1. The Ratification Debate
Federalist v. Anti-Federalist

2. The Ratification Process
The Framers wrote the Constitution but it had to be approved by each state before it could become law (RATIFIED)
Special “ratifying conventions” were set up by each state
These delegates were elected by popular vote
Needed approval by 9 of the 13 states

3. Federalist Definition: The people who supported the Constitution
They wanted it ratified (approved into law)
Who:
James Madison
George Washington
John Jay
Alexander Hamilton

4. Anti-Federalist
Definition: The people who did NOT support the Constitution.
They did NOT want it ratified (approved into law).
Who:
Thomas Jefferson (argued for a Bill of Rights)
Patrick Henry
George Mason

5. 1. Anti-Federalist Argument
Large government cannot rule appropriately
Republics require active participation
Voters need to know what laws are made
Results: Distant government means…
Tyranny (chaos since no law)
The military strictly enforcing the law
Representatives need to know how the voters feel about particular issues
Result: Distant government means…
Get unfair laws that the people do not want

6. 1. Federalist Argument
Federalism makes sure we still have state and local government
Federalism: sharing power between state and national government
States can communicate national law and establish fair state laws

7. 2. Anti-Federalist Argument
Large government means differences in opinions and therefore an inability to pass laws
Republics work best in small communities
Small communities share the same values
Means there is more agreement about what the government should do
Laws are easier to pass

8. 2. Federalists Argument
Larger government makes it difficult for one group to dominate government
All people are self motivated
Need a large government to monitor everyone’s selfishness
Large government means more debating
Harder for one group or state to control another group

9. 3. Anti-Federalist Argument
Federal government has too much power
Federal government can tax
Supremacy clause means that all the national laws are superior to state laws
Supreme Court above state courts
States cannot stop unfair laws

10. 3. Federalist Argument
The federal government needs this power or every state will be destroyed
Have already had one rebellion
Have foreign countries who do not want to trade with us
Have foreign countries who could invade and try to colonize us

11. 4. Anti-Federalist Argument
The President has too much power
President controls a permanent army
President can pardon any crime
President not a position for life—expected to walk away after 4 years
Federalists themselves say all people are selfish
He will misuse his power

12. 4. Federalist Argument Have a system of checks and balances in place
Supreme Court can declare his actions unconstitutional
Legislative branch can impeach him
Voters can decide not to re-elect him

13. 5. Anti-Federalist Argument
The Constitution does not have a Bill of Rights
States’ Bill of Rights are not good enough since supremacy clause says national laws above state laws

14. 5. Federalist Argument
We do not need a Bill of Rights since there is a system to limit government power
Laws can be vetoed, overruled, and declared unconstitutional
States can amend the constitution
Voters can elect new leaders

15. The End of the Story It is a 10 month debate
Compromise: States agree to ratify the Constitution if Congress agrees to add a Bill of Rights the first year it is established
Bill of Rights will protect states from a tyrannical federal government