RATIFYING THE CONSTITUTION

RATIFICATION What is ratification? Is it? Who knows the answer? I do! What is ratification? Is it? A. The process whereby a single individual rules on behalf of their interests. B. A legislative act to add, delete, or revise a bill or law. C. The act of giving formal consent D. Ummmm, I am still out to lunch!!!!!! Who knows the answer?

RATIFICATION And the answer is……………. C. Ratification is the act of giving formal consent. Q: How does this term apply to the Constitution? Although the Constitution was adopted by the framers on Sept. 17, 1787 – the states needed to formally consent to it = RATIFICATION

RATIFICATION BUT you know this isn’t going to be easy!!!!!!! Problem All the states did not agree (BIG SURPRISE!) Nation quickly divides into two factions Anti-Federalist and Federalists Interesting Note: Only 39 of the 55 delegates that attended the convention actually signed the final document.

RATIFICATION Something missing? Was there something missing from the Constitution? THE PEOPLE - The Constitution was silent in its original form on the rights and protections of the people. WHAT DO WE NEED? A BILL OF RIGHTS to protect the people.

RATIFICATION Essential Question Why was the Bill of Rights necessary for ratification of the U.S. Constitution? Two opposing points of view!!! Sometimes great minds don’t think alike!! Thomas Jefferson Anti-Federalist VS. James Madison Federalist

RATIFICATION Anti-Federalist Opposed ratification Wanted protection for individual citizens from the Federal Government Believed strongly that a Bill of Rights was necessary

RATIFICATION Federalists In favor of ratification Did not believe a Bill of Rights was needed and felt the Constitution as it stood was enough Bills of Rights would cause problems

RATIFICATION ESSENTIAL QUESTION: Why was the Bill of Rights necessary for ratification? New York, Virginia and Massachusetts opposed ratification Country could not succeed without them NY, VA and MA all agree to ratify once a Bill of Rights is promised. Final Ratification occurred on July 26, 1788 when New York approved the Constitution

RATIFIED!! Ladies and Gentlemen…… WE HAVE A CONSTITUTION!!

THE BILL OF RIGHTS James Madison switched sides to help draft the Bill of Rights In 1789, Madison proposes list of 17 amendments Senate and the House work with Madison to review and revise the Bill of Rights. In December of 1791, the 1st 10 Amendment of the Constitution, known as the bill of rights are accepted.

INTRODUCING THE BILL OF RIGHTS Let’s play “Name That Amendment!” Lets test your knowledge of the Bill of Rights, I am going to give you a fact pattern, read it and then refer to the handout on the Bill of Rights and find the amendment you think applies. Be prepared to tell me why you chose that amendment! Are you ready????

Which amendment in the Bill of Rights applies? Why? Scenario #1 A person who enters a room and screams "Bomb!" just to see the reaction of the people in the room is protected under provisions in the Bill of Rights. Which amendment in the Bill of Rights applies? Why?

Which amendment in the Bill of Rights applies? Why? Scenario #2 A police officer comes to your door and asks to search your home without a reason. You don't want to allow the officer to enter, but he comes in anyway to search your home.
 Which amendment in the Bill of Rights applies? Why?

Which amendment in the Bill of Rights applies? Why? Scenario #3 A soldier shows up at your door and claims you have to feed him and give him shelter because he is fighting for your country. Which amendment in the Bill of Rights applies? Why?

Which amendment in the Bill of Rights applies? Why? Scenario #4 Violence is getting to the point in our society where they should stop letting civilians own guns.
 Which amendment in the Bill of Rights applies? Why?

Which amendment in the Bill of Rights applies? Why? Scenario #5 - DIFFICULT!! A person is convicted of murdering another human being. Later, it is discovered that the victim of that murder had actually faked his or her death. Under those circumstances, it would be legal for the person convicted of the murder to kill the person who faked his/her death. Which amendment in the Bill of Rights applies? Why?