The document discusses the ratification of the US Constitution. It describes the two sides, with Federalists favoring ratification as they saw the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, led by figures like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton. Anti-Federalists opposed ratification, led by Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson, concerned about increased central government power without protections like a bill of rights. The Constitution was narrowly ratified, with key states like Virginia and New York approving it after debates. George Washington was then elected the first US President.

1. U.S. Government
Chapter 2 – Section 5

2.  Federalists
 Anti-federalists
 Quorum

3.  Federalists
 Anti-federalists
 Quorum – a majority necessary in order to
conduct official business

4.  Section Objectives:
 Identify the opposing sides in the fight for ratification
and describe the major arguments for and against the
Constitution
 Describe the inauguration of the new government of
the United States
 4.3 Understand the basic features of major forms
of government in the world.

5.  Federalists- favored ratification (formal
approval) of the Constitution
 Included many of the Framers
 Their position stressed the weaknesses of AoC
 Led by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John
Jay (authors of the Federalist Papers)

6.  Anti-Federalists- opposed ratification.
 Led by Patrick Henry, John Hancock, Sam Adams
(all Revolutionary War figures)
 Thomas Jefferson was also a key anti-federalist
 Anti-Federalists attacked almost every part
of the new document.

7.  The biggest complaint about the Constitution
was because of:
 Greatly increased powers of the central
government
 A lack of the Bill of Rights.
 This meant lack of freedom of speech, press,
and religion.

8.  Eventually Federalists won and the
Constitution was ratified
 Even though New Hampshire was ninth state
to ratify, the new constitution would never be
effective without Virginia and New York
ratifying it too.

9.  Four days later Virginia voted to ratify the
new constitution
 George Washington and James Madison were
able to convince Thomas Jefferson (an anti-federalist)
to support the Constitution
 Without his support, Virginia might never have
ratified the Constitution

10.  New York ratified finally after long and heated
debate
 To help persuade New Yorkers, The Federalist
was written
 Later known as The Federalist Papers
 85 Essays supporting the Constitution
 Written by Madison, Hamilton, and John Jay –
under the pseudonym of “Publius”

11. The Federalist Papers
James Madison
Alexander Hamilton
John Jay

12.  On Sept. 13, 1788, 11/13 states were under
one “federal roof.”
 New York was chosen as a temporary capital.
 Because it lacked a quorum (a majority of
house members present) it could not yet
count electoral votes
 George Washington was elected president.
 John Adams was Vice-President.

13.  Favored ratification:
 A. Anti-Federalists
 B. Federalists
 C. Framers

14.  Favored ratification:
 A. Anti-Federalists
 B. Federalists
 C. Framers

15.  This person was a key anti-federalist.
 A. James Madison
 B. Alexander Hamilton
 C. Thomas Jefferson

16.  This person was a key anti-federalist.
 A. James Madison
 B. Alexander Hamilton
 C. Thomas Jefferson

17.  85 essays that supported the Constitution:
 A. The Expositor
 B. The Federalists Papers
 C. Articles of Confederation

18.  85 essays that supported the Constitution:
 A. The Expositor
 B. The Federalists Papers
 C. Articles of Confederation

19.  Where was the temporary capital?
 A. New Jersey
 B. New York
 C. Nashville

20.  Where was the temporary capital?
 A. New Jersey
 B. New York
 C. Nashville

21.  A majority necessary to conduct business.
 A. Quorum
 B. Total
 C. Ratification

22.  A majority necessary to conduct business.
 A. Quorum
 B. Total
 C. Ratification

23. “Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States”
Artist: Howard Chandler Christy