2. Ratification of the Constitution Section 7-4

3. Federalists & Antifederalist When the Constitution was made public, a great debate began among Americans. Antifederalists were people who opposed the Constitution.

4. Federalist & Antifederalists Antifederalists thought : 1.The Constitution gave too much power to the central government 2. Many were upset that the Constitution did not include a Bill of Rights

5. Federalists & Antifederalists 3.Many antifederalist were small farmers and debtors, but some were wealthy.

6. Federalists & Antifederalists B. Federalists - Supporters of the Constitution

7. The Federalists 1.Believed that the Constitution offered a good balance of power.

8. The Federalists Federalists thought the Constitution was a careful compromise between various political views.

9. II. The Federalist Papers The Federalist Papers were a series of essays that defended the Constitution.

10. The Federalist Papers The three main authors of the Federalist Papers were: Alexander Hamilton James Madison John Jay

11. The Federalist Papers The Federalist Papers reassured Americans that the new federal government would not overpower the states.

12. The Federalist Papers Some issues discussed were: a.That the many different views in the US would prevent any single group from controlling the government.

13. The Federalist Papers B.Hamilton stated the need to fix the country’s many problems under the Articles of Confederation. “Let’s make a firm stand for our safety, our peace, our dignity and reputation.”

14. The Ratification Fight A. Constitution needed approval of 9 states to pass it

15. The Ratification Fight 1.States held special conventions for citizens to discuss the Constitution

16. The Ratification Fight B. Antifederalists feared government will be ruled by the powerful and wealthy

17. 1. Delaware first state to ratify Constitution The Ratification Fight

18. By 1788, 8 other states approved: Pa, NJ, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, SC, NH NH the 9 th state to approve Constitution

19. 3. Constitution went into affect after New Hampshire approves it The Ratification Fight

20. Constitution still needs approval of: i. Virginia – has the largest population ii. New York – important center of business and trade The Ratification Fight

21. 5. Rhode Island the LAST state to ratify the Constitution

22. Demanding a Bill of Rights A. Some states ratify Constitution only after Bill of Rights is added

23. Demanding a Bill of Rights 1. Antifederalists fear Constitution will NOT protect personal rights

24. Demanding a Bill of Rights 2. Federalists say NO Bill of Rights - state constitutions protect rights

25. Demanding a Bill of Rights 3. Leaders realize Bill of Rights is key to ratification

26. Demanding a Bill of Rights B. Amendments – official changes, corrections or additions to constitution

27. Demanding a Bill of Rights 1. Article V – Founders provide way to change Constitution

28. i. Amendments necessary to reflect the will of people - process of adding will NOT be easy Demanding a Bill of Rights

29. ii. To create list of amendments, writers consult -Declaration of Independence -individual states

30. Demanding a Bill of Rights iii. Bill of Rights – first 10 amendments to the US constitution a. example of how to amend Constitution to meet needs of nation