Download Chapter 5.2: Creating Our Constitution

Chapter 5.2:
Creating Our
Constitution
Class Notes
Introduction
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After the delegates at the Convention
signed off on the Constitution, each
state had their own Convention to ratify
the Constitution.
Nine of the thirteen states needed to
ratify the Constitution in order or it to
take effect.
Federalists
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Federalists supported the ratification of the
Constitution
They supported a strong national government
because:
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It provided protection from foreign nations.
It was able to maintain order within the United States.
It allowed the government to regulate trade.
It helped to guarantee rights to citizens.
The national government was able to pay off debts.
Ensured that the value of our dollar was stable.
Anti-Federalists
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Anti-Federalists opposed the ratification of the
Constitution because:
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The Congress met too far away from the people that they
could not be called a government by consent of the
people.
The term “necessary and proper” in the Constitution could
allow Congress to use too much power.
There was no Bill of Rights
The Federalist Papers
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Main Authors: James Madison, Alexander
Hamilton, John Jay
The Federalist Papers were a collection of
essays urging people to support the ratification of
the Constitution.
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They argued that:
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If a new stronger government was not formed, that other
world powers could overtake them.
That citizens’ freedoms would be better protected because
all groups and interests would have an opportunity to be
represented.
A stronger government was needed to replace the
weak Articles of Confederation
Ratification
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All 13 states ratified the Constitution within
a three year period 1787-1790.