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

2. Constitution Needs Approval
The constitution was publicized in newspapers & pamphlets for all American’s to read
The framers knew it would cause controversy
They explained the constitution was based on federalism:
Federal and state governments have separate powers

3. Ratification
9 of the 13 states had to approve the Constitution for ratification
Led to many different opinion about what a government should & should not do 3

4. VS political parties Two political groups formed out of the debates:
Federalist: For ratifying the constitution
Anti-Federalist: Opposed ratifying the constitution
Anti-Federalists
Federalists VS
Alexander Hamilton
John Jay
Richard Henry Lee
Patrick Henry
George Mason
James Madison

5. Reasons for Ratification Debate
Federalists
Antifederalists
Wanted to remove powers from states & give to the national government
Important political matters should remain with the states
Divide powers among separate branches of government
Legislative branch more powerful than executive branch
One person to lead the executive branch
Strong executive branch would lead to a king or tyrant
Had the support of most newspapers
Bill of Rights needed for protection VS

6. Public Pro Ratification Stance
The Federalist Papers
Written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, & John Jay
Published anonymously under pen name “Publius”
Series of 85 essays which appeared in 2 New York newspapers supporting the constitution
Use of political cartoons to follow the ratification
“The Federal Pillars” published in the Massachusetts Centinel 6

7. 7

8. The Federalist Pillars8

9. Public Anti-Federalist Complaints
Published pamphlets to convince American’s that the Constitution destroyed basic liberties such as freedom of the press, religious tolerance, the right to a trial by jury
George Mason - concept of inalienable rights influenced Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence
Member of the Constitutional Convention, advocated strong local gov’t & weak central gov’t, did not sign the constitution
Patrick Henry - did not attend the Constitutional Convention b/c “smelled a rat”& fought against ratification.
Mason
Henry

10. Constitutional Compromise
James Madison proposed amendments or changes to the constitution
The first 10 amendments added to the end of the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights
Protect the people from the power of the federal government

11. Ratification Timeline
12/7/1787 – Delaware ratifies Constitution with a vote of 30-0
2/6/1788 – Massachusetts ratifies Constitution with a vote of
November 1788 – Congress & Presidential elections take place
12/18/1787 – New Jersey ratifies Constitution with a vote of 38-0
5/23/1788 – South Carolina ratifies Constitution with a vote of
9/17/1787 – Convention ratifies Constitution/sent to Congress for approval
12/31/1787 – Georgia ratifies Constitution with a vote of 26-0
6/21/1788 – New Hampshire ratifies Constitution with a vote of 57-47
1788
1787
7/2/1788– Confederation Congress accepts ratification of Constitution
9/28/1787 – Confederation Congress ratifies Constitution/sent to states for approval
1/9/1788 – Connecticut ratifies Constitution with a vote of
12/12/1787 – Pennsylvania ratifies Constitution with a vote of 46-23
7/26/1788 – New York ratifies Constitution with a vote of 30-27
4/26/1788 – Maryland ratifies Constitution with a vote of 63-11
6/25/1788 – Virginia ratifies Constitution with a vote of 89-79
1789
1790
1791
11/21/1789 – North Carolina ratifies Constitution, after several failed attempts to hold a convention, with a vote of
5/29/1790 – Rhode Island, only state not to send delegates to Convention, ratifies Constitution with a vote of 34-32
March 1789 – First Congress convenes in New York
4/14/1789 – President George Washington takes oath of office
12/15/1791 – 10 of the 12 amendments are ratified & become the Bill of Rights
9/25/1789 – James Madison proposed 12 amendments to the Constitution 11