1. Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
Ratification
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

2. Ratification 9 of 12 had to ratify the new Constitution
Much opposition

3. Federalists
Those who supported the new Constitution were called Federalists
Easterners
Wealthy
Included Washington & Franklin
Continental Army veterans

4. Anti-Federalists Those opposed known as Anti-Federalists
Westerners
Debtors and those who desired paper money
States rights advocates
Small farmers
Many Revolutionary leaders
Main complaint was the lack of a Bill of Rights
George Mason

5. Ratification Virginia & New York had not ratified
First to ratify was Delaware
9th ratifies in 1788
New Hampshire
Virginia & New York had not ratified
lack of these would render the new gov. useless
Virginia ratifies 89-79
Madison vs. Patrick Henry in the House of Burgesses

6. Showdown in New York Decisive vote in New York
Hamilton, Madison, & John Jay (Publius) author the Federalist Papers to support ratification
85 Essays in New York Papers in favor of ratification
Seen as best source of the founders political beliefs

7. Major Papers Federalist #10 Federalist #51 Federalist #78
most important
size will prevent the rise of factions (Madison)
Federalist #51
explains Federalism & Checks & balances (Madison)
Federalist #78
lays the groundwork for judicial review (Hamilton)
Federalist #84
denies the need for a Bill of Rights (Hamilton)

8. The Response
Anti-Federalists Papers- written in opposition to ratification
George Clinton (Cato)
Robert Yates (Brutus)
the Federal Farmer (Mercy Otis Warren & Richard Henry Lee)
Not as effective
N.Y. ratified 30-27

9. A Conservative Revolution
The new government maintained the existing power structure
A revolution from the top of society
Charles Beard (historian)
Constitution written to protect the economic interests of the upper class

10. The Last Holdouts
North Carolina & Rhode Island did not ratify until after the new government had taken power
would not join w/o a Bill of Rights