The supporters of the Constitution published arguments in newspapers supporting the ratification.

Discuss with your neighbor possible reasons the states might have supported or opposed the Constitution.

Social Studies 8.2.4: Describe the political philosophy underpinning the Constitution as specified in the Federalist Papers and the role of such leaders as George Washington, Roger Sherman, Gouverneur Morris, and James Wilson in the writing and ratification of the Constitution. Social Studies 8.2.6: Enumerate the powers of government set forth in the Constitution and the fundamental liberties ensured by the Bill of Rights. Reading Comprehension 8.2.2: Analyze text that uses proposition and support patterns.

ratify: approve

Federalists vs. Antifederalists Supporters and opponents of the new Constitution argued over the need for a strong central government. The convention had set a rule that 9 states had to ratify, or approve, the Constitution. Each state was to hold a convention. Supporters of the new Constitution were called Federalists because they favored a strong federal government and wanted the states to ratify the constitution. James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay published, the Federalist Papers a series of 85 newspaper essays in support of the Constitution.

Federalists vs. Antifederalists Supporters and opponents of the new Constitution argued over the need for a strong central government. Opponents of ratification were called Antifederalists. George Mason and Patrick Henry were leading Antifederalists. They argued the Constitution weakened the states by giving the central government too much power. Antifederalists pointed out the Constitution had no bill of rights. Another objection was that the Constitution provided for a President who could be reelected again and again (could become like a king).

The Ratification Debate After intense debate, each of the 13 states ratified the Constitution. Delaware became the first state to approve the Constitution on December 7, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut quickly followed. Opposition was strong in rural areas of Massachusetts after Shay’s Rebellion. In June 1788, after Maryland and South Carolina had approved the Constitution, New Hampshire approved it, and the necessary 9 states were secured.

The Bill of Rights The Bill of Rights aims to protect Americans against unfair use of government powers. After the ninth state approved the Constitution, George Washington was elected the first President, with John Adams as Vice-President. One of the first tasks of the new Congress was to add a bill of rights. In 1789, the first Congress passed a series of 10 amendments known as the Bill of Rights. By December 1791, three-fourths of the states had ratified the 10 amendments, changes or additions to the constitution.