Marblehead played an important role in the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. After the Revolutionary War ended, the next struggle began: fights, debates and controversy over what should make up the Constitution of our new nation. If you think there are lengthy and heated Senate debates now, they are no worse than the discussions that went on during the writing and ratifying of the U.S. Constitution.
The Constitution defines the government of the United States, establishes the powers of each branch — Congress, executive and judiciary — and sets forth individual rights defined by the amendments, known as the Bill of Rights. The Constitutional Convention that finally determined this document began in September 1787. There were both Federalists, who favored a strong central government, and Anti-federalists, who supported strong states’ rights and opposed the centralization of power.
Representatives came from all 13 states, and Elbridge Gerry of Marblehead represented Massachusetts. Gerry was one of the most vocal delegates and spoke often in favor of a strong central government. He became frustrated with the Constitution debates, finally refused to sign the document and left the convention. One of his main objections was that it did not yet contain a Bill of Rights.
The process of approving the Constitution was lengthy, as each draft went to every state. That meant that everyday citizens were very much involved in the creation of the Constitution. The form of government, the distribution of power and the rights of individuals were discussed in homes, businesses and local taverns. For more information, read “Ratification: The People Debate the Constitution,” by Pauline Maier. She describes the intense interest and popular excitement generated by the Constitution in the 1780s as similar to the atmosphere surrounding the final games of the World Series today.
It is inspiring to think that the creation of the Constitution was so important to everyone. The general population was very involved and took an active part in the founding of our nation. The ratification process took two years, and finally the first United States Congress opened in March 1789. Gerry finally signed the Constitution, which by then included the Bill of Rights.
Gerry was an ardent and committed patriot all his life. He took part in the Revolution, served in the first Congress, was governor of Massachusetts, was a diplomat to France and served as the fifth vice president of the United States under President James Madison.
While serving as governor of Massachusetts, Gerry reluctantly approved the first use of the political practice of using a political map laid out to benefit his party. The map looked like a large salamander, which a political cartoonist called a “gerrymander.” Gerry spent his life working for democracy and fighting for the rights of the people. Ironically, gerrymandering became his legacy.
Pam Peterson chairs the Marblehead Historical Commission. She is the former Marblehead Museum executive director.
