why was the ratification of new york important to the constitution?
New York was right in the middle of the proposed country and if New York did not ratify, the northern states around Massachusetts would be divided from the southern states around Virginia and it would be difficult to grow a country. The vote was close in New York.
Check this article -- especially the part that Hamilton played in New York.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_United_States_Constitution#Ratification
The ratification of New York was important to the Constitution because New York was one of the most populous and influential states at the time. Its support for the Constitution was crucial for the successful establishment of a united government in the United States.
To understand why New York's ratification was important, we need to look at the context of the time. In 1787, the Constitutional Convention was held to address the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation, which had proven to be a weak form of government. The Constitution that emerged from the Convention needed to be ratified by at least nine out of thirteen states in order to take effect.
New York, being a large and influential state, had a significant impact on the nation's politics and economy. It had a diverse population and a key geographic location, with access to major waterways and trade routes. Its involvement in the new federal government was crucial to ensuring its success.
Furthermore, New York had a vibrant political landscape with strong factions supporting and opposing the Constitution. On one side, there were the Federalists, such as Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, who advocated for a strong central government and supported the Constitution. On the other side, there were the Anti-Federalists, including prominent figures like George Clinton and Melancton Smith, who opposed the Constitution and feared an overreach of federal power.
The state's ratification process was filled with intense debates. Initially, New York's Anti-Federalists held a majority in the state's convention and were resistant to ratifying the Constitution without amendments. However, through a combination of lobbying, persuasion, and compromises, the Federalists managed to win over some Anti-Federalist delegates and secure the necessary majority for ratification.
Ultimately, New York's ratification came with a list of suggested amendments known as the New York Ratification Resolution, which proposed changes to the Constitution. Although these amendments were not directly incorporated into the Constitution, they served as the basis for the later addition of the Bill of Rights.
In summary, New York's ratification was important to the Constitution because of its substantial population, economic significance, and political influence. Its decision to support the Constitution played a crucial role in ensuring the viability and legitimacy of the new federal government.