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Ratifying the Constitution

The ratification of the U.S. Constitution marked a pivotal moment in American history, driven by passionate debates between Federalists, who advocated for a strong national government, and Antifederalists, who feared the concentration of power. Key figures like George Washington and James Madison championed the Constitution, while others like George Mason and Mercy Otis Warren argued for the necessity of a Bill of Rights. Ultimately, through conventions and heated discussions, 9 out of 13 states ratified the Constitution, which later included 10 amendments, forming the Bill of Rights to safeguard citizens' liberties.

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Ratifying the Constitution

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  1. Ratifying the Constitution Our cause is noble; it is the cause of mankind. George Washington

  2. What does it mean to ratify? Ratify = APPROVE

  3. Why do we need a constitution? ?

  4. The Debate Begins…. Federalist v Antifederalist

  5. Who were they? Antifederalist: • People who opposed the constitution • George Mason, Mercy Otis Warren Federalist • Supporters of the Constitution. • James Madison, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton

  6. Antifederalist Arguments: • Congress + President + Courts • = TOO MUCH POWER • Believed only a state government (close to its people) could ensure rights • Believed a Bill of Rights was necessary

  7. Federalist Arguments: • Believed constitution is an improvement of the Articles of Confederation • Believed it would Provide a balance between national and state government • Believed the states needed a common defense • Believed the states needed to control trade between countries

  8. How did it shake out? • 9 states needed to pass it • Every state (except Rhode Island) had conventions to vote on the Constitution. • Rhode Island = Last state to ratify in May 1790.

  9. Adding a Bill of Rights…. One of James Madison’s top priority. Article V of the Constitution provided a way for the document to be changed. Congress proposed 12 amendments to the states to be ratified. 10 amendments formed the Bill of Rights, which protect citizens’ rights.

  10. Advocating = To Plead in Favor of… Groups fought for their views: • Made speeches • Printed pamphlets • Campaigned Federalist Papers • essays supporting the constitution • written under the pen name, Publius • real authors Hamilton, Madison and Jay.

  11. Federalist or Antifederalist????? • “The proposed…government, is well calculated to secure the liberties, protect the property, and guard the rights of the citizens of America.” ? • “It is very easy to change a free government into an arbitrary one, but that it is very difficult to convert tyranny into freedom." ?

  12. If Federalists Had A FACEBOOK…! • Pick up a piece of paper from the front table • Make a draft of a Facebook “status box” • Pick one of the following men: • James Madison (federalist) • Alexander Hamilton (federalist) • John Jay (federalist) Write a Facebook status showing his belief on government or the constitution. (minimum of 3 sentences)

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