Chapter 9 Section 3 The Struggle for Ratification

The Federalists Supported the ratification (approval) of the Constitution. Supported the ratification (approval) of the Constitution. Felt the Constitution would: Felt the Constitution would: 1. Unite the quarreling states. 1. Unite the quarreling states. 2. Not threaten the states liberty. 2. Not threaten the states liberty. 3. Keep the branches of the government in check and not allow them to abuse their power. 3. Keep the branches of the government in check and not allow them to abuse their power.

The Anti-Federalists Opposed Ratification Opposed Ratification Feared that a central government would have too much power over the states. Feared that a central government would have too much power over the states. Complained that there was no bill of rights. Complained that there was no bill of rights. Felt federal courts would swallow up state courts. Felt federal courts would swallow up state courts. Also feared a strong central government might bring a tyranny as bad as the British. Also feared a strong central government might bring a tyranny as bad as the British.

Federalists v. Anti-Federalists

The Massachusetts Debate Delaware, Penn., NJ, Georgia, and Conn. all ratified the Constitution. Weary of a strong central government the Anti-Federalists of Mass. were against ratification. Promise to add a bill of rights and John Hancock's support helped Mass. become the sixth state to ratify the Constitution.

John Hancock-Massachusetts Debate

Ratification at Last June 1788, the Constitution was officially approved when the ninth state, New Hampshire, voted to ratify. June 1788, the Constitution was officially approved when the ninth state, New Hampshire, voted to ratify. The new government would have little chance of survival if the remaining four states would not ratify. The new government would have little chance of survival if the remaining four states would not ratify. All states would ratify by 1790 All states would ratify by 1790 Electoral College met and elected George Washington, Pres., John Adams, V.P. Electoral College met and elected George Washington, Pres., John Adams, V.P.

Ratification by the Constitution

George Washington-1 st POTUS

John Adams- Vice President

Bill of Rights 1 st Ten Amendments (changes) to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. 1 st Ten Amendments (changes) to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. Bill of Rights guarantees our most cherished freedoms such as: Bill of Rights guarantees our most cherished freedoms such as: > freedom of speech > freedom of speech > freedom of the press > freedom of the press > freedom of assembly > freedom of assembly > freedom to worship > freedom to worship > due process of law > due process of law Due process of law: Following legal steps in a court of law.

Bill of Rights