Section 3 – debating the Constitution Chapter 7 Section 3 – debating the Constitution

Not done yet! Nine of the original thirteen states have to ratify (agree) with the Constitution in order for it to be the new law of the U.S.

Federalists versus Antifederalists For a strong national government James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay – Federalist Papers More power needed by central government to make it strong! George Mason, Patrick Henry felt the Constitution gave too much power to central government Made state power weaker Contained no Bill of Rights Made the President very kinglike

The Ratification Debate Delaware first! – December 17, 1787 Then Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut! Massachusetts next but with reluctance Maryland and South Carolina made it state 7 & 8 All eyes now on VIRGINIA! (Hello Mr. Washington, Randolph, Madison this was your idea!!!) New Hampshire becomes # 9 while Virginia is busy arguing! VA, NY, NC, and RI finally agree too (All 13) http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/graphics/13mapnew.htm

July 4, 1788 celebration of the new Constitution in Philadelphia “Tis done” July 4, 1788 celebration of the new Constitution in Philadelphia Washington elected first President, and John Adams first Vice- President

What? No bill of Rights! First act of new Congress was to discuss a Bill of Rights in 1789 By December 1791, ¾ of the states had ratified all 10 of the new amendments that made up the Bill of Rights Many feel the 1st Amendment is the most important to them, can you name the five freedoms this contains? http://axiomamuse.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/bill-of-rights.jpg

Why is George Mason called “the father of the bill of rights?” George Mason strongly advocated the passage of the Bill of Rights, which was modeled largely on his Virginia Bill of Rights. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/12/George_Mason.jpg/200px-George_Mason.jpg