1. The Ratification of the Constitution

2. The Process Each state hold special convention in order to vote on constitution State delegates elected by people Ratification of Constitution required the approval of 9 states. Purpose: 1) Bypass state legislatures who would oppose it since Constitution reduced power of states 2) Gave framers time to campaign for delegates in their states who would support ratification

3. Federalists vs. Anti- Federalists

4. Federalists Supporters of the constitution Insisted division of powers/system of checks and balances would protect US from the tyranny of centralized authority

5. Federalists Supporters of Constitution: urban centers (merchants, skilled workers, laborers) urban centers (merchants, skilled workers, laborers) saw the benefit of a national gov. that could control trade small states and those with weak economies small states and those with weak economies because central gov. could protect their interests Leading Supporters: George Washington George Washington James Madison James Madison

6. Anti-Federalists those who opposed a strong central government, and were against a Constitution Countered with list of possible abuses of power of a strong central Gov.: a.Would serve the interests of the privileged minority b.Would ignore rights of the majority c.Doubted a single Gov. could manage the affairs of a large country d.Constitution’s lack of protection for individual rights

7. Anti-Federalists Non-Supporters rural areas rural areas saw little benefit in a strong government that might add to their tax burden. Large states and those with strong economies (ie. NY) Large states and those with strong economies (ie. NY) because had greater freedom under the Articles of Confederation Leading Non-Supporters Patrick Henry, Sam Adams, Richard Henry Lee Patrick Henry, Sam Adams, Richard Henry Lee

8. The Campaign in the Newspapers Both sides campaigned on subject of Constitution Used newspapers to get their views across 2 Leading Documents:

9. Federalist Papers Pro- Constitution Writings 85 essays in NY newspapers 1787-1788 Published by signature “Publius” Written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay Provided an analysis and explanation of the Constitution

10. Letters from the Federal Farmer Anti-Constitution written by Richard Henry Lee Insisted rights of individuals needed to be protected