U N I T 2

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

LESSON 13PAGES 91-96

What was the Anti-Federalist position in the debate about ratification?

• Objective: Explain why the Anti-Federalist opposed ratifying the Constitution. Explain the role of Anti-Federalists in proposing a bill of rights and identify other contributions their views have made toward interpreting the Constitution.

Why was a ratification process required?

• Article VII: “The ratification of the conventions of nine states, shall be sufficient for the establishment of this Constitution between states.”

• Needed to have a formal acceptance of the Constitution because the original plan was to AMEND the Articles of Confederation.

• 9 of 13 (3/4) – super majority. NOT unanimous for obvious reasons.

• Example of social contract theory.

• Followed example of state constitutions after the Revolution.

Where and how did Americans debate the proposed Constitution?

• Debate started at the convention. George Mason wrote a list of objections and then left without signing the final document.

• As it was put before the public– large, populous states (NY, PA, VA, MA) begin to object to it. Worrisome because if these states left the Union it could mean a total breakdown.

• Debates took place in newspapers and in pamphlets.

• Anti-Federalist (people against the Constitution)

Where and how did Americans debate the proposed Constitution?

Arguments: • Should have been developed in public meetings• Undermined the republican form of gov’t• Too much power given to the Nat’l gov’t at the

expense of the states • Too much power to the executive• Too much power to congress• Did not adequately separate powers of executive

and legislative branches• Army can be kept during peacetime• Did not include a Bill of Rights.

What were the key elements of the Anti-Federalist’ opposition?

• *classical republicanism*• Threat to natural rights (no Bill of Rights)

• Developed by an elite and privileged group to create a national government that would benefit them and their interests

• Believed that the only was for a safe gov’t was• Local – closely linked to people• Controlled by the people

• Yearly elections • Replacing people in key positions often.

What were the key elements of the Anti-Federalist’ opposition?

• Goal: • Defeat the Constitution

• Hold 2nd Convention in which they would have more say

• Fight for a Bill of Rights

Should there be a Bill of Rights?

• Most powerful weapon Anti-Federalists had against the Constitution. • Without BOR:• Gov’t doesn’t adequately protect our rights• Federal gov’t has vague power- could be used as

unlimited• Nothing in the Constitution to stop the federal gov’t from

violating all the rights that are not mentioned in it. • Bill of Rights would quiet the fears of those opposed to

the Constitution. • Bill of Rights is necessary to remind the people of the

principles of our political system.

FINISHING UP!

HOMEWORK

Reviewing and Using the LessonPage 96 #s 1, 4

Reflection on Learning: 1. Write two things that you learned.

2. Write one thing that you already knew. 3. Write one thing that you want to know more

about.