THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, June, 1788  

* U.S. - United States Constitution 
* States debate on ratification 

This is the "second edition" as noted on the title page, printed on Feb. 20, 1792. 
Among the articles are: "Observations on the Management of the Female Convicts in the Workhouse, Philadelphia" "Objections to the Proposed Plan of Government for the United States on Genuine Principles" is concerning the proposed Constitution. Nearly 4 pages taken up with a continued: "Address to the...Members of the Convention of Virginia" debating the proposed Constitution; also: "Remarks on the Proposed System of Federal Government...to the Freemen of Edenton...North Carolina" taking nearly 6 pages & concerns the proposed Constitution. Also a similar address by John Jay concerning New York's debate of the proposed Constitution.
Near the back are several pates of "American Intelligence" with news reports including some nice & historic reports on ratifying the Constitution. A few bits include: "This day the convention of Virginia meets...the 23rd ult. the convention of South Carolina agreed to ratify the new federal Constitution...the 21st instant the federal constitution was agreed to by the convention of New Hampshire...Last Wednesday the convention of Virginia ratified the federal constitution...The ratification of the constitution was celebrated in Charleston..." and even more concerning the new Constitution.
Complete in 106 pages, disbound, 5 by 8 inches, very nice condition, full title page.

AI notes: Between 1787 and 1790, the ratification of the U.S. Constitution unfolded through intensely contested state conventions, where Federalists and Anti-Federalists clashed over the future balance of power in the new nation. Supporters of the Constitution argued that the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation—especially Congress’s inability to tax, regulate commerce, or provide for national defense—threatened the survival of the Union, while opponents warned that the proposed federal government would erode state sovereignty and endanger individual liberties. Debate was especially fierce in large, influential states such as Massachusetts, Virginia, and New York, where ratification passed only after assurances that amendments protecting freedoms such as speech, religion, and due process would be added. Smaller states like Delaware and New Jersey ratified quickly and unanimously, seeing advantage in a stronger central authority, while states with strong traditions of local autonomy, notably North Carolina and Rhode Island, delayed approval until the Bill of Rights was proposed and the new government was already operating. When New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify in June 1788, the Constitution took effect, but the prolonged and passionate debates across the states ensured that the final structure of the American government was tempered by compromise and a lasting commitment to constitutional liberties.

This title, along with the "Columbian Magazine", has the honor of being the first successful American magazine, both published in Philadelphia. The Museum was published by Mathew Carey and existed from January, 1787 thru the end of 1792.