Uploaded November 2015 | Updated September 2026, 28 minutes ago
Massachusetts and Constitutional Ratification, by Professor John P. Kaminski, Director, Center for the Study of the American Constitution, University of Wisconsin-Madison. This video presents an overview of the crucial role played by Massachusetts in ratification of the Constitution. Federalists approached Governor John Hancock, and offered to support his political ambitions if he would support the new Constitution. At their behest, he offered—and the state convention accepted—unconditional ratification with nine recommendatory amendments. Professor John Kaminski notes this strategy was adopted by 6/7 of the remaining states, thus ensuring ratification.
American History Videos are sponsored by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation. These videos are offered to help teachers, students and the general public learn more about America's founding and the Constitution of the United States. www.jamesmadison.gov.
Massachusetts and Constitutional Ratification, by Professor John P. Kaminski, Director, Center for the Study of the American Constitution, University of Wisconsin-Madison. This video presents an overview of the crucial role played by Massachusetts in ratification of the Constitution. Federalists approached Governor John Hancock, and offered to support his political ambitions if he would support the new Constitution. At their behest, he offered—and the state convention accepted—unconditional ratification with nine recommendatory amendments. Professor John Kaminski notes this strategy was adopted by 6/7 of the remaining states, thus ensuring ratification.
American History Videos are sponsored by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation. These videos are offered to help teachers, students and the general public learn more about America's founding and the Constitution of the United States. www.jamesmadison.gov.
