1. Ratifying the Constitution
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

2. Did You Know???
There was a notion at the original Constitutional Convention to include a Bill of Rights in the original document, but the idea was rejected without much debate by the delegates.
Remember, there were a few delegates who did not sign the document at the convention.
However, it still has to be ratified.

3. The Constitutional Debate
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

4. Federalists Supported the proposed Constitution.
George Washington and Ben Franklin.
Well organized.

5. Federalists
The Federalists Papers were a series of essays written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay explaining and defending the Constitution.

6. Federalists
Feared uprisings and disorder more than a strong central government.
Believed a strong central government was necessary for survival.

7. Anti-Federalists Opposed the Constitution.
Thomas Paine “that government is best which governs least.”
Patrick Henry.

8. Anti-Federalists
Feared the Constitution would take away the peoples liberty.
Feared the states would lose power to the central government.

9. Anti-Federalists
Wanted local governments to take care of the peoples needs.
Generally worked as farmers.

10. Anti-Federalists
Wanted a Bill of Rights - without it, the national government would become too strong.

11. Fears The debate came down to their different fears.
Federalists feared disorder without a central govt. (and more uprisings like Shays’ Rebellion would occur).
Anti-federalists feared government more than disorder. (concentration of power worried them).

12. Ratification Despite debate, ratification proceeded.
Constitution would include a Bill of Rights amendment.
Took 9 states to ratify. Eventually all 13 states would ratify the new Constitution.