1. Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists Supported ratifying the Constitution Bill of rights not necessary, not possible to list all of people’s rights Believed power was divided up so that nobody could gain too much power Said that size of U.S. meant that no one faction (group with common ideas) could take power Did not support the Constitution Said Constitution needed Bill of Rights Feared states would lose power = return of a king Feared taxing power of Federal Govt Said U.S. was too big for a federal govt (republic) to control Government would have to rule by force to make all people obey Should the new Constitution be ratified or not…

2. The Constitution – What is it? The Constitution sets out the basic principles upon which government in the United States was built. It is the “Supreme Law of the Land” The Constitution is a fairly brief document. Only around 7,000 words

3. How is the Constitution Organized? 1. The Preamble— The Introduction to the Constitution Why they are writing it? (more perfect union) What are the goals? Establish justice, etc…

4. How is the Constitution Divided? 1.Articles—the major divisions (Chapters) 1.Legislative Branch – Lawmaking branch, House of Reps & Senate Describes qualifications to serve & powers that Congress has 2.Executive Branch Responsible for execution of the law Sets qualifications to serve and powers of the President 3.Judicial Branch Interprets laws, creates the U.S. Supreme Court Congress has power to create more Fed. Courts 4.Relations between states

5. How is the Constitution Divided? 5. Amending the Constitution 6. National Debts 7. Ratifying the Constitution Each article is divided into smaller sections 2. Amendments to the Constitution Currently 27 Amendments

6. Formally Amending The Constitution Why is it necessary to Amend the Constitution? Changes in Technology (internet, cars, wars, etc) Changes in thinking (women voting, ending slavery, prohibition) To correct problems (ending prohibition, income tax, ending poll taxes) Formal Amendment: Changes or additions that become a part of the written Constitution

7. Why Change the Constitution?