FEDERALISTS vs ANTI-FEDERALISTS The Ratification SHOWDOWN
The members of the Constitution Convention decided that before the Constitution could become law, 9 out of the 13 states would have to ratify (approve) it. If some states failed to ratify the Constitution, the United States might not survive
Favored the ratification (approval) of the Constitution Supported a strong national/federal government Separation of Powers prevented one branch from becoming too powerful Supported by wealthy landowners and merchants Believed strong government would protect from invasion and rebellion Supported idea that one person should lead the executive branch
Opposed ratification (approval) of the Constitution Wanted important political powers to remain with the state governments Feared the national government would become too powerful and threaten individual rights Feared the government would be controlled by the rich and powerful Supported by farmers and average citizens George Mason Sam Adams and Patrick Henry were anti-federalists Wanted the legislative branch to be more powerful than the executive Wanted a Bill of Rights to be added to protect people’s rights
Anti-Federalist began to publish pamphlets to oppose the constitution arguing it would destroy personal liberties Federalists soon published The Federalist Papers to support ratification of the United States Constitution by teaching the public the principles of government. The Federalist Papers were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay There was strong opposition to ratification in Massachusetts, North Carolina, Rhode Island, New York and Virginia
December 1787 three states ratified the Constitution: Delaware 1st, New Jersey and Pennsylvania 1788 Georgia, Connecticut and Massachusetts joined Many states including Virginia and New York insisted that a Bill of Rights needed to be added if they were to ratify the Constitution. By states agreed to ratify, Rhode Island was the last to agree in 1790 In late 1789, the Constitution went into effect as our new form of government. Congresses first act was to create a Bill of Rights 1791
More Vocabulary….. Constitution – plan of government Provision – something supplied or provided Shortcoming – failure to meet a specific standard Remedy – solve the problem Resolve – find determination to do something or find a solution to the problem Bicameral – two houses Ratify/ratification - approval Amendment – change in a legal document Grievance - complaint Civil Virtue – how a citizen behaves and how he/she affects society Rebellion – uprising or refusing to obey
Links…. Federalists vs Anti-Federalists in 5 Min: X12Gchttps:// X12Gc Federalists vs Anti Federalists: A Compromise. Federalists vs Anti federalists: