Origins of American Government Chapter 2

Ratifying the Constitution Section 5 Ratifying the Constitution

Federalists versus Anti-Federalists Support strong central government Oppose bill of rights as unnecessary and even harmful to liberty Doubt effectiveness of militia and favor federal standing army Republicanism can survive only in a large, diverse republic Virtue is a weak foundation for republicanism; a system of checks and balances is better. Oppose strong central government Favor inclusion of a bill of rights as necessary to protect liberty Favor militia and oppose federal standing army as dangerous to liberty Republicanism can survive only in a small, more uniform republic Republicanism depends on a virtuous population to prevent corruption and maintain order.

Ratification and The Bill of Rights Anti-Federalists convinced many that the Constitution was inadequate and even dangerous. In order to get the support needed to ratify, the Federalists agreed to support amendments to the Constitution upon ratification, creating a Bill of Rights On September 13, 1788 the Constitution was ratified and became the Supreme Law of the Land. Congress convened March 4, 1789 and Washington was sworn in on April 30, 1789 as the first president.