2. Drastic changes surprised some, angered others
New national government would
Greatly reduce powers of state legislatures
Completely restructure Congress

3. supported Constitution opposed Constitution
Framers outlined process for ratifying Constitution Voters in each state to elect representatives to state ratifying convention To become law, Constitution had to be ratified by 9 of 13 states
Federalists
Antifederalists
supported Constitution
opposed Constitution

5. Antifederalists
Recognized need for stronger national government but thought Constitution betrayed ideals of American Revolution
Saw as assault on state sovereignty, republicanism, liberty of the people
Believed national government would become too powerful
Strongest criticism—lacked bill of rights guaranteeing civil liberties

6. Federalists
Believed sufficiently powerful national government would strengthen fragile union, promote public good
Government would be empowered to defend against foreign enemies, regulate trade, and put down internal disturbances.
Believed separation of powers in Constitution put limits on government power

8. The Fight for Ratification
Because they did not trust government, the Antifederalists wanted the basic rights of the people spelled out in the Constitution.
The struggle over the Bill of Rights became a key focus in the fight over ratification.

9. Winning over the States…
Federalists better prepared
Targeted small states
Delaware first to ratify, December 7, 1787
Ratification harder in larger, more powerful states
Promise of adding bill of rights key to winning many states
Eventually all 13 states ratified

10. Bill of Rights
First Congress made bill of rights one of government’s first priorities
Ideas for these rights had been voiced in Declaration of Independence, elsewhere
December 1791: 10 amendments, traditionally called the Bill of Rights, ratified
Protected freedom of speech, press, religion, due process, right to fair trial, trial by jury