1. Ratifying the Constitution
Chapter 4 – Section 4 – Pgs
CA Standard 8.2.7

2. Objectives: Today we will learn how the Constitution was ratified.
So we can understand that Americans debated before ratifying the Constitution.
We will know we understand it when we can identify the differing arguments for and against the Constitution.

3. Antifederalists Opposed the Constitution
Against the creation of new gov. (Constitutional Convention)
Too much power to the central gov.
Angered because Constitution did not have section that guaranteed individual rights

4. Many were small farmers and debtors (people who owed money)
Revolutionary War heroes were also Antifederalists
Richard Henry Lee
Samuel Adams
Patrick Henry
George Mason

5. Federalists Supporters of Constitution
Believed Constitution offered good balance of power
Careful compromise between political views

6. Wealthy planters, farmers and lawyers
Also included poor workers, craftspeople & merchants
James Madison
George Washington
Ben Franklin
Alexander Hamilton
John Jay

7. Federalists vs. Antifederalists
Debated whether Constitution should be ratified by the states
Each made speeches & wrote pamphlets advocating their views

8. Federalist Papers Essays written supporting the Constitution
Anonymously written (Publius)
Reflection Q: Who were the real authors?
Alexander Hamilton
James Madison
John Jay

9. Were eventually published in book form in 1788
Federalist Papers attempted to reassure Americans that the new fed. gov. would not overpower the states
Federalist Paper No. 10: American diversity would prevent one group from dominating the government
Were eventually published in book form in 1788

10. Constitution only needed 9 states to pass it
However, to preserve unity each state needed to ratify it
Federalists and Antifederalists continue to argue, speak out and advocate for their positions

11. December 7, 1787: Delaware first to ratify
All states except Rhode Island held special conventions to discuss and vote
December 7, 1787: Delaware first to ratify
8 other states ratified by 1788
New Hampshire was the last state to ratify
Political leaders knew that they needed Virginia & New York to ratify
Rhode Island last to ratify in May 1790

12. Bill of Rights
Some states ratified after being promised a bill protecting individual rights would be added to it
Antifederalists felt the Constitution did not protect individual rights

13. James Madison – 1st session of new Congress
Proposed Bill of Rights be created & added as an amendment (official change to Constitution)
Article V allows doc to be changed if
approved by 2/3 majority in both houses
Then ratified by ¾ of the states

14. September 1789 - 12 amendments proposed
Inspired by
State ratifying conventions
Virginia Declaration of Rights
English Bill of Rights
Declaration of Independence
September amendments proposed
Reflection Q: How many were ratified?

15. Checking for Understanding

16. vs. Federalist Views Antifederalist Views 1. 2. 3.
Directions: Identify the differing arguments for and against the Constitution.
Federalist Views
vs.
Antifederalist Views 1. 2. 3.

17. vs. Federalist Views Antifederalist Views 1. Good balance of power
2. Careful compromise between political views
3. Liberties & rights protected
1. Central Gov. too strong
2. Rights not protected