2.  Congress met in Philadelphia to “revise” the Articles of Confederation. ▪ Every state except Rhode Island sends delegates (55 total) ▪ James Madison kept records of debates ▪ Debates closed to public ▪ Delegates were not allowed to speak about the proceedings outside of the building  The delegates soon decided to “throw out” the articles and write a new document.

6.  In order to make the constitution official, 9 of the 13 states had to approve  Special elections were held  delegates were chosen by voters for a state convention  Those delegates would vote to approve or reject the constitution

7.  Federalists  Supported the constitution  Believed a strong central government was needed  Believed separation of powers and check and balances would protect individual freedoms  Antifederalists  Disapproved of the constitution  Believed power should stay with individual states  Believed the Constitution did not go far enough to protect individual freedoms

8.  Led by George Washington, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton  Were supported by urban centers and small states  Published a series of essays called “The Federalist”  Analyzed and explained the constitution to voters

9.  Led by Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams  Supported by rural farmers and large states  Published “Letters from the Federal Farmer” to explain that they believed freedom of the press and religion needed to be protected

10.  Antifederalists demanded a Bill of Rights  Federalists yielded, and promised a Bill of Rights would be added if the states ratified the Constitution

11.  After a series of debates, most of the states approved the Constitution  New government became official in 1789

12.  Added to the Constitution in 1791  First 10 Amendments  Secured individual freedoms and limited government power

14.  Did the Convention exceed its authority? If the Convention did exceed its authority, should it have anyway?  Would the United States have been better off if the Virginia Plan had been adopted as presented? If the New Jersey Plan had been adopted?