BasicsProject.org | Constitutional Literacy: The Ratification Debate Module

“If this government becomes oppressive, it will be by degrees: it will aim at its end by disseminating sentiments of government opposite to republicanism, and proceed from step to step in depriving the people of a share in the government.” -- Melancton Smith

Introduction

Welcome to the Constitutional Literacy curriculum modules, courtesy of BasicsProject.org. The curriculum is broken into sections, The Declaration of Independence; Articles of Confederation; Constitutional Convention; The Ratification Debate; US Constitution; Bill of Rights; and Amendments to the US Constitution. In addition to these initial modules, there are plans to develop modules on Economic Literacy and Our British Origins.

You Have Navigated to The Ratification Debate Curriculum
Prior to beginning this module, you should keep in mind that not all the Founders and Framers agreed with throwing out The Articles of Confederation and adopting what is now the current Constitution of the United States. Before it could be adopted, it required ratification by 9 of the 13 states. The concerns voiced by those who opposed its adoption are relevant in not only understanding the original intent and meaning of the document, but help us to recognize that when politics is put before government our natural rights are threatened and our sovereignty is eroded. Benjamin Franklin warned our countrymen that we are living in a republic if we can keep it. Many of the arguments voiced by the Antifederalists during the ratification debates are relevant in understanding the importance of limiting our national government, states' rights, and our responsibility as citizens to demand recognition of our legitimate standing to question the overreach that has taken place in all three branches of government.

Should you have any questions as you navigate the modules, please feel free to send your questions by clicking here.

Welcome to BasicsProject.org's Constitutional Literacy Curriculum Initiative: The Ratification Debate Module.

Part 1: The Challenges of Ratification
Part 2: Federalism
Part 3: Political Philosophy
Part 4: The Debate

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