1. Chapter 2 Section 5
Mr. Gordon

2. Section 5 Ratification and the Bill of Rights
Ratification of the Constitution involved a heated debate between those who supported the Constitution and those who opposed it.
Antifederalists opposed the Constitution because it lacked a bill of rights.
The Federalist Papers outlined the key ideas of the Federalists, who supported the Constitution.
The struggle for ratification took place in every state.

4. Antifederalists versus Federalists
Constitutional Convention adjourned September 17, 1787
Drastic changes in plan for government surprised some, angered others
New national government would
— Greatly reduce powers of state legislatures
— Completely restructure Congress
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
Two factions
— Federalists supported Constitution
— Antifederalists opposed Constitution

6. Antifederalists versus Federalists

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

8. Antifederalists versus Federalists
The Federalists
Enthusiastic supporters of powerful, vigorous national government
Feared central government that was too strong, but feared weak government more
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

9. Antifederalists versus Federalists
Over what issues did Antifederalists and Federalists disagree?
strength of federal government; restructuring of Congress; power of executive branch; necessity of bill of rights

10. The Federalist Papers Writing Team
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay
Wrote under pen name, Publius—one of founders of Roman Republic
Authored 85 essays total
Defended Constitution
Papers 10 and 51 argued Constitution would balance influence of different factions
Others explained how principles of government would limit national authority, preserve liberty

11. The Federalist Papers Best Commentary Circulated throughout the states
Classic statement of American
political theory
Collectively called the Federalist
Papers
Rebuttal Essays
Antifederalists published own essays
Protecting liberty a chief concern
“Certain unalienable and fundamental rights…ought to be explicitly ascertained and fixed.”

13. The Federalist Papers Why were the Federalist Papers written?
to win public support for ratification of the Constitution

14. 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.

15. The Fight for Ratification
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

16. The Fight for Ratification
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

18. The Fight for Ratification
How did the promise to add a bill of rights to the Constitution influence the ratification process?
Some states would not agree to ratification without the promise of a Bill of Rights