Ch. 5 Section 4 Ratifying the Constitution Federalists & Antifederalists

Ch. 5 Section 4 – Ratifying the Constitution Federalists & Antifederalists Key terms: George Mason – leading Antifederalist, leader in demands for a bill of rights Federalist Papers – series of newspaper editorials explaining the Constitution to encourage its ratification Bill of Rights – first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, added to satisfy Antifederalists, Advocate - supporter 1. What did the Federalists believe? Supported the Constitution and a stronger national government

2. What did the Anti-Federalists believe?  Opposed the Constitution  wanted states to retain more power for fear that strong central government would violate individual rights; felt it gave too much power to central government  wanted a Bill of Rights added to the Constitution before ratifying it

3. What arguments did the Federalists make for ratification of the Constitution?  Diversity of the US would prevent any single group from dominating the government  Lawmakers are responsible for regulating the competing concerns that make up society

4. What was the main argument of the Antifederalists against the Constitution? Gave too much power to the central government; did not contain a bill of rights

5. When did the Constitution go into effect? June 1788, when 9th state ratified it

6. Why was it important that all 13 states ratify the Constitution? Because of concerns that national unity would be weak if some states did not ratify it

7. Who were the main authors of the Federalist Papers? James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay

8. What fears did the Federalist Papers address?

9. Do you think that they played an essential role in the ratification of the Constitution? Explain your answer. 10. What did the Bill of Rights protect?

11. Why did Congress add the Bill of Rights? Because several states refused to ratify the Constitution if it was not added

12. From where did legislators’ ideas for the Bill of Rights come? State ratifying conventions, Virginia Declaration of Rights, English Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, experiences with British in colonial/revolutionary eras

13. Do you think the process for amending the Constitution is too difficult? Explain your position.

14. Review your notes on Federalist and Antifederalist views. Then identify the outcome of the debate in a graphic organizer like the one below. Be sure to mention the Bill of Rights.

Ch. 5 Section 4 – Ratifying the Constitution Federalists & Antifederalists Key terms: George Mason, Federalist Papers, Bill of Rights. advocate 1. What did the Federalists believe? 2. What did the Anti-Federalists believe? 3. What arguments did the Federalists make for ratification of the Constitution? 4. What was the main argument of the Antifederalists against the Constitution? 5. When did the Constitution go into effect? 6. Why was it important that all 13 states ratify the Constitution? 7. Who were the main authors of the Federalist Papers? 8. What fears did the Federalist Papers address? 9. Do you think that they played an essential role in the ratification of the Constitution? Explain your answer. 10. What did the Bill of Rights protect? 11. Why did Congress add the Bill of Rights? 12. From where did legislators’ ideas for the Bill of Rights come? 13. Do you think the process for amending the Constitution is too difficult? Explain your position. 14. Review your notes on Federalist and Antifederalist views. Then identify the outcome of the debate in a graphic organizer like the one below. Be sure to mention the Bill of Rights.