Chapter 5.2

Essential Questions:  How was the Constitution adopted?  How did political parties begin to form?  What is the origin of the Bill of Rights?

Vocabulary  Federalists  Anti-Federalists  The Federalist

In your notes:  Define ratification.  What was the original purpose of the Constitutional Convention?

Ratifying the Constitution  The Constitution had to be ratified by at least nine states to go into effect  Only states which approved it would be part of the new nation

The Federalists  Federalists – supporters of the Constitution  Individual states would not be able to protect themselves against foreign nations

The Federalists  Strong national government could provide: Protection Maintain order Regulate trade Guarantee the rights of Citizens

The Federalists  America was weak, young, and on a large continent  If states did not unite Spain, England, and/or France could take them over

The Federalists  Would ensure that the nation’s debts were paid  American money would be stable at home and abroad

With a partner,  What was required for the Constitution to be ratified?  Who were the Federalists?  Explain the Federalists’ argument.

The Anti-Federalists  Anti-Federalists – against the Constitution  Feared that a strong national government would endanger people’s liberties

The Anti-Federalists  Believed the government needed to be close to the people  Worried about the statement in the Constitution that said “necessary and proper”

The Anti-Federalists  Congress could pass laws to carry out its stated powers  Allowed for abuse of power  Strong national government could take over state governments

In your notes:  Who were the Anti- Federalists?  Explain their argument regarding the Constitution.  Compare these groups to today’s political parties.

The Bill of Rights Issue  Anti-Federalists concerned that a bill of rights was not included  Government might not respect people’s rights

The Bill of Rights Issue  Federalists stated not necessary to list the citizens’ rights since the powers of the government were carefully limited

The Bill of Rights Issue  VA- Patrick Henry: strong Anti-Federalist  “Give me liberty or give me death”  Led the fight in VA against ratification

With a partner:  Why was the Bill of Rights an issue?

Ratification  Federalists campaigned and had admired people  Ben Franklin and George Washington  Federalists agreed to propose a bill of rights

Ratification  In June Constitution finally approved by only a few votes  New Hampshire was the 9 th state

Ratification  4 states did not approve- but included 40% of the country’s population  VA and NY- key states  By all 13 states approved

In your notes:  When was the Constitution finally ratified?  Who was the ninth state?  Even though 9 states approved, why was their still concern?