Ratifying the Constitution 2.5

The final Constitution is as “near perfect as possible.” – Benjamin Franklin

Question of the Day

Recall a time when you have had a heated debate with others over an issue important to you and them. Describe the emotions that you experience when you are in such a debate.

- In this section, you will read about a clash of ideas over ratifying the Constitution.

2.5 Objectives

• Identify the opposing sides in the fights for ratification and describe the major arguments for and against the proposed Constitution.

• Describe the inauguration of the new government of the United States of America.

The Fight for Ratification

• The Articles of Confederation stated that amendments (changes) could only be made if all State legislatures agreed.

• However, the purpose was to replace, not amend the Articles. So, the Congress, agreed that only nine states were needed to ratify or establish the Constitution.

The Federalists vs Anti-Federalists

The Constitution was very controversial at first, with some groups supporting it, and others attacking it.

• Two groups eventually emerged...

Federalists vs Anti-Federalists

• Federalists thought that the Articles of Confederation were weak, and argued for the ratification of the Constitution (James Madison and Alexander Hamilton).

• Anti-Federalists objected to the Constitution for many reasons, including the strong central government and the lack of a bill of rights. War heroes like (Patrick Henry, John Hancock, Samuel Adams).

The Constitution is Ratified

• Nine States ratified the Constitution by June 21, 1788, but the new government needed the ratification of the large states of New York and Virginia.

• Great debates were held in both States, with Virginia ratifying the Constitution June 25, 1788.

• New York's ratification was hard fought. Supporters of the Constitution published a series of essays known as The Federalist.

No person opposed the Constitution more than Patrick Henry

The Federalist Papers

• Produced by James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist papers were written as a “campaign document” to win support for the Constitution.

• They were circulated widely to gain support for ratification and aided in ratification.

Inaugurating the Government

• The new Congress met for the first time on March 4, 1789.

• Congress finally attained a quorum=(majority) on April 6 and counted the electoral votes.

• Congress found that George Washington had been unanimously elected President. He was inaugurated on April 30. John Adams was elected VP.

Section 5 Review1. The debate over the ratification of the Constitution

was won by the a. Anti-Federalistsb. Whigsc. Federalistsd. Tories

Section 5 Review