1. Origins of American Government
Chapter 2

2. Ratifying the Constitution
Section 5
Ratifying the Constitution

3. Federalists versus Anti-Federalists
Support strong central government
Oppose bill of rights as unnecessary and even harmful to liberty
Doubt effectiveness of militia and favor federal standing army
Republicanism can survive only in a large, diverse republic
Virtue is a weak foundation for republicanism; a system of checks and balances is better.
Oppose strong central government
Favor inclusion of a bill of rights as necessary to protect liberty
Favor militia and oppose federal standing army as dangerous to liberty
Republicanism can survive only in a small, more uniform republic
Republicanism depends on a virtuous population to prevent corruption and maintain order.

5. Ratification and The Bill of Rights
Anti-Federalists convinced many that the Constitution was inadequate and even dangerous.
In order to get the support needed to ratify, the Federalists agreed to support amendments to the Constitution upon ratification, creating a Bill of Rights
On September 13, 1788 the Constitution was ratified and became the Supreme Law of the Land.
Congress convened March 4, 1789 and Washington was sworn in on April 30, 1789 as the first president.