1. Magruder’s American Government
C H A P T E R 2- Section 5 Origins of American Government
© 2001 by Prentice Hall, Inc.

2. S E C T I O N 5 Ratifying the Constitution
Who were the Federalists and the Anti- Federalists?
How long did the ratification of the Constitution take?
What happened after its ratification? 1 2 3 4
Chapter 2, Section 1

3. Fight for Ratification
Under the Articles, any changed need all 13 states' approval…
Since the constitution was to replace, not amend the Articles of Confederation…. The framers determined that:
“The ratification of the conventions of nine states shall be sufficient for the establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the same.” ---Article VIII
September 28, 1787…Sent copies of Constitution to all the states.

4. The Federalists and Anti-Federalists
The Constitution was very controversial at first, with some groups supporting it, and others attacking it.
Federalists argued for the ratification of the Constitution. (WANTED A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT)
Anti-Federalists objected to the Constitution (ANTI FEDERAL GOVERNMENT) 1 2 3 4
Chapter 2, Section 5

5. Federalists
Anti-Federalists
Led by Constitutional Convention members: James Madison, Alexander Hamilton
Led by Revolutionary War figures: Patrick Henry, Richard Henry lee, John Hancock, Samuel Adams
ARGUMENTS
1. Articles of Confederation were weak
1. Ratification process is flawed
2. Strong government needed to solve nation’s problems
2. Presidency could become a monarchy
3. Liberties are protected in State constitutions
3. Congress could become too powerful
4. Separation of powers would prevent abuse
4. Lacked bill of rights
5. States lacked power to print money

6. Arguments Against the Constitution
#1 argument against the Constitution: lack of a bill of rights
Something that would protect people’s basic rights like freedom of speech, press, and religion.
Patrick Henry said: “I look on that paper as the most fatal plan that could possibly be conceived to enslave a free people.”
Federalists promised to amend Constitution and add bill of rights

7. The Constitution is Ratified
Nine States ratified the Constitution by June 21, 1788, but the new government needed the ratification of the large States like New York and Virginia.
Without these two states, the biggest of the 13, government had no hope to succeed and needed their support
Great debates were held in both States, with Virginia ratifying the Constitution June 25, 1788.
New York’s ratification important because it separated New England from rest of the nation. . Supporters of the Constitution published a series of essays known as The Federalist… 1 2 3 4
Chapter 2, Section 5

8. Inaugurating the Government
September 13, 1788: 11 out of 13 states approved it
New York City named as temporary capital
The new Congress met for the first time on March 4, 1789.
Congress finally attained a quorum (majority) on April 6 and counted the electoral votes. Congress found that George Washington had been unanimously elected President. He was inaugurated on April 30 as 1st President of the United States in New York! 1 2 3 4
Chapter 2, Section 5

9. Section 5 Review
1. The debate over the ratification of the Constitution was won by the
(a) Anti-Federalists.
(b) Whigs.
(c) Federalists.
(d) Tories.
2. The temporary capital of the United States where Congress met in was
(a) Washington, D.C.
(b) Philadelphia.
(c) New York.
(d) Mount Vernon.
Want to connect to the Magruder’s link for this section? Click Here! 1 2 3 4
Chapter 2, Section 5