Ratifying the Constitution Ch. 8 sec. 3 Mrs. Brennan-Stover

Federalists and Antifederalists The Constitution sparked controversy and the framers began to campaign for ratification. They explained that the Constitution was based on Federalism. Federalism is a system of government in which power is shared by a federal (central) government and the states.

Federalists supported ratification Supported removing some powers from the states and giving more power to the national government Favored dividing powers among different branches of government Proposed a single person to lead the executive branch.

Antifederalists opposed the Constitution Thought the Constitution took too much power from the states. Wanted important powers to remain with the states Wanted the legislative branch to be more powerful than the executive. Feared a strong executive might be a tyrant. Believed the Constitution needed a Bill of Rights.

Antifederalists Antifederalists published their views in newspapers and pamphlets. Used both logical and emotional arguments to argue against the Constitution.

The Federalist Papers Essays written by the Federalists in response to Antifederalist attacks Originally published as letters in New York newspapers, later in a book called The Federalist Written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay Appealed to reason and emotion Explained why people should support ratification

The Battle for Ratification The first four conventions were held in December 1787. Four states voted to ratify. By late June, 9 of 13 states had ratified meaning the document was now official. New York and Virginia had yet to cast their votes and both were very important states

Virginia Without Virginia the United States would lack the largest and most populous state. George Mason and Patrick Henry refused to vote for the Constitution because it lacked a bill of rights. Madison suggested ratifying the Constitution and recommending the addition of a bill of rights. Virginia ratified at the end of June.

New York Without New York the nation would be geographically split News of Virginia’s ratification reached New York during their debates. Antifederalists outnumbered Federalists early on, but with news of Virginia’s ratification New York ratified with another call for a bill of rights.

The Battle for Ratification By 1790 all 13 states had ratified the Constitution A written bill or rights was written and submitted to the states for approval.

The Bill of Rights The bill of rights would set fort the rights of all Americans and would protect people against the power of the national government The amendments were written by James Madison who proposed them to Congress who then edited them and proposed placing them at the end of the Constitution

The Bill of Rights By 1791 ten of the amendments were ratified and became law. These first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.