Opposition Enough to Do Good

In the winter of 1787-1788, Madison was surprised by opposition to the ratification of the Constitution from Anti-Federalists who complained that the Constitution threatened the rights of the states and of individuals by conferring too much power on the central government. Even Jefferson had mixed emotions about the document. His reservations included concerns about the president’s eligibility for reelection and about the absence of a bill of rights. Jefferson proposed that nine states ratify the Constitution--the minimum number needed for it to take effect--and that four states withhold their approval in order to create pressure for amendments. Many of Madison’s twenty-nine Federalist essays addressed issues raised by Jefferson, and they reassured Jefferson on several points. Nevertheless, in order to win ratification of the Constitution in Virginia, its Federalist proponents had to agree to support amendments after the new government began operating, a compromise that Jefferson, who continued to support the addition of a bill of rights, could accept.