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American Government. Unit 2. Lesson 14 pages 97-102. What was the Federalist position in the debate about ratification?
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American Government Unit 2
Lesson 14pages 97-102 What was the Federalist position in the debate about ratification? • Objective: Explain key arguments of the Federalists and the process by which the Constitution was finally ratified. Evaluate, take, and defend positions on the continuing relevance and validity of the Federalists’ arguments.
What strategies did Federalists use in the struggle for ratification? • Western opposition: • The Constitution was strongly opposed in the western part of the States. • Strategy: quickly organize the ratifying conventions for early December, 1787 so that western opposition doesn’t have enough time to organize themselves.
What strategies did Federalists use in the struggle for ratification? • Debate lasted 10 months! • Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and James Madison published many essays under the pseudonym “Publius”. • These essays served as an important source of information during the debates. • Collectively we call these “The Federalist Papers” • Most important work written to defend the Constitution. • Argued that the Constitution reflected a “new science of politics” that made the Anti-Federalists’ arguments (classical republicanism) obsolete.
How did the Federalist Respond to the Anti-Federalists’ fears about a large republic? • Remember: the Anti-Federalist argued that a government could not be sustained over a large, diverse nation. History supported this: i.e. Rome. • Federalist 10- • Turns the classical republicanism argument upside down • Says that FACTIONS actually pose the greatest danger to a gov’t and the people. • Faction is minority- ok because the majority will overrule it. • Faction is majority- risk a “majority tyranny”: • A republic in which we elect representatives would filter a faction and would work better.
How did the Federalist Respond to the Anti-Federalists’ fears about a large republic? • Madison: there are benefits to being large and diverse. • No one faction can command a majority • More ‘fit characters’ for leadership • Good Representatives would refine the public’s views • No single faction would emerge on top • Hint*
What were the federalists’ central argument? • Civic Virtue: • Can no longer be relied on as the sole support of a government that can protect the people’s rights and promote their welfare. Not everyone is virtuous . • Constitutional Organization: • The way the government is organized (3 branches) and the checks and balances system is the best way to promote the goals of republicanism. Separation of powers. • Diversity in Representation: • Different interests will protect basic rights. • Legislative branch: House- local/ Senate- state • Executive branch: national interests • Judicial branch: fundamental interests (Constitutional Law)
How did ratification succeed? • Anti-Federalist and Federalists struck a deal: once the Constitution was ratified, the first Congress would support adding a Bill of Rights to the Constitution. • 11 States ratify quickly. NC and RI do not. • NC- after some convincing using the BORs argument signs. • RI- ratifies only after Providence threatens to leave the state and join the Union.
Finishing up! Reflection on Learning: • Write two things that you learned. • Write one thing that you already knew. • Write one thing that you want to know more about.
