Chapter 5.2: Creating Our Constitution Class Notes

Introduction After the delegates at the Convention signed off on the Constitution, each state had their own Convention to ratify the Constitution. Nine of the thirteen states needed to ratify the Constitution in order or it to take effect.

Federalists Federalists supported the ratification of the Constitution They supported a strong national government because: It provided protection from foreign nations. It was able to maintain order within the United States. It allowed the government to regulate trade. It helped to guarantee rights to citizens. The national government was able to pay off debts. Ensured that the value of our dollar was stable.

Anti-Federalists Anti-Federalists opposed the ratification of the Constitution because: The Congress met too far away from the people that they could not be called a government by consent of the people. The term “necessary and proper” in the Constitution could allow Congress to use too much power. There was no Bill of Rights

The Federalist Papers Main Authors: James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay The Federalist Papers were a collection of essays urging people to support the ratification of the Constitution. They argued that: If a new stronger government was not formed, that other world powers could overtake them. That citizens’ freedoms would be better protected because all groups and interests would have an opportunity to be represented. A stronger government was needed to replace the weak Articles of Confederation

Ratification All 13 states ratified the Constitution within a three year period