Representation and Political Deliberation in the Massachusetts Constitutional Ratification Debate

Sustained political deliberation marked the national debate concerning ratification of the Constitution in 1787-88. Federalist and Antifederalist delegates to the Massachusetts ratification convention presented competing visions of representation. Federalists advocated an independent representative model whereas Antifederalists urged close constituent control. The convention arguments reveal how each group envisioned rhetorical ability and character appropriate to the deliberative process, which in turn raised issues intimately tied to the question of ratification.