Unit 1Notes 4
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.
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
Federalists Supported the
constitution Believed a strong
central government was needed
Believed separation of powers and check and balances would protect individual freedoms
Antifederalists Disapproved of the
constitution Believed power
should stay with individual states
Believed the Constitution did not go far enough to protect individual freedoms
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
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
Antifederalists demanded a Bill of Rights
Federalists yielded, and promised a Bill of Rights would be added if the states ratified the Constitution
After a series of debates, most of the states approved the Constitution
New government became official in 1789
Added to the Constitution in 1791First 10 AmendmentsSecured individual freedoms and
limited government power
Did the Convention exceed its authority? If the Convention did exceed its authority, should it have anyway?
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?
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