1. Ratifying the Constitution
Chapter 8, Section 3

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

4. Federalists and antifederalists
Which group wanted a stronger central government?
Federalists
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

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

6. The Battle for Ratification
When did the first nine states ratify the Constitution?
By June 1788
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

8. The Battle for ratification
Why were these two states 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
What helped to win ratification in New York?
News of ratification in Virginia

10. The Bill of Rights What was the purpose of the Bill of Rights?
To protect people against the power of the national government
What role did James Madison play in adding the Bill of Rights to the Constitution?
He proposed and wrote the Bill of Rights
When did the Bill of Rights become part of the Constitution?
1791
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

11. 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