Ratifying the ConstitutionU.S. Government Chapter 2 – Section 5

Political Dictionary

Federalists

Anti-federalists

Quorum

Political Dictionary

Federalists

Anti-federalists

Quorum – a majority necessary in

order to conduct official business

Objectives/Standards

Section Objectives: Identify the opposing sides in the fight for

ratification and describe the major arguments for and against the Constitution

Describe the inauguration of the new government of the United States

4.3 Understand the basic features of major forms of government in the world.

Federalists & Anti-Federalists Federalists- favored ratification

(formal approval) of the Constitution

Included many of the Framers Their position stressed the weaknesses

of AoC Led by James Madison, Alexander

Hamilton, John Jay (authors of the Federalist Papers)

Federalists & Anti-Federalists Anti-Federalists- opposed ratification.

Led by Patrick Henry, John Hancock, Sam Adams (all Revolutionary War figures)

Thomas Jefferson was also a key anti-federalist

Anti-Federalists attacked almost every part of the new document.

Federalists & Anti-Federalists

The biggest complaint about the Constitution was because of: Greatly increased powers of the central

government A lack of the Bill of Rights.

This meant lack of freedom of speech, press, and religion.

Nine States Ratify

Eventually Federalists won and the Constitution was ratified

Even though New Hampshire was ninth state to ratify, the new constitution would never be effective without Virginia and New York ratifying it too.

Virginia

Four days later Virginia voted to ratify the new constitution

George Washington and James Madison were able to convince Thomas Jefferson (an anti-federalist) to support the Constitution Without his support, Virginia might never

have ratified the Constitution

New York

New York ratified finally after long and heated debate

To help persuade New Yorkers, The Federalist was written Later known as The Federalist Papers 85 Essays supporting the Constitution Written by Madison, Hamilton, and John

Jay – under the pseudonym of “Publius”

The Federalist PapersJames MadisonAlexander HamiltonJohn Jay

Inaugurating the Government

On Sept. 13, 1788, 11/13 states were under one “federal roof.”

New York was chosen as a temporary capital.

Because it lacked a quorum (a majority of house members present) it could not yet count electoral votes

George Washington was elected president.

John Adams was Vice-President.

Question 1

Favored ratification:

A. Anti-Federalists B. Federalists C. Framers

Question 1

Favored ratification:

A. Anti-Federalists B. Federalists C. Framers

Question 2

This person was a key anti-federalist.

A. James Madison B. Alexander Hamilton C. Thomas Jefferson

Question 2

This person was a key anti-federalist.

A. James Madison B. Alexander Hamilton C. Thomas Jefferson

Question 3

85 essays that supported the Constitution:

A. The Expositor B. The Federalists Papers C. Articles of Confederation

Question 3

85 essays that supported the Constitution:

A. The Expositor B. The Federalists Papers C. Articles of Confederation

Question 4

Where was the temporary capital?

A. New Jersey B. New York C. Nashville

Question 4

Where was the temporary capital?

A. New Jersey B. New York C. Nashville

Question 5

A majority necessary to conduct business.

A. Quorum B. Total C. Ratification

Question 5

A majority necessary to conduct business.

A. Quorum B. Total C. Ratification

“Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States”Artist: Howard Chandler Christy