Race to Ratify

1. Your Liberty Is At Stake! The states are, and should remain, the core of our republic. It is there that the people can be properly represented. When states have to bend to the central government's will, the people will pay with their liberty

2. Leave It to the Experts The common people do not have the refinement to participate directly in the government. A chosen body of citizens will refine the desires of the masses and apply their wisdom to ruling the nation.

3. A Good Investment A government simply cannot operate, provide critical services, and support a military without money. A reasonable amount of taxes is needed to maintain a functional federal government. The alternative is a do-nothing government and non-existent national defense. Growth and improvement cost money, but are worth the investment.

4. Save It for Later Critics from both sides have complained about how slavery is treated in this proposed Constitution. Some wanted more protections for the institution of slavery, while others wanted it abolished entirely. The only way to move forward is to compromise. We must leave this debate to the future.

5. What Size Crown? After our breakup (and war) with King George III a few years back, why would we want another king at the head of our new government? Supporters say that the president will be elected. I don't think that means he won't go looking for a crown.

6. Not Equal, Not Fair The Senate creates a completely unequal setting for legislation. As it stands, the tiny state of Delaware has as much representation in the Senate as a large and populous state like Virginia. How is this fair? How is this democratic?

7. To Do List: MAKE A LIST The supporters of the Constitution do not believe a listing of the rights of the people is necessary. They are wrong. We need a Bill of Rights to make sure the government doesn't take away our liberties.

8. Why Restrict Representation? I see no reason to restrict the representation of small states in the House. America deserves a government with balanced state power, giving each an equal seat at the table.

9. Judging the Judicial Opponents of the Constitution are trying to scare you away with unfounded tales about the judicial branch. Here's the truth—this is the smallest and least powerful branch in the government. It cannot tax you, command the military, or take away your rights. It is created to protect your liberty. Remember that.

10. Forget the List A written list of rights sounds like a great idea, until you think about it a little harder. Can we all agree on ten things, or even a hundred? Would those make up the whole list? What about something you think of later? Is it not protected? Putting things on paper makes it seem like there are only so many rights worth protecting.

Which reason was NOT one used to argue for the ratification of the new Constitution?

How many states were needed to ratify the Constitution before it could become law?

America has always had a plan for a strong central government.

The states had the most power under the U.S. Constitution.

Many people disagreed on the ratification of the Constitution in 1787.

A stronger central government was good news for Native American tribes.

Women had opinions on the future of the Constitution even though they could not vote.

What’s the Big Idea? Match each of the big ideas found in the game with an example from someone you may have interviewed in the game.