United States History Student Edition

F The Federal Pillars

A series of cartoons entitled “The Federal Pillars” was published over several months beginning in January 1788 and depicted the ratification process. The final image of the series, shown here, was published in August of 1788, two months after the Constitution was ratified by the required nine states.

PRIMARY SOURCE: POLITICAL CARTOON

EXAMINE THE SOURCE 1. Interpreting What does each upright pillar represent? What does each pillar that is falling over represent? 2. Analyzing Points of View Does the political cartoon present a positive or negative message about the Constitution and ratification? Explain. 3. Analyzing Perspectives What does the artist’s use of pillars in the cartoon suggest about his or her thoughts on the new Constitution and government?

Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division [LC-USZ62-45589]

199 First Governments and the Constitution