Chapter 2 Section 5 Mr. Gordon

Section 5 Ratification and the Bill of Rights Ratification of the Constitution involved a heated debate between those who supported the Constitution and those who opposed it. Antifederalists opposed the Constitution because it lacked a bill of rights. The Federalist Papers outlined the key ideas of the Federalists, who supported the Constitution. The struggle for ratification took place in every state.

Antifederalists versus Federalists Constitutional Convention adjourned September 17, 1787 Drastic changes in plan for government surprised some, angered others New national government would — Greatly reduce powers of state legislatures — Completely restructure Congress Framers outlined process for ratifying Constitution — Voters in each state to elect representatives to state ratifying convention — To become law, Constitution had to be ratified by 9 of 13 states Two factions — Federalists supported Constitution — Antifederalists opposed Constitution

Antifederalists versus Federalists

Antifederalists versus Federalists The Antifederalists Recognized need for stronger national government but thought Constitution betrayed ideals of American Revolution Saw document as assault on state sovereignty, republicanism, liberty of the people Believed national government would become too powerful Strongest criticism—Constitution lacked bill of rights guaranteeing civil liberties

Antifederalists versus Federalists The Federalists Enthusiastic supporters of powerful, vigorous national government Feared central government that was too strong, but feared weak government more Believed sufficiently powerful national government would strengthen fragile union, promote public good Government would be empowered to defend against foreign enemies, regulate trade, and put down internal disturbances. Believed separation of powers in Constitution put limits on government power

Antifederalists versus Federalists Over what issues did Antifederalists and Federalists disagree? strength of federal government; restructuring of Congress; power of executive branch; necessity of bill of rights

The Federalist Papers Writing Team Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay Wrote under pen name, Publius—one of founders of Roman Republic Authored 85 essays total Defended Constitution Papers 10 and 51 argued Constitution would balance influence of different factions Others explained how principles of government would limit national authority, preserve liberty

The Federalist Papers Best Commentary Circulated throughout the states Classic statement of American political theory Collectively called the Federalist Papers Rebuttal Essays Antifederalists published own essays Protecting liberty a chief concern “Certain unalienable and fundamental rights…ought to be explicitly ascertained and fixed.”

The Federalist Papers Why were the Federalist Papers written? to win public support for ratification of the Constitution

The Fight for Ratification Because they did not trust government, the Antifederalists wanted the basic rights of the people spelled out in the Constitution. The struggle over the Bill of Rights became a key focus in the fight over ratification.

The Fight for Ratification Winning Over the States Federalists better prepared Targeted small states Delaware first to ratify, December 7, 1787 Ratification harder in larger, more powerful states Promise of adding bill of rights key to winning many states Eventually all 13 states ratified

The Fight for Ratification Bill of Rights First Congress made bill of rights one of government’s first priorities Ideas for these rights had been voiced in Declaration of Independence, elsewhere December 1791: 10 amendments, traditionally called the Bill of Rights, ratified Protected freedom of speech, press, religion, due process, right to fair trial, trial by jury

The Fight for Ratification How did the promise to add a bill of rights to the Constitution influence the ratification process? Some states would not agree to ratification without the promise of a Bill of Rights