1. In 1787, citizens from every state began to debate the
Constitution closely. They had to decide whether or not to
ratify a new form of government in the United States.
Critics, however, had one big concern. What was it?
The Constitution, as it was written at this
point had NO BILL OF RIGHTS!
2. Where was the first place the framers sent the
Constitution? Who wrote a letter that was sent with it?
The framers sent the Constitution to
Congress along with a letter from George
Washington.
Like, you guys should totally
read this Constitution. It’s, like
all awesome and stuff. Like, tell
your friends and ratify it man!
3. According to Washington’s letter, what did the framers
of the Constitution struggle with?
In his letter, Washington
told Congress that that the
framers struggled to make
the Constitution meet the
varied needs of the different
states.
4. In his letter to Congress, what did Washington say the
Constitution would “promote”?
Washington warmly endorsedI cannot
the tell a
lie.
document and called on Congress
to support it. It was his belief, he
said, that the Constitution would
“promote the lasting welfare of
the country so dear to us all, and
secure her freedom and
happiness.”
5.
In order for the Constitution to go into
effect, how many of the states had to ratify
it?
9 of the 13 states had to ratify the
Constitution before it could go into
effect.
Heated Debate
1. What was the main difference between federalists and
anti-federalists?
Federalists supported the Constitution
and favored a strong central government.
Anti-federalists were opposed to the
Constitution and generally favored a
government where the states held most of
the power.
The Federalist Position
Alexander Hamilton
1. What was the federalist argument against the Articles
of Confederation?
Federalists argues that the Articles of
Confederation made the U.S.
government much too weak.
This was dangerous because the states
would have too much power, leaving the
federal government without the authority
to function properly.
1. According to the federalists, what did the Constitution
give the national government the authority to do? What
did it also do for the states?
 The Constitution gave the government the
authority to function effectively while
protecting the rights of individual states.
1. Name three well-known federalists. What do we call
the series of essays they wrote about their position?
 James Madison, Alexander Hamilton,
and John Jay
 The Federalist Papers
 Discussed the political theory behind
the American system of government.
The Anti-federalist Position
Patrick Henry
George Mason
Richard Henry Lee
Why were anti-federalists opposed to the Constitution?
 The Constitution made the federal
government too strong and the states
too weak.
 Patrick Henry:
 concerns about the power of the
President.
 No Bill Rights
According to anti-federalists, the Constitution gave what
government position too much power. Although they liked
Washington, what did they fear would happen after he left
office?
Anti-federalists admired Washington, but
they warned that future Presidents might
lack Washington’s honor and skill. For this
reason, they said, the office should not be
too powerful.
Need for a Bill of Rights
What was the chief (#1) argument used by
anti-federalists (against the Constitution)?
What was the federalist response to the
anti-federalist argument mentioned in
question #7 above?
o No Bill of Rights?
 Federalists argued that a Bill
QUITE
INEXCUSABLE
of Rights was not needed
because man had too many
natural rights to list.
Anti-federalists argued that
without a Bill of Rights to refer to,
some of those natural rights would
be ignored.
The States Vote to Ratify
Which state was the first to ratify the Constitution?
Ratified Dec. 7, 1787
Delaware – Dec. 7, 1787
Pennsylvania – Dec.12, 1787
New Jersey – Dec. 19, 1787
Georgia – Jan. 2, 1788
1. Which state was the ninth state to ratify the
Constitution? What was special about being the ninth
state to ratify it?
1. Who led the anti-federalist argument against the
Constitution in the state of Virginia? Why did he argue
against it?
Patrick Henry of Virginia strongly
opposed the Constitution. He thought
the document gave the federal
government too much power.
No checks & balances?
1. Which state was the last state to approve the
Constitution?
The Nation Celebrates
What unusual natural phenomenon lit up the skies over
Philadelphia during the city’s celebration of the
Constitution?
The aurora borealis (The Northern
Lights)!
According to Benjamin Rush, a Philadelphia doctor, what
did America become now that the Constitution “’Tis
done?’
Adding a Bill of Rights – 1789
at 1st Congress
When was the first Presidential election under the
Constitution? Who became President? Who was VicePresident?
January 1789
George Washington becomes
the first President of the
United States.
John Adams is the first VicePresident.
What city became the first capital of the United States?
The Amendment Process
The framers purposely made the Constitution difficult to
amend. Describe the amendment process.
o The Amendment Process
 An amendment must be proposed
 2/3 of both houses of Congress can propose
an amendment OR 2/3 the states can propose
one.
 ¾ of the states must approve the amendment
for it to become part of the Constitution
1. Since the Constitution was written, how many times
has it been amended?
The First Ten Amendments AND
Protecting Individual Rights
What do we call the first ten amendments to the
Constitution? Who wrote them? Briefly describe each of
the first ten amendments.
 The Bill of Rights:
 Amendment #1: Freedoms of Speech, Press, Assembly,

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and Petition.
#2 – Right to Bear Arms (w/militia)
#3 – No Lodging of Troops in Private Homes (w/o consent)
#4 – No Illegal Searches and Seizures
#5 – Rights of the Accused
#6 – Right to Speedy Trial by Jury
#7 – Jury Trial in Civil Cases
#8 – Bail and Punishment (No excessive bail or cruel and
unusual punishment)
#9 – Powers Reserved to the People
#10 – Powers Reserved to the States