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Focus Question. How did Americans ratify the Constitution, and what are the basic principles? In each state, approved the Constitution Needed 9 of 13 to ratify 6 Key principles of the Constitution. Ratification of the Constitution. When first published it was widely criticized
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Focus Question • How did Americans ratify the Constitution, and what are the basic principles? • In each state, approved the Constitution • Needed 9 of 13 to ratify • 6 Key principles of the Constitution
Ratification of the Constitution • When first published it was widely criticized • Convention allowed that only 9 out of 13 states needed to pass in into law
Ratification of the Constitution • Two groups emerged in each state those for and those against the Constitution • Federalists • Anti Federalists
Federalists • Pro constitution • James Madison (Father of the Constitution) and Alexander Hamilton were the leaders • Wanted a strong national government rather than a confederation of states
Federalists • Published a series of articles that promoted the need for a strong central government • Federalists papers showed a basic flaws in the Articles of Confederation
Federalists • The Federalist Papers • Were intended to explain the new Constitution to the residents of New York state and persuade them to ratify it.
Federalists • The articles were written under the pseudonym "Publius" by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay
Anti Federalists • Critics of the Constitution • Wanted a government with less central powers • Wanted to preserve individual liberties • Thought a large republic would lead to political corruption • Thoughts elected officials should reflect the character of their constituents • Concentrating too much power in the hands of a few.
Anti Federalists • Led by Patrick Henry, John Hancock, Sam Adams
Anti Federalists • Anti Federalists • Alarmed at the lack of inalienable rights (rights that cannot be taken away) • Saw a potential for abuse by the federal government
Ratification of the Constitution • New government began after ratification by Virginia and New York. On September 13, 1788 • Congress fixed the city of New York as the location of the new government
Ratification of the Constitution • George Washington was unanimously elected the first president • John Adams, thevice president
Bill of Rights • Bill of Rights- a formal summary of citizens’ rights and freedoms • Was a strong Antifederalist argument
Bill of Rights • Why People Demanded a Bill of Rights? • Feared a strong central government
Bill of Rights • Antifederalists argued a list of freedoms is necessary • To win support for the Constitution, Federalists promised to add the Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights • On September 25, 1789, the Bill of Rights passed both houses of Congress • December 15, 1791 the amendments had been ratified by 3/4th of the states
Bill of Rights did not apply to all Americans when written • Native Americans and slaves • Women not mentioned in Constitution • Free blacks not adequate representation • No protection against white’s discrimination and hostility
Supporters of the Constitution were called __. Federalists
What did the Federalists want the Constitution to provide? • a strong central government
What was added to the Constitution in order to protect personal liberties? Bill of Rights
People who wanted an addition to the Constitution were known as __. Anti Federalists
Why did Antifederalists criticized the Constitution? • Concentrated too much power in the hands of a few
Why The Federalist was written • To persuade New York to support the Constitution
Who was a prominent Federalist? James Madison
Describe Federalism • State and national governments share power
In-Class Activity • Illustrating the Amendments • Read and paraphrase (put in your own words) your assigned amendment • Then illustrate the amendment • You may use images from old magazines or draw your own image
In-Class Activity • Americans are very aware of the rights they have. Which of our rights is most important, in your opinion and why? • Read the Bill of Rights and be prepared to answer the following questions: • What rights are protected by each amendment? • What is an example of a way in which each right could be violated? • Is it ever okay to violate any of these rights?