Ratification of the Constitution Federalists vs. Antifederalists Aka liberals vs. conservatives Sound familiar?

Question: Why was the new Constitution controversial? Did not have the power to make a new constitution but they did it anyway. “Extra-legal act” Congress (legislature) had too much power (could make any law “necessary or proper”). President’s powers were too broad and vague (too wide and not specific) Fear of government power (British) No Bill of Rights = threatened states and people Answer: Many people (conservatives) could not get what the king and parliament had done out of their minds. To them this government was like nuclear government power!

Question: What was the side for the constitution? Answer: Federalists: for the new Constitution (liberal/radical). George Washington John Adams James Madison John Jay Alexander Hamilton

Question: What was their argument? Answer: Articles were too weak. States had too much power which stopped the government from being able to do anything. Constitution gave the government the power that it needed Still respected and protected the rights of the states (which each had a bill of rights) Radical (or liberal) because they wanted government to have the power it needed to act. To a Federalist – accepting the new government was a no- brainer!

Question: How did they convince people? Answer: Had to convince 9 of the 13 states to ratify (accept) the Constitution Used essays in newspapers today known as the Federalist Papers to convince people that the Constitution was needed and should be ratified. Hamilton, Madison, and Jay wrote the Federalist papers. These are considered some of the most important essays in history.

Question: What was the side against the Constitution? Answer: Anti-Federalists (conservatives) were against the ratification of the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson, George Mason Patrick Henry Very outspoken opponents of the new government.

Question: What was their argument? Answer: The new government was too strong The states were too weak. The new government would be like the British government. President was too powerful Government could make too many laws People and the states had no protection. Known as conservative: wanted the government not to have too much power. Thought the power should go to the states and the people.

Question: How did they convince people? Answer: Anti-Federalists fought the ratification with essays of their own Passionate speeches about rights and freedom in state legislatures where the voting would have to occur. Patrick Henry, George Mason, and Richard Henry Lee helped contribute to the less famous and less successful “Anti-Federalist Papers”.

Question: What solved the argument between the two sides? Answer: VA and NY were holding out. Federalists agreed to include a Bill of Rights after the states had ratified the Constitution. Convinced Virginia and New York to give in and ratify the constitution.

Question: Why? Answer: Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments to the Constitution) Gave the states and individuals the protection from government power. Made the conservatives happy for now. Problems: the Constitution was contradicted by the Bill of Rights (and vice versa) 10 th amendment vs. the elastic clause. “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” 10 th Amendment of the United States Constitution. “The Congress shall have Power - To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.” Article 1 section 8 clause 18 of the United States Constitution VS.

Complete the Comparison Chart On the back of 5L complete the chart. Use your notes, your notebook, and your memory to complete the chart. Come up with as many arguments as you can for each side. Remember what you have learned and the importance of POWER!