Willie Jones

Short biography of Willie Jones, Revolutionary statemsan and anti-federalist from Halifax, North Carolina.

Format: biography

The United States in the 1790s

In North Carolina in the New Nation, page 1.3

The new national government began in unity, with George Washington's election to the presidency. But divisions within Washington's government, between Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson and Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, led to the creation of the nation's first political parties.

Format: article

Whigs and Democrats

In North Carolina in the New Nation, page 11.1

After the War of 1812, the two-party system of Federalists and Democratic-Republicans collapsed, and an era of one-party rule was known as the Era of Good Feelings. But new conflicts arose over the presidency of Andrew Jackson, the Second Bank of the United States, and tariffs, and two new parties, the Whigs and the Democrats, emerged. In North Carolina, the Whigs gained power in the 1830s and began a period of reform.

Format: article

By David Walbert.

Thomas Jefferson on manufacturing and commerce

In North Carolina in the New Nation, page 2.2

Excerpt from Thomas Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia (1781) in which he argues that the United States should remain an agricultural nation. Includes historical commentary.

Format: book

The War of 1812

In North Carolina in the New Nation, page 8.3

During its wars with France in the 1790s and early 1800s, Great Britain refused to respect the rights of U.S. ships and sailors on the high seas. When diplomacy and trade restrictions failed, President James Madison declared war. The two nations fought for two years before agreeing to a treaty, and historians debate who really "won" the war.

Format: article

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

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

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