(US HISTORY) Topic #10: Ratifying the Constitution (1789-1791)

The Bill of Rights (1791)

1791, The first ten amendments (changes) to the Constitution, which guarantee basic individual rights & protects individuals from the Federal Government James Madison consulted the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom when drafting the amendments that eventually became the United States Bill of Rights.

6th Amendment

A person accused of a crime has a right to a defense lawyer, speedy and public trial, the right to hear charges, call witnesses, and be present when witnesses speak in court

Ammendments

Changes to the Constitution The first ten amendments to the Constitution, which guarantee basic individual rights (BILL OF RIGHTS) We have 27 Amendments to the Constitution The only way to get rid of an amendment is to pass a new

Supporters of the Constitution

Known as Federalists, they were mostly wealthy and opposed anarchy. Their leaders included Jay, Hamilton, and Madison, who wrote the Federalist Papers in support of the Constitution.

1st Amendment

Freedom of religion, speech, the press, peaceable assembly, and petition

George Mason

He opposed the Constitution because it didn't protect individual rights. His opposition led to the inclusion of the Bill of Rights. He wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights

Sam Adams

He was opposed to the Constitution until the Bill of Rights was added, and then he supported it.

Virginia Influence on Bill of Rights

James Madison consulted the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom when drafting the amendments that eventually became the United States Bill of Rights.

Opponents of the Constitution

Known as Anti-federalists, they were mostly commoners who were afraid of strong central government and being taken advantage of. They included Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, George Mason, and Samuel Adams

Constittion ratification fights

Massachusetts farmers opposed the Constitution because they felt it protected trade more than agriculture, but Massachusetts became the 6th state to ratify. New York was opposed to the Constitution; the Federalist Papers were published there to gain support for it. Virginia and New York would not ratify until the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution.

Patrick Henry

One of the main opponents of the Constitution, he worked against its ratification in Virginia.

10th Amendment

Powers not delegated to the U.S. nor prohibited to the states are reserved to the states or to the people

3rd Amendment

Prohibits quartering of troops in citizens' homes

8th Amendment

Protection against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishments

4th Amendment

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures

5th Amendment

Rules against taking of life, liberty, or property without due process of law Protection against self-incrimination

Constitution Ratification

The Constitution had to be ratified (approved) by at least 9 of the 13 original states in order to be put into effect.

2nd Amendment

The right to keep and bear arms

7th Amendment

The right to trial by jury

9th Amendment

The rights enumerated in the Constitution are not a person's only rights

Anti-Federalists

They opposed the ratification of the Constitution because it gave more power to the federal government and less to the states, and because it did not ensure individual rights. Many wanted to keep the Articles of Confederation. The Anti-federalists were instrumental in obtaining passage of the Bill of Rights as a prerequisite to ratification of the Constitution in several states. Today, the more conservative thinkers echo these concerns and champion liberty, individual initiative, and free markets. After the ratification of the Constitution, the Anti-federalists regrouped as the Democratic-Republican (or simply Republican) party. Led by Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, & James Monroe

Federalists

They supported the ratification of the Constitution because it gave more power to the federal government and less to the states. They advocated the importance of a strong central government, especially to promote economic development and public improvements. they were mostly wealthy and opposed anarchy. Today, those who see a primary role for the federal government in solving national problems are heirs to this tradition. → Their leaders included John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison, who wrote the Federalist Papers in support of the Constitution.

The Federalists Papers

This collection of persuasive essays by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison, explained the importance of a strong central government. They were published to convince New York & other state legislatures to ratify the Constitution

"The Federalist #10"

This essay from the Federalist Papers proposed setting up a republic to solve the problems of a large democracy (anarchy, rise of factions which disregard public good).

Virginia Declaration of Rights

Written by George Mason, This is the Bill of Rights for the VA Constitution It reiterated the notion that basic human rights should not be violated by governments

Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom

Written by Thomas Jefferson, this statute outlawed an established church and called for separation of Church and State.

Ratification

to pass or approve