1. A More Perfect Union 7.4 Ratifying the Constitution

2. The Constitutional Debate The states held special conventions to consider the proposed constitution Rhode Island was against it from the beginning and did not call for a convention

3. The Constitutional Debate: Federalists Versus Anti-Federalists

4. Federalists Supported the new Constitution George Washington and Ben Franklin

5. Federalists The Federalist Papers a series of essays written by Madison, Hamilton and Jay explaining and defending the Constitution

6. Federalists Feared uprisings and disorder more than a strong central government

7. Federalists Believed a strong national government was necessary for survival

8. Federalists Believed a bill of rights would limit people’s rights

9. Anti-Federalists Opposed the Constitution Thomas Paine – “That government is best which governs least.” Patrick Henry

10. Anti-Federalists Feared the Constitution would take away the peoples’ liberty

11. Anti-Federalists Feared the states would lose power to the central government

12. Anti-Federalists Wanted local government to take care of people’s needs Generally worked as farmers

13. Anti-Federalists Wanted a bill of rights – without it, federal government would become too strong

14. Ratification Despite debate, ratification proceeded Constitution would include a Bill of Rights amendment

15. Ratification 1 st – Delaware 9 th – New Hampshire Eventually, all 13 states ratified