The ratification of the conventions of nine states shall be sufficient for the establishment of this constitution between the states so ratifying the same.

Nine states made two-thirds of the entire number. Eleven states ratified the constitution within nine months of the time of its submission to them. As soon as nine states had ratified, congress made arrangements for putting the new form of government into operation.

The mode of ratification herein specified ignored the existence of the articles of confederation, and in specifying this mode the convention disregarded the instructions of the congress which called it. The congress had expressly provided that the work of the convention should be submitted to the congress and the state legislatures for approval. But this provision places the power to ratify in the hands of conventions elected by the people in the several states, which arrangement is in harmony with the opening words of the preamble.

Pertinent Questions.

What is the recognized law of nations in regard to the payment of the debts of a nation when it changes its form of government? If England should become a republic would this rule apply? Does it apply when a territory becomes a state? Were the debts of the confederation paid? How? What was the amount of the debt of the United States at the time of the adoption of the constitution? What is the value of the notes and bonds of the "Confederate States of America"? Why?

Which is sovereign, the nation or the individual states? Where else are there any provisions which teach the same thing? Why should judges be specially mentioned in VI. 2? What department of the government makes treaties? Are they binding upon the other departments? Upon the several states? Can a state nullify an act of congress? Has any state ever tried to do so?

Why are state officers bound to support the constitution of the United
States? Is the requirement to take the "oath of office" a religious test?
Why is the choice of oath or affirmation given? What was the iron-clad
oath?

Would the ratification of the constitution by nine states have made it binding upon the other four? The articles of confederation required the consent of all the states to any amendment to them; by what right was this constitution adopted against the wishes of Rhode Island and North Carolina? If those two states had persisted in their refusal to ratify the constitution, what would have been their relations to the United States? Justify your answer.