DAILY SHEET #2

Unit 1.2 – Freedom vs. Security

ROAD TO THE CONSTITUTION

Learning Objectives

Identify key arguments of Federalists & Anti-Federalists concerning ratification of Constitution?

And Explain how ratifying the Constitution

reflected a balance between the promotion of “public good” and protecting “individual rights”? (Bill of Rights, Federalist Papers).

Do Now

liberty: The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life.

Equality of opportunity: a right supposedly guaranteed by both federal and many state laws.

Constitutional Convention

After it was apparent that the Articles were not working, states sent delegates to a new Constitutional Convention.

In 1787, a new US Constitution was made.There was disagreement among the states

over whether to ratify the Constitution.

Who were the Federalists? (Write this Down)

FederalistsLiked the new US Constitution.Leader: Alexander Hamilton.Mostly merchants ($) and men from the cities

and coastal regions.Wrote the Federalists Papers to get people to

vote for the US Constitution.Favor a strong central government.

Key Arguments of the Federalists

Without a strong central govt. there would be anarchy (political disorder).

Only a strong central govt. could protect us from enemies.

Only a strong central govt. could solve a country’s internal problems.

A Bill of Rights is not needed since 8 states already had their own.

Who were the Anti-Federalists? (Write this Down)

Opposed the new ConstitutionLeader: Thomas JeffersonMostly farmers and some business, city men.Favored a weak central government (more

power to the states).Wanted a Bill of Rights included in the

Constitution.

Key Arguments of the Anti-Federalists

Claimed the new Constitution was extralegal (not permitted by law). Because it was made in secret, delegates were only

supposed to amend (change) Articles, not create new one.

The Constitution took important powers from the states.

Wanted a Bill of Rights included in the Constitution -a strong national government might take away people’s rights if they did not put this in.

Ratification

Federalists finally promised to add a Bill of Rights.

The Federalists also published the Federalists Papers that further convince people to vote for the new Constitution.

The states all ratified the new US Constitution.

The new government began in 1789.

Exit Ticket

Identify at least 2 arguments on each side (Federalists & Anti-Federalists)