4.4 Federalists, Anti-federalists, and the Bill of Rights

When did all the states finally ratify?

After delays by New York and Virginia, Rhode Island was the last to ratify the Constitution in May 1790

Why did Anti-federalists demand a Bill of Rights?

Anti-federalists argued that a Bill of Rights was needed to protect basic freedoms like freedom of speech and religion otherwise they could be ignored by the federal government; it also would restate the grievances against the King and the government of Britain which were fought so hard to overcome. Finally, they feared a powerful President who could veto Congress.

Statute

A law; the Amendments are laws which were added to the Constitution to protect individual rights and states rights

Federalist

Supporters of the Constitution with a strong federal government

Anti-federalist

Those opposed to the Constitution and wanted more power in the hands of the states; wanted a weaker federal government

George Mason

Virginia delegate who opposed the new Constitution because it did not orgininally have a Bill of Rights; wrote "Objections to this Constitution of Government"

He was born in Nevis in the West Indies (Caribbean), represented NY at the Constitutional Convention, wrote 50 of the 85 Federalist papers in support of the Constitution, killed in a duel with Aaron Burr, subject of an award winning musical on Broadway in 2015.

Alexander Hamilton

What are the main ideas written into the Bill of Rights?

Designed to be natural rights that the government could not take away; freedom of speech, religion, non-quartering of troops and protection of individual rights

Who said upon the presentation to the full Continental Congress the new Constitution would "promote the lasting welfare of that country so dear to us all."

George Washington in his accompanying letter to the Continental Congress in support of the new Constitution.

What were the first elections/decisions under the new Constitution?

George Washington was elected President with John Adams VP; the capital was to be New York; adding a Bill of Rights was the first task of the new Congress

How was the Constitution to be ratified?

In 1787-8 each state was to hold a special state convention to consider the new Constitution; upon 9 of the 13 states ratifying it - it will be adopted.

What was the debate in New England?

Massachusetts led by John Adams and John Hancock delayed passage until a Bill of Rights was added (MA was the 6th state to ratify); New Hampshire became the 9th state to ratify.

Compel

Term meaning to force; cannot be forced to worship a particular religion

Ratify

Terms means to approve; new states needed to approve the new Constitution

How was the Bill of Rights adopted?

James Madison wrote 12 amendments to the Constitution which had be voted on and approved by 3/4ths of the state legislatures; December 1791 the first 10 amendments were ratified

Amend

Means to change; the framers wrote into the Constitution a way to change for add to it

How did the ratification process go?

One by one the states voted in their special state conventions - Deleware was the first to ratify on Dec. 7, 1787; it was followed by Pa, NJ and so forth.

Who is quoted to have said in opposition of the new Constitution, "The Constitution is said to have beautiful features, but... they appear to me horribly frightful... Your President may become a king."

Patrick Henry

Federalist Papers

Written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay explaining the new Constitution and why it should be adopted by giving the central government the powers it needed yet still protecting the rights and powers of individuals