“The proposed Constitution, so far from implying an abolition of the State governments, makes them . . . [important parts
of the national sovereignty], by allowing them direct representation in the Senate, and leaves in their possession certain
exclusive . . . [powers].” – James Madison
Ratification of the U.S. Constitution
1. Actively read the following two paragraphs.
W
hile the U.S. Articles of Confederation was a
plan of government based upon the principles
fought for in the American Revolutionary War,
it contained crucial flaws. It had no power of national
taxation, no power to control trade, and it provided for a
comparatively weak executive. Therefore, it could not
enforce legislation. It was a "league of friendship" which
was opposed to any type of national authority. The
Articles of Confederation's greatest weakness, however,
was that it had no direct origin in the people themselves –
it supported only state sovereignty (power).
When the Constitution was approved it completely reversed the power of the government and made
the national government sovereign (much more powerful) over the state government. This led to a
debate between two groups: the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. The Federalists supported the
Constitution because it created a strong central government. The Anti-Federalists were a group of
people who felt that the Constitution weakened the voice of the people by limiting state governments
too much and failed to protect people’s rights because it lacked a Bill of Rights.
2. Finish the debate via Twitter between Hamilton and Elbridge Gerry using the info. above;
Hamilton thinks the Constitution should be ratified while Gerry does not. Start at the bottom.
Alexander Hamilton @ Federalist Supporter
#
#
Elbridge Gerry @ Anti-FederalistSuperFan
#
36 min
#
Elbridge Gerry @ Anti-FederalistSuperFan
#
24 min
#
Alexander Hamilton @ Federalist Supporter
#
2 min
#
59 min
“The proposed Constitution, so far from implying an abolition of the State governments, makes them . . . [important parts
of the national sovereignty], by allowing them direct representation in the Senate, and leaves in their possession certain
exclusive . . . [powers].” – James Madison
3. Actively read through the two documents to complete the chart on the following page.
Document A – Anti-Federalist Position
Melancton Smith, June 21, 1788
Representatives should be a true picture of the people. They should understand their
circumstances and their troubles. Therefore, the number of representatives should be so large
that both rich and poor people will choose to be representatives.
If the number of representatives is small, the position will be too competitive. Ordinary
people will not attempt to run for office. A middle-class yeoman (farmer) will never be
chosen. So, the government will fall into the hands of the few and the rich. This will be a
government of oppression.
The rich consider themselves above the common people, entitled to more respect. They
believe they have the right to get anything they want.
Document B – Federalist Position
Alexander Hamilton, June 21, 1788
The Anti-Federalists seem to think that a pure democracy would be the perfect government.
Experience has shown that this idea is false. The ancient democracies of Greece were
characterized by tyranny and run by mobs.
The Anti-Federalists also argue that a large representation is necessary to understand the
interests of the people. This is not true. Why can’t someone understand fifty people as well as
he understands twenty people?
The new constitution does not make a rich man more eligible for an elected office than a poor
person. I also think it’s dangerous to assume that men become more wicked as they gain
wealth and education. Look at all the people in the community, the rich and the poor, the
educated and the ignorant. Which group has higher moral standards? Both groups engage in
immoral or wicked behavior. But it would seem to me that the behavior of the wealthy is less
4.wicked and sinful.
“The proposed Constitution, so far from implying an abolition of the State governments, makes them . . . [important parts
of the national sovereignty], by allowing them direct representation in the Senate, and leaves in their possession certain
exclusive . . . [powers].” – James Madison
5. Complete the chart below based on an analysis of the two documents
Questions:
a. Is this person
happy with how
the new
Constitution deals
with
representation?
Explain your
response.
b. What kind of
government would
this person like to
see? Explain your
response.
c. Find a quote to
support your
claim.
d. Based on this
document, what
sort of people in
society would
support this point
of view? Explain
your response.
Document A: Anti-Federalists
Melancton Smith
Document B: Federalists
Alexander Hamilton
“The proposed Constitution, so far from implying an abolition of the State governments, makes them . . . [important parts
of the national sovereignty], by allowing them direct representation in the Senate, and leaves in their possession certain
exclusive . . . [powers].” – James Madison
Read these two posters, which might have been used to win support for and against ratification of the
new Constitution in 1787.
Do You Value Your Freedom?
T
he Constitution could take it away. Don’t let it happen!
They say that the new government will have more power. Think about it! Do you want a
more powerful government? You have little enough control over your state government.
Think how much less control you will have over laws made by a distant national government.
They say that the old
All governments have
solve these issues.
government doesn’t work.
weaknesses, but we can
They say that you
government to respect
you trust it? This
about your rights. To
state constitutions list
national Constitution
should trust this new
your rights. Why should
Constitution says nothing
protect you against harm, all
your rights. Why has this
failed to list them?
What can you gain from this new government? Very little!
What can you lose? A great deal – including your freedom.
VOTE NO ON RATIFICATION!
“The proposed Constitution, so far from implying an abolition of the State governments, makes them . . . [important parts
of the national sovereignty], by allowing them direct representation in the Senate, and leaves in their possession certain
exclusive . . . [powers].” – James Madison
Announcing a New Plan of Government!
The Constitution of the United States Features:
 A strong and independent President who will lead us
 A more powerful two-house
Congress able to make the laws
that we need so badly
 A Supreme Court which will
guarantee justice for all
What makes this plan of government
better than the old one? EVERYTHING!
At last, you’ll have money in your pocket
that’s worth something in every state.
At last, you’ll have a strong government
that can defend itself from foreign enemies.
At last, there will be a real President – someone to enforce the laws of Congress.
Why should you trust the Constitution?
It was created by people who you can trust. Who can doubt the ability of General George
Washington or the wisdom of Benjamin Franklin? Who can doubt the genius of Alexander Hamilton
of New York? They created the Constitution. They signed it!
Now all you have to do is vote for it!
VOTE YES ON RATIFICATION!
“The proposed Constitution, so far from implying an abolition of the State governments, makes them . . . [important parts
of the national sovereignty], by allowing them direct representation in the Senate, and leaves in their possession certain
exclusive . . . [powers].” – James Madison
Ability
Levying Taxes
Articles of Confederation
Congress could request states to pay
taxes
Federal Courts
No system of federal courts
Regulation of Trade
No provision to regulate interstate
trade
Executive
No executive with power.
Amendments
13/13 states needed to fix the
Articles of Confederation
Representation of
States
Each state received 1 vote regardless
of size
Raising an Army
Congress could not draft troops
dependent on states to contribute
forces
Interstate Commerce
No control of trade between states
Sovereignty (Power)
Power was in the states
Passing Laws
9/13 needed to approve legislation
U.S. Constitution
Congress has right to levy taxes on
individuals
Court system created to deal with
issues between citizens, states
Congress has the right to regulate
trade between states
Executive branch headed by President
who chooses Cabinet and has checks
on the powers of the judicial and
legislative branches
2/3 of both houses of Congress plus ¾
of state legislatures or national
convention
Two Houses: Senate (2 votes) & House
of Representatives (Based on
Population)
Congress can raise an army to deal
with military situations
Interstate commerce controlled by
Congress
Power is in the national government
Simply majority of both houses with
the signature of the President
“The proposed Constitution, so far from implying an abolition of the State governments, makes them . . . [important parts
of the national sovereignty], by allowing them direct representation in the Senate, and leaves in their possession certain
exclusive . . . [powers].” – James Madison
Articles of Confederation
Areas Being
Graded:
Strength of
National
Government:
Letter
Grade:
F
Comments:
The national
government has little
control over the states
The individual states
have a lot of power, but
lack unity as a whole
nation
States are the only ones
that can collect taxes; the
federal government is
unable to collect.
Each state has its own
currency which makes
trading across state
boundaries very difficult
Strength of
State
Government
A
Ability to
Collect Taxes
D
Strength of
Currency
F
Power of
President
F
There was a very weak
executive
Power of
National
Courts
F
There were no national
courts
Ability to
Pass Laws
F
Overall
Grade
F
Passing laws was
challenging due to the
fact that 2/3rds of the
states had to agree to
pass them; also, each
state only had one vote
each
The failure to create
unity, control the states,
or protect the rights
makes this a weak plan
of government.
U.S. Constitution
Letter
Grade:
Comments:
“The proposed Constitution, so far from implying an abolition of the State governments, makes them . . . [important parts
of the national sovereignty], by allowing them direct representation in the Senate, and leaves in their possession certain
exclusive . . . [powers].” – James Madison
Rise it
will
The FEDERAL EDIFICE.
ELEVEN STARS, in quick succession rise-ELEVEN COLUMNS strike our wond'ring eyes,
Soon o'er the whole, shall swell the beauteous DOME,
COLUMBIA's boast--and FREEDOM's hallow'd
home.
Here shall the ARTS in glorious spendour shine!
And AGRICULTURE give her stores divine!
COMMERCE refin'd, dispense us more than gold,
And this new world, teach WISDOM to the old-RELIGION here shall fix her blest abode,
Array'd in mildness, like its parent GOD !
JUSTICE and LAW, shall endless PEACE maintain,
And the "SATURNIAN AGE," return again.
The foundation
good – it may
yet be saved