Final answer:
The group that continued to function during and after the Constitutional Convention was the Federalists, who supported a strong central government and eventually saw the ratification of the Constitution with the influence of key figures such as George Washington.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Constitutional Convention, and throughout the process of state ratification, a group persisted in function - the Federalists. They advocated for a strong central government and worked in opposition to the Anti-Federalists, who favored state sovereignty. The contest for ratification was intense, particularly in key states like Virginia and New York. The Federalists were efficient and well-organized; they promoted the Constitution through writings like The Federalist Papers. The impact of their advocacy was significant, as it influenced crucial ratifications leading to the Constitution's effectuation.
Following ratification by New Hampshire, and with George Washington becoming the first president, the Federalists remained influential and continued to shape the new government. This period saw the framing of the essential political and legal discourse of the United States, and while the Federalists originally did not form a political party, their core beliefs emphasized social hierarchy and property rights, maintaining traditional societal roles.
Ultimately, the resolution of this struggle for ratification had vast implications for the fledgling nation, ensuring the Constitution's legacy and Washington's role in its establishment and interpretation in his presidency.