1. 3.2 The Struggle for Ratification

2. The Constitution had to be ratified or approved The debates were held everywhere from churches to inns and from street corners to meeting places

3. The Federalists Supported the Constitution – Wanted a strong central gov. to: Protect against foreign invaders (British, French, Spanish) Maintain order (Shay’s Rebellion) Regulate trade Guarantee the rights of citizens Pay the nation’s debts Maintain the value of our currency

4. The Anti-Federalists Opposed the Constitution – Feared the strong cen. Gov. would take away liberty – Thought it was too removed from the people Physically far from some of the states Only the House of representatives is elected by the people – “Necessary and Proper” statement Too vague Thought it would allow the fed gov. too swallow or dominate the state govs.

5. The Anti-Federalists Opposed the Constitution – A bill of rights was left out Thought this could lead to tyranny But the Federalists thought the limits on government would protect people’s rights Most states had a bill of rights so the federalists thought it was unnecessary in the Const.

6. The Anti-Federalists Opposed the Constitution – Patrick Henry was the strongest (at least the loudest) voice vs. the Const. His arguments (and others) lead to the “Bill of Rights” He was so outspoken that people stopped listening to him and some even started supporting the Constitution

7. The Federalists Papers Pro-Constituion essays (85) written by: – Alexander Hamilton – argued vs the Articles of Confederation – James Madison – since the Constitution was nationwide it would protect everyone’s rights – John Jay – The papers also pointed out that weakness could result in being taken over by Spain, France or England

8. Ratification Because of the support of Washington and Franklin and the Federalists agreeing to propose a bill of rights it was approved 1788 the 9 th state(NH) approved it (needed 9 to be ratified) By 1790 all 13 states approved it – Why is this important?