Chapter 2
Section 5
Ratifying the Constitution
Pages 40-42
Objectives
• Identify the main arguments in the debate
over ratification of the Constitution.
• Discuss the role of a bill of rights in the
debate.
• Identify the key states that were among the
last to ratify the Constitution.
Ratifying the Constitution
• The signing of the Constitution did not mean
the end of debate. People still mostly
considered themselves New Yorkers or
Virginians first, and Americans second.
• We will review events that took place
between September 17, 1787 and May 29,
1790.
Federalists and Antifederalists
• Federalists: supported a stronger federal form of
government.
• Antifederalists: opposite of federalist. New York
and Virginia were antifederalists states.
• Patrick Henry, from Virginia was an antifederalists
knew that a national government would be to
powerful.
• A strong executive would be to similar to a
monarch.
• The antifederalists largest criticism was the lack
of bill of rights.
• Federalists: argued that separate powers
belong to each branch of government and
each would check on the other branches.
• Federalists: bill of rights, Federalists believed
the people have the right to free speech and
the Constitution did not need to specify.
Ratification
• December 7, 1787: Delaware was first to ratify the
Constitution.
• The Federalist Papers: respected as an analysis of the
Constitution and of the foundations of U.S.
government. These newspaper articles were written
by Hamilton, Madison, and John Jay.
• June 21, 1788: New Hampshire, Virginia, and New York
ratified the Constitution.
• To gain passage of the Constitution the Federalists
promised in the first Congress to pass a bill of rights.
• November, 1789: North Carolina ratified
• May, 1790: Rhode Island ratified
• March 4, 1789:The first Congress met in New
York City
• April 30, 1789: George Washington became
the first President of this new nation.