The US Constitution and Ratification

Question 1

Ratification Process

Answer 1

• had to be ratified by 9/13 states
• had to be approved by the population, not the state legislatures
• done through peoples/ratifications conventions

Question 2

Federalists

Answer 2

favored ratification of the Constitution

Question 3

Prominent Federalists

Answer 3

1. Alexander Hamilton
2. John Jay
3. James Madison

Published a series of essays supporting the Constitution and federalism: The Federalist Papers (85 papers)

Question 4

Anti-Federalists

Answer 4

did not want the Constitution to replace the AOC

Question 5

Federalist WHYS?

Answer 5

• strong federal gov was good for both national defense and economic growth
• national currency would ease business
• collecting taxes could help fund internal improvements
• Tended to be elite members of society; well-educated, businessmen, military commanders
• Especially strong in New England

Question 6

Anti-Federalist WHYS?

Answer 6

• feared the power of a possibly tyrannical national gov and thought state legislatures could protect their freedoms and liberties
• centralization of powers would lead to a political aristocracy
• STATE SOVEREIGNTY
• America is too religiously diverse and large too support a republic with a shared political community
• Especially strong in the South

Question 7

Ratification Ends

Answer 7

June, 1788: New Hampshire is the 9th state to ratify
- soon after New York and Virginia ratified for political reality
- Constitution came into effect March 4th, 1789

Question 8

Proposing Amendments: Congress Route

Answer 8

1. Proposed by Congress
2. approved by 2/3rds majority in both wings of Congress
3. sent to states for potential ratification
   
   • 3/4ths of state legislatures approve
   • 3/4ths of state-ratifying conventions support it

Question 9

Proposing Amendments: State Route

Answer 9

1. Petitioning of Congress by 2/3rds of the states
2. Convention called by Congress to propose amendment
3. forwarded to states for ratification by 3/4ths approval of state legislatures/peoples conventions

ZERO AMENDMENTS WERE MADE THIS WAY

Question 10

Bill of Rights

Answer 10

First 10 Amendments of the Constitution
- based on the English Bill of Rights and the Virginia Declaration of Rights
- Father of the Bill of Rights: GEORGE MASON