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AP Success - AP US History: George Washington Supports the Constitution

George Washington had presided as president of the Constitutional Convention that created a new federal government with greater powers than the Articles of Confederation. However, the Constitution still needed to be ratified by ¾ of the states.

Source 1

SIR, WE have now the honor to submit to the consideration of the United States in Congress assembled, that constitution which has appeared to us the most advisable. . . . It is obviously impracticable in the federal government of these states; to secure all rights of independent sovereignty to each, and yet provide for the interest and safety of all—Individuals entering into society, must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest. The magnitude of the sacrifice must depend as well on situation & circumstance as on the object to be obtained. It is at all times difficult to draw with precision the line between those rights which must be surrendered, and those which may be reserved; and on the present occasion this difficulty was encreased by a difference among the several states as to their situation, extent, habits and particular interests. . . . That it will meet the full and entire approbation of every state is not perhaps to be expected; but each will doubtless consider, that had her interests been alone consulted, the consequences might have been particularly disagreeable or injurious to others; that it is liable to as few exceptions as could reasonably have been expected, we hope and believe; that it may promote the lasting welfare of that country so dear to us all, and secure her freedom and happiness, is our most ardent wish.

George Washington’s Letter of Transmittal of the US Constitution to Congress, 1788.

Question 1

Short answer

Briefly identify one perspective of the Constitution expressed in the excerpt.

Question 2

Short answer

Briefly identify one event from the 1780s that led to the writing of the Constitution.

Question 3

Short answer

Briefly explain one opposition to the Constitution's ratification.

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