The convention in Virginia began its debate before nine states had approved the Constitution, but the contest was so close and bitterly fought that it lasted past the point when the technical number needed to ratify had been reached. Nevertheless, Virginia's decision was crucial to the nation. Perhaps no state was as deeply divided as New York, where the nationalist-urban artisan alliance could strongly carry New York City and the surrounding region, while more rural upstate areas were strongly Antifederalist.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Explain the development of state constitutions
Describe the features of the Articles of Confederation
Analyze the causes and consequences of Shays’ Rebellion