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Ratification of the ConstitutionSection 7-4
Federalists & Antifederalist
When the Constitution was made public, a great debate began among Americans.
Antifederalists were people who opposed the Constitution.
Federalist & Antifederalists
Antifederalists thought :
1. The Constitution gave too much power to the central government
2. Many were upset that the Constitution did not include a Bill of Rights
Federalists & Antifederalists
3. Many antifederalist were small farmers and debtors, but some were wealthy.
Federalists & Antifederalists
B. Federalists - Supporters of the Constitution
The Federalists
1. Believed that the Constitution offereda good balance of power.
The Federalists
• Federalists thought the Constitution was a careful compromise between various political views.
II. The Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers were a series of essays that defended the Constitution.
The Federalist Papers
The three main authors of the Federalist Papers were:
• Alexander Hamilton• James Madison• John Jay
The Federalist Papers
• The Federalist Papers reassured Americans that the new federal government would not overpower the states.
The Federalist Papers
Some issues discussed were:
a. That the many different views in the US would prevent any single group from controlling the government.
The Federalist Papers
B. Hamilton stated the need to fix the country’s many problems under the Articles of Confederation.
“Let’s make a firm stand for our safety, our peace, our dignity and reputation.”
The Ratification Fight
A. Constitution needed approval of 9 states to pass it
The Ratification Fight
1. States held special conventions
for citizens to discuss the Constitution
The Ratification Fight
B. Antifederalists feared government will be ruled by the powerful and wealthy
1. Delaware first state to ratify Constitution
The Ratification Fight
The Ratification Fight
By 1788, 8 other states approved:
Pa, NJ, Georgia, Connecticut,
Massachusetts, Maryland, SC, NH
NH the 9th state to approve Constitution
3. Constitution went into affect after New Hampshire approves it
The Ratification Fight
Constitution still needs approval of:
i. Virginia – has the largest
population
ii. New York – important center of
business and trade
The Ratification Fight
The Ratification Fight
5. Rhode Island the LAST state to ratify the Constitution
Demanding a Bill of Rights
A. Some states ratify Constitution only after Bill of Rights is added
Demanding a Bill of Rights
1. Antifederalists fear Constitution will NOT protect personal rights
Demanding a Bill of Rights
2. Federalists say NO Bill of Rights
- state constitutions protect rights
Demanding a Bill of Rights
3. Leaders realize Bill of Rights is key to ratification
Demanding a Bill of Rights
B. Amendments – official changes, corrections or additions to constitution
Demanding a Bill of Rights
1. Article V – Founders provide way to change Constitution
i. Amendments necessary to reflect the will of people
- process of adding will NOT be easy
Demanding a Bill of Rights
Demanding a Bill of Rights
ii. To create list of amendments, writers consult
-Declaration of Independence -individual states
Demanding a Bill of Rights
iii. Bill of Rights – first 10 amendments to the US constitution
a. example of how to amend Constitution to meet needs of nation
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