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 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, the vice 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 3/4 th 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 whites discrimination and hostility Daily Quiz 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?