1. Ratifying the Constitution

2. Ratification Official approval
Each state must hold a special convention to accept or reject the Constitution
9 states must vote yes for the Constitution to become the “law of the land”

3. The opposing sides Federalists Supporters of the Constitution
Checks and balances will protect Americans from tyranny
John Hancock Alexander Hamilton (New York) James Madison (Virginia) George Washington (Virginia) John Adams (Massachusetts)

4. The opposing sides Antifederalists
Those opposed to the Constitution because of the fear of a strong central government
Government will serve the minority and ignore the majority
George Mason (Virginia) Edmund Randolph (Virginia) Elbridge Gerry (Massachusetts) Samuel Adams (Massachusetts) Patrick Henry (Virginia) Richard Henry Lee (Virginia)

5. The Big Antifederalist Argument
The Constitution does not protect individual rights!

6. Federalist writings The Federalist papers
A series of 85 essays printed in New York newspapers
Written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and James Madison
Explained the ideas of separation of powers and checks and balances to the public

7. Anti-Federalist writings
Probably written by Richard Henry Lee
Listed rights anti-federalists thought should be protected (freedom of the press and religon, etc.)

8. The Bill of Rights leads to Ratification
Federalists believed human rights were inherent
Antifederalists wanted them “codified” (written down)
Bill of Rights states 10 human rights granted to all citizens

9. The Constitution Becomes Law
Takes effect after NH becomes the 9th state to ratify the Constitution- 1789
Rhode Island the last state to ratify in 1790
Bill of Rights added in 1791