Transcript Ratifying the Constitution

Unit 1
Notes 4
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SSUSH5 The student will explain specific events and key ideas that
brought about the adoption and implementation of the United States
Constitution.
a. Explain how weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation and Daniel
Shays’ Rebellion led to a call for a stronger central government.
b. Evaluate the major arguments of the anti-Federalists and Federalists
during the debate on ratification of the Constitution as put forth in The
Federalist concerning form of government, factions, checks and
balances, and the power of the executive, including the roles of
Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.
c. Explain the key features of the Constitution, specifically the Great
Compromise, separation of powers, limited government, and the issue of
slavery.
d. Analyze how the Bill of Rights serves as a protector of individual and
states’ rights.
e. Explain the importance of the Presidencies of George Washington and
John Adams; include the Whiskey Rebellion, non-intervention in Europe,
and the development of political parties (Alexander Hamilton).
 Congress met in Philadelphia to “revise” the
Articles of Confederation.
▪ Every state except Rhode Island sends delegates (55
total)
▪ James Madison kept records of debates
▪ Debates closed to public
▪ Delegates were not allowed to speak about the
proceedings outside of the building
 The delegates soon decided to “throw out” the articles and
write a new document.
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In order to make the constitution official, 9 of
the 13 states had to approve
Special elections were held
 delegates were chosen by voters for a state
convention
 Those delegates would vote to approve or reject
the constitution
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Federalists
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Antifederalists
 Supported the
 Disapproved of the
constitution
 Believed a strong central
government was needed
 Believed separation of
powers and check and
balances would protect
individual freedoms
constitution
 Believed power should
stay with individual
states
 Believed the
Constitution did not go
far enough to protect
individual freedoms
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Led by George Washington,
James Madison, and Alexander
Hamilton
Were supported by urban
centers and small states
Published a series of essays
called “The Federalist”
 Analyzed and explained the
constitution to voters
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Led by Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams
Supported by rural farmers and large states
Published “Letters from the Federal Farmer”
to explain that they believed freedom of the
press and religion needed to be protected
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Antifederalists demanded a Bill of Rights
Federalists yielded, and promised a Bill of
Rights would be added if the states ratified
the Constitution
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After a series of debates, most of the states
approved the Constitution
New government became official in 1789
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Added to the Constitution in 1791
First 10 Amendments
Secured individual freedoms and limited
government power
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Did the Convention exceed its authority? If
the Convention did exceed its authority,
should it have anyway?
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Would the United States have been better off
if the Virginia Plan had been adopted as
presented? If the New Jersey Plan had been
adopted?