Shays’ Rebellion was an important motivation for strengthening the national government. Meeting in Philadelphia in 1787, delegates drafted a new Constitution for the United States. Heated debates took place in state ratifying conventions between “Federalists” and “Anti-Federalists.” Hancock was elected President of the Massachusetts convention, but did not appear regularly because of health issues. His position was not clear at first. His decision to support ratification was important in securing Massachusetts’s approval. He linked it with advocacy for a Bill of Rights.
