A More Perfect Union 7.4 Ratifying the Constitution

The Constitutional Debate The states held special conventions to consider the proposed constitution Rhode Island was against it from the beginning and did not call for a convention

The Constitutional Debate: Federalists Versus Anti-Federalists

Federalists Supported the new Constitution George Washington and Ben Franklin

Federalists The Federalist Papers a series of essays written by Madison, Hamilton and Jay explaining and defending the Constitution

Federalists Feared uprisings and disorder more than a strong central government

Federalists Believed a strong national government was necessary for survival

Federalists Believed a bill of rights would limit people’s rights

Anti-Federalists Opposed the Constitution Thomas Paine – “That government is best which governs least.” Patrick Henry

Anti-Federalists Feared the Constitution would take away the peoples’ liberty

Anti-Federalists Feared the states would lose power to the central government

Anti-Federalists Wanted local government to take care of people’s needs Generally worked as farmers

Anti-Federalists Wanted a bill of rights – without it, federal government would become too strong

Ratification Despite debate, ratification proceeded Constitution would include a Bill of Rights amendment

Ratification 1 st – Delaware 9 th – New Hampshire Eventually, all 13 states ratified