Ratifying the Constitution Chapter 4 – Section 4 – Pgs. 132-135 CA Standard 8.2.7

Objectives: Today we will learn how the Constitution was ratified. So we can understand that Americans debated before ratifying the Constitution. We will know we understand it when we can identify the differing arguments for and against the Constitution.

Antifederalists Opposed the Constitution Against the creation of new gov. (Constitutional Convention) Too much power to the central gov. Angered because Constitution did not have section that guaranteed individual rights

Many were small farmers and debtors (people who owed money) Revolutionary War heroes were also Antifederalists Richard Henry Lee Samuel Adams Patrick Henry George Mason

Federalists Supporters of Constitution Believed Constitution offered good balance of power Careful compromise between political views

Wealthy planters, farmers and lawyers Also included poor workers, craftspeople & merchants James Madison George Washington Ben Franklin Alexander Hamilton John Jay

Federalists vs. Antifederalists Debated whether Constitution should be ratified by the states Each made speeches & wrote pamphlets advocating their views

Federalist Papers Essays written supporting the Constitution Anonymously written (Publius) Reflection Q: Who were the real authors? Alexander Hamilton James Madison John Jay

Were eventually published in book form in 1788 Federalist Papers attempted to reassure Americans that the new fed. gov. would not overpower the states Federalist Paper No. 10: American diversity would prevent one group from dominating the government Were eventually published in book form in 1788

Constitution only needed 9 states to pass it However, to preserve unity each state needed to ratify it Federalists and Antifederalists continue to argue, speak out and advocate for their positions

December 7, 1787: Delaware first to ratify All states except Rhode Island held special conventions to discuss and vote December 7, 1787: Delaware first to ratify 8 other states ratified by 1788 New Hampshire was the last state to ratify Political leaders knew that they needed Virginia & New York to ratify Rhode Island last to ratify in May 1790

Bill of Rights Some states ratified after being promised a bill protecting individual rights would be added to it Antifederalists felt the Constitution did not protect individual rights

James Madison – 1st session of new Congress Proposed Bill of Rights be created & added as an amendment (official change to Constitution) Article V allows doc to be changed if approved by 2/3 majority in both houses Then ratified by ¾ of the states

September 1789 - 12 amendments proposed Inspired by State ratifying conventions Virginia Declaration of Rights English Bill of Rights Declaration of Independence September 1789 - 12 amendments proposed Reflection Q: How many were ratified?

Checking for Understanding

vs. Federalist Views Antifederalist Views 1. 2. 3. Directions: Identify the differing arguments for and against the Constitution. Federalist Views vs. Antifederalist Views 1. 2. 3.

vs. Federalist Views Antifederalist Views 1. Good balance of power 2. Careful compromise between political views 3. Liberties & rights protected 1. Central Gov. too strong 2. Rights not protected