How did the Constitution become ratified?

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Emory George
7 years ago
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1 How did the Constitution become ratified? 75 1

2 The Federalist Position Supporters of the new Constitution called themselves federalists because they supported a strong central government. 2

3 James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay published the Federalist Papers, a series of 85 newspaper essays in support of the Constitution. The heart of these essays explained for the Union to survive, it needed a stronger central government. The central government needed to have powers denied it in the Articles of Confederation, including the power to enforce laws. 3

The Anti-Federalist Position Opponents to the ratification were called anti-federalist and were lead by George Mason (author of the VA Bill of Rights) and Patrick Henry,

4 The Anti-Federalist Position Opponents to the ratification were called anti-federalist and were lead by George Mason (author of the VA Bill of Rights) and Patrick Henry, also of VA. They agreed with the Federalists that the Articles of Confederation were too weak but believe the Federalist were giving too much power to the central government. 4

5 Anti-federalists were not all united in their reasons for opposing the new Constitution but their most frequent arguments were: * dangerous weakening of the power of the State governments and individual freedom; * no Bill of Rights were included; * a president could be reelected again and again and eventually become a king. 5

6 For the Constitution to become law, it had to be ratified by nine states. The process was speedy in small states that were less able to maintain an independent existence (Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware), and in states in special need of a strong central government (Georgia, for example, with its fear of Indian attacks). 6

Ratification took longer and was achieved State Date Vote by narrower margins in more prosperous Delaware 7 December 1787 (Unanimous) states with powerful, opposing groups.

7 Ratification took longer and was achieved State Date Vote by narrower margins in more prosperous Delaware 7 December 1787 (Unanimous) states with powerful, opposing groups. Pennsylvania 12 December 1787 (46-23) In New June Jersey of December the Constitution 1787 (Unanimous) became Georgia 2 January 1788 (Unanimous) law when it was ratified by a ninth state. Connecticut 9 January 1788 (128-40) But Massachusetts Virginia and 7 February New 1788 York had ( ) not yet Maryland 28 April 1788 (63-11) approved it, and unless they did, the new South Carolina 23 May 1788 (149-73) government would not be workable. New Hampshire 21 June 1788 (57-47) Virginia 26 June 1788 (89-79) New York 24 July 1788 (30-27) North Carolina 21 November 1789 (194-77) New York Rhode Island Virginia 29 May 1790 (34-32) Ratification Struggles 7

8 The Federalists won in Virginia with the support of the representatives of the western counties who wanted strong national government capable of ending local Indian raids. 8

9 In New York, economic and sectional interests did play a role in the debate. Small farmers viewed the Constitution as a scheme to advance city interests, and the Antifederalists controlled the state s ratifying convention at Poughkeepsie. John Jay Alexander Hamilton But Hamilton and Poughkeepsie, Jay hinted N.Y. that if delegates voted to reject the constitution, New York City would secede from the state and join the Union alone. Several delegates were so alarmed they switched sides. 9

10 At first North Carolina and Rhode Island choose not to ratify and remain independent. But they reconsidered, and by 1790 all 13 states had ratified the Constitution 10

11 Once the ninth state had ratified the Constitution, Congress took steps to prepare for the new government: * George Washington was elected our first president * John Adams was elected our vice president 11

12 The first 10 Amendments

13 The 1 st Amendment Freedom of Speech Freedom of Religion Freedom to Petition Freedom of Assembly

14 RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS!! 2 nd amendment

15 Can not be forced to quarter soldiers. 3 rd amendment

16 Protects people from search, without a warrant. 4 th amendment

17 Protects people from being held for a crime, unless they are properly accused 5 th amendment

18 Speedy trial: cannot be kept in jail for over a year without being in court/trialed if accused of something 6 th amendment

19 Speedy civil trial 7 th amendment

20 Guarantees punishments will be fair and not cruel 8 th amendment

21 As long as the states follow the constitution, they can do what they want. 9 th amendment

22 Any power not given to the federal government is given to the state. 10 th amendment

23 Why The bill of Rights Were Added The Bill of Rights was added to the constitution, in order to get the antifederalist to agree and sign the constitution.

Jefferson s letter objected to the omission of a Bill of Rights providing. clearly for freedom of religion, freedom of the press, protection against

Jefferson s letter objected to the omission of a Bill of Rights providing. clearly for freedom of religion, freedom of the press, protection against The Bill of Rights The Constitution of the United States was written by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention during the summer of 1787. Nine of the 13 states would have to ratify it before it