Federalists v. Anti-Federalists

The Great Debate December 7, 1787 – 39 delagates signed to US Constitution (Ratify) Nine states needed to ratify the Constitution into law. Conventions were called in each state: Delaware - December 7, 1787 Pennsylvania - December 12, 1787 New Jersey - December 18, 1787 Georgia - January 2, 1788 Connecticut - January 9, 1788 Massachusetts - February 6, 1788 Maryland - April 28, 1788 South Carolina - May 23, 1788 New Hampshire - June 21, 1788

Reaction to Ratification Two groups formed: The Federalists and The Anti-federalists The Federalists wanted a strong central government to provide order and protect rights. Notable Federalists were George Washington, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton. Anti-federalists wanted a Bill of Rights to ensure that the rights of the people were met. Notable Anti-federalists were George Mason, Patrick Henry and George Clinton

The Bill of Rights & Ratification Anti-federalists: wanted a Bill of Rights added to the Constitution to protect people’s natural rights. Federalists: argued that a Bill of Rights was not necessary because government was limited by the Constitution, but later agreed to add it (first 10 amendments). Federalists Papers: series of 85 pro-ratification essays written by James Madison, John Jay and Alexander Hamilton. These papers appeared in New York newspapers as a way to sway people to support ratification of the Constitution. Rhode Island becomes the last of the 13 states to ratify – May 29, 1790