Ratifying the Constitution Chapter 8, Section 3

Key Terms Federalism – a system of government where power is shared among the central (or federal) government and the states Federalists – supporters of the Constitution Antifederalist – a person who opposed ratification of the U.S. Constitution The Federalist papers – a series of essays defending and explaining the Constitution George Mason – influential, from Virginia; opposed ratification of Constitution unless it included a bill of rights Bill of Rights – the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, added in 1791, and consisting of a formal list of citizens’ rights and freedoms

These questions focus on the debate over ratification of the Constitution. A Voice from the Past “Yes, my countrymen…I am clearly of opinion it is in your interest to adopt it [the Constitution]. I am convinced that this is the safest course for your liberty, your dignity, and your happiness.” Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist “Number 1” 1. Look at the quotation from Hamilton and the illustration (below, also on pages 235-236). Did Hamilton support or oppose the Constitution? 2. Why does Hamilton think adoption is a good option? Bell ringer

Objectives Compare the positions of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. Discuss the debate over ratification. Describe the Bill of Rights and how it protects the people.

How did those in favor of the Constitution achieve its ratification? The nation’s leaders had written a new plan of government, but it could not yet be put in place. Constitution of the United States First, it had to be approved by the states. And approval was far from certain.

The process for the states to ratify the new Constitution had been set up by the delegates in Philadelphia. Ratification Each state holds a convention. The Constitution takes effect when approved by nine states.

From the beginning, Americans were divided over whether to support the new Constitution and its strong national, or federal, government. Federalists favored ratification. Anti-Federalists were against ratification.

James Madison was a leading Federalist. Madison and others argued that a strong national government was needed for the Union to survive. At that time, the national government could not even enforce its own laws.

George Mason and Patrick Henry were among Anti-Federalists leaders who argued that the new national government would have too much power. weakened the states Constitution of the United States no Bill of Rights President could become a king

Federalists and Antifederalists Constitution was sent to states for approval It was published in newspapers and pamphlets, too Heavily debated 1. What was the goal of the Federalists? Ratification 2. Why did the Antifederalists oppose the Constitution? Thought it took too much power away from the states; did not guarantee rights for the people 3. How did Antifederalists work against ratification? Published their views in newspapers and pamphlets Tried to appeal to people’s emotions

Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay explained their support for the Constitution in a series of newspaper articles that drew wide attention. Federalist Papers

The Federalist Papers Federalists responded to Antifederalists 4. What were The Federalist papers? Essays to answer the Antifederalists’ attacks Later published in a book called The Federalist 5. Who wrote The Federalist papers? James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay The authors used the pseudonym "Publius" They appealed to reason and emotion 6. In which states was there strong opposition to the Constitution? MA, NC, RI, NY, VA

Federalists and antifederalists 7. Which group wanted a stronger central government? Federalists 8. If you had been alive in 1787, would you have been a Federalist or an Antifederalist? Federalist – because they favor the Constitution Antifederalist – because they favor individual rights

The debate over the Constitution intensified as the states began to hold their ratifying conventions. Delaware was the first to ratify, followed quickly by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. 1 Delaware

A close vote was expected in Massachusetts, where hard feelings still lingered from Shays’ Rebellion. Federalists Anti-Federalists Massachusetts A final push by Federalists helped win the state. Approval followed in Maryland and South Carolina.

Eight of the nine states needed had now approved the Constitution Eight of the nine states needed had now approved the Constitution. Attention turned to Virginia. Virginia A “no” vote in this large, powerful state could trigger “no” votes elsewhere. Despite the arguments of Patrick Henry, an Anti-Federalist, Virginia approved the Constitution in a narrow vote.

The Battle for Ratification 9. When did the first nine states ratify the Constitution? By June 1788 10. What slowed ratification in Virginia and New York? There were many antifederalists in both states Opposed to ratification – why? Patrick Henry George Mason Antifederalists; they wouldn’t vote for the Constitution until a bill of rights was added

While Virginia debated, however, a ninth state ratified the Constitution. 9 New Hampshire In time, the remaining states—New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island—also voted to ratify.

The Battle for ratification Why were these two states (VA & NY) so important? VA was the largest state Without NY, nation would be cut in half geographically James Madison suggests they ratify and he’ll recommend a bill of rights 11. What helped to win ratification in New York? News of ratification in Virginia

The new government could now be put in place. George Washington was elected President. John Adams was elected Vice President. A new Congress was elected, too, and one of its first tasks was to take up the question most debated during the ratification process—whether to add a Bill of Rights to the new Constitution.

The first Congress passed a series of amendments to the Constitution, listing individual rights. In 1791, ten amendments were ratified by the states. Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights The first four amendments protect citizens from possible abuses by the federal government.

The Bill of Rights The next four amendments protect people who are accused of crimes.

The Bill of Rights The last two amendments limit the power of the federal government.

The Bill of Rights 12. What was the purpose of the Bill of Rights? To protect people against the power of the national government 13. What role did James Madison play in adding the Bill of Rights to the Constitution? He proposed and wrote the Bill of Rights 14. When did the Bill of Rights become part of the Constitution? 1791 15. What was the significance of the Bill of Rights? Key to getting enough support to ensure ratification One of the first acts of the new government

Conclusion Federalists and Anti-Federalists debated over whether the new constitution should be ratified. Eventually, all the states agreed to the new government. The first Congress amended the Constitution with the Bill of Rights.