New York State Ratifying Convention · Poughkeepsie · June 1788
The Ratification Debate of 1788
Ten states have ratified. New York stands apart — deeply divided, watched by the nation. What happens here could determine whether the American experiment survives.
The Situation
The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia has finished its work, and the document it produced must now be ratified — or rejected — by the states. New Hampshire just became the ninth state to ratify, making the Constitution technically effective. But a union without New York, the most populous and commercially vital state, would be crippled from birth.
The delegates gathered in Poughkeepsie are bitterly divided. Antifederalists hold a commanding majority. Federalists are outnumbered, but determined. Between them stand the Moderates — delegates who came to oppose the Constitution but cannot bring themselves to vote New York out of the union. Their votes will decide everything.
"We, sir, idolize democracy... We are not afraid to leave it to the people... [but] the question before the committee is whether the smallness of the number is such as to give just ground of alarm."
— Melancton Smith, Antifederalist leader, June 21, 1788
Game Resources
Use the pages below to prepare for and participate in the convention. Read the Historical Background before the game begins; access your Faction Role Sheet for strategy and sources; find your delegate biography in the Roster.
Game Schedule
The convention will take up three questions about the nature of representation in the new government. On each issue, Federalists and Antifederalists will speak from the podium. Moderates will listen, join the debate if moved to do so, and then vote.
Mechanics
After each issue is debated, every delegate casts one vote. The tally determines whether that provision is scored Federalist or Antifederalist — shaping the character of the final package.
Moderates who participate in debate on a given issue earn a doubled vote on that issue. Active participation — questions, comments, declarations — earns this bonus. Use it strategically.
After all three issues, the instructor scores the constitution. Federalists win if a Federalist-rated constitution is ratified. Antifederalists win if it is rejected. Moderates share the victory of the faction they supported on the final vote.
If the constitution is rated Antifederalist, Chancellor Livingston may threaten secession of the southern counties. If rated Federalist, Governor Clinton may threaten a circular letter demanding a second convention. Moderates must weigh these threats.
Factions
Each faction has a password-protected role sheet containing your faction's position on each issue, recommended sources, debate strategy, and how to win. Access your faction's sheet — and only your faction's sheet — before the convention begins.