RATIFYING THE CONSTITUTION

1. RATIFYING THE CONSTITUTION

2. In 1787, citizens from every state began to debate the Constitution closely. They had to decide whether or not to ratify a new form of government in the United States. Critics, however, had one big concern. What was it? • The Constitution, as it was written at this point had NO BILL OF RIGHTS!

3. 2. Where was the first place the framers sent the Constitution? Who wrote a letter that was sent with it? • The framers sent the Constitution to Congress along with a letter from George Washington. Like, you guys should totally read this Constitution. It’s, like all awesome and stuff. Like, tell your friends and ratify it man!

4. 3. According to Washington’s letter, what did the framers of the Constitution struggle with? • In his letter, Washington told Congress that that the framers struggled to make the Constitution meet the varied needs of the different states.

5. 4. In his letter to Congress, what did Washington say the Constitution would “promote”? • Washington warmly endorsed the document and called on Congress to support it. It was his belief, he said, that the Constitution would “promote the lasting welfare of the country so dear to us all, and secure her freedom and happiness.” I cannot tell a lie.

6. 5. In order for the Constitution to go into effect, how many of the states had to ratify it? • 9 of the 13 states had to ratify the Constitution before it could go into effect.

7. Heated Debate

8. What was the main difference between federalists and anti-federalists? • Federalists supported the Constitution and favored a strong central government. • Anti-federalists were opposed to the Constitution and generally favored a government where the states held most of the power.

9. The Federalist Position Alexander Hamilton

10. What was the federalist argument against the Articles of Confederation? • Federalists argues that the Articles of Confederation made the U.S. government much too weak. • This was dangerous because the states would have too much power, leaving the federal government without the authority to function properly.

11. According to the federalists, what did the Constitution give the national government the authority to do? What did it also do for the states? • The Constitution gave the government the authority to function effectively while protecting the rights of individual states.

12. Name three well-known federalists. What do we call the series of essays they wrote about their position? • James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay • The Federalist Papers • Discussed the political theory behind the American system of government.

13. The Anti-federalist Position Patrick Henry George Mason Richard Henry Lee

14. Why were anti-federalists opposed to the Constitution? • The Constitution made the federal government too strong and the states too weak. • Patrick Henry: • concerns about the power of the President. • No Bill Rights

15. According to anti-federalists, the Constitution gave what government position too much power. Although they liked Washington, what did they fear would happen after he left office? • Anti-federalists admired Washington, but they warned that future Presidents might lack Washington’s honor and skill. For this reason, they said, the office should not be too powerful.

16. Need for a Bill of Rights

17. What was the chief (#1) argument used by anti-federalists (against the Constitution)? NO BILL OF RIGHTS!

18. What was the federalist response to the anti-federalist argument mentioned in question #7 above? • No Bill of Rights? • Federalists argued that a Bill of Rights was not needed because man had too many natural rights to list. • Anti-federalists argued that without a Bill of Rights to refer to, some of those natural rights would be ignored. QUITE INEXCUSABLE

19. The States Vote to Ratify

20. Which state was the first to ratify the Constitution? Ratified Dec. 7, 1787

21. Delaware – Dec. 7, 1787 • Pennsylvania – Dec.12, 1787 • New Jersey – Dec. 19, 1787 • Georgia – Jan. 2, 1788

22. Which state was the ninth state to ratify the Constitution? What was special about being the ninth state to ratify it? 9th – New hampshire- June 21, 1788 With that approval, The constitution Could now go into effect

23. Who led the anti-federalist argument against the Constitution in the state of Virginia? Why did he argue against it? • Patrick Henry of Virginia strongly opposed the Constitution. He thought the document gave the federal government too much power. • No checks & balances?

24. Which state was the last state to approve the Constitution? Rhode island May 1790

25. The Nation Celebrates

26. What unusual natural phenomenon lit up the skies over Philadelphia during the city’s celebration of the Constitution? • The aurora borealis (The Northern Lights)!

27. According to Benjamin Rush, a Philadelphia doctor, what did America become now that the Constitution “’Tis done?’ Now that the constitution Was ratified, we were now “A Nation.”

28. Adding a Bill of Rights – 1789 at 1st Congress

29. When was the first Presidential election under the Constitution? Who became President? Who was Vice-President? • January 1789 • George Washington becomes the first President of the United States. • John Adams is the first Vice-President.

30. What city became the first capital of the United States? NEW YORK CITY

31. The Amendment Process

32. The framers purposely made the Constitution difficult to amend. Describe the amendment process. • The Amendment Process • An amendment must be proposed • 2/3 of both houses of Congress can propose an amendment OR 2/3 the states can propose one. • ¾ of the states must approve the amendment for it to become part of the Constitution

33. Since the Constitution was written, how many times has it been amended? Only 27 times!

34. The First Ten Amendments AND Protecting Individual Rights

35. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution? Who wrote them? Briefly describe each of the first ten amendments. • The Bill of Rights: • Amendment #1: Freedoms of Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition. • #2 – Right to Bear Arms (w/militia) • #3 – No Lodging of Troops in Private Homes (w/o consent) • #4 – No Illegal Searches and Seizures • #5 – Rights of the Accused • #6 – Right to Speedy Trial by Jury • #7 – Jury Trial in Civil Cases • #8 – Bail and Punishment (No excessive bail or cruel and unusual punishment) • #9 – Powers Reserved to the People • #10 – Powers Reserved to the States