A few states agreed to ratify the Constitution only if what condition was met?
(1 point)
Responses
George Washington was elected president
George Washington was elected president
a bill of rights would be added
a bill of rights would be added
the federal government would maintain complete power
the federal government would maintain complete power
no new states would enter the union
a bill of rights would be added
A few states agreed to ratify the Constitution only if the condition of adding a bill of rights was met.
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress...."
—United States Constitution, Article V
Question
Use the excerpt to answer the question.
Which of the following best summarizes this excerpt?
(1 point)
Responses
Alterations to the Constitution must be deemed necessary and proposed by the House of Representatives.
Alterations to the Constitution must be deemed necessary and proposed by the House of Representatives.
Each state legislature may choose between either mode of ratification to ratify a proposed amendment.
Each state legislature may choose between either mode of ratification to ratify a proposed amendment.
New additions to the Constitution can be proposed with backing from a congressional majority.
New additions to the Constitution can be proposed with backing from a congressional majority.
The intent of Article V is to provide the legislative branch with the power of ratification.
The correct answer is "a bill of rights would be added."
To find the answer, you can refer to historical documents and resources. In this case, you can research the debates and discussions surrounding the ratification of the United States Constitution. Specifically, you can look into the concerns and demands expressed by certain states during the ratification process.
By doing so, you will discover that a number of states, particularly those with Anti-Federalist sentiments, sought assurances that individual rights would be protected. They wanted a guarantee that the federal government would not infringe upon the rights of citizens. As a result, they insisted on the inclusion of a Bill of Rights in the Constitution. This condition helped secure the necessary support from these states, leading to the eventual ratification of the Constitution.