Front:
SBURG
JUN
25
1988
23185
June 25, 1788
Virginia 25
LOND
OFFERING MO
EROVLFIND
Chis Calle
Back:
VIRGINIA RATIFIES
First Day of Issue: June 25, 1988
First Issue Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
Though New Hampshire's decision to ratify the U.S.
Constitution guaranteed it would go into effect, members
of the new Union watched with anxiety as storm clouds
of opposition formed in Virginia. For, Virginia was a large
and powerful state, and without its participation in the
new experiment, many felt that the Union could not
survive. Virginia hosted a colorful cast of politicians,
some for and some against ratification. Those who looked
for a passionate exchange were not disappointed. Anti-
Federalists Patrick Henry, Edmund Randolph and George
Mason faced Federalists who were just as distinguished.
James Madison led the Federalists, while George Wash-
ington kept a close eye on the proceedings from afar.
Working calmly and logically against the tirades of
Henry, the Federalists chose a path of compromise,
suggesting a subsequent bill of rights and amendments.
And thus, they swayed the vote in Virginia. On June 25,
1788, Virginia delegates voted to ratify the U.S.
Constitution.
No. 88-36
CONSTITUTION 1661-2861* 7
1787-1791
We the
People
BICENTENNIALS
©1988 The Maximum Card Collection
A Division of Unicover Corporation • Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007
Original painting by Chris Calle
An Official Maximum Card of
the Commission on the Bicentennial
of the United States Constitution
