1. Ratifying the Constitution
Chapter 8, Section 3

2. Key Terms
Federalism – a system of government where power is shared among the central (or federal) government and the states
Federalists – supporters of the Constitution
Antifederalist – a person who opposed ratification of the U.S. Constitution
The Federalist papers – a series of essays defending and explaining the Constitution
George Mason – influential, from Virginia; opposed ratification of Constitution unless it included a bill of rights
Bill of Rights – the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, added in 1791, and consisting of a formal list of citizens’ rights and freedoms

3. These questions focus on the debate over ratification of the Constitution.
A Voice from the Past
“Yes, my countrymen…I am clearly of opinion it is in your interest to adopt it [the Constitution]. I am convinced that this is the safest course for your liberty, your dignity, and your happiness.”
Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist “Number 1”
1. Look at the quotation from Hamilton and the illustration (below, also on pages ). Did Hamilton support or oppose the Constitution?
2. Why does Hamilton think adoption is a good option?
Bell ringer

4. Objectives
Compare the positions of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists.
Discuss the debate over ratification.
Describe the Bill of Rights and how it protects the people.

5. How did those in favor of the Constitution achieve its ratification?
The nation’s leaders had written a new plan of government, but it could not yet be put in place.
Constitution
of the
United States
First, it had to be approved by the states. And approval was far from certain.

6. The process for the states to ratify the new Constitution had been set up by the delegates in Philadelphia.
Ratification
Each state holds a convention.
The Constitution takes effect
when approved by nine states.

7. From the beginning, Americans were divided over whether to support the new Constitution and its strong national, or federal, government.
Federalists
favored
ratification.
Anti-Federalists
were against
ratification.

8. James Madison was a leading Federalist.
Madison and others argued that a strong national government was needed for the Union to survive.
At that time, the national government could not even enforce its own laws.

9. George Mason and Patrick Henry were among Anti-Federalists leaders who argued that the new national government would have too much power.
weakened the states
Constitution
of the
United States
no Bill of Rights
President could become a king

10. Federalists and Antifederalists
Constitution was sent to states for approval
It was published in newspapers and pamphlets, too
Heavily debated
1. What was the goal of the Federalists?
Ratification
2. Why did the Antifederalists oppose the Constitution?
Thought it took too much power away from the states; did not guarantee rights for the people
3. How did Antifederalists work against ratification?
Published their views in newspapers and pamphlets
Tried to appeal to people’s emotions

11. Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay explained their support for the Constitution in a series of newspaper articles that drew wide attention.
Federalist
Papers

13. The Federalist Papers Federalists responded to Antifederalists
4. What were The Federalist papers?
Essays to answer the Antifederalists’ attacks
Later published in a book called The Federalist
5. Who wrote The Federalist papers?
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay
The authors used the pseudonym "Publius"
They appealed to reason and emotion
6. In which states was there strong opposition to the Constitution?
MA, NC, RI, NY, VA

14. Federalists and antifederalists
7. Which group wanted a stronger central government?
Federalists
8. If you had been alive in 1787, would you have been a Federalist or an Antifederalist?
Federalist – because they favor the Constitution
Antifederalist – because they favor individual rights

15. The debate over the Constitution intensified as the states began to hold their ratifying conventions.
Delaware was the first to ratify, followed quickly by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut. 1
Delaware

16. A close vote was expected in Massachusetts, where hard feelings still lingered from Shays’ Rebellion.
Federalists
Anti-Federalists
Massachusetts
A final push by Federalists helped win the state. Approval followed in Maryland and South Carolina.

17. Eight of the nine states needed had now approved the Constitution
Eight of the nine states needed had now approved the Constitution. Attention turned to Virginia.
Virginia
A “no” vote in this large,
powerful state could trigger
“no” votes elsewhere.
Despite the arguments of Patrick Henry, an Anti-Federalist, Virginia approved the Constitution in a narrow vote.

18. The Battle for Ratification
9. When did the first nine states ratify the Constitution?
By June 1788
10. What slowed ratification in Virginia and New York?
There were many antifederalists in both states
Opposed to ratification – why?
Patrick Henry
George Mason
Antifederalists; they wouldn’t vote for the Constitution until a bill of rights was added

19. While Virginia debated, however, a ninth state ratified the Constitution.9
New Hampshire
In time, the remaining states—New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island—also voted to ratify.

20. The Battle for ratification
Why were these two states (VA & NY) so important?
VA was the largest state
Without NY, nation would be cut in half geographically
James Madison suggests they ratify and he’ll recommend a bill of rights
11. What helped to win ratification in New York?
News of ratification in Virginia

22. The new government could now be put in place.
George Washington was elected President.
John Adams was elected Vice President.
A new Congress was elected, too, and one of its first tasks was to take up the question most debated during the ratification process—whether to add a Bill of Rights to the new Constitution.

23. The first Congress passed a series of amendments to the Constitution, listing individual rights.
In 1791, ten amendments were ratified by the states.
Bill of Rights

25. The Bill of Rights
The first four amendments protect citizens from possible abuses by the federal government.

26. The Bill of Rights
The next four amendments protect people who are accused of crimes.

27. The Bill of Rights
The last two amendments limit the power of the federal government.

28. The Bill of Rights 12. What was the purpose of the Bill of Rights?
To protect people against the power of the national government
13. What role did James Madison play in adding the Bill of Rights to the Constitution?
He proposed and wrote the Bill of Rights
14. When did the Bill of Rights become part of the Constitution?
1791
15. What was the significance of the Bill of Rights?
Key to getting enough support to ensure ratification
One of the first acts of the new government

29. Conclusion
Federalists and Anti-Federalists debated over whether the new constitution should be ratified. Eventually, all the states agreed to the new government. The first Congress amended the Constitution with the Bill of Rights.