1. Ratification of the Constitution
Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist

2. Ratification 1. Official approval by super majority (2/3)
A. unanimous votes of Articles of Confederation didn’t work
B. ratification = 9 of the 13 states

3. Ratification Debates 2. Federalists
A. James Madison & Alexander Hamilton
B. stressed weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
C. wanted the Constitution ratified as it was written
1. stronger central government with increased powers

4. Ratification Debates 3. Anti-Federalists
A. Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, John Hancock & Samuel Adams
B. wanted some aspects of Articles of Confederation
1. State’s rights
C. Too much increased power of central govt
D. Didn’t contain a Bill of Rights
1. wanted a provision for the protection of basic, fundamental rights & liberties

6. Ratification Process 1. Nine states ratify
A. New Hampshire (June 21, 1788)
B. Constitution ratified
1. Article VII
C. needs New York or Virginia to ratify for new gov’t to succeed

7. Ratification Process 2. Virginia A. Support of George Washington
1. gains the support of Thomas Jefferson
2. VA ratifies on June 25, 1788

8. Ratification Process 3. New York A. The Federalist
1. Alexander Hamilton, James Madison & John Jay
2. essays & letters that were published in various newspapers
B. NY ratifies on July 26, 1788

9. The Federalist A. Defends the principles of the Constitution
1. Balance the influence of factions against the common good
2. Limits national authority & preserve liberty
A. checks & balances
B. separation of powers
B. Statement of American political theory
1. still relevant today

10. Bill of Rights 1. Bill of Rights
A. Promise of its addition was NECESSARY for ratification
1. Compromise w/Anti-Federalists
2. Ratified Dec. 15, 1791
B. 1st 10 Amendments to the Constitution
1. Freedom of speech, press, assembly, religion, petition
2. Bear arms
3. Trial by jury, illegal search & seizure

11. Bill of Rights

12. Bill of Rights C. Influences 1. James Madison
A. Father of the Constitution
2. George Mason
A. Virginia Declaration of Rights
3. Thomas Jefferson
A. Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

13. Bill of Rights

14. Inauguration of new government
1. New York – temporary capital
2. 1st Congress convenes March 4, 1789
3. George Washington – 1st president
A. John Adams – Vice-president