Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Ratification Process: State by State
The ratification of the Constitution was placed at the hands of the state legislatures. Read about which states supported the ratification, which were opposed, and why. Find out why, even after the requisite number of states had voted...
State Library of North Carolina
N Cpedia: Convention of 1835
The constitutional convention of 1835 was convened to modify the North Carolina Constitution of 1776. Some provisions of the 1776 document were rooted in the colonial experience, and a growing segment of the population came to consider...
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Slave Trade Compromise
The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise was reached at the Constitutional Convention by stating that Congress could not prohibit the slave trade until 1808, but that any imported slaves could be taxed.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: The Three Fifths Compromise
The Three-Fifths Compromise that was presented at the Constitutional Convention resolved the issue of counting slaves towards the population in regards to representation in the House of Representatives.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: The Great Compromise
Covers details of the Great Compromise which was presented at the Constitutional Convention. It consisted of the idea of proportional representation in the lower house (House of Representatives) and equal representation of the states in...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Signers of the Constitution Word Search
A printable wordsearch on thirty-nine of the delegates who signed of the US Constitution.
Digital History
Digital History: The Delegates
An interesting look at the background of the men who gathered in Philadelphia to frame a new constitution for the new country.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Ratification and Bill of Rights
This site is provided for by the University of Groningen. Learn about the struggle for approval by the states of the U.S. Constitution, continuous disagreements after the Constitutional Convention between the Federalists and the...
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Charles Cotesworth Pinckney
The text of an original letter written by Charles Cotesworth Pinckney to a Mr. Lowndes opposing the independence of the states from each other in favor of the independence of the new nation as a whole.
US Senate
Vice Presidents of the United States: Elbridge Gerry
A very nice biography of the fifth vice president of the United States, Elbridge Gerry. Gerry died in office in 1814.
Other
The Federalist Papers:convention, Constitution,& Debates
A clickable index of the 85 Federalist Papers. The text of each letter (paper) sent to New York newspapers in 1787 and 1788 is easily accessed.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: Alexander Hamilton: The Man Who Made Modern America
[Free Registration/Login Required] A marvelous look at the life of Alexander Hamilton shown through primary documents in this interactive site.
iCivics
I Civics: The Federalist Debate
The ratification debate between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists gives us insight into the ideas behind both sides and a better understanding of how our government developed in its early years.
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress Creates the Bill of Rights I
This is the first PDF in a four-part series on the Bill of Rights. This part focuses on the history and chronology of the passage of the Bill of Rights. Vivid pictures, primary source documents, and a timeline are provided. [PDF]
Other
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation: Continuing Revolutions
America was victorious in the Revolutionary War, but now faced a slew of problems while trying to set up our new nation. Study how we attempted to solve the problems of establishing a government, forming our economy, meeting the needs of...
Library of Congress
Loc: Biographical Directory of the u.s. Congress: Oliver Ellsworth
A brief biography of Oliver Ellsworth, the delegate from Connecticut to the Constitutional Convention. He also served as a senator and as a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Library of Congress
Loc: Biographical Directory of the u.s. Congress: William Few
A brief biography of William Few, a delegate from Georgia to the Constitutional Convention, and a former member of the United States Senate.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Ap Us History Period 3: 1754 1800: The American Revolution
This Khan Academy resource provides video lessons, detailed notes, and practice questions for the AP U.S. History Exam. The years 1754-1800 are covered.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: The Articles of Confederation
At this site read a short synopsis of the Articles of Confederation, and then complete a short quiz by clicking on the "show what you know" link at the bottom.
US Army Center
U.s. Army Center of Military History: Richard Bassett
A good biography of Richard Bassett (1745-1815 CE). He was a delegate from Delaware to the Constitutional Convention. He also served as Governor of Delaware and as Senator.
US Army Center
U.s. Army Center of Military History: Gunning Bedford, Jr.
Provides good biographical details on Gunning Bedford, Jr. (1747-1812 CE). He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention from Delaware.
US Army Center
U.s. Army Center of Military History: Richard Dobbs Spaight
A biography of this delegate from North Carolina to the Constitutional Convention. He was a strong federalist and helped with persuading North Carolina to endorse the new constitution. He later served as a Congressman.
US Army Center
U.s. Army Center of Military History: John Dickinson
A good biography of John Dickinson (1732-1808 CE). He was one of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention from Delaware. He was a strong supporter of the new Constitution and as a result, Delaware became the first state to ratify...
US Army Center
U.s. Army Center of Military History: Pierce Butler
A biographical sketch of this delegate from South Carolina to the Constitutional Convention. He later served as a Senator.