Ratification: Approving the Constitution 13 Battles, One State at a Time

The Goal: 9 out of 13…kind of

Each state became a separate battle Some states ratified the Constitution easily Some states had more difficulty ratifying Some states held out for additions or changes (amendments)

The Debate Rages On… Federalists Anti-Federalists Fully Supported Ratification of the Constitution Generally more popular in the Northern States and Larger States Some completely against it Some would support if something were added… Generally more popular in Southern States and Smaller States

The Game Changer: The Bill of Rights Due to the demands/protests of anti-federalists James Madison and other leading Federalists promise to add a Bill of Rights: a list of rights guaranteed to all citizens

Let’s Get Down to Business!

1789: The Year of Firsts First Congress Elected First President Elected “Mr. Precedent” Met in New York City Had Some Work to Do!