why was the ratification of Virginia important to the constitution?
Virginia was the place many of the leaders of the Revolution, the Confederation, and the new republic came from (Washington, Jefferson, Madison ....). If Virginia did not ratify, the thing could not work because so many of the leaders were Virginians. (Also Massachusetts - Adams and New York - Hamilton)
Check this site for another reason that Virginia's ratification was important.
http://www.usconstitution.net/rat_va.html
The ratification of Virginia was important to the Constitution for several reasons. Here's how we can understand its significance:
1. Virginia's Influence: Virginia was one of the most populous and influential states at that time. It was home to prominent statesmen like George Washington and James Madison, who played crucial roles in the formation of the Constitution. Virginia's support of the Constitution carried considerable weight and helped sway other states in its favor.
2. National Unity: The ratification of Virginia signaled that a significant and influential state had given its approval to the Constitution. This lent legitimacy and credibility to the new system of government being proposed. It showed that a prominent state was willing to entrust its power and sovereignty to the federal government, encouraging other states to follow suit.
3. James Madison's Contributions: James Madison, often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution," represented Virginia during the Constitutional Convention and was instrumental in drafting the document. His extensive knowledge, persuasive arguments, and advocacy for the Constitution enhanced its chances of being ratified, both in Virginia and in other states.
4. The Virginia Plan: Before the Constitution, James Madison had proposed the Virginia Plan, which greatly influenced the structure of the new government. Many of the ideas in the Virginia Plan were incorporated into the final version of the Constitution. By ratifying the Constitution, Virginia showed its support for the principles laid out in the Virginia Plan and their inclusion in the new government.
To summarize, the ratification of Virginia was important to the Constitution because of Virginia's influence in shaping the document, the approval of influential statesmen like James Madison, and the signal it sent to other states that a prominent state was willing to unite under the new system of government.