Washington left Philadelphia not knowing if the states would ratify the Constitution but aware that he would likely serve as the first president if the document was ratified. Working behind the scenes to avoid charges of self-interest, he threw himself into the ratification effort even as he denied interest in the presidency. Nine states needed to ratify the Constitution for it to take effect; more were necessary for the government to work. Fierce partisan battles erupted in many states, with Washington’s support for the document, and his assumed service, as president serving as the Federalists’ most effective argument. Following ratification, the battle shifted to the First Federal Election, with Federalists and Anti Federalists seeking to gain the advantage. They could agree on only one issue: Washington would be the President. He became the unifying figure that bound the states together and made the presidency into the popular symbol of national union.