Chapter 2: Section 4 Ratifying the Constitution

Federalists and Anti-Federalists Federalists: Led by many who attended the convention. Stressed weakness of Articles. Believe current issues facing country would be fixed with the Constitution. Anti-Federalists: Unhappy with increased powers of central government and new limits on state powers. Unhappy with the lack of a Bill of Rights to protect individuals from the new government.

Image-Analysis Take a moment to look at the image below and consider what is says about the ratification process of the Constitution in Jot down your ideas and the we will discuss.

The Key States Due to their size and influence Virginia and New York ratification of the Constitution were vital to the process. Virginia narrowly approved ratification, in part due to strong support by George Washington. New York, a month later, also ratified the Constitution by a narrow margin. The Federalist, a series of 85 essays, supporting ratification are seen to have be highly influential on state delegates. With these two states on board the Constitution had the required support to be implemented.

Inaugurating the Government New Congress convened March 4, 1789 in New York City. George Washington is elected President by unanimous vote, April 6, April 30, 1789 Washington official sworn in.

Chapter 3: The Constitution Section 1: The Six Basic Principles

The Constitution is based on six basic principles. So far we have discuss all of these ideas, though some more than others. Think for a moment and jot down the six principles you think the Constitution is based on.

Basic Principles Popular Sovereignty All political power resides with the people. Government can only govern with the consent of the people. Limited Government A government may only do those things that the people have given it power to do. AKA the Rule of Law: government and its officers are always subject to – never above – the law.

Basic Principles Separation of Powers Basic powers of government are divided among three distinct branches of government, Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. Checks and Balances Each branch of government is subject to constitutional checks by other branches.

Basic Principles Judical Review The power of a court (Supreme Court) to determine the constitutionality of a government action. Unlike other checks and balances, Judicial Review is not expressly provided by the Constitution, but is viewed to be a clear intent of the Framers. Federalism The division of power among the central government and several regional governments (States)

Chapter 3: The Constitution Section 2: Formal Amendment

Formal Amendment Process Take a worksheet for Chapter 3: Section 2 Using the textbook fill out the worksheet. After that any time remaining is quiet study time (fill out your objective sheets!).