| | :I believe it describes the ratification of the Constitution by the colonies. At the time of this cartoon, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut had already ratified the Constitution. Massachusetts was on the verge of ratifying so I believe the hand could possibly be God, since it is reaching from the clouds or just a way of showing that Massachusetts was nearly joining the rank of those who ratified already. Massachusetts ratified the United States Constitution on February 6, 1788, by a vote of 187 to 168. A later cartoon, publicized 10 days later, depicts Massachusetts standing with the rest of the States. The cartoonist was probably a Federalist because he depicts a hand, possibly Gods, holding the states together. (Bethany S.) | | :I believe it describes the ratification of the Constitution by the colonies. At the time of this cartoon, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut had already ratified the Constitution. Massachusetts was on the verge of ratifying so I believe the hand could possibly be God, since it is reaching from the clouds or just a way of showing that Massachusetts was nearly joining the rank of those who ratified already. Massachusetts ratified the United States Constitution on February 6, 1788, by a vote of 187 to 168. A later cartoon, publicized 10 days later, depicts Massachusetts standing with the rest of the States. The cartoonist was probably a Federalist because he depicts a hand, possibly Gods, holding the states together. (Bethany S.) |
| | + | : The pillars in the cartoon represent states supporting the Federal government. the hand in the cloud is the Hand of God saving Massachusetts during [[Shay's Rebellion]]. The cartoonist, Ben Russell, was a [[federalist]], favoring power to the federal government rather than States retaining power. Because the Rebellion took place under the Confederation, Russell held that it showed the need for a strong Constitution to stop insurrections like this quickly. Under the Articles, things were clearly getting out of hand. (Steven M.) |