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Ratifying the Constitution

Federalists vs. Antifederalists. Ratifying the Constitution. The Battle for Ratification. Although the delegates the Constitutional Convention had signed the Constitution it was not yet ratified. Nine states had to ratify the document in order for it to become the new U.S. government.

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Ratifying the Constitution

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  1. Federalists vs. Antifederalists Ratifying the Constitution

  2. The Battle for Ratification • Although the delegates the Constitutional Convention had signed the Constitution it was not yet ratified. • Nine states had to ratify the document in order for it to become the new U.S. government. • Outcome was not certain, and both sides prepared for a ratification battle in each state.

  3. Two Sides • Supporters of the new Constitution were called Federalists. • Federalists supported a stronger federal government. • Opponents of the new Constitution were called Antifederalists. • They had a strong presence in Virginia as well as New York.

  4. The Antifederalists • Patrick Henry of Virginia was a particularly famous Antifederalist. • Argued that the ratification of this document would make for a government with too much power. • Believed a popular government in a large nation like the U.S. would be too difficult with so many competing interests.

  5. The Antifederalists • A popular government could only work in a smaller state. • A popular government in such a large territory would require force to hold together. • Could restrict people’s freedom. • A strong executive would be too similar to a monarch. • Which would endanger representative government and individual rights.

  6. The Antifederalists • The Antifederalists biggest criticism of the Constitution was the lack of a bill of rights. • It would proclaim individual rights which the government could never ignore or deny. • Dangerous not to include a bill of rights because the government could too easily become tyrannical.

  7. Federalists • The Federalists argued against these claims by citing the protection provided by the three branches. • Legislative, Judicial, and Executive would all check one another’s powers. • They believed with this system of checks and balances no single branch could become too powerful and threaten the rights of states or people.

  8. Federalists • In reference to a bill or rights, Federalists argued that the Constitution limited the federal powers to those listed. • Any powers not listed were gaurenteed to the states or people. • Example: The Constitution did not give the power to restrict freedom of speech. • Federalists believed people had this rights and it did not need to be specifically stated.

  9. Ratification • Despite arguments that the Constitution favored larger states, a small state was first to ratify. • December 7, 1787 Delaware voted unanimously to ratify. • The inclusion of the Senate gave them (and other small states) the confidence to ratify.

  10. Virginia and New York were deeply split over the issue. • Were wary of the powers being given to the federal government. • Important states (size, location, and population) • Patrick Henry and James Madison of VA were leaders of the opposing sides. • James Madison-Federalist • Patrick Henry-Antifederalist

  11. The Federalist Papers • Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay wrote a series of 85 newspaper articles. • Known as the Federalist Papers • Intended to gain support for the Constitution. • Today, respected as an analysis of the Constitution and of the foundation of U.S. government.

  12. Ratification • To gain time and win supporters the Federalists repeatedly delayed a vote in the New York convention. • Opposition in New York gradually weakened as other states ratified it. • Virginia and New York finally ratified it after New Hampshire became the 9th to do so on June 21, 1788.

  13. Bill of Rights • Although the Constitution had been ratified, conventions in a number of states made recommendations that a bill of rights be added. • Massachusetts, Virginia, and North Carolina • Federalists promised thaty in the first Congress a bill of rights would be passed that covered the concerns of the states.

  14. North Carolina ratified in Novermber 1789 • Rhode Island held out until May 1790. • Of course, the new government had already settled in at the temporary national capital of New York City. • First Congress met in New York City March 4, 1789. • George Washington is sworn in as the first national president April 30, 1789.

  15. After observing a festival in Philidelphia celebrating the New Constitution on July 4, 1788, Dr. Benjamin Rush (a Philidelphian) wrote: • “Tis done. We have become a nation.”

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