Front:
NEW ENGLAND
Pebroc Be
MA
FEB
1988
02205
22
Chais Calle
Feb 6,1788
Massachusetts
ENTE A
Back:
MASSACHUSETTS RATIFIES
First Day of Issue: February 6, 1988
First Issue Location: Boston, Massachusetts
In January 1788, the Boston air carried a chill, not entirely
due to the weather. Talk along the waterfront, in the
pubs, and on the street was centered on the state constitu-
tional convention. At the outset, Thomas Jefferson –
from his post as minister to France — had sent his views,
setting the stage for debate. Approving of the separation
of powers, taxing powers and other issues, Jefferson went
on to explain, “I will add now what I do not like ... the
omission of a bill of rights," which freemen need to
protect them from, “every government on earth . . . and
what no just government should refuse, or rest on infer-
ence." Jefferson's point was well taken in Massachusetts,
where citizens demanded to know what their rights
would be. As the fourth most populous state and a com-
mercial center, Massachusetts had special concerns.
Thus, it was here that the Constitution was bitterly de-
bated. John Hancock took a leading role, presenting
amendments which decided the vote. On February 6,
1788, Massachusetts delegates voted to ratify.
No. 88-10
CONSTION * 1661-28617
1787-1791
We the
People
BICENTENNIAL
An Official Maximum Card of
the Commission on the Bicentennial
of the United States Constitution
©1988 The Maximum Card Collection
A Division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007
Original painting by Chris Calle.
