The document discusses the debate around ratifying the US Constitution between Federalists and Anti-Federalists. The Federalists supported the new Constitution and a stronger central government to replace the weak Articles of Confederation. The Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution and favored stronger state governments, arguing it gave too much power to the national government and lacked protections for individual rights like a Bill of Rights. After heated debates around the powers of the government and lack of individual protections, the Constitution was finally ratified by the required nine states ten months after being signed in 1787.

1. Ratifying the Constitution
Mr. Palmer / Civics

2. Journal Entry
Do you support having a strong
federal (national) government or
stronger state (local)
governments?
Explain your reasoning.

3. Background
- Articles of Confederation provided for a weak
government
- Constitution was meant to replace the Articles, not
amend them
- Required approval by nine states to ratify the Constitution
- Two groups emerged: Federalists & Anti-Federalists

4. Federalists
- Supported the new Constitution
- Prominent supporters: James Madison and Alexander
Hamilton
- Stressed the weakness of the Articles
- Wanted a stronger central government
- The Constitution would provide this

5. Anti-Federalists
- Opposed the new Constitution
- Prominent members: Patrick Henry, John Hancock and
Samuel Adams
- Felt that the Constitution gave too much power to the
national government; they favored state governments
instead
- Argued that the Constitution needed a Bill of Rights
- Afraid it might turn the government into a monarchy

6. Heated Debate
- Two main points of debate:
- The greatly increased powers of the central government
- The lack of a bill of rights
- Did not provide for basic rights such as freedom of
speech, press, religion and fair trial

7. Ratification
- Signed in September 1787, wasn’t enough
- Had to be ratified by 9 of 13 states, which occurred ten
months later
- Bill of Rights later added in 1791