1. A New Plan of Government

2. As Constitution was sent out to states for ratification… Citizens saw it printed in newspapers and pamphlets Met w/ great debate Framers knew this would happen and began campaigning for its’ ratification People feared all the power this new federal gov’t had & loss of states’ rts. Framers argued it was based on Federalism System where states and federal gov’t shared rts. Federalists People who supported this new gov’t called Federalists Anti- Federalists People who opposed it called Anti- Federalists Thought took too much power from states Fearful b/c did not list protected rts. Feared a single Chief Executive would take power declaring himself a King Mostly though… Feared new liberties and freedoms won in war would disappear!

4. Federalists didn’t just sit there while Anti- Feds attacked the Constitution Began writing campaign of letters and essays to explain Become known as the Federalist Papers Appealed to peoples’ common sense, emotions, and reason Wrote by… James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, & John Jay Did have important advantage over Anti- Feds b/c newspapers supported the Constitution Gave much more positive publicity to cause Still faced serious opposition in Mass, NC, NY, RI, & VA Led by… John and Sam Adams, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee, George Mason If some of these big time states didn’t ratify… US might not survive Weak Articles of Confederation made US easy target for conquer by Spanish who controlled other half of continent

5. By Dec. 1787- Delaware, NJ, & PA had became first to ratify GA, CT, and Mass. Soon followed By June 1788… 9 of 13 had signed (it was now official!!!) Fight not over though… NY & VA didn’t vote yet! w/o VA, Constitution would be w/o support of its biggest state who could become its own country NY could do the same, and w/ NY its own country the US would be separated into 2 parts! VA’s legislature meets to decide Patrick Henry and George Mason are the key leaders against signing it Both refused to sign unless a list of protected rights was added Bill of Rights James Madison convinces VA that if they vote to ratify, he will insist that a Bill of Rights be added later VA ratifies at the end of June News of VA signing hits NY and they soon follow suit RI is last to sign in 1790

6. For some states, only sign Constitution into law if amended to include a list of rights Believed needed to make sure gov’t couldn’t trample their liberty 1789- James Madison begins drafting this list of rights of citizens In the end a list of 10 amendments (changes) were sent out to be ratified by states 1791- VA cast final vote to approve and attach the “Bill of Rights”

7. Chorus It's the Bill of Rights, it's the bill of your rights It's time to take your knowledge up to unfamiliar heights The thrill of your life, just like riding a bike You're never, never, never going to forget the Bill of Rights Verse I The right to free speech and religion and press Are guaranteed by Amendment One Amendment Number Two says it's true, that it's all up to you If you choose to possess a gun The government can't force you to house and feed a soldier Says Amendment Number Three Amendment Number Four we adore says without a warrant Your stuff can't be searched or seized Chorus (x2) Verse II Amendment Number Five says the court can't try you With evidence they already used It also says that nobody can make you self-incriminate You're allowed to stay silent if you choose. Amendment Number Six won't let the criminal clock tick The rights of the accused continue here, and then Amendment Number Seven gives you one plus eleven: A right to a trial by a jury of your peers If it's cruel and unusual punishment It's ruled out by Amendment Eight Amendment Number Nine says that other rights are fine And Ten gives the rest to the states. Chorus (x2)