Ratification of the
Constitution
BY J.A.SACCO
Federalists/Anti-Federalists

Federalists

Anti-Federalists
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Federalists:
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Wealthy, often powerful/
propertied class
Lived in settled areas, on
coast- more regulation of
trade
Educated
Controlled the press
Felt a strong central
government would best
serve the nation without
sacrificing the interests of
the states.
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Anti-Federalists:
 Included many
revolutionaries
 Mainly people devoted to
states rights, lived in
backcountry, small
farmers/debtors
 Believed Constitution was
plot by upper class to get
even more power from
common folk.
 Criticized Constitution for
taking away freedom of
states and individuals.
Ratification
“The Roll Call”

DE, PA,NJ,GA, CT quickly ratify
Mass. led by Sam Adams only ratify after Bill of Rights
promised and amendment added for reserve powers of
states
By end of June 1788- MD,SC,NH ratified
VA ratify after Bill of Rights promised
NY ratify after realized it surrounded by states that
already ratified the Constitution
By this time first Congress to meet on March 4th,1789
NC ratify by Nov. 1789

Which state is left to ratify?
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“Little Rhode Island All Alone”
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Why was Rhode Island the last to ratify the Constitution?
Why was it important for all states to ratify it?
RI ratify in May 1790.
Why were the Federalists
Successful in Ratification?
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Feds better organized/more skilled politicians
Offered a positive future with new Constitution/Antifeds. had no alternative.
Feds better represented in electing bodies/poor could
not vote against ratification
Washington and Franklin gave the new government
credibility

A Bill of Rights would eventually be added to protect the
rights of all/avoid the central government from crushing
liberties
“The Federalist Papers”

Federalist Papers
plays key role

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Anonymously written
by Alexander
Hamilton, James
Madison, and John Jay
Propaganda in favor of
Constitution, major
cause of ratification
Principles of U.S. Government
Federalism
•
Powers shared between fed/state governmentsDelegated, Reserved and Concurrent powers
Republicanism Survived!
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Separation of Powers– three branches of government
but all were meant to represent the people.
Checks and Balances - created to prevent the abuse of
power from any one branch, creates a balance between
liberty and order.
Limited defined powers in a written constitution
Individual rights are ensured in a Bill of Rights
Principles of the U.S.
Constitution
•
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Federal law superior to state law
Constitution is the supreme law of the
land
Constitution a living document- can
change with the times
Under Articles power in the hands of
states, under Constitution power in hands
of the people (popular sovereignty)